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Mission: Fighter bomber sortie, England.

Date: 15
th October 1940

Time: 9.20 a.m.

Unit: Stab I./Lehrgeschwader 2

Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7

Werke/Nr.3734

Code: < +

Location: Spruce Lawns, Elham, Kent, England.

Pilot: Leutnant. Ludwig Lenz. 53534/? – Killed. Born 25.09.1912.

REASON FOR LOSS:

During fighter action aircraft blew up in the air at comparatively low altitude and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. Presumably the aircraft was carrying a bomb which exploded on being hit. Markings: < in black with white stripe. Nose yellow.

This aircraft was flying a Jabo mission when, according to contemporary newspaper reports, a bullet from engaging R.A.F. fighters struck the bomb under the belly of his Messerschmitt. In the resulting explosion the cockpit and wing centre section were compressed to a thickness of eighteen inches, wreckage falling at Spruce Lawns, Elham. The engine, propeller and tail unit were scattered over a three mile area.

1 Lt Lenz Me 109E-7 Wnr.3734 15.10.40
The wrecked machine of Lt. Lenz at Spruce Lawns, Elham (Fox Photos).

2 Lt Lenz Me 109E-7 Wnr.3734 15.10.40
A soldier is busy cutting the German Cross from the starboard wing (Fox Photos)

3 Lt Lenz Me 109E-7 Wnr.3734 15.10.40cc4 Grave Lt. Lenz 15-10-40
The cockpit suffered some damage after the blast.

Burial detail: Folkestone Cemetery, Kent.

Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless. Special thanks to Nigel Parker. February 2014
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