Ltn Bruno Kahlfuss 2./KG3 shot down 22/23 July 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

Seeking information on the above and his crew, who were shot down on the night of 22/23 July 1940 off the South Coast.

I believe all were rescued, wounded, from their dinghy by German forces.

Has anyone further information, please?

Cheers
Brian

[Larry Hickey]

Brian,

Here is what we carry in the EoE LW Loss DB:

"23 July 1940: 2./KG3 Dornier Do17Z. Crashed in the Channel south of Brighton following attack by Blenheim night-fighter of the FIU (F/O G. Ashfield, P/O G.E. Morris, and Sgt R.H. Leyland) during sortie over the Sussex coast. FF Lt [ ] Kahlfub and three NCOs all rescued wounded. Aircraft 100% write-off.
This was the first victory for an aircraft using A.I. Mark IV airborne radar."


What is your source for the FN Bruno? We obviously need to pick that up in our entry.


Larry

[Chris Goss]

Bruno comes from Larry & Doug's officer list

[Peter Cornwell]

Thanks Chris.

Brian, I currently have this loss listed as follows:

2./ KG3 Dornier Do17Z. Shot down in the North Sea during sortie to attack convoy 'Pilot' 50 km east of Lowestoft and probably that attacked by F/L G. S. ff. Powell-Sheddon of No.242 Squadron 20 miles east of Yarmouth 5.22 a.m. BF Uffz Josef Kellmann and BM Obergefr Herbert Reinhardt (both Aufkl.Staffel Luftflotte 2 attached to Stabsstaffel KG3) rescued slightly wounded - admitted to hospital in Amsterdam, FF Lt Bruno Kahlfub and Fw[ ]Strecker both rescued unhurt. Aircraft 35% damaged but repairable.
This crew was picked up by the Seenotdienst 50 km east of Lowestoft at 10.30 a.m. next morning.

[Brian]

Hi Larry and Peter

I am now really confused!!

Re Kahlfuss aircraft: I assume aircraft was 100% since you (Peter) state that crew was rescued from dinghy, not 35% and repairable?

Re FIU Blenheim victory - which aircraft was this?

And since I have the attention of three experts - is the Hajo Herrmann balloon collision on 22 July fact or fiction?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Brian

Might I suggest that 35%=100% This loss attributable to FIU has been perpetuated ever since it was assumed in Battle over Britain many moons ago and that Peter's deduction is now correct. Might I suggest that the FIU claim could have been optimitisc?

As to Herrmann, what would confirm it is his Flugbuch and a further confirmation that 7/KG 30 flew all the way to Plymouth to do what they did. I will admit that Plymouth seems to be a long (& dangerous) way to go for III/KG 30 just to drop mines

[Peter Cornwell]

Mea Culpa KAHLFUSS was 100% loss obviously. Re HERRMANN I agree with Chris.

[Brian]

Hi guys

Most interesting! The following is an extract from F/O Glyn Ashfield's combat report following the FIU Blenheim combat:

"We were given a vector home by Polling and after 5/6 minutes crossed the coast east of Bognor. As the coast was crossed my observer P/O Morris reported a huge blaze behind and slightly to port and gave a p/p [probable place] of contact as 5 miles south of Bognor. This blaze lasted for about 5/10 minutes. P/O [Frank] Carey of 43 Squadron, who was on patrol at the time, saw the fire and resultant blaze on the water."

Any further ideas?

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Friendly fire? A 107 Sqn Blenheim was lost in the Channel 22-23 Jul according to Chorley, the body of one crewman being washed ashore and buried at Tangmere?

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

You will find an account of Hajo Hermann's balloon strike on 22nd July, 1940 (including a direct quote), in the following publication:

German Air Force Bombers of the Second World War Two - Volume One.
Price,Alfred.
Chalfont St.Giles:Hylton Lacy,1968
pp.39-41.

The chapter is entitled: "Mines for Plymouth Sound".

Col.