Need help identifying photos of crashed 4./ZG76 Bf110C M8+FM during the WC/FC May-June, 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

I've got 3 photos from the ECPA Luft Coll which show a crashed Bf110C in open country coded M8+FM, obviously near a Luftwaffe airfield based upon numerous Luftwaffe personnel, including several officers, standing around. One came to the site on a bicycle indicating a close proximity to an airfield, although there are no hangars or other a/c visible in the photos. At least some of the crew could have survived the crash, although the front of the nose back to the front of the cockpit is badly crushed and both engines are torn away, indicating a fairly violent crash. The landing gear sheared away as the plane hit the ground. The W.Nr. painted on the rear fuselage appears to be 3129, although this is a little shaky.

This is almost certainly one of these two incidents:

12 May 1940: 4./ZG76 Messerschmitt Bf110C. Believed hit by ground fire but possibly damaged in combat with Moranes of GC 6/3 over Avesnes 6.10 a.m. Starboard engine failed and stalled on landing approach at Zissenheim. FF Lt Otto Krause killed, BF Uffz Fritz Auerbach slightly wounded admitted to hospital in Bonn-Hangelar. Aircraft 100% write-off.

2 June 1940; 4./ZG76 Messerschmitt Bf110C. Crashed on landing, both engines damaged in fighter attack over Haynecourt, north-west of Cambrai. FF Oberlt Godborg Christiansen slightly wounded - admitted to hospital in Munich, gunner unhurt. Aircraft 100% write-off.

Has anyone got any information that would help us eliminate either one of these incidents or specifically directs us to one as the source of the photos relating to this incident?

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator