Schmitter

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=200 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="0ecc8c00dvldtc.jpg"> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="back"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kampfgeschwader"><U><B>BACK</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=60 BGCOLOR="#333300" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Major Wilhelm Schmitter</B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=420 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#444444" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8f1186f0.jpg" border=0 width="280" height="367" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Oberleutnant Wilhelm Schmitter ca. late 1942</B></div> <div> <B>Born:</B></div> <div> 18 December 1913 in Rheydt, Rheinland</div> <bR> <div> <B>Units:</B></div> <div> 00.00.00-30.11.34   1./II. Marine Artillerie Abteilung Kiel</div> <div> 01.12.34-15.01.35   Fliegergruppe A.F.S. Warnemünde</div> <div> 16.01.35-14.07.35   ???</div> <div> 15.07.35-15.09.35   Fliegerschule I Warnemünde</div> <div> 16.09.35-31.01.36   Fliegerstaffel List auf Sylt</div> <div> 01.02.36-14.04.36   Fliegerstaffel Schleswig</div> <div> 15.04.36-30.09.36   Fliegerschule (See) Stettin</div> <div> 01.10.36-01.02.37   2./Fliegerschule Warnemünde</div> <div> 02.02.37-20.03.37   1./Fliegerschule (See) Neumünster</div> <div> 21.03.37-30.04.37   2./Fliegerschule Warnemünde</div> <div> 01.05.37-01.10.37   Fliegerwaffenschule Bug am Rügen</div> <div> 02.10.37-31.03.39   Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206, Nest</div> <div> 01.04.39-30.06.39   Flugzeugführerschule (See) Pütnitz</div> <div> 01.07.39-30.10.39   Küstenflieger Staffel 1/706, Nest</div> <div> 01.11.39-14.02.40   Küstenflieger Staffel 1/906, Pillau</div> <div> 15.02.40-27.04.40   Luftkriegsschule 3 (Lehrgang für Kriegsoffizier-nachwuchs)</div> <div> 27.04.40-10.02.41   Küstenflieger Staffel 1/906, Pillau</div> <div> 11.02.41-15.07.41   I. /Kampfgeschwader 40</div> <div> 16.07.41-19.06.43   II. /Kampfgeschwader 40 </div> <div> 20.06.43-08.11.43   V. /Kampfgeschwader 2, 15 Staffel</div> <div> <IMG SRC="43419260.jpg" border=0 width="793" height="550" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Pages 2 and 3 from Schmitter's Wehrpas.</B></div> <div> <B>Rank:</B></div> <div> 01.07.33   Matrose</div> <div> 19.03.34   Unteroffiziersanwärter</div> <div> 01.10.34   Oberheizer</div> <div> 01.02.35   Unterwart</div> <div> 01.10.35   Obergefreiter</div> <div> 01.11.37   Unteroffizier</div> <div> 01.12.38   Feldwebel</div> <div> 22.04.40   Ernennung zum Kreigsoffizeranwärter</div> <div> 01.08.40   Oberfeldwebel</div> <div> 01.11.40   Leutnant (<B>Kr. O</B>) - RDA vom 01.07.39</div> <div> 01.09.42   Oberleutnant (<B>Kr. O</B>) - RDA vom 01.07.40 (158)</div> <div> 01.12.42   Überfuhrt als Truppenoffizer m. RDA vom 01.07.40 (158)</div> <div> 01.03.43   Hauptmann (<B>126</B>)</div> <div> 01.11.43   Major (<B>117</B>)</div> <bR> <div> <B>Awards:</B></div> <div> 00.00.00   Reichssportabzeichen in Bronze (Reich Sports Badge in Bronze)</div> <div> 00.00.00   Flugzeugführerabzeichen (Pilots Badge)</div> <div> 01.07.38   Dienstauszeichnung IV. Klasse (Long Service Award 4th Class)</div> <div> 00.11.39   Medaille Zur Erinnerung an Die Heimkehr Des Memellandes (Commemorative medal for the return of the Memel District)</div> <div> 12.11.39   Medaille Zur Erinnerung An Den 1. Oktober 1938 (Commemerative Medal of 1.10.38)</div> <div> 16.05.40   Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) </div> <div> 03.01.41   Eiserne Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st Class)</div> <div> 05.01.42   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ehrenpokal fur besondere Leistung im Luftkreig</B></FONT> (Honor Goblet)</div> <div> 16.02.42   Frontflug-Spange für Kampfflieger in Gold (Operational flying clasp in Gold for fighters)</div> <div> 18.05.42   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Deutsches Kreuz in Gold</B></FONT> (German Cross in Gold)</div> <div> 16.07.42   Verwundeten-Abzeichen in Schwartz (Wound Badge in Black)</div> <div> 19.09.42   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ritterskreuz des Eisernes Kreuz</B></FONT> (Knights Cross of the Iron Cross)</div> <div> 24.03.44   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ritterskreuz des Eisernes Kreuz Mit Eichenlaub </B></FONT>(Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>No. 432</B></FONT>)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>*</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>*</B>  Posthumous awarding</div> <div> <IMG SRC="57e19300.jpg" border=0 width="793" height="560" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Under Construction</B></div> <div> <B>History:</B></div> <div> <B>1933</B></div> <div> <I><B>1 July 33</B></I></div> <div> Matrose Wilhelm Schmitter enters the Reichsmarine and is posted to the 1./II. Marine Artillerie Abteilung Kiel.</div> <div> <I><B>29 September 33</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter serves aboard the World War 1 battleship Schleswig Holstein which at that time was serving as the flagship of the German Navy. He would serve aboard this vessel until 15 May 1934.</div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a2d58a40.jpg" border=0 width="600" height="420" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>SMS </B><B>Schleswig-Holstein</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>1934</B></div> <div> <I><B>19 March 34</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter becomes an Unteroffiziersanwärter (non-commissioned officer candidate).</div> <div> <I><B>15 May 34</B></I></div> <div> Unteroffiziersanwärter Schmitter leaves the SMS Schleswig Holstein.</div> <div> <I><B>1 October 34</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Oberheizer.</div> <div> <I><B>1 December 34</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter leaves the Kriegsmarine and is transferred to the Deutscher Luftsportverband the forerunner of the soon to be unveiled Luftwaffe. His inital posting is to Fliegergruppe A.F.S. Warnemünde where he will begin his training to become a Bordmeckaniker.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1935</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8aa2cd10.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="465" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A youthful Oberflieger Wilhelm Schmitter. ca. 1935</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 February 35 </B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Unterwart.</div> <div> <I><B>9 March 35 </B></I></div> <div> Hermann Göring officially announced the existence of a Luftwaffe and the <I>D.L.V.</I> (Deutscher Luftsportverband) was not needed any longer. </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 September 35   </B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is posted to Fliegerstaffel List auf Sylt.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 October 35   </B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Obergefreiter</div> <div> <B>1936</B></div> <div> <I><B>1 February 36</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is posted to Fliegerstaffel Schleswig</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>15 April 36</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is posted to Fliegerschule (See) Stettin</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 October 36</B></I></div> <div> Obergefrieter Schmitter continues his training and is posted to 2./Fliegerschule Warnemünde</div> <bR> <div> <B>1937</B></div> <div> <I><B>2 February 37 - 1 October 37</B></I></div> <div> During this timeframe Schmitter undergoes additional training serving with 1./Fliegerschule (See) Neumünster, 2./Fliegerschule Warnemünde and Fliegerwaffenschule Bug am Rügen.