Date: 30/31st July 1944.
Time: 00.15 a.m.
Unit: 8 Staffel/Kampfgeschwader 54
Type: Junkers Ju 88A-4
Werke/Nr: Not known.
Code: B3 + ES
Location: Le Mesnil-Herman, France.
Pilot: Unteroffizier Horst Baumgart Missing
Observer: Obergefreiter Bruno Sitek Missing
Radio/Op: Obergefreiter Ernst Specht POW
Gunner : Unteroffizier Ernst Kaupa Missing
REASON FOR LOSS:
Personal account by Ernst Specht;
30.07.1944. On our first mission on this day, we flew from Eindhoven onto the Contentin Peninsula attacking the American supply lines and equipment that were around Saint Lo/Averanches.
We flew to Villacoublay, an airfield south-west of Paris for refuelling and to re-arm. We reported the motors were defective; lacking in power during the first mission to Normandy. They were repaired and tested by the mechanics, but we knew they were still not right. However, they had been checked and we were told to go.
We needed the whole runway to get off the ground. As we approached the target we began our climb. Instead of the 3000m we should have been flying at, we managed only 2000 metres in a long, slow climb.
Near Saint Lo there was some light anti-aircraft fire. We were hit shortly after midnight (00.15 a.m.)
I saw the left wing break away and the aircraft started to go into a spin. I did my job of releasing the canopy and then was able to get out. I parachuted to safety. I saw the explosion as the plane went into the ground. I called out for my colleagues, but there were no replies. I was taken prisoner by US troops. Later enquiries revealed the location of the aircraft to be 15 kms south of St Lo at Le Mesnil-Herman.
I have searched for a grave or memorial for the missing men, but so far I can find no record of them ever having been found. I gave details for the Red Cross when I was being interrogated in London, but never heard anything further.
This is the reason for this page, that they are remembered somewhere.
If anyone has any further information regarding this loss, especially if it concerns the burial of this crew we would very much like to hear from you. You can contact us through our contact pages.
"Happier Times" Ernst Specht, Bruno Sitek, Horst Baumgart & Ernst Kaupa on a night out. (via Specht)
Ernst standing in front of the Ju 88. It was taken at Manchingen, near Ingolstat. This is where the flying crews were formed up. (via Specht) Ernst pictured August 2009.
Burial details: Not known if any?
This page is dedicated to my missing comrades, Ernst Specht, August 2009. Compiled by Melvin Brownless (ARS) 2009
