Captured Fighter Pilot March '41

[Rick47]

I'm researching my father's history during the war and am followng up a story told about his service with the Home Guard. Apparently whilst serving he was present when a German fighter pilot was downed and captured by the local Home Guard. Date March 1941, area Ockley Surrey, whilst waiting for the young man to be collected by the powers that be everyone was offered a cup of tea by the local farmer's wife except the pilot - Dad ( a pilot himself) insisted that he be offered one also upsetting the rest of the Guard! Question - can anyone verify the loss of a fighter over Surrey at that time. Any details/information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Rick

[fsbofk]

In looking through the daily entries for March 1941 in Vol 2 of The Blitz Then and Now, there are only a few fighter losses, and those either had no survivors or were lost in the Channel. However, there is one rather lengthy detailed account on pp. 468-469 by Stabsfeldwebel Karl Bruning of KG55 telling of his being shot down by a Defiant of No. 264 Squadron around 9:30 the night of March 12, with his He 111 crashing at Dene Farm, Ockley, Surrey. Bruning, the pilot, bailed out but was the only survivor from his crew. He recounts how he was picked up by two people who turned him over to a Home Guard unit, and was given tea and cigarettes. This must be the capture that your father related to you.

[Rick47]

Thanks very much for the info. it has helped fill in another gap. Co-incidentally just under 12 months later my father was undergoing a similar experience having been shot down in a Wellington over le Havre.

I do have a favour to ask, I can't locate a copy of the relevant book in Victoria (Australia) is it possible to scan the two pages and email them to me?
I will understand if you can't.

Thanks

Rick

[fsbofk]

Be happy to. Send me your email via PM and I'll try to get to it this weekend.