Erich
the old Sage
what a piece of junk crap Jan 8)
sorry .......
sorry .......
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Second in line to the Wil....that thing!!
Hugo Welsch, JG54, Fw 190A-9 Werk# 205233 "Black 13" (lost, MIA)
MIA 29 October, 1944 12 km northwest of Vainoda. His first known victory, a Soviet Pe-2 on 10 March, 1944. A 2nd, a Yak-9 on 16 May, 1944. A 3rd, an Il-2 on 29 May, 1944. Nos. 4, 5, 6 7, two Yak-9's a P-39 and an Il-2 on 30 June, 1944. Nos. 8 9, both Il-2's on 16 July, 1944. Nos. 10-12, an Il-2, an La-5 and a Yak-9 on 21 July, 1944. A 13th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 23 July, 1944. A 14th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 24 July, 1944. A 15th, a Yak-9T NE of Kreutsburg on 7 August, 1944. A 16th, an Il-2 on 15 August, 1944. Nos 17, 18 19, all three Il-2's on 16 August, 1944. Nos. 20-22, all Yak-9's on 15 September, 1944. Nos. 23 24, a Yak-9 and an La-5 on 16 September, 1944. Nos. 25 26, a Yak-9 and a Pe-2 on 30 September, 1944. Nos. 27 28, a P-39 and an Il-2 on 27 October, 1944.
...and another one,
Reinhold Winter, 8./JG11 Bf 109G-14AS Werk # 784965 "Blue 13" (lost, MIA) January '45.
Gerhard Bauer, JG54, Fw 190A-8 Werk # 172678 "White 13" (lost, KIA 9/21/44)
KIA 21 September, 1944 west of Almelo, Kast Ampsen, crashing on Ampenseweg at Lochem-Ampsen. His first known victory, a Yak-9 on 9 July, 1944, an Uffz at the time. A 2nd, a Pe-2 on 16 July, 1944. A 3rd, a Yak-9 on 21 July, 1944. A 4th, an La-5 on 5 September, 1944. This Wk# may be incorrect, as it is attributed to a Lt Heinz Sossner, 10/JG-54, KIA earlier in July 1944 W of Lublin.
Wilhelm Crinius, 3/JG-53, Bf 109G-2/R-1 Trop Werk# 10805 "Yellow 13",
POW 13 January,1943 after bailing out of Wk# 10805 in Tunisia after a dogfight with Spitfires, sustaining engine damage. Made a force landing in his F-4 at Woronesh Russia on 8 July, 1942, as a result of enemy fire. He was uninjured in the incident. 400 missions, 100 victories in the East, 1 four engine bomber. His first known Soviet victories, numbers 1 2, both Il-2's on 9 June, 1942. His 14th victory, an R-5 on 27 July, 1942. An R-5 and an Il-2 on 6 August, 1942. His 23rd 24th, an Il-2 and a MiG-3 on 8 August, 1942. One of many multiple victories, a triple on 12 August, 1942; Two MiG-3's and an Il-2. A DB-7 and an Il-2 on 19 August, 1942. A U-2, an R-5, an I-180 and a MiG-3 on 23 August, 1942. Two P-40's and two LaGG-3's on 2 September, 1942. Three Yak-1's and a LaGG-3 on 6 September, 1942. Three Yak-1's and a LaGG-3 on 20 September, 1942. He received the RK and the EL the same day. Wolf Tonne's wingman.
Ofw. Gerber, 2/JG-52 Bf 109E, "Red 13"....
Berthold Grassmuck, Bf 109G-2 Werk # 13522, "White 13".
KIA 28 October, 1942 near Pitomnik(Stalingrad) when hit in the engine of his "White 13" by AA gunners and subsequently crashed. 236 combat missions. His first victory, a Wellington during the Battle of Britain, 20 km W of Helgoland on 9 May, 1941. His first known Soviet victory, an Il-2 4 km E of Izyum on 28 May, 1942. An Il-2 on 6 August, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 11 August, 1942. An I-180 on 18 August, 1942. Two LaGG-3's and an Il-2 on 21 August, 1942. Two LaGG-3's on 22 August, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 1 September, 1942. An Il-2 on 26 October, 1942.
