Dornier Do.17z

Dornier Do.17z (F1+DT)
9./Kampfgeschwader 76
(9 Squadron, / Bomber Wing 76)

On 18th August 1940, known as "The Hardest Day ", by RAF Fighter Command, nine Dornier Do.17z's conducted a low-level raid on RAF Kenley located on the southern outskirts of London. The resident squadrons of RAF Kenley were already in action and the nine Dornier's caused considerable damage to the hangers and surrounding buildings.

The lead aircraft, F1+DT, was damaged by anti-aircraft fire whilst attempting to evade the parachute and cable defence system leaving a gaping hole in their fuel tank which caused a terrible fire. They were then subsequently attacked by Sgt. Dymond and Sgt. Brown in their Hurricanes of No. 111 Squadron, forcing the Dornier to crash land at Leaves Green, near Biggin Hill.

The crew were:
Navigator: Hauptmann (Capt.) Joachim Roth (Staffel Commander),
Pilot: Oberleutnant (1st Lt.) Rudolf Lamberty,
Hauptmann (Capt.) Gustav Peters,
Oberfeldwebel (Sgt Maj.) Valentin Geier,
Radio Operator: Feldwebel (Sgt.) Hugo Eberhart.

Peters and Geier bailed out of the stricken bomber too low and suffered multiple injuries. Eberhart also bailed out, but pulled his ripcord as he exited the aircraft and suffered only minor injuries to his hand.

Twenty men of the Addington Home Guard were practising with their newly issued rifles under the command of Captain Clarke. He issued the order for rapid fire as the crippled Dornier passed overhead and saw the bomber stagger and lose height.

Lamberty crash-landed the blazing aircraft at Leaves Green and escaped the burning wreck with Roth. The two burnt airmen were taken prisoner by Home Guardsmen.