He59 operating off Isle of Wight August 1940

[BrianC]

Hi guys

During August 1940 it was reported that an ASR He59 operated off the Isle of Wight with impunity, often within sight of a Walrus carrying out similar duties.

What do we know about this? Was it always the same aircraft - presumably painted white with Red Cross makings? Who were the crew and unit? Did they carry out any rescue/recovery sorties? If so, whom? The Walrus crew apparently picked some 35 British and German airmen during the same period.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

From 29 July1940, order was sent out changing all white and Red Cross aircraft to be camouflaged. Aircraft would have been from either Seenotflugko 1 (Brest) or Seenotflugkdo 2 (Cherbourg) and yes they did rescue German airmen. They had more than one aircraft but not many

[Andy Mitchell]

Brian,

See "Additional Notes and Losses" for 1. Seenotstaffel and 2. Seenotstaffel on the Luftwaffedata Wiki

The 2. Seenotstaffel notes will give you an idea of their operations.

These are derived from RL10/401 and RL10/402 respectively. Neither these nor Larry's notes indicate anything like your suggestion of impunity....

Note even though RL10/401 indicates that it covers from July 1940 there was little for Aug and Sep 1940.

[BrianC]

Hi Chris

Thanks for the response but this poses further questions:

Wearing conventional Luftwaffe markings, how did the He59 avoid being attacked by RAF fighters, especially whilst alighted in British waters?

Do we know the identities of any of the aircrew rescued by the Heinkels?

Were any RAF airmen rescued by the Heinkels?

Are there any reports of such rescues? Any literature available?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Although it took time to camouflage He 59s (for example the one shot down by 206 Sqn on 15 Aug 40 was still white/Red Cross), it could easily be armed with up to 3 x MG15s. Trouble is, being so slow it was an easy target especially when on the water. Luftwaffe records usually say rescued by Seenotdienst which could be air or surface craft. If unwounded, the name would not be recorded (hence the III./KG 26 and Seenot crews picked up on 18 Aug 40 are not named as they were unwounded). RAF aircrew were rescued by He 59s (look at Sqn Ldr Ken Doran DFC on 30 April 1940) but not in the Battle of Britain (at least I have no Fighter Command aircrew ending up as POWs). Coastal and Bomber Command is another matter-you would have to do some digging. Never seen a list of who picked up whom and there is one book on ASR by Karl Born (but doesn't go into much detail)