Date: 3rd September 1940
Time: 11.18 a.m.
Unit: 3 Staffel./Zerstoerergeschwader 2
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 110C-4
Werke/Nr.3113
Coded: 3M + EL
Location: Pudsey Hall Farm, Canewdon, Rayleigh, Essex, England.
Pilot: Oberfeldwebel. Gerhard Winkler. – Slightly wounded POW.
Radio/Op: Gefreiter. Oskar Weiler. - POW.
REASON FOR LOSS:
Starting from an airfield in the SE of France, refuelled at an airfield on the Franco-Belgian frontier. Flew across “looking for trouble” and was engaged by three Spitfires from above. Both crew baled out and the aircraft dived into the ground and was buried at a depth of 20 ft. Markings: Yellow wing tips and three yellow stripes on tail fin.
This aircraft was shot down in combat with No.17 Squadron Hurricanes, probably that attacked by F/O Count M. B. Czernin, believed also attacked by F/Lt. A. W. A. Bayne and P/O D. H. Wissler. Both crew members were successful in baling out and were captured. Note: Major recovery of this aircraft was carried out by the London Air Museum at a depth of over 35 feet.
Squaddies carry the tail fin away with pride (Fox Photos).
Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless March 2012..