Date: 24th August 1943
Time: 03.33 hours
Unit: 15 Staffel/Kampfgeschwader 2
Type: Messerschmitt Me 410A-1
Werke/Nr. 420214
Code: U5 + CF
Location: In Sea off Knokke.
Pilot: Hauptmann Wilhelm Schmitter (StKp) 73602/25 Safe unhurt (Born 18.12.1913 in Rheydt._
Radio/Op: Oberfeldwebel Heinz Graeber 73602/34 Wounded (Born 12.07.1918 in Berlin.)
NOTE: Both crew members were holders of the Ritterkreuz (Knights Cross)
REASON FOR LOSS:
Hptm Schmitter and his radio operator Ofw Heinz Graber shot down a Lancaster of 97 Squadron over Norfolk at 0300 hrs (see Intruders over Britain) while flying Me 410 U5 + CF Wnr. 420214. They were subsequently shot down off Knokke which ties with the claim of S/L Arbon and F/O Ashcroft of No. 29 Squadron who claimed an Me 210 10 miles north of Knokke at 0333hrs.. The Bf broke his legs baling out but both men were picked up by a Marine Unit from Zeebrugge. The Lancaster shot down was EE105 OF-Q of 97 (PFF) Squadron from Bourne, flown by Sgt C.S. Chatten and crew.
They diverted to Marham and were in the circuit there when a burst of fire from below and ahead hit them in the fuselage and starboard wing. Chatten was wounded in the legs and chest and the crew baled out, the aircraft crashing at Shouldham, Norfolk at 0319 hours.
Schmitter went missing in action with his new radio operator on the 08.11.43 when his Me 410 was shot down near Eastbourne.
Hauptmann Schmitter seen here as Feldwebel.
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