JG 54 loss on 15 July 1940

[Rasmussen]

In the "Erlawerk VII"-book from Jean Dillen is published an death card of Ludwig Josef Spreitzer and a part of his logbook: it was the 16 July (not the 18 July), it was an Bf 109E and the "12". The name near the stamp could be Hintze, the Fp.Nr. began with an "3".

[Peter Cornwell]

Thank you Rasmussen. That resolves the question to my satisfaction and also adds considerable weight to the confusion in the GQM Returns suggested by Christian. It would be nice to finally 'eliminate HENKE from our enquiries' - as they say.

[steve sheridan]

Hi Rasmussen, would it be possible to scan the Dillen book showing Spreitzers logbook. I have not come across this book before.
Best regs,
Steve.

[srob48]

Originally Posted by Peter Cornwell

Before I pursue this path, however, I would like to dispense with Gefr Otto HENKE who died on 16 July 1940 and is buried in Lommel (Block 49, Grave 148). Do any of our Belgian researchers know his burial details i.e. original burial site, service number etc ? This potential 'red herring' needs to be resolved.

Well Peter, I'm not Belgian, but I have been able to find out the following information from the VDK:

Gefr. Otto Adolf Henke
Born: 12.04.1915 in Stelle.
Died: 16.07.1940 (Place killed unknown)
EM: -45-13./I.R.47 Infanterie Regiment
Lommel Cemetery, Block 49, Grab 158.

So yes, we can rule him out as he is Heer, not Luftwaffe.

[Peter Cornwell]

srob48,

Thanks for the final piece of the jigsaw. This proves the importance of obtaining corroboration.