Bf110C shot down 18th August 1940

[Peter S]

I need some advice. I`m looking for any informations about a crew of Messerschmitt Bf110C : Obl. Hellmuth and Fw. Winter, shot down over Kent 18th August 1940. Is there any detailed German report of this loss?
Also do anyone know what`s happened to the bodies (remains) of the crew. Can somebody confirm that those people definitely went onto this flight.
Regards

[cheesey]

Hello Peter.

18.8.40
(P) Oblt. Heinz Hellmuth & (Bf) Fw. Franz Winter.
6./ZG 26.
Bf 110 C. 100% damaged.
Shot down by Hurricanes of 56 Sqn. Final attack by P/O Mounsdon.

Aircraft fell away after attack on one wing and dived vertically into a copse at Helstone Hole near Lenham where it blew up!

Above from 'Zerstorer' by John Vasco & Peter Cornwell. I'm afraid I don't have burial details though. Hope this helps.

Steve.

[Peter Cornwell]

Hello Peter,

Further to Steve's response, the remains of this crew were recovered and their IDs recorded as 53585/175 and 53585/169. This was the only evidence of identification found at the time so the British authorities were unable to immediately establish their correct identities. They were therefore buried as 'Unknown German Airmen', A.I.1.(k) reporting their 'burial believed by RAF Station, Detling'.

Luftwaffe records confirm that the IDs found were those of Oberlt Heinz HELLMUTH & Fw Franz WINTER of 6./ZG26 as stated by Steve so there is no doubt of their true identities. I also have an unconfirmed note that they may have originally been buried at St Nicholas' Church in Boughton Malherbe & repatriated to Germany post-war but this is currently unconfirmed.

[Peter S]

Many thanks Steve and Peter.
Do you know more about this plane, any datails?
I`m looking for further informations, because almost 30 years ago local farmer said: three heads, but third one with long hair...one hand with woman`s finger nails. What do you think?

[Peter Cornwell]

Peter,

I think that story qualifies as 'urban myth'. It's nonsense.

[Peter S]

...or just looks like...

[Peter S]

Messerschmitt Bf110C (2808); 3U+?
...all I knkow...

[Chris Goss]

Same urban myth applied to a Bf 110 shot down near Winchester on 15 Aug 40-very tall, blond/blonde, long hair and nails. I am afraid that Luftwaffe records were not that precise in any case

[Peter S]

Thanks Chris
Even if that’s just a myth, something is telling me: be careful with the myths.
Of course, I do not expect any official record of that. As far as I know, there was no German woman flying as a combat pilot (apart of ferry pilots) but... press correspondent for example, unlucky that day of course...
Please see my other query about German plane shut down over Italy. Something in common, I think...
Regards

[Franek Grabowski]

Women were quite commonly 'seen' in air crashes. Several were 'killed' during Warsaw Airlift.