Date: 24th February 1942
Unit: 6 Staffel./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1
Type: Messerschmitt Bf110
Werke Nr.3737
Code: G9 + AP
Location: 3 km E of Bremen airfield, Germany.
Pilot: Leutnant. Hans-Jorg Birkenstock 60932/23 - Injured. Born 25.12.1919 in Darmstadt.
Radio/Op: Unteroffizier. Johann Weiker B65201/127 - Injured. Born 06.07.1922 in Krieglach/Steiermark.
Gunner: Oberfeldwebel. Gerhard Lange 1/ZG76/15 - Injured. Born 04.10.1914 in Strassburg.
REASON FOR LOSS:
Starboard engine caught fire shortly after take-off. Aircraft attempted to return to airfield but starboard wingtip hit the ground and aircraft crashed, all three crew members were injured.
Note: Hans-Jorg Birkenstock was later killed in action on the 19.05.44, during combat over St.Vith, 25 km S of Malmedy, Belgium in a Messerschmitt Bf110G-4 Wnr.730102 (2Z + BB) of I./NJG6.
Johann Weiker was also killed later in the war on the 20.10.43 in a Messerschmitt Bf110 of 4/NJG6.
Uffz. Johann Weiker + 20.10.1943 (Hall)
Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless and Steven Hall. February 2011
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