![]() | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in German. (March 2025)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Shootdown | |
---|---|
Date | 24 September 1944 |
Summary | Shootdown |
Site | Over Neuleiningen, Nazi Germany |
Aircraft | |
Aircraft type | Douglas C-47 Dakota III |
Operator | Royal Air Force |
Registration | KG653 |
Flight origin | RAF Pershore |
1st stopover | Cagliari Elmas Airport |
Last stopover | RAF Castel Benito |
Destination | Karachi |
Passengers | 20 |
Crew | 3 |
Fatalities | 23 |
Survivors | 0 |
On 24 September 1944, a Douglas C-47 Dakota operated by the Royal Air Force was shot down over Neuleiningen by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 after it veered off course into Germany, killing all 23 occupants on board. [1]
The flight took off from RAF Pershore at 3:30 local time. Mid-flight, it encountered poor weather (dark low clouds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning) and entered Germany. [2] Later, a Messerschmitt Bf 109 piloted by Julius Meimberg of the Luftwaffe attacked the C-47, firing at its right engine. [3] The pilot then performed a split S, but the wing tore off and it crashed near Neuleningen, killing all 23 occupants. [1] [3] [4]
The occupants on board were: [2]