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>2 October 37</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" > </FONT></div> <div> Obergefreiter Schmitter is posted to Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206, Nest</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="93d8a1e0.jpg" border=0 width="650" height="286" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A He.60C of Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206. ca. 1938-39</B><I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>1</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>1 November 37</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Unteroffizier.</div> <div> <B>1938</B></div> <div> <I><B>1 October 38</B></I></div> <div> Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206 participates in the return of the Sudetenland to Germany and the ensuing annexation of the balance of Czechoslovakia.</div> <div> <I><B>1 December 38</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Feldwebel.</div> <div> <B>1939</B></div> <div> <I><B>22 March 39</B></I></div> <div> Germany annexes the District of Memel from Lithuania in the final bloodless action before World War 2. On March 23rd a peaceful occupation of the city and district was carried out by German troops who debarked by ship. It is presumed that  Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206 is part of the "show of force" assembled by the Germans to pacify any thoughts of resisting the annexation of Memel.  </div> <div> <I><B>1 April 39</B></I></div> <div> Feldwebel Schmitter is transferred to Flugzeugführerschule (See) Pütnitz where he will begin his training to become a pilot. Within three months Schmitter completed his flight training and was again posted to an operational unit.</div> <div> <I><B>1 September 39</B></I></div> <div> Invasion of Poland, Küstenflieger Staffel 1/706 starts the war based in Nest flying He.60's.</div> <div> <I><B>3 September 39</B></I></div> <div> In a combination of 35 sorties, KüFlGr. 506 and 706 had succeeded in sinking several Polish naval vessels and severely damaging the coastal installations at Hela, a task the Ju87 equipped 4./Trägergruppe 186 had failed to accomplish.</div> <div> <I><B>September 39 - April 40</B></I></div> <div> During this timeframe Feldwebel Schmitter takes part in 26 front flights while serving with Küstenflieger Staffel 1/206, Nest,Küstenflieger Staffel 1/706, Nest and Küstenflieger Staffel 1/906, Pillau respectively. Between 1 April 39 through 30 June 39 Schmitter undergoes additional flight training with Flugzeugführerschule (See) Pütnitz. </div> <bR> <div> The missions during this period consisted of submarine hunting, reconnaissance against Polish detroyers, coastal reconnaissance near the Hela peninsula and commerce warefare against Allied shipping including setting afire the <U>Steamer Vera</U>. The aircraft flown by the units during this period consisted of a mix of single engined He.59, He.60 and He.114's. (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>1-26</B></FONT>)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>November 39</B></I></div> <div> Feldwebel Schmitter is one of 31,322 recipients of the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Medaille Zur Erinnerung an Die Heimkehr Des Memellandes</FONT> (Commemorative medal for the return of the Memel District) for his part in the action to annex the city/district of Memel.</div> <div> <I><B>12 November 39</B></I></div> <div>  For his units involvement in the return of the Sudetenland to Germany Feldwebel Schmitter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Medaille Zur Erinnerung An Den 1. Oktober 1938</FONT> (Commemerative Medal of 1.10.38).</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="93e6b6d0.jpg" border=0 width="875" height="365" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A He.115C-1 of </B><B>Küstenflieger Staffel 906. ca.1940</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>2</I></FONT></div> <div> <B>1940</B></div> <div> <I><B>15 February 40</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is temporarily attached to Luftkriegsschule 3 (Wildpark/Werder) to participate in a three (3) week training course for officers</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25 April 40</B></I></div> <div> Feldwebel Schmitter receives a character evaluation from Luftkriegsschule 3 (Wildpark/Werder) while participating in a three (3) week training course for officers. His evaluation is as follows:</div> <div> 1. Personal disposition:</div> <div> 2. Character evaluation: outstanding character, however otherwise injects his opinions</div> <div> 3. Mental assessment:: participates in discussions and has an honest and genuine effect</div> <div> 4. Military assessment:: good, very capable soldier, strong and correct, participates in discussions</div> <div> 5. Physical assessment:: average build, good posture and physical stature, athletic build, good mix</div> <div> 6. Suitability flying: suitable </div> <div> 7. Occupational assignment:: pilot, flight instructor or flight training official</div> <div> 8. Flying training: overland/oversea</div> <div> 9. Suitability: wartime officer</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a4ccfa50.jpg" border=0 width="975" height="677" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>27 April 40</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is reassigned to Küstenflieger Staffel 1/906, Pillau the flying He. 115's from bases in Aalborg-See.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>May 40 - September 40</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >During this timeframe Schmitter and his crew flying primarily He.115's logged 60 front flights (feindefliege). Their missions consisted of taking part in a variety of activites including submarine hunting, convoy air cover in Skagarak (Geleitzugsicherung), reconnaissance over the North Sea as well as transport flights to Norway. In addition this period saw Schmitter's crew attacked three times by Bristol Bleinheims and three times by Lockheed Hudson's.  (</FONT>feindflug no.<B>27</B><B>-</B><B>87</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 May 40</B></I></div> <div> Likely in recognition of his more than 27 operational sorties Schmitter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse</FONT> (Iron Cross 2nd Class)</div> <div> <I><B>1 August 40</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Oberfeldwebel.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a2ffa450.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="325" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Schmitter. Fall 1940</B></div> <div> <I><B>October 40 -  February 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>88-109</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 November 40</B></I></div> <div> Oberfeldwebel Schmitter receives his commission and is promoted to the rank of Leutnant (<B>Kriegsoffizier</B>)</div> <div> <B>1941</B></div> <div> <I><B>3 January 41</B></I></div> <div> Following approximately 100 front flights Schmitter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Eiserne Kreuz 1. Klasse</FONT> (Iron Cross 1st Class).</div> <div> <IMG SRC="a6d589f0.jpg" border=0 width="600" height="415" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Schmitter (standing back to camera) taking a motor launch out to his He.115C-1 of Küstenflieger Staffel 906</B></div> <div> <I><B>8 February 41</B></I></div> <div> Leutnant Schmitter receives an evaluation or status report:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a9bcf750.jpg" border=0 width="975" height="629" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Leutnant Schmitter status report:</B></div> <div> <I><B>Early 41</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="a5e77210.jpg" border=0 width="375" height="545" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Schmitter's linen instrument flying license.  