Ref Number: 00224
St Martins Down claims 4 victims on the 7th February 1943...
Ref Number: 00224
St Martin’s Down claimed 4 victims on 7th February 1943.
A Dornier was on a mine laying operation in the south-east reaches off St Catherine’s. It then turned inland and for some reason dropped its last mine low over Appledurcombe House (country seat of the Worsley family) which was badly burned for many hours and was totally gutted.
The aircraft may have been trying to lose weight and perhaps that’s why it jettisoned a mine, as it was at rooftop height flying over the village at Wroxall Farm. This height was fatal, heading directly for St Martin’s and having no chance to clear it. The Dornier thus crashed into St Martin’s Down, killing all on board.
The crew were F/W Salz, Jendis, Groschel and Teubner. They are now rest at the Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, in Staffs.
(The crew of the Dornier Do 217. F/W Salz stands 3rd from left.)
(The route they took and eventually crashed.)
Note: Images of the aircraft displayed reflect the type of aircraft and are not those of the specific.
