Help Req'd; Luftwaffe a/crew member incident

o.k. Guys; could do with some research help here, if poss’ ?

Knowing as I do that answers to questions on here are usually answered in some detail & swiftly, too

I’m currently dating a Girl who’s (older) ‘best-mate’ is the stepdaughter of an Ex-Luftwaffe (W.W.II) aircrew member

Having spoken to both of them, it’s evident that they’re pretty clueless about his unit (or even a/c type), so over the last few days I’ve asked for info’ to try to narrow things down !

Apparently, the emotional-bond between stepdaughter & stepfather was VERY strong (she idolised him) & still gets upset talking about his passing, so I have to tread quite lightly, asking for info’

She’s stressed on numerous occasions (never wavering) that he was a pilot (rather than a Nav’ or W/op/A.G. etc) & also repeatedly stressed that he flew a single-seater (though given tonight’s information, I’m very sceptical)

I’ve asked for his ‘J.G’ (unit) number (assuming it was J.G.26 most likely, or J.G.52 possibly), but that isn’t known yet
Jayne told me on the phone that she DOES have some pix of him in his flying clothes (overalls/Helmet) & will scan/forward them when she see’s her Mum next

Well, until tonight, I’d assumed he was a ‘109 pilot… (I’ve been VERY careful about NOT putting words into her/their mouths, until I find out more), but my G/f sent me some text via MSN tonight (before going out to a party) & informs me that he was shot-down over the “Bay of Biscay” in 1943, which makes me think he’s MUCH more likely to be ‘Ex’- K.G.40 (Ju.88 aircrew) than he ever would be, in a ‘109…… (given the regular clashes between K.G.40 Ju.88’s against Coastal-Command Halifaxes, Whitleys, Sunderlands, Beaufighters & Mosquito’s……)

I can’t imagine an Me.109 schwarm venturing out TOO FAR into the ‘Bay’ itself, so I’m figuring he was something to do with a maritime-patrol unit (though I may stand corrected ?)

(Do.24’s & Ar.196’s, bring it on !!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:diablo:)

Anyhow…… so far, THE (scant) details I have are…….

Franz Gerlach ; “shot-down” or “force-landed” in the “Bay of Biscay”, 1943

I know he was interned in a British P.O.W. camp & upon release, chose to stay & settle in the U.K… rather than return to Germany…. (did he come from the ‘East’ern/Communist Bloc ‘over-run’ section of Germany & not wish to return ?)

I’m also informed, that when he died (in 1996) that a Guard of Honour was present from (nearby) RAF-Cottesmore at his funeral……..

Please understand that ALL this info’ has been passed on to me, so if it’s either slightly, or entirely “incorrect”, don’t blame me !!!!!!!!!!!! (Halo:D!)

If anyone knows ANYTHING; or can add to what I’ve been told, please “chime-up”

I’d like to know more……Like, what British a/c or ‘incident’ (engine failiure ?) might have caused him to come down in the Sea, & be captured = & esp’ would like to know WHAT a/c he was flying in (plus which K.G. or J.G. he was with at that time……(esp’ as I’m sceptical about him being a ‘109 pilot, in a predominantly “Maritime Patrol” area/combat zone)

‘Hornchurch’