Identity of Wellington shot down on Borkum Island?

[Theo Boiten]

Hello Horst,

Thanks a lot for these additional details. So yes, we can now safely assume that the photos are of N2936 and the burial of the three airmen that you list.

Cheers, Theo

[BigWeeker]

Hello again, Horst
Thank you for your input - pleased that “ploughing” through BCL has worked out well!!
Regards
Andy
PS: just Googled “Ruse 37 Squadron”. On the Aircrew Remembered site there is an entry for N2936, and that that photo, courtesy of Chris G, was originally published in Germany. The (German) text states that the person in that photo was Sgt Herbert Ruse, the pilot.....

[ssg keay]

Plus, there is a distinct look about the wreckage which makes me think the pilot tried a crash-landing, thus explaining the survivors.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

A look at the following publication should resolve a few of the issues raised here:

The Battle of Heligoland Bight 1939 The Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe's Baptism of Fire.
Holmes,Robin.
London:Grub Street,2009.

See: photo section between pp.96-7. Photo of wreck, burials (4)*, Ruse etc.

* Sgt Holley, Sgt Tilley, Cpl Taylor & 539328 AC1 (Air Gnr.) George Warne GEDDES RAF - 37 Sqn. Wellington IA N2889.

Col.

[BigWeeker]

Thanks Col.
That book is an excellent account of “The Battle of Heligoland Bight”. I am not able to refer to our copy atm as the Library is not accessible because of building work. I am aware of photos in the book, but couldn’t remember if the sequence of stills from Ruse’s forced landing was in there...