ca. Early 41</B></div> <div> <I><B>11 February 41</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is transferred to I./Kampfgeschwader 40 then flying from bases in Bordeaux-Merignac and subordinated to the 9. Flieger-Division. At the time of his transfer I. Gruppe was flying armed reconnaissance over the Atlantic and had been credited with the sinking of 363,000 tons of Allied shipping.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Early April 41</B></I></div> <div> The I./Kampfgeschwader 40 becomes part of Fliegerführer Atlantik.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>3 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>110</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>6 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>111</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>13 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>112</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>20 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>113</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>22 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>114</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>28/29 May 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>115</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a4f8a4a0.jpg" border=0 width="650" height="586" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 June 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>116</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>5 June 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>117</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>9 June 41</B></I></div> <div> At 01:02 hours Leutnant Schmitter and crew take off from there base in Oslo, Norway flying a He.111H. There mission is to fly an armed reconnaissance mission (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>118</B></FONT>) into the North Atlantic. During their mission Schmitter and his crew attack and sink the 1852 BRT Finnish Steamer "Fenix". The Finnish steamer is sunk in the area of 61-56N, 12-14W. One crewman was lost on the steamer.Total flight time 12 hours 3 minutes.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3,6</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>20 June 41</B></I></div> <div> At 00:00 hours Leutnant Schmitter and crew take off from there base in Vannes, France flying a He.111H. They again fly an armed reconnaissance mission (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>119</B></FONT>) into the North Atlantic. Total flight time 13 hours 23 minutes.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>26 June 41</B></I></div> <div> Again flying a He.111from Vannes Schmitter undertakes an armed reconnaissance and weather reporting mission (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>120</B></FONT>). Total flight time 12 hours 10 minutes hours.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>1 July 41</B></I></div> <div> Leutnant Schmitter and his crew flying a He.111 take off at 04:14 hours from their base in Bordeaux-Merignac to undertake a long range reconnaissance and weather collecting mission into the North Atlantic. Their mission takes them into the area of the Altantic just west of Ireland before returning to their base<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >. </FONT>On their return trip Schmitter and his crew encounter a Lockheed Hudson IV of RAF Coastal Command in the vicinity of the Brest Peninsular.. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a3cfa1e0.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="286" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>RAF Pilot Officer John Bendix</B></div> <bR> <div> The Hudson, flown by pilot officer John Bendix of 206 Squadron was flying a cross over patrol from their base in St. Eval. It would appear that Schmitter came across the Hudson and took P/O Bendix and his crew by surprise. This is reflected in the letter written to Bendix family by 206 Squadron Wing Commander who wrote <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>"..I regret to inform you that no further news has been received of your son, nor in fact of any member of his crew, niether is there any record of any unusual wireless messages having been received from his aircraft during his last patrol. We believe that the aircraft, of which your son was captain was shot down by enemy fighters while carrying out a patrol in the vicinity of the Brest Peninsular, this would account for the lack of wireless messages since the Wireless operator would be manning a gun station at the time.."  </I></FONT>This presupposes that Bendix wireless operator/air gunner needed to man his weapon immediately versus relay a message of incoming hostile aircraft.. Schmitter did record this victory in his Leistungsbuch (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>1st</B> victory</FONT>) which would be his first of four aerial victories.(<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>121</B></FONT>)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3,4</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Lost:are:</U></B></div> <div> 206 Squadronn Hudson IV AE609 VX-U</div> <bR> <div> P/O John Bendix </div> <div> P/O Ian Maxwell Strachan (aged 23) </div> <div> Sgt Douglas Harry Smith (aged 20) </div> <div> Sgt John Fulford Smith </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 July 41</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is transferred to II./Kampfgeschwader 40 which was operating from bases in Cognac and serving under Fliegerführer Atlantik.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a456b000.jpg" border=0 width="875" height="256" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>A Do. 217 E-1 of II. KG 40 with the pale grey paint scheme as flown by Leutnant Schmitter. Autumn 41</B>(profile art by Thomas Tullis) <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>5  </I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>7 September 41</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Following a two (2) month training period in Germany for instruction on the flying characterisitcs of the newly operational Do. 217, Schmitter is again posted to Kampfgeschwader 40. At the time of his reposting Schmitter serves with the II. Gruppe then based in Soesterberg, Holland. The units primary role at the time was flying missions over Southern England.(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>122</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6b6b1b0.jpg" border=0 width="875" height="283" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <B>Two images showing Schmitters pale grey Do. 217 E-1 of II. KG 40. Schmitter is seen leaving his aircraft in the image at right.</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>  </I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25 September 41</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter suffers a concussion and broken pelvis as the result of an automobile accident.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#999900" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a71f48d0.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="397" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>As if combat was not hazardous enough.