He 111P lost over Switzerland 2 June 1940

[ianatheling]

From the rear of the photo below and other information I have been able to ascertain that this aircraft is G1+HS of 8./KG 55. It was on a mission to airfields in Southern France on the 2nd June 1940 when it was attacked by French Dewoitine D.520s. One engine was hit and put out of action. The wireless operator was injured. The aircraft attempted to make an escape over the Swiss border, but was intercepted there by Bf 109 Emils of the Swiss Fl Kp. 15. It was brought down near Ursins. The crew were taken prisoner, one, presumably the wireless operator died at Yverdon Hospital. The others were taken into custody at Kienthal. Does anyone know the names of the crew?


Ian

[Matti Salonen]

1940-06-02, 8./KG 55, He 111P-2, 1705, G1+HS, Bei Ursins, südlich Lac de Neuchatel, Vaud, Notlandung infolge Beschuß der Bf 109B-3, J-315 (Capitaine Hans Thurnheer). Bruch 100 %.
Flugzeugführer Uffz Mahnert, Horst, verletzt
Hilfsbeobachter Uffz Söhner, Hans, verletzt
Bordfunker Uffz Volkmer, Max, verletzt
Bordmechaniker Uffz Schubert, Willi, verletzt
Bordschütze Gefr Lindner, Hans, verletzt
Gefr Lindner seinen Verletzungen erlegen.

Matti

[ianatheling]

Thanks Matti

Cheers
Ian

[Peter Cornwell]

8./KG55 Heinkel He111P-2 (1705). Engaged by Capt Papin, S/Lt Krol, Sgt Doudies, Sgt Gauffre, and Sgt Grimaud of GC II/7 following attack on Lyon-Bron airfield; also attacked by Potez 631 of ECN 5/13 (Sgt Farriol and Adj Birembaut) and one engine damaged. Escaped over the Swiss frontier near Bernex but attacked by Swiss Bf109s (Hptmn Lindecker and Lt Aschwanden of Fl.Komp.15) over Yverdon and belly-landed south of Ursins 9.20 a.m. BS Gefr Hans Lindner badly wounded in head - died same night in hospital at Yverdon, BM Uffz Willi Schubert slightly wounded while attempting to destroy the aircraft and interned along with FF Uffz Horst Mahnert, HB Uffz Hans Söhner, and BF Uffz Max Volkmer. Aircraft G1+HS interned – 100% write-off.
The crew was prevented from destroying the aircraft and the four survivors repatriated to Germany at Stetten-Lörrach on June 28, 1940.

The Swiss pilots credited were identified in a report on 'Einsatz der Jagdpatrouillen' by Oberstdiv. Bandi (Kdt. Fl. & Flab. Trp.) dated 26 July 1940.

[ianatheling]

Thanks for the additional info

Ian