German – Messerschmitt Bf109D,

On August 18, a Messerschmitt Bf109 piloted by Lt. Julius Neumann crash-landed east of Wroxall at St. Martin’s Down. The aircraft was providing cover for several Stukas JU 87s when it collided with a Spitfire from 43 Squadron, with Squadron Leader “Jim” Hallowes taking credit for the kill. The historian Alfred Price put them in contact after the war, and they reportedly became very close friends.

Lieutenant Julius Neumann remained a prisoner of war for the duration of the war, but rejoined the new Luftwaffe after the war, eventually attaining the rank of Station Commander and Colonel. After communicating with a local Shanklin enthusiast, he returned to the island many years later to pinpoint the precise location of his mishap.

Image shows an Messerschmitt Bf109D on the ground under maintenance.

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

• http://www.luftwaffephotos.com/

• http://www.luftwaffephotos.com/
• 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)