Griener, Albert (or Alfred), Bf 109E F "Red 13" in JG-52,
One known victory, his 1st, a Battle SW of Sedan on 14 May, 1940, His 2nd, a Spitfire at London on 20 October, 1940. A "damaged" Hurricane on 29 October, 1940, no location. These three while in JG-52. His 3rd, a Blenheim at Borkum on 5 September, 1941. His 6th, a Blenheim 25 km south of Linterner on 17 May, 1942. His 7th, a B-24 on 5 January, 1944. Another B-17 at Weimaron on 20 February, 1944. A B-24 on 24 April, 1944, no location. One Me 262 victory, a P-51 on 10 April, 1945.
Ofw Hans Hegener, 12/JG-54 Fw 190D-9, Wk. Nr. 210063, "Red 13" Shot down with wounds on 7 November, 1944 in Wk. Nr. 210063 over Emsdetten.
Uffz Hans Ihle, 9/JG-54, JGr Ost (Liegnitz) Bf 109G Wk. Nr. 411422 "White 13" (lost). Shot down in "White 13" with injuries on 22 August, 1944 by Tiefenburg-Schlechen.
Not a "13" as such, but the Wk. Nr......
Fw Walter Heck, 5/JG-54, Fw 190A-5 Wk# (150)1313 "Blk 9" (lost)
KIFA 22 May, 1943 in the A-8 which sustained 90% damage at the Mga S.U. airfield. He was also shot down with wounds on 15 February, 1943 in his G-2 (60% damaged) over Ljuban S.U. airfield. 6 of his victories were Night victories in June, 1942. His first known Soviet victory, an I-18 20 km E of Tashnoje on 16 March, 1942. An I-18 W of Dworjetz on 5 April, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 9 August, 1942. An R-5 S of Kosalsk on 19 August, 1942. Three LaGG-3's NE of Uljanowo on 22 August, 1942. A P-2 NE of Rschev on 25 August, 1942. A Yak-1 on 2 September, 1942. A Yak-1 on 9 September, 1942. An Il-2 15 km E of Lyschtkovo on 19 September, 1942. A Yak-1 on 10 November, 1942. An La-5 on 30 November, 1942. An Il-2 on 12 December, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 29 December, 1942. An Il-2 on 30 December, 1942. An Il-2 on 5 January, 1943. An Il-2 on 6 January, 1943. A Yak-4 on 7 January, 1943. A LaGG-5 on 23 January, 1943. An Il-2 on 15 February, 1943. A LaGG-5 on 22 May, 1943. A LaGG-3 on 27 May, 1943.
Fw Erich Lange, 10/JG-54 Fw 190D-9 Werk# 211095 "Black 13" (lost, KIA), KIA 24 February, 1945 in aerial combat with a Tempest near Salzbergen, east of Emsbüren.
Uffz Ulrich Mahn, 2/NAGr-5 Bf 109G-6 Werk # 201513 "Black 13" (lost KIC), KIC in "Black 13" when he accidentally struck the ground at Ahrendsburg on 31 October, 1944.
Hptm Günther "Pan" Müller, 4/SG-2, Fw 190F-8 Wk. Nr. 580956 "White 13" (lost, KIA), KIA 23 June, 1944 in his F-8, on his 900th mission. He was shot down east of Ploesti by American fighter escorts for bombers attacking the oil refineries at Ploesti Romania.
Uffz Noack Brunno, 15/JG-54 (9/44), Fw 190A-8 Wk. Nr. 732094 "Yellow 13" (lost KIA).,
KIA 29 September, 1944, while in 15 Staffel, in aerial combat with a Spitfire 3 km south of Xanten. Shot down with wounds while in 12 Staffel, on 6 August, 1944 over Map Quadrant 12179. His first known victory, a Soviet Il-2 on 18 February, 1944. A 2nd, a LaGG-3 on 8 March, 1944. Nos. 3 4, an Il-2 and a Yak-9 on 16 May, 1944. Nos. 5 6, a Pe-2 and an La-5 on 30 May, 1944. A 7th, an La-5 on 5 June, 1944. Nos. 8 9, a Yak-9 and an Il-2 on 8 July, 1944. A 10th, a Yak-9 on 14 July, 1944. An 11th, a Yak-9 on 15 July, 1944. Nos. 12 13, both Yak-9's on 21 July, 1944. Nos. 14 15, both Yak-9's on 5 August, 1944. Nos. 16 thru 19, Four P-39's on 6 August, 1944. Alternate spelling: Nowak.
