JG26 Hptm W. Kienzle.

[black tulip]

Hptm W. Kienzle was shot down on 30th September 1940. He baled out and the 109 E-4 crashed near Haslemere, Surrey. (POW repatriated). Donald Caldwell relates an early a.m combat with Spitfires but doesn't give the RAF Squadron or pilot. I'm looking for further detail on the incident.

[Chris Goss]

Crashed Roundhurst 1705 hrs after possible combat with McGregor of 1 Sqn RCAF. See my book 'The Luftwaffe's Battle of Britain: The Fighters' Battle' for his account

[Doug Stankey]

Here is what we have on this guy:

KIENZLE, Walter.
01.03.37 Oblt., appt Staka 4. J/88 Condor Legion in Spain (to 03.37).
01.08.38 appt Staka 5./JG 135.
01.11.38 appt Staka 2./JG 333.
01.05.39 appt Staka 2./JG 54.
15.05.39 appt Staka 5./ZG 1.
28.09.39 appt Staka 2./JGr. 101.
29.02.40 Hptm., appt Staka 4./Träger Gr 186 (to 31.05.40).
09.06.40 Hptm., appt Gruppenleiter in JFS 2, Magdeburg (to 04.09.40).
04.09.40 trf to Stab/JG 26 (to 30.09.40). 30.09.40 Hptm., Stab/JG 26 WIA and POW, apparently shot down by 303 Sqdn. and crashed at Hides Farm, Roundhurst, North Chapel, near Haselmere (Bf 109 E-4, WNr. 5818).
01.04.42 promo to Maj. 05.44 Maj., appt Kdr. II./JG 103 (to 03.45).

I don’t know if you need this, but here it is just in case.

LdZ
DGS

[Franek Grabowski]

There was a single Me 109 destroyed by S/L Urbanowicz South of London at 16.30 but I do not have his combat report. Another and a probable were claimed by Sgt Frantisek at Brooklands area at 16.50. In both cases times and places may be misleading, as there are often substantial differences between reported time and place of contact and actual place of combat.

[Chris Goss]

Just looking at his account, he was flying with the Stabschwarm and his demise witnessed by Galland who saw his ac falling in a fireball so it was unlikely that he was a lone 109. However, as Franek says, that afternoon's actions were quite confused as to times and locations

[Andy Saunders]

Worth mentioning, perhaps, that Lt Schmidt of 6/JG27 baled out in very much the same area at the same time. He was very seriously burned (Blitz Then & Now, btw, has him as "unhurt" - but this was very far from the case) and I also think Chris Goss was in touch with him, too. Also, worth pointing out that the severed tailplane from Schmidt's Me 109 is in existence and has a clear entry point of a 20mm shell with evidence of an explosion on the inside of the structure that (probably) gave rise to the seperation of the tailplane. Certainly that Messerschmitt was described by one witness as a "fireball" and parts fell spread over quite an area. Interestingly, Gp Capt Stanley Vincent flying "to observe tactics" saw what he reported to be an Me 109 shooting at another Me 109 between Reigate and Dorking that day - although I don't know what the primary source for that report actually is and it may well relate to an earlier action in the Reigate/Dorking area around 1.45pm. Curious though that Schmidt's 109 was clearly hit by a cannon shell and Vincent saw a 109 shooting at a 109 that day. Anything to add to this Chris?

[Franek Grabowski]

Andy, I have discussed very this issue with Chris some years ago. The conclusion was obvious, but there is nothing like a final proof. It is worth to note that one of the 303 pilots (not sure if Frantisek or Urbanowicz) got lost and claimed victories at another location than the whole Squadron.

[black tulip]

Many thanks for the information received - my first visit to the site. It's an extremely valuable source of information.

[Teresa Maria]

Dear All,
Do you happen to know Walter Kienzle's date of birth, and perhaps to have a photo of him?
Thank you in advance.

[Chris Goss]

15 Jan 13 and photo in my book The Luftwaffe Fighters Battle of Britain