Date: 6th September 1940
Time: 09.35 a.m.
Unit: 3 Staffel/Zerstoerergeschwader 26
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 110C-4
Werke/Nr. 2146
Code: U8 + CL
Location: Cannons Hill, Coulsdon, Surrey, England.
Pilot: Unteroffizier Christoph Kiehn Killed
Gunner : Unteroffizier E. Neusz POW
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was attacked by fighters, possibly Hurricanes of No.111 Squadron, during escort sortie for ErproGr210 over Kenley. Abandoned following an explosion in the aircraft and crashed on the golf-course at Cannons Hill. Uffz Kiehn was killed and Uffz Neusz slightly wounded in hand, baled out low level and was captured. Aircraft U8 + CL a write-off.
Note:
A major recovery by the London Air Museum in 1976. Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine excavated together with propeller boss, both undercarriage legs and tyres, tail wheel oleo, complete armament, cockpit instruments, first-aid kit, pilots parachute and port tail fin still bearing traces of Swastika marking. Tail wheel oleo, pilots diary and parachute, together with first-aid kit, seat harness and cockpit instruments now in the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
Re-excavated by Chris Bennett in 1984. Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine, propeller boss and blades unearthed together with both engine badges.
Crash site on the 6th September 1940
Burial details:
The only fatality Uffz Kiehn now lies in the Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase. Block 5 Grave 65.
