German Air Force

Rescue mission

Bundesarchive**

German seaplane Heinkel He-59 rescues the crew of the Luftwaffe bomber shot down over the English Channel; 1940. During the Battle of Britain Heinkel He-59C-2 and Heinkel He-59D-1, completely painted in white, with red crosses on the sides and civil registration, carried out rescue operations in the English Channel. The British claimed that the aircraft were also used to install mines in the Thames delta and the landing of German agents on the British Isles. Later, several similar aircraft were shot down, and they again repainted in military camouflage.