The death of Ltn. Sauerland

[byron-]

Hi,

I found a picture in an album of Lehrgeschwader 1, there is reported the death of Ltn. Sauerland on the mountain of Rodope (area of Greece or Bulgaria), probably in April 1941.
I can`t recognize on the picture of the destroyed aircaraft its type, is not much left. Does any information exist?

[Matti Salonen]

1941-04-26, 3.(K)/LG 1, Ju 88 A-5, 0880514, L1+DL, Südöstlich Chepelare im Ródope-Gebirge
Flugzeugführer Lt Sauerland, Karl, verletzt
Bombenschütze Gefr Filchner, Michael, verletzt
Bordfunker Ogfr Kloy, Herbert, +
Bordschütze Uffz Berger, Gerhard, +
Durch Abwind auf Berg zerschellt infolge Motorschaden. Bruch 100 %.

Matti

[Brian Bines]

GQM dated 2-5-41 shows crew as missing changed on report 6-5-41 all as Matti's post. Last entry for Karl Sauerland in the Luftwaffe Officers Career Summaries is as an Oblt with LKS 7 Tulln in August 1944 .

[byron-]

Thank you both,
It is a strange report in this album, it is written "Beisetzung Ltn. Sauerland, Beerdigung in den Rhodopen", and an other pic shows the funeral. I wonder how it was possible for Sauerland and the other guy to survive from this total destroyed plane.

regards

[Aviator]

Hello Byron,

Almost likely its a Ju88 , just have a look at the engine and especially the cooling grill around the main rotor System. Just Google the type and you will see the similarity!

Cheers,

Aviator

[byron-]

Hi Aviator,

there is not much left, but you are right, it is a Ju 88 of L.G. 1

[Matti Salonen]

The photo cannot be of Sauerland's funeral, because he died in Germany in December 1945. However, it is probable that the photo was taken at the funeral of Sauerland's killed crew members Kloy and Berger.

Matti

[RT]

In fact as Byron, said, how anybody could survive to such a crash, or possible wreck was removed/packed-together...

Rémi