Date: 24/25th March 1943
Time: 00.30 hours
Unit: 5 Staffel/Kampfgeschwader 6
Type: Junkers Ju 88A-14
Werke/Nr. 144550
Code: 3E + MN
Location: 4 miles E of Earlston, SE of Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland.
Pilot: Oberleutnant Paul Rogge 73045/195 Killed (Born 05.01.1911 in Loetzen.)
Observer: Unteroffizier Ernst Glueck 73045/190 Killed (20.07.1920 in Geislingen.)
Radio/Op: Unteroffizier Karl Brinkmann 73045/191 Killed (14.09.1921 in Holzhausen.)
Gunner : Gefreiter Werner Walter 73045/197 Killed (12.10.1922 in Rathenow.)
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft is reported to have crashed due to unknown circumstances at 00.30 hours, all four aircrew were killed.
A.I.(g) Report No. 7/70 dated 28.03.43 states the following:
This aircraft crashed at 0030 hours on 25.03.43 at Earlston near Melrose, Berwickshire. Map Ref: U.0756. The cause of the crash is obscure.
The aircraft was heard flying fairly low and three witnesses stated that firing in the air was heard. It crashed and is almost entirely destroyed or buried, the crew being killed. There are no reports of an interception in this area at the time of the crash. No bullet strikes can be found in the wreckage. Identification markings; 3E + M (red), the works number is 4550. Engines; Jumo 211, these were buried but wooden propellers were traced. Armament; Appears to be normal for this sub-series of aircraft and included a 20 mm Oerlikon gun. Various equipment; Dive brakes were fitted and remains of a BZA 1 bombsight were located. There was evidence of a wireless FuG 10 but no opinion can be given as to whether a radio altimeter was carried or not. A Kutonase cable cutter of built in type was traced. It would appear from the wreckage examoned that this aircraft was quite new.
Signed, C. C. Wheeler S/Ldr.
Gefreiter Werner Walter killed in crash
Burial details:
Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, Staffs. England.
Oblt Paul Rogge Block 4 Row 9 Grave 124
Uffz Ernst Glueck Block 4 Row 9 Grave 123
Uffz Karl Brinkmann Block 4 Row 9 Grave 125
Gefr Werner Walter Burial details not found, not in Cannock Chase register, maybe buried locally? Perhaps a reader maybe able to supply further details?