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>1942</B></div> <div> <I><B>5 January 42</B></I></div> <div> After 122 front flights and numerous meritorius feats Schmitter receives the coveted <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ehrenpokal fur besondere Leistung im Luftkreig</B></FONT> (Honor Goblet)</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>14 February 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>123</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 February 42</B></I></div> <div> In recognition of his 123rd frontline flights Leutnant Schmitter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Frontflug-Spange für Kampfflieger in Gold</FONT> (Operational flying clasp in Gold for fighters)</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>17 February 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>124</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>28 February 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>125</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>9 March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>126</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>13 March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>127</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>22 March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>128</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>23 March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>129</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>130</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25March 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>131</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Early April 42</B></I></div> <div> Following a period of relative clam since the beginning of 1942, actions by the Luftwaffe are increased following a destructive RAF attack on the city of Lübeck.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>2 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>132</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>3 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>133</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>6 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>134</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>17 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>135</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>18 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>136</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>23 April 42</B></I></div> <div> The first attack in the new series of raids took place on the night of 23/24 April when some 40 aircraft, Do. 217's of KG 2 (KG 40), Ju 88's of Kampfgruppe 106 and a few He 111's of I./KG 100 raid Exeter. Schmitter and his crew take part in this action and begin their mission at 22:28 hours. At the time of the raid the sky was overcast, and as a resultthe bombs fell over a wide area. Only one aircraft hits the target during the raid which kills five people, injures eight and causes varying degrees of damage to more than one hundred houses. At 01:16 hours on the 24th Schmitter and his crew return from their mission. (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>137.</B></FONT>)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>138</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>139</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>26 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>140</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>26 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>141</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>29 April 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>142</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>9 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>143</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>18 May 42</B></I></div> <div> After 143 front flights Leutnant Schmitter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Deutsches Kreuz in Gold</B></FONT> (German Cross in Gold).</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>19 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>144</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>145</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>146</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>27 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>147</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>29 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>148</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>30 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>149</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>31 May 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>150</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>2 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>151</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>4 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>152</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>4 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>153</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>6 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>154</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>9 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>155</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>9 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>156</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>10 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>157</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>13 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>158</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>14 June42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>159</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>15 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>160</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>21June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>161</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>162</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>27 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>163</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>27</B></I><I><B> June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>164</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>29  June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>165</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>30 June 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>166</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>2 July 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>167</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>7 July 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>168</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>7 July 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>169</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>12 July 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>170</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 July 42</B></I></div> <div> Taking off at 04:45 hours Schmitter and his crew are directed to attack the armaments factory at Leamington in an early morning "Zerotörereinsatz". His target is hit during the raid but Schmitter's aircraft is also hit by return fire from the anti-aricraft batteries protecting the factory. Schmitter is wounded by shell splinters and as a result of his wounds receives the Verwundeten-Abzeichen in Schwartz (Wound Badge in Black). In addition the Home Office Key Points report stated <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>"Early in the morning of the 16th a single enemy plane raided the works of Automotive Products Ltd., at Lemington Spa, causing extensive blast and minor structural damage". </I></FONT>Schmitter and crew return from their sortie at 07:32 hours (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>1</B><B>71</B><B>.