Helmuth Pohle was a German aviator during World War II. In October 1939 he led the first German aerial attack on the United Kingdom, during which he was shot down and captured. He was the first German prisoner of war in World War II.

Career

Battle of the River Forth

Hauptmann (equivalent to Flight Lieutenant) Pohle, was the group commanding officer (Gruppenkommandeur), of Kampfgeschwader 30 (I. KG 30) from Westerland, Germany in Sylt and led the German raid known as the Battle of the River Forth. On 16 October 1939 with fifteen Ju 88 aircraft, leaving Germany at 11:00. Westerland was the nearest Luftwaffe base to Britain. His second-in-command was Oberleutnant Hans Storp. His group of fifteen aircraft flew over the Forth Bridge at around 14.30. German intelligence believed that there were no Spitfire squadrons in Scotland. At 12.25pm a power cut had disabled the radar at RAF Dronehill.

Capture

He was shot down by Squadron Leader Ernest Stevens, the commanding officer of 603 Sqn, based at RAF Turnhouse (now Edinburgh Airport). After the left engine was hit at around 14:55 the attack by the Spitfire injured the rear gunner and radio operator. Nine Ju 88s were intercepted by three Spitfires at 4,000 ft. This was the second downing of an aircraft by a Supermarine Spitfire, and by any aircraft in the war by RAF Fighter Command. Pohle's aircraft did not land on UK soil but in the sea, three miles east of Crail. He was the only survivor out of his crew of four.

Another Ju 88 from KG 30 was shot down soon afterwards, caught by five Spitfires.^[1][2] In total for the attack, the Germans lost two Ju 88 aircraft, with four airmen captured.

Pohle was taken to the hospital at Edinburgh Castle. He saw out the war at Grizedale Hall in the Lake District, at No 1 POW Camp. He later helped Franz von Werra to escape.