Dornier Do.17 Z, F1+FH, 1.KG 76, September 15th 1940, Flown by Oblt. Robert Zehbe

This aircraft was piloted by Oblt. Robert Zehbe. This is the Do 17 that has become the subject of a great and glamorous myth as a result of a T.V. show. Intending to bomb Buckingham Palace, Zehbe’s aircraft was rammed at the last minute by a Hawker Hurricane piloted by Sgt. Raymond Holmes. Zehbe and Holmes both floated to earth on parachutes and Buckingham Palace was spared and the King and Queen saved.

Now the true story of the events on September 15th 1940. Oblt. Zehbe and his crew were on there way to bomb Central London, approaching from the South-East, and then a dog-leg west. On route in the Do.17Z encountered engine trouble and lagged behind the formation by about a half-mile. The Hurricanes of 310 Squadron quickly jumped the straggler, but failed to shot down Zehbe’s aircraft.

As Zehbe approached South London his left engine was on fire. He was jumped by Hurricanes of 609 Squadron and 504 Squadron. Two of Zehbe’s crewman bailed out, the gunner was dead. Zehebe’s aircraft was then attacked by Holme’s Hurricane, and Zehbe bailed out. Holme’s wing may have struck the Dornier at that point. Holmes bailed out of the damaged Hurricane. The Dornier, engulfed in flames, began to spin wildly out of control. The outer wing panels broke off and the fuselage broke in two. A good part of the aircraft came down in Fulham, with other parts falling on Victoria Station. It is believed that one of the bombs flung out of the spinning aircraft, landed on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Robert Zehbe died from his wounds the next day.

During research I found information indicating that P/O A. K. Ogilvie of 609 Sqn took part in the attack on this Do.17, with a Hurricane that was equipped with a cine-camera. The 15 second footage begins at 12 minutes 30 Seconds: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/it...ect/1060013903

Ogilvie later filed the following Combat Report:



"We were ordered to attack a large formation of Dornier 17, 215's with a heavy Me109 escort. In getting in position I saw a lone Dornier separated from his formation. I went for it and gave it several bursts from the beam. The fire was returned. Two other Spitfires also attacked, and on my next attack I could see fire in the Dornier's cockpit. As I went beneath it I saw two men jump and their parachutes open. The whole disintegration being a most amazing and terrifying sight. The enemy aircraft spun and broke in half, and dropped somewhere around Battersea. On orders from base I returned alone and pancaked."

"The two German aviators landed on the Oval ,fortunately without disturbing any cricket, whereas the main part of their aeroplane arrived in the forecourt of Victoria station. The tail unit landed outside a Pimlico public house " to the great joy and comfort of the Patrons"

There are multiple photos, some quite clear that show the wreckage of this plane as well as footage of it falling from the sky.

You can download this skin and many more from Hawkeye's Hangar