Sgt Kai A. Knagenhjelm of the Norwegian Air Force 12/04/1944

[Chris Davies]

Hello ladies and Gents,

can anyone provide any information on this chap.

Place of birth,
place of burial,
Service number,
Did he come over on the 'shetland bus'?

Thank you for looking

Chris

[Resmoroh]

Chris,
Chase him up through Google, the genealogy sites, and BT Directory. Fairly unusual surname. If there's 1 in the London Telephone Directory then (s)he's bound to know where the rest of the clan are hiding!!
That's if the Norwegian lot don't beat you to it!!
HTH
Peter Davies

[Resmoroh]

Chris,
He was also in Canada (flying training?). Get the Canucks on the case!!!!!!!!!!
Peter Davies

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Kai Arthur Knagenhjelm

Born 22 Oct 1924, Oslo, Norway, according to a Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1956 record of 10 April 1943 which also place him in Muskoka Air Port or 'Little Norway' training camp of the RNAF.

England & Wales, Death Index: 1916-2005 about Kai A Knagenhjelm
Name: Kai A Knagenhjelm
Death Registration Month/Year: 1944
Age at death (estimated): 19
Registration district: Northumberland Central
Inferred County: Northumberland
Volume: 10b
Page: 423

Hope to help

Mikkel

[northeagle]

Ah I Have done some looking over the years on this gent. Son of Kai Arthur Knagenhjelm of Oslo, Norway. The family moved to New York to escape the Nazi occupation. Kai Arthur junior attended school in New York, I have the name somewhere. He then did one semester at Harvard University before joining the Norwegian Air Force at Little Norway in Canada.

Killed over Eshott airfield, 12 April, 1944 in mid-air collision with a Thunderbolt flown by 1st Lt Anthony L. Serapiglia USAAF, temporarily based RAF Milfield. The remains of Knagenhjelm was taken south and cremated at Honour Oak, Southwark, London, April 17, 1944. Cremated remains were removed by applicant, Officer in charge of personnel, Kingston House, Princes Gate. In short, the Norwegian Government in exile.

After hostilities, remains were taken back to Norway and buried in Vestre Gravlund, Western Cemetery, Oslo. I have no photograph of Knagenhjelm or his grave unfortunately although I have tried for about 12 years. Much of this information was gained from the Royal Norwegian Air Force. His number is listed as Pilot Sergeant 2322 Royal Norwegian Air Force. No use looking at anything RAF as they point out: 'He was of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
I have also read both American and British reports on this accident and blame lies with the USAAF: their Thunderbolts (two) flew through the circuit in the wrong direction when the Spitfires were landing. The Americans did not turn up at the inquiry.
I hope this helps a little.

Best Wishes.
Robert.

[Chris Davies]

Gents,
Once again outstanding,

I have spoken to an eyewitness at the time and did not mention the 'American' involvement, This chap came straight out with it and identified the crash site. Once the crops have been cut late august early September, I have access to the area from the new land owners.

Outstanding gents
Thank you

Chris

[northeagle]

The Thunderbolt crashed into the centre of the communal site, as I am sure you will know. The Spitfire, was in a flat spin and crashed into a field known locally as the 'Blow Weary'. It burnt out in there.


Best Wishes.
Robert.

[Franek Grabowski]

I wonder, were the Thunderbolts participating in Fighting Leaders School's course?

[paulmcmillan]

for those of us who like Serials:



Sgt Kai Arthur Knagenhjelm Spitfire: R6762 (of 57 O.T.U. Eshott)

1st Lt Anthony L. Serapiglia USAAF O-732381 - (of 368 FG) P-47 42-25530

See Also:

http://www.milfield.org.uk/fighter_leader_school_milfield.htm

[Stein Meum]

I have Serapiglia as being from 366 FS/ 358 FG.
Knagenhjelm had been practising intercepts with Lt. Per Hattrem when the accident happened. Knagenhjelm was flying R6762 PW-E.

Stein