Crash Site Messerschmidt Bf109 G-6

On 30 January 1944, a German Messerschmidt Bf109 crashed here, half on land and half in the water of De Hank. Together with other Messerschmidts, the aircraft was hunting a large group of American B17 bombers that were on their way to Germany. It turned out to be a bad day for the Luftwaffe. The bombers were escorted by more than 600 fighter planes that engaged in combat. No fewer than 25 Messerschmidts were lost that day, including this one. This is probably the Bf109, G410213 of 7./JG1, flown by G. Graf zu Ortenburg. He is listed as missing in action.

The pilot is believed to have remained in the aircraft. Searches have been conducted over the years and wreckage has been recovered, but the pilot's remains have not been found. His identity is also not 100% certain.

This is probably the Bf109, G410213 from 7./JG1 flown by G. Graf zu Ortenburg. He is listed as missing. In August/September, the Defence Identification and Recovery Service will begin recovering the aircraft, which lies 4-6 metres deep in the ground.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Goran Terzic (1), Jan de Jager (2)
• - https://www.verliesregister.studiegroepluchtoorlog.nl/ahome/lossregister/results?aircraft=Bf+109&sglo=&date=30-01-44&location=&pn=&unit=&name=&cemetery=&airforceP=&target=&province=&airfield=