</B></FONT>)</div> <div> <I><B>Mid July-mid August 42</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter is given leave to recuperate from his wounds and a well deserved rest from his front line flights. Between 14 February 42 and 16 July 42 Schmitter flew over 45 missions against Great Britain.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>19 August 42</B></I></div> <div> The Allies attack the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France.The assault began at 5:00 AM in the morning and by 9:00 AM the Allied commanders had been forced to call a retreat. Over 6,000 infantrymen, predominantly Canadian, were supported by large British naval and Allied air force contingents with the objective of seizing and holding a major port for a short period, both to prove it was possible and to gather intelligence from prisoners and captured materials while assessing the German responses. The Allies also wanted to destroy coastal defences, port structures and all strategic buildings. </div> <bR> <div> Leutnant Schmitter flying a Do.217, and elements of II Gruppe Kampfgeschwader 40 were over the beachhead late in the afternoon when the Dieppe beach was already littered with destroyed and damaged equipment left beind by the recently evacuated Allied troops. Although the main battle on the beaches had been concluded air activity was still quite heavy and Schmiiter noted "heavy fighter defense" still present.. At 21:34 hours Schmitter and his crew return from their mission. (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>172.</B></FONT>) Total flight time of 3 hours 36 minutes.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 September 42</B></I></div> <div> Following his mission on the 19thof August Schmitter receives a well deserved break from combat duties  and likely in light of his duty to the Fatherland, Leutnant Wilhelm Schmiiter is promoted in rank to Oberleutnant (<B>158</B>).</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a31fa3e0.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="318" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Oberleutnant </B><B>Wilhelm Schmiiter</B></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a9677220.jpg" border=0 width="375" height="546" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <B>Oberleutnant Schmitter being interviewed during a rare lull in</B></div> <div> <B>his operational activities.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>19 September 42</B></I></div> <div> After 172 front line sorties and to recognize his courage during the increasingly harzoudous flight duties over Great Britain Oberleutnant Wilhelm Schmiiter is awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ritterskreuz des Eisernes Kreuz</B></FONT> (Knights Cross of the Iron Cross). At the time ofhis award Schmitter was serving with the II Gruppe of Kampfgeschwader 40 .</div> <div> <IMG SRC="a6f772f0.jpg" border=0 width="375" height="559" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Post sortie photo showing Oberleutnant Schmitter with an </B></div> <div> <B>unknown Feldwebel, presumably from his crew.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>21 September 42</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter receives his preliminary document for the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross (see below).</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a49f4e10.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="737" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Oberleutnant Wilhelm Schmitter's preliminary document (Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis) </B></div> <div> <B>for the Knights Cross. </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8a8bcdd0.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="477" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Two images (Der Adler newspaper clipping at left) of Schmitter's Do.217 victory tally. At the time of the photgraph</B></div> <div> <B>Schmitter was credited with the severe damage or destruction of two factories, three barrage balloons </B></div> <div> <B>and two aircraft. ca. 1942</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8b32cd90.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="473" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>22 September 42</B></I></div> <div> Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle sends a telegram to Hauptmann Wilhelm Schmitter congratulating him on his award of the Knights Cross.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a4ed5a70.jpg" border=0 width="725" height="679" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>Telegram from Generalfeldmarschall Sperrle. </B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>28 September 42 </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8b9849c0.jpg" border=0 width="900" height="668" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A series of photo showing Oberleutant Schmitter with fellow Knights Cross recipients Oblt. Fritz Sengschmidt, Oblt. Alfred Kindler </B></div> <div> <B>and the Gruppenkommodore of II./Kampfgeschwader 40 Major Kestner. ca. 28 Sept. 42</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 October 42</B></I></div> <div> General der Flieger Coeler, commander of IX Fliegerkorp writes to Schmitter congratulating him on his award of the Knights Cross. </div> <div> Coeler wrote:</div> <bR> <div> <I>"It is my great joy that the F</I><I>ü</I><I>hrer has awarded you the Knight Cross of the Iron Cross for your outstanding bravery in the fight against England</I><I> .</I></div> <div> <I>I express to you  my heartfelt congratulations for this high honor."</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Hail the </I><I>Führer </I></div> <div> <I><B>Coeler</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>General der Flieger</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a63bcc40.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="964" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <B>Congratulation letter from General d. Flieger Coeler. ca. 1 Oct. 42</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8c42caf0.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="431" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>14 November 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>173</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 November 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>174</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a5c5ef80.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="504" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <B>Oblt. Schmitter with crew member in front of their pale grey</B></div> <div> <B>Do.217 ca. late 42 </B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>16 December 42</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>175</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>19</B><B>43</B></div> <div> <I><B>January 43</B></I></div> <div> As a new year arrived, Schmitter, with almost four continuous years of war under his belt, numerous missions with narrow escape and the prospect of an endless series of sorties to come, must have been questioning his longevity as a pilot. Early intruder missions over the English mainland had proved to be very successful  for the Germans however the lack of strength in the west and increasing night fighter operations by the Allies must have made Schmitter aware of his impending fate.