German – Messerschmitt Bf110 U8 + HH

After receiving heavy anti-aircraft fire during a bomber escort over Southampton, the plane continued flying over the island until it could go no further. The pilot and crew, consisting of FWs Rohde and Feber, were able to actively stll engage the enemy as it continued to head for home aircraft halfway across the island, however it was progressively losing altitude.

It was eventually compelled to attempt a landing or a controlled crash at Bleakdown, just beyond The Chequers pub in Rookley. Local personnel then secured the aircraft, removing the set time fuse that the crew had attempted to set in order to blow the aircraft so it cant be investigated.

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)