Mission: Brooklands Aircraft Factory, Weybridge, Surrey.
Date: 4th September 1940
Time: 1.25 p.m.
Unit: Stab III/Zerstoerergeschwader 76
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 110C-4
Werke/Nr. 3254
Code: 2N + BM
Location: High Salvington, near Findon, Worthing, Sussex.
Pilot: Oberleutnant Walter Schiller POW
Gunner: Feldwebel Helmut Winkler POW
REASON FOR LOSS:
The attack on Brooklands was launched at around 1.00 p.m by 14 Zerstorers of ErpGr.210 with close escort provided by V.(Z)/LG1 and III./ZG76 while II./ZG76 flew a free-lance sweep east of the main formation to cover their withdrawal back over Beachy Head.
The in-coming raid was first met by No.234 Squadron, soon reinforced by Noís.43 and 601 Squadrons with top cover from No.602 Squadron, while No.253 Squadron joined the fray east of Guildford following the attack when Nos.1 (RCAF) and 79 Squadrons also hit II./ZG76 over East Grinstead. Shot down by P/O H.C. Upton of No.43 Squadron in combat over Shoreham ; this aircraft exploded mid-air then crashed and burned out at High Salvington, near Findon, Worthing, 1.25 p.m. FF Oberlt Walter Schiller baled out and captured unhurt, BF Fw Helmut Winkler baled out and captured wounded.
Sixteen Bf110s were lost in the Weybridge attack with Nos.43 and 234 Squadrons in particular inflicting considerable damage.
(Source: Zerstorer by Vasco & Cornwell JAC Publications 1995)
One of the embedded engines of Schiller's Messerschmitt Bf 110C-4 Wnr.3254 (via C. Ellis)
The crash location of Schillers Me 110 is pictured in the foreground 2009 (via C. Ellis)
Researched & Compiled by Clive Ellis 2009 for the Aircrew Remembrance Society
