We know that Whirlwind P7095 (137 Sqn SF-H) was hit by flak on the 23rd Jan 1943 causing it to crash near Doullen. (Thanks Jerry Brewer) Sgt Brown apparently survived the crash but was later found dead…
Now P7095 or parts of it eventually went to Rechlin. Where no doubt reports were made.
Do these reports still exist or did the German garrison destroy everything before the Russians arrived in May 1945…?
By: MrBlueSky - 26th January 2009 at 23:20
Whether they are good, bad or just the plain ugly truth your answers are always a joy to read Niall!
I’m satisfied that if there were any reports made, they have long been consigned to histories dustbin… 🙁
I would be interested though in obtaining a copy of the article in question, was it very long? If you have time to find it Niall, could you let me know which issue it was in please.
I’m looking forward to your reply to my email!
Stuart
By: NiallC - 26th January 2009 at 22:05
. . or probably didn’t
Hi Stuart
I wouldn’t hold your breath on this one. Brown force-landed near Arras after being hit by flak while attacking a train near Doullens and, although the numerous photos of his aircraft post landing show what appears to have been a very survivable forced landing, was found postwar by MRES buried nearby.
The only assertion I’ve seen that any parts of the aircraft went to Erprobrungstelle Rechlin was in Jet and Prop back in the 90’s. I assume this was Jerry’s source. I can’t lay my hands on the article at the mo but it suggested that the cannon installation, cockpit and radio went to Rechlin and, as usual in magazine articles, offered no source for that information. The museum at Rechlin has no record of a Whirlwind or parts thereof ever going there – from their admittedly partial records. I suppose the other question you have to consider is why any of this material would be of interest to Rechlin in early ’43. By then the Hispano, the radio fit and the Whirlwind itself would surely have been seriously old hat. Although, as always, anything’s possible.
Niall
BTW. Thanks for your email on other matters. Still working on (lengthy) reply while stroking imaginary beard:-)
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January 25, 2009 at 6:41 pm