Date: 10th July 1941
Time: 1.40 p.m
Unit: Stab I / Jagdgeschwader 26 Schlageterì
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2
Werke/Nr. 12764
Location: St. Margarets Bay, near Dover, Kent.
Pilot: Hauptmann (Kmdr) Rolf Pingel POW (26 victories and holder of the Knights Cross - 14.09.40)
REASON FOR LOSS
This aircraft was shot down by Spitfires whilst attacking a number od Short Stirling bombers returning from a mission.
The attack by the Spitfires rendered his engine damaged, with both oil and water tempertures rising at an alarming rate it was impossible for him to return across the Channel. The only alternativewould be to try and reach the English coast.
On reaching Dover he succeded in making a landing in a cornfield near to St. Margarets Bay. Rolf climbed out and was about to set fire to the aircraft, when a detachment of the local Home Guard arrived on the scene and took him prisoner.
His Messerschmitt Bf 109F was the first example to be captured intact. It was repaired and evaluated by the RAF with its new serial number ES906. The aircraft was eventually 100% destroyed on the 20th October 1941 killing its Polish pilot F/O J. Skalski.
Hauptmann Rolf Pingel with Bf109E, Wissant, France September 1940
Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2 Wnr.12764 after capture
Burial detail: None - pilot captured unhurt and taken prisoner.
