1939 KLM Douglas DC-3 shooting

1939 airliner shooting accident Shooting of the Mees DC-3 PH-ARE 'Emoe' en PH-ALO 'Oehoe' op Schiphol, RP-F-F01004-9.jpg Similar KLM Douglas DC-3's as aircraft involved 26 September 1939 Shot at by German aircraft; forced continuation of flight North Sea, approx. 120 km northwest of Heligoland Douglas DC-3-194G KLM PH-ASM Copenhagen, Denmark Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands 12 9 3 1 0 11 1939 KLM Douglas DC-3 shooting or Shooting of the Mees refers to an incident on 26 September 1939 in which a regular passenger flight operated by KLM with the Douglas DC-3 named "Mees" (translated: Tit) (registration PH-ASM), en route from Copenhagen, Denmark to Amsterdam, Netherlands (both countries were neutral at the time), was attacked by a German aircraft, resulting in the death of one passenger. As a result of this shooting, the Mees became the first passenger aircraft in Europe to be fired upon.http://www.npogeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/2015/juli/mh17-neergeschoten-vliegtuigen-in-geschiedenis-burgerluchtvaart-1939-het-incident-met-de-mees-klm-toestel.html Burgerluchtvaart beschoten: het incident met de Mees in 1939 Berg, Erik van den Andere Tijden NPO Geschiedenis 16 July 2015 The incident exposed the dangers faced by neutral civil aviation during wartime and prompted the introduction of clearer aircraft identification measures, including new military markings, and KLM and other countries repainting its planes in bright orange to prevent misidentification. Background At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Netherlands maintained neutrality, but civil aviation operations still carried significant risks. KLM continued operating international flights, including routes between neutral countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands.K.L.M.-toestel door Duitsch watervliegtuig beschoten https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=MMKB15:000709027:mpeg21:a00002 De Nederlander Delpher nl-nl 27 September 1939 Flight On 26 September 1939, the aircraft departed Copenhagen for Amsterdam with nine passengers and crew under the command of Captain Jan Moll.Kwart eeuw luchtvaarthistorie https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=ddd:011202220:mpeg21:a0010 De Tijd Delpher nl-nl 15 May 1953 At approximately 14:10, while flying at an altitude of about 800 metres and roughly 120 km northwest of Heligoland, the aircraft was attacked from behind by a seaplane.Duits gevechtsvliegtuig beschoot KLM-machine https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=ddd:010616960:mpeg21:a0351 Leeuwarder Courant Delpher nl-nl 26 September 1964 The attack was first noticed by the stewardess, who heard unusual sounds at the rear of the aircraft and alerted the cockpit. The aircraft was fired upon for several minutes, with bullets striking mainly the rear fuselage and baggage compartment. Captain Moll descended into cloud cover, after which the attacking aircraft broke off the engagement, allowing the flight to continue to Schiphol.Zestig jaar bevrijding: terugblik op KLM in de Tweede Wereldoorlog https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/2/airlines/zestig-jaar-bevrijding-terugblik-op-klm-in-de-tweede-wereldoorlog Luchtvaartnieuws.nl 8 May 2005 Casualties During the attack, a 38-year-old Swedish passenger, Gustav Robert Lamm from Malmö, was struck by a bullet that penetrated the cabin. He died shortly afterwards in his seat. Most other passengers were largely unaware of the situation during the flight. After landing at Schiphol, medical personnel confirmed the passenger's death. Damage Inspection of the aircraft revealed extensive damage, with approximately 50 bullet holes in the fuselage, including hits to the baggage compartment, wing, and a fuel tank. One of the landing gear tyres was also found to be deflated due to the attack. The involved aircraft was repaired. Aftermath German response The German authorities later stated that the attack was the result of a "regrettable combination of circumstances". According to their explanation, the aircraft could not be clearly identified at a distance and resembled an enemy aircraft. The attacking crew reportedly ceased fire once the aircraft was recognized as Dutch, and Germany issued official apologies. Aircraft adaptations The incident highlighted the risks faced by neutral civil aviation during wartime and led to discussions about improving aircraft recognition. KLM and other airlines explored measures such as more visible markings and repainting aircraft to reduce the likelihood of misidentification. From 1 October 1939, military aircraft of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Royal Netherlands Army would carry new identification markings: orange triangles with black borders on wings and fuselage, and fully orange vertical tails with a black outline.Herkenningstekens voor militaire vliegtuigen gewijzigd https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=MMKB15:000897037:mpeg21:a00007 Het Volk Delpher nl-nl 28 September 1939 KLM subsequently decided to paint its aircraft in bright orange and apply large "Holland" markings to improve visibility and reduce the risk of being mistaken for military aircraft, including the repaired involved aircraft.Oranjekleur voor de vliegtuigen https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=MMKB15:000133027:mpeg21:a00015 Deli Courant Delpher nl-nl 1 November 1939How KLM kept flying as war spread through Europe https://www.key.aero/article/how-klm-kept-flying-war-spread-through-europe Key Aero These Dutch aircraft are nicknamed "Orange Birds". Various foreign aircraft, including some of German manufacture, were also painted in orange.90 Years of the Douglas DC-3: KLM's “Orange Birds” and a Legacy in Aviation History https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird-articles/90-years-of-the-douglas-dc-3-klms-orange-birds-and-a-legacy-in-aviation-history.html vintageaviationnews.com 19 December 2025 References Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in 1939 Category:1939 in the Netherlands Category:1939 disasters in Europe Category:KLM accidents and incidents Category:Netherlands in World War II Category:Aviation in World War II Category:Military history of the North Sea Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in the North Sea Category:Transport history of the North Sea Category:Germany–Netherlands military relations Category:Civilians killed in World War II Category:Neutrality (international relations) Category:September 1939 in Europe Category:Aviation accidents and incidents involving military aircraft Category:Aviation accidents and incidents involving the Douglas DC-3