Uffz Rudolf Pätzold, 3/JGr-10, Fw 190A-8 Wk. Nr. 732177 "Black 13" (lost KIC)., KIC 15 February, 1945 in "Black 13", crashing by Perlberg due to engine failure.
LT Rudolf "Rudi" Rademacher, 1/Erg/JG-1 (8/44) aka JGr-Nord, Fw 190A-8 Werk# 350193 "White 13"(lost).,
10 Bombers. 8 at Sagan Germany. Over 500 missions. 90 victories in the East, 25-30 with JG-7. One of the early eastern victories, three Soviet P-40's of 158 IAP in the Lake Ladoga area on 25 February, 1942. An I-153 on 30 July, 1942. A Yak-4 on 8 September, 1942. An Il-2 on 6 November, 1942. Three LaGG-5's and an Il-2 on 15 January, 1943. Two Il-2's on 7 March, 1943. Three LaGG-3's, two La-5's, a P-39, and an Il-2 on 5 July, 1943. On 18 September, 1944, in "White 13", during an attack on a four-engine bomber, he was shot down and seriously wounded. Two B-24's and a B-17 near Halle on 3 February, 1945. A frequent wingman for Walter Nowotny. He achieved 16 victories in the Me 262, including B-24 # 44-50838 piloted by Robt. Mains of the448BG on 4 April, 1945. Only one of the crew survived the deadly R4M missile of the Me 262. His final score is a matter of conjecture, ranging from 97 to 126. He was killed 13 June, 1953 in the crash of a glider at Lüneburg.
Uffz Erich Roscheck, 2/JG-53, Bf 109G-6 Werk # 16432 "Black 13" (lost MIA)., MIA 5 April, 1943 after being shot sown by Spitfires near Cape Negro, Tunis.
Ofw Helmut Rüffler, 9/JG-51, Bf 109G-6 Wk. Nr. 165451 "White 13"
Shot down in "White 13" with severe wounds 18 July, 1944 near Flensburg after downing two P-51's. 32 fighters and 66 bombers (54 twin engine), including one B-17 on 20 October, 1943, his 52nd victory. Another known victory, his 55th, a B-24 on 8 April, 1944, no location. His 60th, a P-51 at Seine Mündung on 30 June, 1944. 690 combat missions. 86 victories in the East. His 1st Soviet victory, an I-15 on 22 June, 1941. A U-2 on 4 March, 1942. A Pe-2 on 9 March, 1942. A triple on 28 March, 1942; an I-61 and two I-301's. His 18th, a MiG-3 on 25 July, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 23 August, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 27 August, 1942. A MiG-1 and a LaGG-3 on 27 September, 1942. Two Yak-1's and an Il-2 on 28 September, 1942. His 29th, a Yak-4 on 1 October, 1942. Nos. 30, 31 and 32; two Il-2's and a Yak-1 on 2 October, 1942. His 34th, a LaGG-3 on 8 October, 1942. Two Il-2's and a LaGG-3 on 17 October, 1942. His 61st, a Spitfire at Conde-sur-Noireau on 16 July, 1944 (Perry Claims). Shot down 5 times. Uffz Georg Munderloh, 6/JG-54 Bf 109G-2, Wk. Nr. 13913 "Yellow 9" (lost, POW).,
POW 6 March, 1943 over Staraja-Russa S.U. after downing his 20th, when his "Yellow 9" collided with another Soviet AC. With his engine dead, he had no choice but to land in enemy territory and be captured. He was a member of "Rotte Beisswenger". His first known Soviet victory, an Il-2 on 13 September, 1942. An I-16 Rata on 26 September, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 17 December, 1942. A LaGG-3 and an Il-2 on 29 December, 1942. An Il-2 on 30 December, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 16 January, 1943. A LaGG-5 and an Il-2 on 11 February, 1943. A LaGG-3 on 17 February, 1943. A LaGG-5 on 19 February, 1943. An R-5 on 20 February, 1943. A LaGG-3 on 23 February, 1943. Three LaGG-3's on 27 February, 1943. A LaGG-3 and an Il-2 on 5 March, 1943.
