German – Dornier DO217e U5 + GP

St Martin’s Down claimed another victim 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 the down killing all on board. The crew were F/W Salt Uffz Jendis, Gefr’s Groschel and Teubner.

Note: Images of the aircraft displayed reflect the type of aircraft and are not those of the specific.

• Images St Martins Down – Sources: Chris Cole (IOW Images )
• All images are of similar aircraft and not the specific plane in question.
• Wight Air Wrecks – A T Gilliam ISBN 0-7524-2376-2
• Battle in the Skies – H J Leal (IWCP)