I do believe that somewhere in the IWM system there is a Fieseler Storch. Anyone know if it is NM ZS? or how do you find out? Captured Munitions The Captured German Fieseler Storch by Willie Norris. This story illustrates the tight control of captured ordnance and equipment exercised in the Western Desert. The redistribution and use of such items was the responsibility of groupings higher up the ladder than Batteries. For example 6 LAA Battery was issued with captured Italian Breda guns (20mm). These items were used in the AA protection of road convoys and the trains used to transport troops and equipment to Tobruk. "I was stationed in Troop HQ at Kilo 38. This was the code name for the Gazala Line near Tobruk. This was on the 29th May 1942. My job at that time was driver to Lt X. The day before, a German plane had landed beside the railway line that was used to transport the troops to Tobruk. The landing area was covered by Sgt. Hamill's troop. The pilot alighted and blew up a section of the track. He then proceeded to shoot at the troop convoys moving along the nearby road into Tobruk. At this time the pilot had a problem, the ground was too rough for him to take off again. As far as I know, the pilot made off on foot. Sgt Hamill and Sgt Hunter, both from Portrush, moved in before the pilot made it back to his plane. Sgt Hamill stopped the plane's engine. I drove Lt Pelham out to see the plane. At that time it was being guarded by New Zealanders. He picked up one of the machine guns and fired it off. It was a rapid fire weapon that sounded like a roar of thunder when it was fired. The Lt put the weapon in the back of the truck and we left it at Troop HQ. We returned the next day to the German plane. A Gloster Gladiator pilot from Air Vice Marshal Sir Arthur Cunningham's group had left a note on the seat. It read, "To whom it may concern. Replace the gun immediately, otherwise action will be taken". We returned the gun just as the Gloster Gladiator returned to the plane with a painter. The painter painted out the German markings and added the RAF roundels. We often saw the plane being used around Kilo 38". (Willie Norris, 2004)
I know RAF Cosford has one if that's any help. I believe it's the only one in the UK, but would be happy to be proved wrong. Fieseler Storch airplane pictures & aircraft photos - RAF Museums
This is the IWM Storch. Historic Aircraft Collection Ltd This particular example W.Nr.1827, registered G-BPHZ constructed in France in 1942 was originally fitted with an Argus inverted V8 engine. Post war it was used by the French Armee de L'Air, designated an MS 500 Criquet. After its military use it was re-engined with a Jacobs radial becoming a MS 505 Criquet and used for glider towing before being bought to the UK in 1988. It joined the Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002
I didnt know the the Russians copied the Storch, Quite highly prized, lots of captured ones too. Ive got some pics somewhere. Kev
OK folks, Plan B. Are there any Storchs at present in European museums. The one I am looking for was used by the RAF in France and Holland in 1944/45.