</div> <div> <I><B>4 January 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>176</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>13 January 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>177</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>17 January 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>178</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>18 January 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>179</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>15 May 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>180</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>18 May 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>181</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>20 June 43</B></I></div> <div> The II./ Kampfgeschwader 40, then based in Lechfeld, is redesignated as the V./ Kampfgeschwader 2 with the 15th Staffel of the Kampfgeschwader 2 formed from the 5th Staffel of Kampfgeschwader 40. Schmitter is appointed Staffelkapitän of 5./Kampfgeschwader 40 and likewise appointed as 15 staffel Kampfgeschwader 2's Staffelkapitän at the time of the redesignation. At this time the unit was based in Gilze Rijen under IX. Fliegerkorps utilizing Me 410A's and Do 217K's.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>10/11August 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>182</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a67719d0.jpg" border=0 width="625" height="413" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>12/13 August 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>183</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>15/16 August 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>184</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>17/18 August 43</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter and his radio operator take off at 00:12 from their base in Epinoy. Their mission consists of combined operations over Colchester and Schmitter is directed to provide pathfinder activities in preparation for bomber operations. During the course of their mission Schmitter encounters a British Beaufighter which he claims as shot down (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>3rd</B> victory</FONT>). English records show a Beaufighter VI, V8593, crew of F/S J Wilkinson and F/S P Catchpole, 604 Sqn, was damaged in combat with e/a whilst undertaking interception patrol near Scorton on night 17/18. The a/c crashed on landing and was SoC, both aircrew injured (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>185</B></FONT>)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT>.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>9</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>22/23 August 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>186</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>23/24 August 43</B></I></div> <div> On the evening of the 23rd, 21 aircraft and one reserve of RAF 97 Squadron were detailed to operate against Berlin. Early briefing and take off was at 8.15 hours. 21 aircraft took off, 2 aircraft abandoned their sorties, in one case the rear turret was u/s and in the other the mid upper gunner was very sick. All the remaining aircraft attacked the target at Berlin. Large area of fires seen in the target area after bombing and were well concentrated. Moon was just rising - no cloud and visibility good. W/Cmdr Burns DFC was selected and acted as Master of Ceremonies over the target. Bundles of windows were dropped. </div> <bR> <div> One aircraft returning from their mission over Berlin was Sgt Chatten's Lancaster "Q-Queenie" (Lancaster EE105 OF-Q) and his crew. They had reached the area over the Kings Lynn area of Norfolk., Chatten had his navigation lights on, and the aircraft was down to a height of only 2,000 feet when the rear gunner, Sergeant Smith, saw white tracer and cannon fire passing above his rear turret. The attacking intruder was Hauptmann Wilhelm Schmitter of V Gruppe of Kampfgeschwader 2. No fighter was seen by Chatten, but the attack from Schmitter seemed to be coming from the starboard bow below the Lancaster. Schmitter's attack crippled the Lancaster with the aircraft catching fire. Chatten did succeeded in extinguishing the fire in the engine, using the built-in extinguisher. However, as soon as the engine fire had been put out, flames were seen coming from the starboard main plane, and the starboard centre petrol tank was on fire. With the Lancaster becoming enveloped by fire, Chatten gave the order to his crew to abandon the aircraft and then he headed for some airfield lights that he could see in the distance. When the lights were put out suddenly. Chatten baled out himself, managing to get out just in time, before the bomber hit the ground and exploded near Shouldham, Norfolk at 0319 hours. All the crew baled out, two crewmen landed at Ashwicken and one at Wormegay, except for the mid upper F/S Kraemer (RAAF) whose body was found later in the wreckage. Sgt Chatten landed safely, but was wounded from gunshot in the leg and ribs and was taken to Ely Hospital. The remainder of the crew baled out safely and were uninjured beyond minor bruises. Schmitters victory (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>4th</B> victory</FONT>)  occured at approximately 3:00 hours. </div> <bR> <div> Shortly after claiming the Lancaster, Schmitter and his Bordfunker Oberfeldwebel Heinz Gräber were in turn themselves attacked, presumably by Sqn Ldr P W Arbon and Fg Off A E Ashcroft of 29 Squadron, and at approximately 0337 hours shot down into the sea but baled out before their aircraft (Me 410 A-1, 420214, <B>U5+CF</B>)crashed. There were also claims on this night by Flt Lt G Goodman, 85 Sqn, Capt J Rad 85 Sqn, and Wg Cdr Mack 29 Sqn. V/KG 2 lost 3 aircraft that night..(<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>187</B></FONT>)</div> <bR> <div> As a result of the air combat Gräber is severely injured and after a painful stay in the salt water of the channel Schmitter and Gräber are picked up by a Kriegsmarine rescue vessel. While in the hospital Gräber's left leg is amputated, while his right leg was saved being only broken. After his rehabilitation Gräber does rejoin the Luftwaffe and is transferred to Quedlinburg aircrew depot but due to his injuries never flies again. Heinz Gräber would survive the war due no doubt to his wounds received in this action.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>8</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a2bfa530.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="339" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>Schmitters Bordfunker </B></div> <div> <B>Oberfeldwebel Heinz Gräber</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a65719d0.jpg" border=0 width="625" height="413" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>25 August 43</B></I></div> <div> On behalf of the Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 2, Schmitter and Gräber's heroic and near fatal mission is recognized:</div> <bR> <div> <I>"In recognition of Hauptmann Schmitter, Staffelka</I><I>pit</I><I>än of 15./KG 2, and his radio operator Oberfeldwebel </I><I>Gräber my special appreciation of their outstanding courage and cold blooded, dare devil leadership during the long range night fighter mission on the night of 23 August 1943.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Regarding this penetration into the enemy garrison of northwest Cambridge (England) and at a height of 200 meters encountered and shot up an English four (4) engine bomber setting it on fire and causing it to crash. Further contact in this battle zone brought additional attackes on their airfield from a height of 200 meters. Hits were observed on the airstrip runway and assembly areas. On the return flight to the home field, the aircraft of Hauptmann Schmitter was attacked by enemy night fighters over the north sea. The radio operator Oberfeldwebel </I><I>Gräber was badly wounded and the aircraft sustained many strikes.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The outstanding flying skills of Hauptmann Schmitter kept the aircraft airborne, despite both engines being on fire, instrument  failure and further severe damage. Eight (8) kilometers off the Belgain coast they had to bail out and for 1 1/2 hours floated until rescued by harborcraft and soldiers from Flakgruppe Zeebr</I><I>ügge.