Date: 5th September 1940
Time: 4.15 p.m.
Unit: 5 Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 27
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1
Werke/Nr. 3627
Code: Unknown
Location: Near Appledore Station, Kent.
Pilot: Oberleutnant Helmut Thomas Strobl 53537/4 Age.25 Missing Born 05.09.1915 in Spittal. (1)
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was shot down in combat over Tenterden, Kent by Sgt C. A. L. Hurry in a Hurricane P3386 of No.43 Squadron. Aircraft crashed and burned out at Appledore Station.
Note: This site was excavated by the Brenzett Aeronautical Museum which recovered major components, remains of shattered airframe, armour plate and pilots Iron Cross together with makers plate confirming aircraft identity. Items now in the Hawkinge Aeronautical Trust collection.
Site re-excavated by Steve Vizard in 1978 and makers labels and oxygen apparatus unearthed.
Subsequently excavated by local enthusiast Andy Cresswell on the 46th anniversary of the crash. Many items including control column and aircraft main identity plate bearing 3627 discovered. Identity disc and remains of pilot also unearthed and surrendered to the authorities.
Oblt Helmut Strobl missing for 46 years in his aircraft
(1)
Burial detail:
Recovered 05.09.1986.
Remains returned to his home town in Austria and laid to rest in the Kolbnitz Cemetery.
