The Heinkel He111 of Leros, shot down on 14 November 1943

On 14 November 1943, the crews of two 46 Squadron Beaufighters, Flight Lieutenant D. J. A. Crerar (pilot) with Pilot Officer L. Charles, and Flying Officer B. F. Wild (pilot) together with Flight Sergeant R. W. Gibbons, shared in the destruction of a Heinkel He 111H (8011/6N+EP) of II./K.G. 100. This was shot down north of Leros with the loss of Gefreiter Helmut Grundke (air-gunner).

READ MORE HERE: Leros Island, 1943: The underwater museum of WW2 aircraft wrecks and shipwrecks

According to researcher Byron Tesapsides the crew of this ill fated He 111H (6N+EP, W.Nr. 8011) was: Pilot Uffz. Walter Pink, Fw. Kurt Bruder (MIA), BF. Fw. Johann Sonnenschein (wounded), BS. Uffz. Helmut Grundke (KIA)

READ MORE HERE: Autumn 1943: Operation "Taifun", the Battle for Leros, the tragic end of the LRDG and the defeat of the British

The fuselage of the He111 at Panteli beach, Leros in 2013. Shortly afterwards the wreck disappeared. Photo Credit: Andrew Clark

READ MORE HERE: WW2 German aircraft shot down in 1943 recovered in Leros

Part of the He111 still remains at a depth of 16 metres and is a popular diving site in Leros.
Photo Credit: http://is-expl.com/explorations/12

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