This is one of three pre-production "Freidrich" issued to JG 51 for operational evaluation. Hauptman Herman-Friedrich Joppien, Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 51 also evaluates the aircraft.
The aircraft still bears the RLM Stammkennzeichen SG+GW.
Research notes
This is one of three pre-production "Freidrich" issued to JG 51 for operational evaluation. Hauptman Herman-Friedrich Joppien, Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 51 also evaluates the aircraft.
The aircraft still bears the RLM Stammkennzeichen SG+GW.
Fw Fritz Schewser, white 6 (5327) of 7/JG 54 crash lands his Bf 109E-4 on the south outskirts of Lyminge parish ("Meridan Farm") having had the oil radiator pierced by F/O Eric Thomas of 222 Sqn. He skids across the grass banging his head off the cockpit and armour plate.
As farm workers and troops enter the field he opens a fuel cock and soaks his his maps and papers before lighting a match in cupped hands and throwing the burning papers into the cockpit. He then moves a safe distance from the aircraft and waves a white handkerchief over his head. Thomas, circling overhead, witnesses the entire proceedings.
Reverand Williams later writes in the parish magazine:
Last month I watched a British airman force down a German fighter plane on the outskirts of the parish. The Englishman was merciful, as it seemed to me. He could have blown to pices the German pilot, but he withheld his fire when the Nazi was obviously beaten and was coming down. He afterwards circled round for some time to make sure of his 'bad', and then did something which fairly took my breath away - he quickly rolled his plane over in the air, as you might spin a tennis racket in your hand! It is, I believe, what the RAF call 'The Victory Roll'. Well, it struck me as typical of the national spirit which is overcoming all kinds of dangers and difficulties with courage and endurance in the full ardour of youth, until its efforts are crowned in Victory.
The Armed Forces High Command WFSt/Abt. L (I) Nr. 33 318/40 g.K.Chefs. Führer Headquarters 12 Oct. 1940 Fourteen Copies Top secret
The Führer has decided that preparations for the landing in Britain are to be kept up from now until spring, merely as a means of exerting political and military pressure.
Should a landing in Britain be decided on again in the spring or summer of 1941, the required degree of readiness will be ordered at the proper time. Until then the military dispositions for a later landing are to be further improved.
The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces High Command
signed: Keitel
News of the World front page headlines a letter to the editor:
Just let them come! The Germans are dropping troops by parachute. It is possible they will attempt to do this here as well! I speak for thousands, if not millions, of former soldiers who all know how to shoot. WE are tool old for active service, but we can handle a gun! Just let them come!
Mussolini orders preparations to begin for Contingency G and sets the start date of 26 October.
In a meeting Mussolini reveals his intention is to seize all of Greece as opposed to the currently planned limited occupation of territory adjacent to Albania.
Dowding and Park's tactics are criticised and the use of Big Wings is approved.
Place | Date | Time | Summary of Events | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
MANSTON. | 17.10.40 | 1545. | An enemy M.E.109 landed on the aerodrome after disablement in combat. The pilot was unhurt and was taken into custody. |
Contingency G is further postponed to 28 October.
Franco declares himself ready to join the war against Britain under the following conditions: Spain is rewarded with Gibraltar, French Morocco and Western Algeria; and military and economic aid is made available - particularly petroleum and wheat.
Hitler agreed but was concerned about committing French colonial interests to Spain as he hoped to promise parts of British West Africa to the Vichy government.
Spain continued to drag its heels and never served as a base against Gibraltar but did contribute forces to the German Eastern Front.