Junkers Ju88 5J+ER at Duggleby.

On the 27th of October 1940 a number of airfields in the north of England were attacked by a large force of German aircraft, damage to the fields was reported to have been not severe although some personnel were injured. One of these aircraft flew over a searchlight battery near Fimber after attacking Driffield and began to bank around to turn back for the coast. The Lewis gunner at the search light battery, Matt Young, opened fire on one of two Junkers Ju88's and damaged it.

A short time later a Ju88 crash landed close to Duggleby Howe, Duggleby, and Matt Young was given part credit in shooting this aircraft down, the other share was given to Driffield's anti-aircraft battery. One of the crew of the aircraft was found trapped under the aircrafts tail section, although freed by members of his crew and local Home Guard he died later of his injuries.

For many years it has been thought that Matt Young was responsible for shooting down this Ju88 which crashed at Duggleby, however Bill Norman's research for his book "Broken Eagles 1" suggests that it may have actually been damaged by Linton's defencive positions. An aircraft was seen flying towards Malton from Linton with an engine stopped and on fire. If this is the case than Matt Young's aircraft got away.

Pilot - Oblt Friedrich Franz Podbielski, PoW.

Obs - Uffz Hans Heier, PoW.

W/Op - Uffz Karl von Kidrowski, PoW.

Gunner - Uffz Oskar Piontek, died of injuries. Buried Cannock Chase, Staffs. It is thought he was initially buried at Driffield Cemetery.

I have yet to locate the site but the photograph above shows the crash site being guarded at the time.