Date: 8th September 1941
Unit: 1.(F) / Aufklärungsgruppe 22.
Type: Junkers Ju 88
Werke/Nr. 1269
Code: 4N + KM
Location: Wolga-Saley, Russia.
Pilot: Feldwebel Rudolph Morgenstern Killed
Observer: Oberleutnant Horst Harlan Killed
Radio/Op: Feldwebel Martin Alheit Killed
Gunner: Gefreiter Robert Klotzbücher Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Failed to return from reconnaissance mission.
In memory of Rudi Morgenstern - killed in action (via Heather Gale)
Hauptmann Hensel
FELPOST Number : L01154
Luftwaffe Post Office Königsberg
Dear Mr Morgenstern,
On behalf of my squadron I regret to inform you today of the sad news that your son Rudolf did not return from a combat operation on September 8th.
Research about the whereabouts of the aircraft or cause of the loss have been in vain up to this date. Your son started the day in the morning around 10.30 am and flew with one of my most successful observers, Oberleutnant Harlan and had been assigned to do reconnaissance of railway yards in the Ladoga lake area. The other crew members who flew with him were Feldwebel Alheit, the radio operator and Gefreiter Klotzbücher, the gunner.
All together they were an experienced crew and were used to combat operations. I took them to their aircrraft myself that morning and had the opportunity to see their determined and confident faces. They did not return from that operation.
Mr Morgenstern! You are missing your son and so are the other crews. We miss him as an excellent and calm pilot, who was appreciated for his readiness and his knowledge, besides he was a brother of arms and a friend. We truly hope that you might get some consolation to hear that he escaped from enemy hands and that one day, thanks to our advancing troops he might be able to return to his unit. Not long ago, Officer Miersch, whose crew had been missing for 14 days, returned after having found his way back after a long trip through the woods. The hope that your son might have a similar destiny is still there and we are all clutching to this. As soon as I here anything confirmed about the whereabouts of the crew or the aircraft, I will keep you informed immediatley.
My thoughts are with you and I am sharing the sorrow that rests on your shoulders with you,
Sincerely yours
(signature) Hensel
Translated from the original by R.Immerzeel.
Rudi's pilot certificate dated 27.07.1940. Rudi Morgenstern pictured during training in a Junkers W34
Rudi pictured with a Dornier Do 17, unidentified comrade and dog
Pilot Rudolph Morgenstern
With special thanks to the niece of Rudi (Heather Gale) who kindly supplied the photographs & document in memory of her uncle.
We would also like to thank our friend in France, Remco Immerzeel for the translation of German documents. Our society would like to hear from anyone who can add any further details regarding this aircraft & crew loss, any information would be greatly appreciated by us and the relatives of Rudi. (Melvin Brownless 28.09.2008)
Burial details: It is believed that Rudolph (Rudi) Morgenstern was laid to rest at Pustinlakhti, a small village situated at the extreme north end of Lake Ladoga,193km north northeast of St. Petersburg. (If anyone has any further details regarding the burial of Rudolph and his comrades please contact us).
