Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941

[Jon Alan]

I am currently researching the raid on Portsmouth UK which was carried out on the night of 10 /11 January 1941. I believe it was carried out by a unit of KG27 but this could be in error. Specifically I am looking for any personal accounts and recollections of pilots who took part in the raid. If it was KG 27 I am aware of the 2 vols on the unit by W Waiss in German and published by Helion books. Can anyone tell me whether there are references to this raid in these volumes?

Many thanks.

Jon

[Chris Goss]

There were at least 13 different Gruppen including KG27 but accounts from surviving aircrew are like hens teeth. Suggest you look at my latest book The Luftwaffes Blitz

[Jon Alan]

Thank you for your prompt reply Chris. Much appreciated. Yes your book is on my reading list and I had seen one of your posts regarding aircrew accounts elsewhere in relation to a query from a researcher into the Coventry bombing of 14 November. Why are accounts so rare? Is it due to heavy casualties? I have found lots of German accounts of the ground war - including those from attached PK men - so wondered why surviving aircrew had not committed their memories to paper?
Jon

[Chris Goss]

Jon. For most German bomber crews, this attack would be just another night unless they were shot down or attacked or lost a friend. Added to the dreadful attrition rate the bombers suffered in the years that followed, you can understand why

[Tony Kearns]

Lt Freddie Heinzl and crew, 3 staffel KG27 were at Portsmouth in Heinkel 111 1G+HL on that night and got back safely.
Tony K

[Jon Alan]

Originally Posted by Tony Kearns

Lt Freddie Heinzl and crew, 3 staffel KG27 were at Portsmouth in Heinkel 111 1G+HL on that night and got back safely.
Tony K

Thank you for that information Tony and apologies for a delayed reply. I have been away. Did Lt Freddie Heinzl leave any memoir at all?
Jon