Date: 9th September 1940
Time: 5.45 p.m.
Unit: Stab I/Jagdgeschwader 27
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4
Werke/Nr. 1394
Location: Knowle Farm, Mayfield, Sussex, England
Pilot: Oberleutnant Gunther Bode 60324 POW (Gruppe Adjutant)
REASON FOR LOSS
Radiator damaged in fighter attack and engine overheated trying to reach the coast and force-landed at Knowle Farm.
Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 Wnr.1394 with camouflaged netting to prevent it being destroyed from the air by German fighters (via Hall) We apologise for the quality of this photograph but it is the best we have found during our research
A.I.1.(k) Report No. 497/1940
This pilot had a slip of paper with the R/T call signs for the day, which were identical with those mentioned in A.I.1.(k) Report No.484/1940.
The shield has previously been identified with JG27.
They were flying at about 16,000 feet when one or two Spitfires suddenly appeared above them. This aircraft was shot through the radiator by the first burst, and immediately turned for home. The engine started to overheat, and the pilot made a forced landing. At the time of the combat they were fairly near to London, but could not see it because there was a slight mist.
A.I.2.(g) Report 1940
Me 109 crashed at Knowle Farm, Mayfield, 10 miles south of Tonbridge Wells on the 9.9.40. Yellow nose and rudder, crest on nose, yellow jaguar's head with smiling negress wearing white earing. Aircraft constructed by Erla M.W.Leipzig, Wnr.1394 dated 22.11.39.
Fitted with DB601A engine, coloured plate on front of engine bore letters H.M.F. These letters were in the middle of a six pointed star.
Engine plate showed Mercedes Benz Daimler Benz A.G. Wnr.90 Berlin Marienfeld. Series number 11366. Following fighter action it appears engine failed. Aircraft in good condition except for damaged undercarriage. Standard armament. No bombing gear. Standard bulkhead, but no head protection for pilot who was taken prisoner. Petrol 88 Octane. Instruments standard.
Burial detail:
None captured unhurt and taken prisoner