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>All the soldiers of the Geschwader are unanimous in speaking their admiration. </I><I>"</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a62bcc50.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="965" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>Letter of behalf of the Geschwaderkommodore recognizing their mission.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 September 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>188</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>7 October 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>189</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>18 October 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>190</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>22 October 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>191</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>1 November 43</B></I></div> <div> Hauptmann Schmitter is promoted to the rank of Major (<B>117</B>).</div> <div> <I><B>4 November 43</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >(</FONT>feindflug no.<B>192</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >)</FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>3</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>8 November 43</B></I></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a46bce80.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="232" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Me410 of 15./KG2 a similar aircraft as flown by Hauptmann Schmitter while serving as Staffelkäpitan. ca. late 43</B></div> <div> <I><B>9 November 43</B></I></div> <div> At 21:58 hours Squadron Leader W.H.Maguire (pilot) and Flying Officer W.D.Jones (radio operator) take off  from West Malling in a Mosquito Mk XII of No 85, Squadron VY-E.</div> <bR> <div> While airborne Squadron Leader Maguire is informed of an enemy aircraft approaching ahead. The following description was taken from Squardon Leader Maguires after action report:</div> <bR> <div> <I>One Mosquito XII A.I. Mark VIIIA S/L W.H. Maguire (PILOT) and F/O W. D. Jones (OPERATOR) took off West Malling 2158 and landed there 23.50. When under Wartling G.C.I. (Controller Corporal Amos) informed of bandit approaching head on range 15 miles flying north west. Contact was obtained about six miles head on slightly on starboard side and above, time 2030. Turned round to starboard and came in behind at three and a half miles range, bandit showing well above. Held Mosquito down to gain speed and then climbed up in steps I.A.S. 220/240 closing range slowly but steadily. A visual was obtained on moon illuminated a/c 2500 foot range and fifteen degrees above, angels 241/2 slightly port of twelve o'clock, I.A.S. 220. Closed range to 1500 feet where a visual was obtained on fairly bright </I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#99FFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>pale blue</I></FONT><I> twin exhaust flames. At 1000 foot range a/c identified as Me.410 and S/L Maguire opened fire at 200 yards dead astern. Many strikes were observed all over aircraft and burning pieces flew off it. Opened fire again and flames were observed coming from center section. Broke away to starboard and watched a/c go into a gentle dive on an even keel with no further evidence of fire so pilot attacked again closing to 150 yards, further strikes and large orange glow in fuselage observed. Broke away to starboard to avoid flying wreckage and saw e/a go into a vertical dive trailing sparks and black and white smoke, time of combat approx. 22.43 hours. E/a crashed on land near Eastbourne with bombs on board.</I></div> <div> <I>Claim 1 He, 410 destroyed. </I></div> <bR> <div> Major Wilhelm Schmitter and his radio operator/airgunner Unteroffizier Felix Hainzinger are shot down by Squadron Leader W.H.Maguire DFC and Flying Officer W.D.Jones and crash at Hampden Park, Eastbourne at 10.43 p.m. Based on the after action report noted above it would appear that Schmitter and his air gunner Hainzinger were already badly wounded or possibly killed due to the accurate fire from Maguire's weapons. The bomb load of Schmitter's Me410 exploded upon impact leaving little of the aircraft or crew. Hptmn. W. Schmitter and Uffz. F. Hainzinger are posted missing. Their aircraft <B>U5+</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF3300" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>B</B></FONT><B>F</B> completely disintegrates upon impact.. At the time of Major Schmitters death he had completed 193 front flights ( <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.<B>193</B></FONT>). </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Lost</U></B><B><U> are:</U></B></div> <div> <B>Aircraft: </B>Me 410 <B>U5+</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF3300" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>B</B></FONT><B>F</B> (Wk Nr)</div> <div> <B>Crew:</B></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="411" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 263 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="8c5bffb0.jpg" border=0 width="191" height="251" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="a29bf010.jpg" border=0 width="191" height="257" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="411" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#999900 HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="196"><div> Major Wilhelm Schmitter <B>FF </B><B>Staffelkäpitan 15./KG2</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#999900><NOBR><div> Unteroffizier                                     </div> <div> Felix Hainzinger <B>BF</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>7</I></FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>10 November 43</B></I></div> <div> By dawn it was apparent that something fairly cataclysmic had occured in the middle of Shinewater marsh, on cattle grazing land belonging to Mr. David Vine of Mornings Mill Farm, Willingdon. The scene that met the gaze of the first investigators when daylight finally broke was one of almost unbelieveable destruction and carnage. There, in the corner of a field, a vast crater had been blown - approximately one hundred feet across and estimated at about forty feet deep at the center. Thrown up were huge clods of blue clay. The bottom of the huge crater was already filling up rapidly with water.</div> <div> Strewn about the whole of the marsh were tiny fragments of aluminum alloy and items clearly recognisable as mangled aircraft parts.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>7</I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a2820710.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="369" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <B>The day after..............</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><I>7</I></FONT></div> <div> <B>1944</B></div> <div> <I><B>4 January 44</B></I></div> <div> The Mayor of Schwabmünchen attempts to contact the DRK (German Red Kruez) to determine if Schmitter has been taken prisoner. He copies Schmitter's mother on the letter.</div> <bR> <div> <I>"Hauptmann Schmitter is missing since 8 November 1943 following a raid to England. To attempt to locate him his last unit was Felddpostnummer L41 886 (KG 2) air mail post office Brussels. There has been no further contact as to his whereabouts and on behalf of the relatives we ask for an investigation."