REASON FOR LOSS:

Shot down in combat possibly the victim of the guns of S/L Peter Townsend. Crash site excavated by the Brenzett Aeronautical Museum in 1974. Daimler-Benz DB601 engine recovered together with undercarriage, tail wheel and a pair of Luftwaffe flying boots from storage locker. Also investigated by Steve Vizard who recovered many items including a plate inscribed Bf 109.

CRASHED ENEMY AIRCRAFT: A.I.2.(g)Report No. 3/49/1940;

Me 109E crashed at Alkham between Folkestone and Dover on the 28/8 at 16.55 hours. Cause of crash due to fighter action, aircraft dived into the ground on fire and was totally destroyed. No markings visible. Fuselage plate shows constructed by Erla 8/109/38.

Oberfeldwebel Artur Dau shortly after capture (IWM)


Artur also gets a drink on that hot August day (IWM)

Note: We have recently been contacted by Mr. David Clark regarding this incident, David informs us that his father Harold A Clark was also at the scene when Artur Dau was captured, below is David's report:

My father Harold A Clark, was part of a REME workshop group,( 6th Anti aircraft Workshop Company) based at Kearsney Abbey, near Dover. Being the nearest unoccupied detachment they were sent out to collect the downed pilot Artur Dau.

The names of the locals were given to me by a chap we located , who was aged 15 at the time, and cycled up to where the pilot landed to see what was going on. We went down to Dover and found the site by details and the powerlines in one of the photos, Apparently about 4 were taken, and appeared in the News Chronicle. I have two of them.

It is definitely this particular he said, describing him as a much older man, and having a pair of boots rather than shoes. He saw the pilot parachute open, Initially the chap was being blown out seawards,then a lower altitude wind blew him back inland. Dad said the pilot was shaking like a leaf, and unable to light a fag, which was done for him. The guys with the rifles slung forwards are probably home guard, the regular troops carry the rifle slung correctly to the rear.

Another photo from David shows who was at the scene of capture. (Clarke)


David Clarke proudly stands in the exact spot where his father was involved in the capture! (Clarke)

Researched by Melvin Brownless A R Society with thanks to David Clarke for his excellent contribution. May 2012.