Erpr.210 credited with 2 Spitfires 11/8/40

[BrianC]

Hi guys

On 11 August 1940, Bf110s of Erpr.210 were credited with two Spitfires over the Thames Estuary during the early afternoon.

Any idea of identities of crews?

Cheers, stay safe
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Nothing in John Vasco's book on the unit

[Black6]

I have an unsourced note recording 2 pilots of 3 ErprGr. 210

Fw. Otto Rückert
Oblt. Heinz Schoenfeldt

[Black6]

I believe the first was

Ofw. Otto Rückert (64/53581)
Birth Date 9 Apr 1915
Birth Place Lübeck
Killed serving with 1./Zerst. Geschw. 1
Death Date 31 Jan 1942
Death Place Fliegerhorst Landsberg Am Lech

[Black6]

I see that Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey record the second pilot below:

SCHOENEFELDT, Heinz. 10.07.39 Lt., RLM/Ob.d.L. pool, trf to III./ZG 26. 11.08.40 Oblt., 3./Erprobungsgruppe 210. 08.41 Oblt., in Stab II./JG 3 (to 11.08.41). 11.08.41 Stab II./JG 3 KIA – Bf 109 F-4 shot down by ground fire and crashed 6 km S of Ossokorki. Credited with 6 victories.

Oblt Heinz Schoenefeldt (22/57011)
Birth Date 26 Sept 1916
Birth Place Dorpat Kurland
Serving with Stab II/J G 3
Death Date 11 Aug 1941
Death Place bei Borispol 6 Km S O Ossekorki S O Kiew

[BrianC]

Hi guys

I have:

Oblt Heinz Schönfeldt and Fw Otto Rückert of the Bf109-equipped 3.Staffel, were both shot down on this date - therefore not Bf110 pilots who claimed Spitfires! Is my information incorrect?

Cheers
Brian

Whoops! I got it wrong!! You are correct!! Apologies!!

[BrianC]

Hi guys

Egg on face once again! You are correct!

They were not shot down and did make claims, but were flying Bf109s of 3./Erpr.210.

Apologies!

Brian

[John Vasco]

Brian,
I have photos of Schoenefeldt and Rückert if you are interested...

[BrianC]

Many thanks, John

Will be in touch

Cheers
Brian