Date: 18th September 1940
Time: 12.30 p.m.
Unit: 1 Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 27
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4
Werke/Nr. 5388
Code: ? (Please advise if you can furnish further details)
Location: Squirrels Wood, Stockbury, Kent, England
Pilot: Oberleutnant Rudolf Krafftschick Missing
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was shot down in combat with fighters over Sittingbourne, Kent and crashed into Squirrels Wood. Believed that claimed by P/O A. G. Lewis of No. 249 Squadron but possibly also attacked by P/O R. Reid of No. 46 Squadron. Oblt. Rudolf Krafftschick missing believed killed. No trace of Rudolf was ever reported found and he remains listed as "missing". However, a post war unit history of JG27 records him "captured" though no evidence for this has yet been found. Site excavated by the London Air Museum which recovered a DB601 engine, remains of cockpit, including instruments and controls, control column, maps, pilot's watch together with various French & Belgian coins. Manufacturerís plate confirming identity as "5388" subsequently recovered from site by Steve Vizard who now also holds the control column and parachute release buckle. Engine, bomb arming panel, coins & watch now in the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
A.I.2.(g) Report 3/49 - 1940
Me 109 crashed at Squirrels Wood, Stockley, near Sittingbourne on 18.09.40 (map reference approximately R2989). Aircraft is said to have dived into the ground at speed following fighter action, and is almost entirely buried in ground in wood. Engine probably DB 601. Pilot probably buried in crater. No details of aircraft to be ascertained.
Steel section from a wing main spar discovered in the wood together with unstable rounds of 7.9 mm ammunition. Photo from crash site visit February 2001, this part of Me 109 structure found laying in the wood
Burial details:
None - missing in action.
