Need info on L1+AK of 14.(Z)/LG1 down in Belgium 5.40

[Larry Hickey]

Hi,

I'm trying to code into a data base three photos of a Bf110C, L1+AK of 14.(Z)/LG1 that apparently was force-landed, possibly by the Staffel Kapitän, probably during May, 1940. One of the photos has pencilled on the back that this forced landing was near Florenville, which is in Luxembourg Provice, in the far southeastern part of Belgium, near the French border. Can anyone provide a date, confirm the crew or the circumstances of this inclident. From the excellent condition of the crash, it was likely that there were no serious crew casualties.

Thanx,

[Peter Cornwell]

Larry,

Could this be the bird you are after ? From Lw losses 12 May 1940:

13.(Z)/LG1 Messerschmitt Bf110C. Lost control in vertical dive avoiding attacks from, S/Lt Boitelet and Sgt Tallent of GC I/5, also Sgt Guillaume of GC III/7, over Vouziers and hit trees at ‘Nugimont’, south of Blagny 7.15 a.m. Lt H. Gaffal thrown from aircraft and captured with fractured skull, admitted to hospital in Ste-Menehould. Uffz A. Dierkes also captured wounded. Aircraft L1+AX a write-off.

All I can spot in a rapid search.

[Larry Hickey]

Peter,

Thanks for your input. I've checked the code in the photos and it is definitely L1+AK, not L1+AX. Since Gaffal was in 13 Staffel rather than 14 Staffel, that seems to be off as well. However, I'm wondering if there could be a transcription error in the original Luftwaffe document, as L1+AX doesn't seem to be a valid code for LG1 (I've studied this unit closely), and L1+AK would be a very valid code, backed up by the coding visible in the photos. The Staffel is still wrong, but Gaffal could always be flying a loaner a/c from 14 Staffel due to the demands of combat. This one will require more study.

Does anyone else have any info that would help clear this up, or any other info on the loss of this aircraft. I'm suspecting that it would be a 100% loss in Luftwaffe records, because the photos indicate it sat on the crash site for a while before it would have been salvaged?

Thanx,

[Peter Cornwell]

Larry,

Forget it. The codes I quoted are, as you say, clearly wrong & should have read L1+AH as confirmed by contemporary French reports on the incident. This is consistent with GAFFAL being 13 Staffel and also, incidentally, deputy Staffelkapitan at that time.

Within 14 Staffel losses for the period, only SCHALKHAUSER on 17 May 1940 seems a likely candidate but I have no evidence of the codes his aircraft carried. Interestingly, in view of the point you make in regard to the Staka's machine, METHFESSEL was also lost that day flying the L1+LK which may add some weight to the possibility ?

[Larry Hickey]

Peter,

There is a good account of the Schalkhausser loss by the WIA gunner on P. 31 of "Zerstörer Gruppe," by Ludwig von Eimannsberger. I note that Uffz. Jackel says that he was taken to the "nearest hospital in Arlon (Belgium)," which appears to be about 20 miles from Florenville, which is still within the range of possiblity. The general description of the crash landing as recounted by Jackel seems to fit the photos reasonably well--copies of which I've forwarded to you by email this morning. I think that this is very likely our incident. Unless someone has good evidence to the contrary, I'll consider this case closed. Thanks! Good catch.

Regards,