Date: 26th August 1940
Time: 15.45 hours
Unit: 2 Staffel/Kampfgeschwader 2
Type: Dornier Do 17Z-
Werke/Nr. 2425
Code: U5 + GK
Location: 2 miles SW of Eastchurch, Kent
Feldpost Nr. L.02546
Base: Cambrai, France.
Pilot: Unteroffizier Ambros Schmoelzer 58208/ POW
Observer: Oberleutnant Siegfried Hertel 58206/ Killed
Radio/Op: Unteroffizier Helmut Buhr 58208/ POW
Gunner : Major Martin Gutzmann 58208/ POW
REASON FOR LOSS:
Extract from A.I.1.(k) Report No.302/1940.
Aircraft released bombs and was on the return flight when one of the engines started to fail. It lagged behind the rest of the flight and was attacked by Spitfires from in front and behind. Both engines were put out of action and aircraft made a forced landing. In the aircraft was a target map of Hornchurch and an aerial photograph of Eastchurch Aerodrome.
From L to R; Uffz Schmoelzer, Oblt Hertel and Uffz Buhr
Pilot Uffz Schmoelzer
Uffz Buhr
Dornier Do 17 pictured after forced landing at Eastchurch (via D. King)
Burial detail:
Siegfried Hertel lies at the Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, Staffs. Row 1 Grave 440
