Operation: Escort sortie. England

Date: 09th September 1940 (Monday)

Time: 17:45 hrs

Unit: Stab I/Jagdgeschwader 27

Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4

Werke/Nr. 1394

Location: Knowle Farm, Mayfield, Sussex, England

Pilot: Oberleutnant Gunther Bode 60324 (Gruppe Adjutant) PoW

REASON FOR LOSS

Radiator damaged in fighter attack and the engine overheated trying to reach the coast and force-landed at Knowle Farm.

Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 Wnr.1394 with camouflaged netting to prevent it being destroyed from the air by German fighters (via Hall)

A.I.1.(k) Report No. 497/1940:

This pilot had a slip of paper with the R/T call signs for the day, which were identical to those mentioned in A.I.1.(k) Report No.484/1940.

The shield has previously been identified with JG27.

They were flying at about 16,000 feet when one or two Spitfires suddenly appeared above them. This aircraft was shot through the radiator by the first burst and immediately turned for home. The engine started to overheat, and the pilot made a forced landing. At the time of the combat, they were fairly near to London, but could not see it because there was a slight mist.

A.I.2.(g) Report ñ 1940

Me 109 crashed at Knowle Farm, Mayfield, 10 miles south of Tunbridge Wells on the 9.9.40. Yellow nose and rudder, crest on the nose, yellow jaguar's head with smiling negress wearing a white earring. Aircraft constructed by Erla M.W.Leipzig, Wnr.1394 dated 22nd November 1939.
Fitted with DB601A engine, coloured plate on the front of engine bore letters HMF. These letters were in the middle of a six-pointed star. Engine plate showed Mercedes Benz Daimler Benz A.G. Wnr. 90 Berlin Marienfeld. Series number 11366. Following fighter action, it appears the engine failed. Aircraft in good condition except for damaged undercarriage. Standard armament. No bombing gear. Standard bulkhead, but no head protection for the pilot who was taken, prisoner. Petrol 88 Octane. Instruments standard.

Burial detail:

None, captured unhurt and taken prisoner

Courtesy Kracker Archive