Seeking crash site photos & info for force-landed He111P of 2./KG54 in Belgium on 27 May 1940

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

We've tentatively identified the specific crash location for one of two He111Ps from 2./KG54 that FL after combat in Belgium on 27 May 1940:

2./KG54 Heinkel He111P-2. Shot down by flak and Hurricanes of No.56 Squadron during attack on harbour installations at Zeebrugge and Nieuport and believed that crashed at ‘Gistelhof’, near Middelburg, north of Maldegem, Belgium, at 4.20 p.m. Possibly that claimed by F/L Coghlan, F/O Fisher, and F/O Ereminsky. BF Uffz Kurt Reim and HS Flgr Anton Hirsch both killed. HB Oberfw Hans Heußner, BM Uffz Franz Werner, and FF Uffz Friedrich Tölke captured slightly wounded – all later released. Aircraft 100% write-off. '

We believe that this a/c may have been coded B3+GK. There may also be photos of this a/c in a salvage yard, or being removed back to Germany aboard a rail flatcar.

Can anyone provide crash-site photos of this a/c or any specific information about this incident not included in the summary above, including confirmation of the a/c code?

Thanx,
Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator

[obdl3945]

Hi, Larry...

I can't be specific about the undernoted as the engines/wings have been removed and the codes are only partially evident. One aircraft at least appears to carry ~~+GK. The other could be 'CK' or 'GK'. They may be useful to you in matching some detail to the images you already possess. I'm checking out some of your other posts at present so if I have anything further, I'll post them onto the appropriate thread.

Regards,

Paul

[Larry Hickey]

Paul,

I really appreciate your seeing what you possibly hold on these a/c. I'm, not sure about the first photo that you posted, but the second is G1+GK which came down during the WC of May-June, 1940. I haven't yet tried to pinpoint the date. I have another view of this one from the starboard side that shows the full code, confirming its identity.

I haven't matched the first one, but I'm certain that it is not the KG54 a/c that I'm seeking, as it has neither the KG54 diagonal fuselage band nor the unit death's head insignia behind the cockpit, both of which were present on the a/c that I'm looking for.

Please keep checking, as you never know what will turn up in these images from eBay.

Regards,

Larry Hickey
EoE Project Coordinator

[obdl3945]

Hi, Larry...

Thanks for getting back to me. I wasn't sure about the first one either being KG54 because, like yourself, I didn't note any obvious unit insignia or fuselage band but I suppose it was a contender since you mentioned your machine may have been at a salvage yard so I thought a dismantled fuselage might be an outside bet.

At least you've managed to confirm one of my other Heinkel's unit which is a great help to me, so thanks for that. If I find anything else, I'll let you know.

Kidnest regards,

Paul