Still seeking ID info for photos of Ditching & Rescue of 1 or 3./ZG26 U8+GH or GL in the Channel during 8.40

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

My most vexing I./ZG26 loss (white rear fuselage band), either of U8+GH or U8+GL with 2-3 victory tabs on the fin, remains the dramatic loss (18 film images) of a Bf110 photographed with a powerful telephoto lens from the Pas de Calais being attacked by a British fighter (Spitfire?), then ditching in the channel. The crew was subsequently rescued by an He59 (camouflaged, not white) that landed nearby. This photo series was featured in German magazines of the time ("Signal" 1.10.40 issue) and to this day I know of no explanation from our known loss lists. The plane has no white nose, so it must have been an August, 1940, or very early Sept. incident. Does anybody have a theory about his one? Hptm. Johann Kogler the 1./ZG26 StaKap, who ditched off Folkstone on 11.8.40, seems to be the best bet, but the story of his rescue doesn't fit a quick pick-up by a rescue He59. Could the pick up by an E-Boat be erroneous info and their rescue was actually by an He59? The location doesn't seem to fit either. But if it wasn't Kogler, who or what loss was it?

For Kogler's loss, we currently list in the EOE DB: "August 11, 1940: 1./ZG26 Messerschmitt Bf110D-0. Both engines disabled in attack by fighters and ditched in sea 40 km north-east of the Thames Estuary 12.10 p.m. FF Hptmn Johann Kogler (Staffelkapitän) and BF Uffz Adolf Bauer both wounded – took to dinghy, rescued by E-boats off Nieuport, and admitted to hospital in Brussels. Aircraft 100% write-off."

Who can help, or perhaps has quality images of these film frames? I only have copies of images published in the Dutch edition of "Signal."

Regards,