Uffz. Horst Perez

[Peter Evans]

Hi all...

I'm trying to determin the fate of a Luftwaffe pilot held by the Canadians during WW2 for an article I'm writing on Bf109E-4/N "White 4" of JG26 recently restored by the Aircraft Restoration Company on behalf of the Imperial War Museum, and would dearly like to learn the fate of the pilot or make contact with any surviving relatives...

Uffz. Horst Perez was serving with 4/JG26 when after crash landing his Bf109E-4/N in Southern England and was taken POW. At some point thereafter he was transferred to Canada where it appears he remained as a POW until the end of the war.

Photographic evidence survives of Perez along with a group of non-commissioned JG26 pilots taken at either Medicine Hat (Lager 132) or the camp in Lethbridge (Lager 133). Thanks to David Carter for this info! This picture was published on page 65 of "JG26, Photographic History of the Luftwaffes Top Guns" by Don Caldwell. Having discussed JG26 activities and personnel with Don he too cannot find any information as to the fate of Perez despite the widely held belief that he survived the war.

This is where I need more help. I've written to the appropriate Canadian authorities and
have yet to get a response. Therefore, would you be able to help with more information
as to the fate of Horst Perez? Any pointers or assistance would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance for any help and assistance in this matter...

Peter D Evans - moderator
LEMB - Luftwaffe Experten Message Board http://pub73.ezboard.com/bluftwaffeexperten71774

[This message has been edited by Peter Evans (edited 21 June 2002).]

[John Vasco]

Try tracing him through the Gemeinschaft der Jagdflieger (GdJ). Their website address is: www.fliegergemeinschaft.de (http://www.fliegergemeinschaft.de). You can post a request there and they should put it in their magazine. Worth a try. Each JG has a reference person, and the GdJ could possibly put you in touch with them to see if they can help.


Hope this helps.

Regards,

John Vasco

[This message has been edited by Richard T Eger (edited 05 July 2002).]

[Peter Evans]

Thanks for the pointer John, very much appreciated....

Cheers,

Peter D Evans - moderator
LEMB - Luftwaffe Experten Message Board http://pub73.ezboard.com/bluftwaffeexperten71774

[Harry Richards]

I was told quite a while ago by a reliable source that Horst Perez was traced and invited to view his aircraft shortly after it had first returned to England after its 20 year hiatus through Canada and the United States, and that he declined point blank because of his treatment at the hands of the British.
Perhaps someone can verify the story that I am about to tell.
On the 30th September 1940, Unteroffizier Horst Perez made a perfect forced landing in his Bf 109E-3 "White 4" Wk Nr 1190 near Eastbourne. One of the attending British guards during Horst's capture became overzealous in his duty. Either because of the sight of the five victory bars on the rudder of "White 4", the fact that it was German bombs falling on British soil, or any number of other reasons, the guard used his rifle butt and smashed it into the face of the compliant captive German pilot, Unteroffizier Horst Perez.
Naturally, in a time when a man could be totally trusted by his word, Horst never forgot.

[Harry Richards]

From an official Air Ministry document.

Place where shot down, Eastdean W of Eastbourne Sussex
30-9-1940
Type. Me 109 E3. 4+(Black with white rim) Shield:-Shield Tiger's head the insignias for Schlageter "S"

Flight emanated from between Boulogne and Etaples at about 1600 Hrs on bomber escort.

They were supposed to be escorting bombers, but never located them and circled round to the North of Eastbourne.
They were intercepted at 28,000 Ft and made for the coast.
They were intercepted again and in the ensuing dog-fight the engine of his A/C failed.

Apparently there were no shots in the A/C itself. The pilot made a forced landing with undercarriage retracted and the aircraft is in good condition.

On getting out of his aircraft, this pilot was shot at and wounded in the hand and jaw.

This pilot enquired after a number of his friends who had recently been lost. Only one was known to belong to 4/JG 26, two others were from 1/LG.2.

The pilot had only recently come to France and been making one sortie a day weather permitting. He had previously been in Vienna.

Morale:- Fair, Not sure of himself, probably due to circumstances of his wounding.

Unteroffizier Horst Perez age 22. Identity disc 60018.

This report was prepared and signed by B Jepsom for Squadron Leader S.D.Felkin. 1/10/40. The Werke Nr 1190 was entered by hand in fine print.

My source also stated that the soldier that hit him got seven days CB (Confined to Barracks) for his stupidity.

[Peter Evans]

Hi Harry...

Thanks for the interesting info regarding Perez capture. I hadn't been aware during my reserach that he had suffered brutality at the time of his capture. Given that, and if he survives today he would be in his 80's, I think I'll stop trying to reunite him with his aircraft - especially given the crashed scenario in which it is displayed at Duxford...

One other thought - what is the official reference on the Air Ministry document you mention in your second post?

Thanks again for your interest and support...

Cheers

Peter D Evans - moderator
LEMB - Luftwaffe Experten Message Board http://pub73.ezboard.com/bluftwaffeexperten71774

[Harry Richards]

Hello Peter,
You are most welcome. These things are meant to be shared and I am only to pleased to be able to help.
However, I do not believe that Horst Perez was "Brutalized" as such. Given the time period, the world political situation and the circumstances, I am more inclined to say that "over exuberant handling" is more likely the case.

If you wish to obtain a copy of that report, please contact:
Mr. K.L.Hatch
AHB3 (RAF) Ministry of Defence
Room 308, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard,
London SW1 2HW

There is a B&W photograph of 1190 with two guards standing at attention near both wing mounted cannons. There is also a shiny patch with a dot in the middle of it, that appears to be a bullet hole with the paint missing around it, on the upper engine cowling just behind the propeller spinner.

In my opinion, with the right trajectory, a direct strike on the engine coolant header tank and an excellent cause for an engine failure.

Perhaps there is an RAF pilot somewhere who is short of one confirmed victory?

Best Regards,
Harry.

[Harry Richards]

Hello again Peter,
I learned this morning that MOD records room has moved from the Scotland Yard Building. Perhaps you will post the new address here when they redirect you.
Best Regards,
Harry.

[Peter Evans]

Hi again Harry...

Top man!! Thanks for the pointer. I'll drop the address a line and see what they can offer in the way of further information...

BTW: According to my reserach thus far, an RAF Spitfire piloted by Sgt.Kingsby of No.92 Squadron bounced Perez and is credited with the "kill"...

Thanks again,

Peter D Evans - moderator
LEMB - Luftwaffe Experten Message Board http://pub73.ezboard.com/bluftwaffeexperten71774