Date: 23rd November 1939.
Unit: 1 Staffel/Fernaufklaerungsgruppe 123.
Type: Dornier Do 17P.
Werke Nr. Unknown.
Code: 4U + MH
Location: Near the Swiss border at Baume-les-Doubs, France.
Pilot: Unteroffizier. Hans Poetzinger. Erk.1.(F)/123 Nr.19. (Born 11.04.1914 in Grasau / Oberbayern). POW.
Observer: Feldwebel. Leo Knoch. Erk.1.(F)/123 Nr.48. (Born 12.06.1913 in Buechenau / Bruchsal). POW.
Radio/Op: Unteroffizier. Friedrich Boehle. Erk.1.(F)/123 Nr.36. (Born 10.11.1916 in Dortmund). POW.
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was chased and attacked by two French fighters piloted by, Lt. Bissoudre and Sgt Tourne of GC II/3 during a reconnaissance mission over Dijon airfield.
Forced to belly-land near the French-Swiss border. The crew were captured by the Swiss and interned. They all returned to the Staffel on the 4th April 1940.
NOTE: Leo Knoch was posted missing in action on the 07.05.41.
Unteroffizier. Friedrich Boehle, Feldwebel. Leo Knoch, Unteroffizier. Hans Poetzinger. (Schlichting/Brownless)
The wreck of the 4U + MH being examined by French soldiers after the crash landing. (Schlichting/Brownless)
Luftwaffe document informing of the crews captivity. (Brownless)
Researched by Melvin Brownless A.R. Society. Historian and Archive holder of 1/(F)123 1939-42.
