Date: 7th January 1942
Time: 10.50 a.m.
Unit: 1 Staffel/Fernaufklaerungsgruppe 123
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7
Werke/Nr. 4970
Code: 4U + SH (White S)
Location: Mardle Wood, Buckfastleigh, Devon, England.
Pilot: Unteroffizier Kurt Thuene 69004/223 POW (Born 31.01.1920 in Hohenerxleben.)
REASON FOR LOSS:
On the 07.01.42 two photographic Me 109's, the 4U + RH and 4U + SH, took off from Haupertus at the same time with similar missions. They first circled the aerodrome, climbing to 6,000 feet and then set course for Plymouth. The two aircraft then became separated; the pilot of this aircraft flew over Devonport and then out to sea until he was just off Plymouth, when he turned towards the land and started up the camera to photograph the harbour and town.
Having completed this strip he flew on to complete his mission, which included photographing Exeter, and it was on this leg, when flying at 16,000 feet, that the engine stalled. The boost pressure dropped, the engine stopped and oil fumes entered the cockpit. The pilot scuttled the roof to clear the air and, his efforts to re-start the engine being unsuccessful, baled out from 6,000 feet.
Unteroffizier Kurt Thuene prisoner of war
