Date: 11th September 1940
Time: 16.00 hours.
Unit: 2 Staffel./Jagdgeschwader 51
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4
Werke/Nr.1641
Code: (not known)
Location: Brigith Road, Houndean Bottom, Lewes, Sussex. Q.8328.
Pilot: Hauptmann. Ernst Wiggers. 65152/17 (Staffelkapitaen) – Killed. (Badly burnt)
REASON FOR LOSS:
Believed that this aircraft was shot down in flames by Sgt W. B. Higgins in a Hurricane of No. 253 Squadron. Crashed after being attacked by three Spitfires and burnt out. Markings: Engine cowling painted yellow. The aircraft crashed into the ground and was completely smashed up. There was very little left, but half an identity disc was recovered (65152/17). The number has previously been identified as 2./JG 51. This is confirmed by other members of the Staffel now prisoners of war.
Eye witness; D. E. Britton (The Queens Own Regiment). I observed this incident. I was on the hill about a mile from the main road, when I heard the sound of aircraft and bursts of cannon fire. I then saw the German machine flying across Lewes from East to West, closely followed by three Hurricanes. At Houndean it was shot down and burst into flames. The Hurricanes circled round a while, then dipped in salute and flew off. Note: Sgt. Higgins was tragically killed in combat just three days later when he was shot down on the 14th September 1940.
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Ernst Wiggers and Werner Molderscccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc Molders with Wiggersccccc
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The tail of Wiggers Bf 109 Wnr.1641 with at least 12 victoriesccccccccccccccccc The burning wreck of Wiggers 109ccc
A view looking towards the spot where Ernst Wiggers lost his life. (Pat Burgess Collection)
Surviving relic from Wiggers Bf 109, Erla plate with Wnr.1641
Burial detail: Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, Staffs, England.
Block 4 Grave 106.
Researched and compiled by Melvin Brownless with special thanks to the late Pat Burgess. March 2015
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