He 111 H-6 WNr 4809, 7 March 1942

[Laurent Rizzotti]

On 7 March 1942, the He 111 H-6 WNr 4809 of KG 53 (unknown Staffel) was shot down by AA fire near Cholm. The crew force-landed near the surrounded town and joined its German garrison, returning to their unit on 27 May 1942 (after the city siege had been broken by German troops).

One of the survivors, the observer, Uffz. F.Reichhart, was killed on 5 April 1942 in the besieged city.

Only one other name is known to me, the pilot, Uffz Mandt.

Can someone confirm the above and complete it with the Staffel of the aircraft and the other crew members ?

Thanks in advance

Laurent

[Brian Bines]

From Luft QMs returns dated 9-3-42 on 7-3-42 He111H-6 A1+EH 4809 of 1/KG53 lost to infantry fire Cholm. Ff Uffz Erwin Mandt, B Uffz Fritz Reichardt, Bf Uffz Hans Lanholz, Bs Ogef. Kurt Sellow, missing. Admendment dated 27-5-42 then states Uffz Mandt, Uffz Lanholz Ogef Sellow returned safe Uffz Reichardt gefallen.