War Journal

These entry's are in Heinz Thurz's own words. During 2002 and 2003 Heinz sent me a quantity of Emails regarding, amongst other things, his wartime experience. Originally he sent letters of the same content to his brother who was a fighter pilot(Me109).Apparantly he wasn't credited with any kills and was himself shot down during the French campaign. He did, however, survive the war which for German pilots no mean feat in itself.

                                                       Iain Morrison

12. 07. 1940

Today was a remarkable day. I had my first flight to England (to be introduced) as second pilot. I remember: we flew from Oldenburg across the North-sea to north-west. The plane was a Heinkel 111. After 2 and a half hours we saw the Scottish coast and flew over the Orkneys. But they were covered with clouds, so we could not see them.

We then took to the Hebrides and left the 600 meters and went under the clouds exactly besides a convoy . The escorting destroyer Was on the other side, so they could not see us. We then began our task. Now I must tell you about our order: we used to fly at first very low to measure the air pressure above the water. We then flew a "temp"; that means an ascent up to nearly 6-7000 meters, a special instrument records pressure, temperature and humidity. And then begins the meteorologist his work, to give the W.O. the dates to send them home. Our course was at first to the east then to south-east and after at least nine hours we landed on a small place near the German coast, which we then left for Oldenburg. I must say it is a wonderful feeling to see only water and then at last see the coast coming nearer.

31.07.1940

I rose al 3.h30 .After a good breakfast we went to our plane, it was a Dornier DO 17 Z. I remember: the plane was ready for take-off. We climbed into the cockpit, me, the meteorologist, the wireless operator an the mechanic. When we all were ready, suddenly a very dense fog came up So the met asked me: You dare it? I said: Of course. And I did it how we  learned it during our blind flying school. For the first time earnest . But I did it all right and every thing went good .At the border of the airfield I had gained already 30-40 meters. We passed Norderney and went north-west-ward until we saw the Orkneys, then did our job as usual, this time up to 7900 meters. After six hours I landed back home in Oldenburg.