REASON FOR LOSS:

On return from this flight to Bournemouth Uffz. Streich came into land when he struck a tree with the starboard wing which completely ripped off, causing the aircraft to cartwheel across the field seriously injuring the young pilot. Eugen was immediately taken to the Luftwaffe hospital at Caen but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

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Unteroffizier. Eugen Streich in the cockpit of his Focke Wulf Fw 190 (Hall)

Original photograph and death notification (Alex King)

Translation of newspaper death notice for Eugen Streich by Wendy Grace Cawthorn.

Ebingen, June 1943

We were deeply upset to receive the unbelievable news that our beloved, good, only son, brother and brother-in-law – Unteroffizier Eugen Streich, Flugzeugführer – at the age of 23 years, undefeated by the enemy, found a hero’s death. He was laid to rest in a military cemetery with full military honours on the 26th May. In unspeakable pain : His parents – Roman Streich and wife Rosa (nee Luippold). His four sisters – Erika, Elsbeth, Hedwig, Margarethe.

Aviation death of an Erbinger. Again a son of our city, Unteroffizier Eugen Streich, the only son of businessman Roman Streich, has given his life for his home. On the 2nd June his parents received the painful message that the young, bold pilot, undefeated by the enemy, was killed near his base in an unfortunate twist of fate. Only a few weeks before, Eugen Streich had been at home on holiday; his intention, to once again do a flypast for the Ebinger youth, could not be realized.

From the life of this young pilot, it should be mentioned that in October 1938 at Castle Hill grounds he carried out a glider flight of 5 hours 25 minutes, which to date has still not been beaten. After leaving school he trained as a machine fitter at the firm Groz & Bederf, a field he could put to good use in flying. The passing of A=, B=, C= gliding tests in a short period were further achievements by him. After leaving behind his employment, he started his military aviation career on 1st April 1939.

Original photo of Eugen in his glider and cartoon drawing of Eugen in flight. (Alex King)

He spent a long time with the ground crew, partly also on the front in France and Holland. For the past two years he was himself a pilot and an exemplary flying instructor, training his students to become accomplished pilots. After repeatedly putting pressure on his superiors, he reached his highest goal, to be deployed in the battle against England. It was from the command post that the message of condolence reached his parents, which among other things stated: “With the death of your son, the Squadron has lost an enthusiastic and dashing pilot, who was a good Comrade to all. Eugen was considered by the Squadron to be an exemplarily, passionate pilot and comrade, always ready to help and he will never be forgotten.”

Eugen Streich joined the Hitler Jugend at an early age and so, in addition to his Ebinger flying comrades, the Ebinger Hitler Jugend also lost one of their best and most devoted and they will always remember him. Eugen’s grieving parents and sisters, who have lost their only son and brother, have our deepest sympathy.

Original burial procession on its way to the Soldatenfriedhof Caen (Hall)

Wreaths of flowers for those fallen (Hall)

The Swastika draped coffin of Eugen Streich is carried by comrades for burial (Hall)





Burial detail: Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Caen in 1943, Grave Nr. 394

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In memory of Eugen Streich (Alex King)

Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless. With special thanks to Steven Hall, Alex King and Wendy Grace Cawthorn. May 2015