Bf110 lost 15 August 1940

[bjorn_rose]

Gents,

I'm trying to find out more info on a Bf110 that was shot down on the 15th August 1940 and crashed near Slackstead in Hants. It was claimed by Spits from No. 609 Sqn flying out of Middle Wallop. I realise there were many shot down on this day, I was wondering if any of you very knowledgeable gentlemen could help.

Bjorn

[Andy Saunders]

The crash site was excavated several years ago by enthusiast Ian Hutton. Both engines and substantial wreckage were recovered, but nothing to prove identity 100%.

If my file notes are correct it is thought to have been one of the ZG76 losses that day, I think Oblt Gerhard Bremer and Uffz Leo Pauli of 5/ZG76.

I am sure Peter Cornwell and/or John Vasco will be able to give a more definite and authoratative opionion but my file, including various photos, has a note to the effect that it was deduced to be this aeroplane.

[bjorn_rose]

Wow! That's very fast! I don't suppose either of the above mentioned crew were holders of the Iron Cross 1st Class? The reason I ask is that my grandfather guarded a crash site close to his camp at Bushfields near Winchester in 1940 when he was there as an instructor. He recovered an Iron Cross from the crashsite and still has it. I have looked at different crashes in the area but this one seems the most likely. Is there any way to get in touch with these other guys, I'm new to this forum you see!

Bjorn

[Peter Cornwell]

Hello Bjorn,

As Andy says, the Slackstead crash is thought to be as follows:

5./ZG76 Messerschmitt Bf110C-4. Believed that shot down by F/L R.A. Barton (and probably also P/O J.R.B. Meaker) of No.249 Squadron during close-escort sortie to Worthy Down and Middle Wallop that crashed and exploded alongside the Farley Road at Slackstead 5.50 p.m. Also claimed by F/L J.H.G. McArthur of No.609 Squadron. FF Oberlt Gerhard Bremer and BF Uffz Leo Pauli both missing. Aircraft 100% write-off.
Due to the severity of this crash, no identification of what little remained of this crew was possible. They are thought to be the ‘Unknown German Airmen’ buried in Hursley Churchyard on August 20 and subsequently re-interred together in Cannock Chase Block 9, Row 4, Grave No.19.

However, another Bf110 crashed nearby during the same engagement:

6./ZG76 Messerschmitt Bf110C. Believed that shot down by F/L J.H.G. McArthur of No.609 Squadron which exploded on impact near Black Hill Farm at Furzley, between Plaitford Common and Foxbury Plantation, near Romsey, 5.45 p.m. FF Fw Franz Wagner and BF Uffz Fritz Spörl both missing. Aircraft M8+WP 100% write-off.
This crash caused a heath fire that burned for several days. Due to the severity of this crash, no identification of the remains of this crew was possible. They are thought to be the ‘Unknown German Airmen’ buried in Devizes Road Cemetery, Salisbury, on August 17 and subsequently re-interred in Cannock Chase Block 7, Row 2, Graves No.36 & 37.

Thus, with no evidence of identity from either site, the potential for mis-identification remains. Unfortunately, I have no idea if any (or indeed all) these airmen had been awarded the EKI nor, indeed, if either of these was the site guarded by your grandfather.

[bjorn_rose]

Peter, thank you very much for that information! The detial is excellent, I'm convinced that the crash which my grandfather guarded was the first Bf110 mentioned above. My reasons are few and revolve around my grandfather assuring me that the crash was no further than 5 miles from his camp at St Cross, Winchester. As far as a can make out, the only aircraft to come down near the camp (this crash seems to be 4.6miles) between 6-1940 to 6-1942 is this BF110.

I have found out that PO Meaker was killed over a month later on 27 Sep 40. I don't know what happened to F/L Barton. Do you know if he survived the war? If so what are his full names?

Also, if I was to try and find out which (as you say) if not all the crew had been awarded the EK1 prior to 15 Aug 40 how would I go about it?

Bjorn

[bjorn_rose]

Peter, by the way, where are you getting all this information from! Do you have the contact details of the guy who conducted the dig of the crash site?

[Peter Cornwell]

Bjorn,

Robert Alexander 'Butch' BARTON survived the war. Check him out here www.RCAF.com Luftwaffe personnel records were held by the Dienststelle in Freiburg I believe and they may be able to help you with details of awards to individual aircrew but I don't think they handle general enquiries of this nature unless you are related. So-called 'Freedom of Information' legislation (as so often happens) colliding head-on with data protection acts & privacy laws. Other better-informed visitors to this forum may be able to help you with this. And Andy Saunders, who volunteered the name, may be able to put you in touch with Ian Hutton.

[bjorn_rose]

Many thanks Peter!