</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>24 March 44</B></I></div> <div> Major Wilhelm Schmitter is posthumously awarded the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>Ritterskreuz des Eisernes Kreuz Mit Eichenlaub </B></FONT>(Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves). At the time of his award he became only the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>432nd</B></FONT> recipient of the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross and the only Oakleaves recipient from Kampfgeschwader 2 to receive this high honor.</div> <div> <I><B>27 March 44</B></I></div> <div> Schmitter's mother receives a letter from Major Meister , the former Gruppenkommodore of V./KG 2, regarding her missing sons award of the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross.</div> <div> <I>" Mada</I><I>m It is with much admiration that I communicate to you that the F</I><I>ührer has conveyed the honor on your son, </I><I>Major Wilhelm Schmitter, the award of the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross</I><I> and sent the following message - </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>In grateful appreciation for the heroic actions in the fight for the future of the German people I make him the 432  Soldier of the German Armed Forces to be awarded the Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross."</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Adolf Hitler</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The Geschwader is proud that one of our best from our ranks has received this high honor. Your son was, and is a role model and will not be forgotten by our unit.. The future is unfortunately uncertain over the fate of our country however we will rmember the large contribution of your son and his name his honored. for all of us and we provide comfort and pride and at the same time sincere admiration.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Meister</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>1976</B></div> <div> The wreckage of Major Wilhelm Schmitter's aircraft is recovered from a pond formed by the explosion in Shinewater Park, Eastbourne Sussex by the Wealden Aviation Group. Amongst the pieces recovered was a werke plate bearing the number 10244 and a piece of wreckage bearing part of a painted red letter '<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF3300" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>B</B></FONT>' providing a clue to the identity of the aircraft.. </div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8aee8600.jpg" border=0 width="1000" height="352" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A portion of Schmitter's aircraft excavated from the  Shinewater Park crash site in Eastbourne, Sussex (Images graciously supplied by Simon Maguire, grandson of Sqn. Ldr W.H. Maguire and originally aquired from Pat Burgess one of the team leaders of the 1976 crash site excavation).</B></div> <div> <B>Present</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="a2620920.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="402" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" ><B>The final resting place of Schmitter and Hainzinger as it appears today.</B></FONT>7<I> </I></div> <div> <B>Victory claims:</B></div> <div> <B>Aircraft</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="816" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Date</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="106"><div> <B>Rank</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Unit</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Cl #</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="96"><div> <B>Aircraft</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Place</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Time</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300><NOBR><div> <B>Opponent</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#333300 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>Conf.</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="78"><div> <B>1-4</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="106"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="106" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="96"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="96" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#808080 WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="20" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="78"><div> 01.07.41</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="106"><div> Leutnant</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 4./KG40</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="78"><div> 1</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="96"><div> Hudson</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Brest Peninsular</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="30" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 206 Sqn.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Yes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="78"><div> 00.00.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="106"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="15" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="106" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="96"><div> ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="15" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="78" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Yes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 15 ><NOBR><div> 17/18.08.43</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="106"><div> Hauptmann</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 15./KG 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Beaufighter VI</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Scorton</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 604 Sqn.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> No</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 15 WIDTH="78"><div> 24.08.43</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="106"><div> Hauptmann</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 15./KG 2</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 4</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Lancaster B.I.</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Marham</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 03.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> 97 Sqn.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> Yes</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sources:</U></B></div> <div> 1. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Website "Wings Palette", Artist Luis Fresno Crespo</FONT></div> <div> 2. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Website "Wings Palette", Artist: Julio López Caeiro</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >3. </FONT>Major Wilhelm Schmitter's Leistungsbuch (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >feindflug no.1-193</FONT>) 1 Sept. 39-8 Nov. 43</div> <div> 4.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" > http://www.coastalcommand206.com/index.htm</FONT></div> <div> 5. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >Kampfflieger (Vol. two) - Luftwaffe Colours, Richard Smith & Eddie Creek</FONT></div> <div> 6. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWW2-4106-33JUN01.htm</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >7</FONT>. "A Far from Ordinary Pond", Author Andy Saunders, article from <U>Britain at War Magazine</U> Jan. 2009</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC00" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" >8.</FONT> Obtained from Heinz Gräber's wartime documents, early 1990's</div> <div> 9.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Swis721 Ex BT" > "Fighter Command Losses", Vol 2, 1942/43</FONT></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>