Luftwaffe Claims 27 Jun 40

[Chris Goss]

On the afternoon of 27 June 40, 235 Sqn suffered 4 losses over Holland. Some sources say the claims were by Hptm Hubertus Von Bonin, Stab I/JG 54 (3 Blenheims 1515-1530 hrs) and Gefr Willi Kopp of 2/JG 54 at 1520 hrs whilst other sources say the claims were by I/JG 76-Lt Jochim Schypek, 2/JG 76, Oblt Roloff Von Aspern, 2/JG 76, Ofw Franz Eckerle 3/JG 76 and Ofw Max Stotz 1/JG 76. Which is the correct version of events?

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hi Chris.
I am looking at The Bomber Command War Diaries of Middlebrook. It seems that 24 Blenheims took off - 12 to bomb targets and 12 on extensive recon. Only 6 of the 12 bombed, 5 at Hannover. One aircraft is listed as a LOSS.
Perhaps the majority of the claims submitted by Luftwaffe were Fighter Command planes. Could you precise the local of the losses? Someone in Holland could check for the 3 Blenheims of 235 Squadron shot, graves?!
All the best...

Adriano Baumgartner

[Chris Goss]

235 Sqn was a Coastal fighter sqn as opposed to a bomber. 82 Sqn lost an aircraft to JG 21 later that day-German pilot was killed. Thanks for looking though

[Jim P.]

Well Prien and Tony Wood in his transcribed claim listings both agree with the von Bonin/Knopp claims.

27-Jun-40, Hptm., Hubertus von, Bonin, StabI., JG 54, Blenheim, -, 15.15, 3, 23, yes, C.2036/II, Nr.59 128/41, OKL/Prien/Bock,
27-Jun-40, Hptm., Hubertus von, Bonin, StabI., JG 54, Blenheim, -, 15.20, 4, 24, yes, C.2036/II, Nr.59 128/41, OKL/Prien/Bock,
27-Jun-40, Gefr., Willi, Knopp, 2., JG 54, Blenheim, -, 15.20, 1st, 25, yes, C.2036/II, Nr.50083/41, OKL/Prien/Bock,
27-Jun-40, Hptm., Hubertus von, Bonin, StabI., JG 54, Blenheim, -, 15.30, 5, 26, yes, C.2036/II, Nr.59 128/41, OKL/Prien/Bock,