Date: 5th September 1940
Time: 10.10 a.m.
Unit: Stab II/Jagdgeschwader 3
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4
Werke/Nr. 1480
Coded: < + -
Location: Winchet Hill, Love's Farm, Marden, Kent, England.
Pilot: Oberleutnant Franz von Werra (Gruppe Adjutant) Captured unhurt.
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was damaged in combat possibly by P/O G. H. Bennions of No. 41 Squadron, during diversionary fighter sweep over Kent.
Disengaged but pursued and eventually brought down by P/O B. G. Stapleton of No. 603 Squadron. Me 109 forced-landed at Winchet Hill. The pilot, Oberleutnant Franz von Werra succeded in returning to Germany after his escape from Canada to the United States in 1941.
Famously known as the ONE THAT GOT AWAY!
A.I.2.(g) Report 1940
Me 109. Forced landed at Love's Farm, Marden, Kent on 05.09.40. Markings < + - black, outlines in white. Crest: Shield U-shaped, outlined in red, divided into 8 segments coloured black and white. Wing tip and rudder painted white, camouflage all blue, fuselage all blue. Spinner divided into alternate black and white sectors. Fitted with Bd601A engine made by Mercedes Benz Erke Nr.10598. Aircraft forced landed following fighter action. Condition reported to be very good. Standard armament x 2 20 mm cannon and x 2 MG 17 machine guns. No head armour.. Starboard wing shows many .303 strikes.
Messerschmitt of von Werra under guard
Previous victories seen on the tail of the Messerschmitt
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