Bf110 shot down 15 August 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

15 August, one of the many German aircraft shot down was Bf110 M8+BP of 6./ZG76, which force-landed on North Ashey Down on the Isle of Wight. Although shrouded in mystery, the pilot Fw Jakob Birndorfer was apparently shot dead by Scottish soldiers of the Black Watch stationed at Havenstreet after the landing, in which his wounded air gunner Uffz Max Guschewski had been rendered unconscious. Various reasons have been suggested for Birndorfer being shot – from opening fire on the soldiers as they approached, to interfereing with the controls or simply resisting arrest.

Can anyone provide additional information?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

I was in contact with Guschewski who was unconscious the time this apparently happened. I could never find proof positive this occurred but if you look at the account of the action in my book (and the forthcoming Britain at War), I think you will agree that Birndorfer would not have been in a fit state to do anything

[Brian]

Thanks Chris

Cheers
Brian