Date: 15th October 1940
Time: 9.20 a.m.
Unit: Stab I./Lehrgeschwader 2
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7
Werke/Nr.3734
Code: < +
Location: Spruce Lawns, Elham, Kent, England.
Pilot: Leutnant. Ludwig Lenz. 53534/? – Killed. Born 25.09.1912.
REASON FOR LOSS:
During fighter action aircraft blew up in the air at comparatively low altitude and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. Presumably the aircraft was carrying a bomb which exploded on being hit. Markings: < in black with white stripe. Nose yellow.
This aircraft was flying a Jabo mission when, according to contemporary newspaper reports, a bullet from engaging R.A.F. fighters struck the bomb under the belly of his Messerschmitt. In the resulting explosion the cockpit and wing centre section were compressed to a thickness of eighteen inches, wreckage falling at Spruce Lawns, Elham. The engine, propeller and tail unit were scattered over a three mile area.
The wrecked machine of Lt. Lenz at Spruce Lawns, Elham (Fox Photos).
A soldier is busy cutting the German Cross from the starboard wing (Fox Photos)
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The cockpit suffered some damage after the blast.
Burial detail: Folkestone Cemetery, Kent.
Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless. Special thanks to Nigel Parker. February 2014