This machine is confusing as well,
Fw Heinz Nitschke, 1/Erg.Zerst.Gr. Värlöse (Aalborg), Bf 110D-2 Werk # 3335 "13" "A2 + NL" (lost, KIC)., KIC 20 May, 1941 when the AC experienced engine failure and the AC crashed at Signalbakken Hill near the Aalborg airfield, killing Nitschke and his R/O Gefr Albrecht König. Both were buried in the Frederikshavn Cemetery on 24 May, 1941.
Why the "13"??
Hptm Günther Schack, 7/JG-51, Bf 109G-6 Wk. Nr. 165559 "Yellow 13"(lost).,
780 combat missions. Shot down 15 times. Forced to bail with wounds from his "Yellow 13" on 23 October, 1941 after daylight raids over Moscow. Most likely a victim of the 34th Fighter Aviation Regt. protecting Moscow. Collided with Ofw Lothar Mai on 27 August, 1943. Mai could not extricate himself, and died in the crash. Schack was able to bring his damaged AC back to base. All victories in the East. He was Stfkpt 9/JG-51 in Dec. 1943, Kdr I/JG-51 in Dec. 1944, and Kdr IV/JG-3 in May, 1945. Served briefly in JG-27. One early Soviet victory, an I-26 on 1 March, 1942. An Il-2 on 1 August, 1942. An Il-2 on 10 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 12 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 13 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 18 August, 1942. A MiG-3 on 27 August, 1942. Two Pe-2's near Stephanovka on 3 September, 1942. Two Pe-2's on 10 September, 1942. An Il-2 SE of Belojne on 15 October, 1942. Among many multiples, five Pe-2 in the Sychevka/Subzoff areas on 17 December, 1942. Four Pe-2's on 29 January, 1943. An Il-2, a LaGG-5 and three LaGG-3's on 23 February, 1943.
Fw Walter Scholz, 3/JG-53, Bf 109E-4 Wk. Nr. 1325 "Yellow 13" (lost).,
POW 30 September, 1940 after aerial combat over England, force landing at Langley, no report of injuries (Prien). His first victory, a Spitfire 10 km S of London on 15 September, 1940. The Aircrew Remembrance Society reported that he had three victories up to the time of his capture.
Ofhr Gerhard Schwital, 15/JG-54 Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 750135 "Yellow 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 24 December, 1944 over Setterich, northwest of Aachen.
Ofw Heinz Seifert, 15/JG-54 Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 205120 "Yellow 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 14 January, 1945 in aerial combat with a P-51 over Hunteburg, near Vörden Germany.
Gefr Martin Stahlberg, 8/JG-54 Bf 109G-6 Wk. Nr. 410875 "Black 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 29 March, 1944 in a Mid-air collision with another G-6, Wk. Nr. 410136 over Lüneburg Germany.
Hugo Welsch, 2/JG-54, Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 205233 "Black 13" (lost MIA).,
MIA 29 October, 1944 12 km northwest of Vainoda. His first known victory, a Soviet Pe-2 on 10 March, 1944. A 2nd, a Yak-9 on 16 May, 1944. A 3rd, an Il-2 on 29 May, 1944. Nos. 4, 5, 6 7, two Yak-9's a P-39 and an Il-2 on 30 June, 1944. Nos. 8 9, both Il-2's on 16 July, 1944. Nos. 10-12, an Il-2, an La-5 and a Yak-9 on 21 July, 1944. A 13th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 23 July, 1944. A 14th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 24 July, 1944. A 15th, a Yak-9T NE of Kreutsburg on 7 August, 1944. A 16th, an Il-2 on 15 August, 1944. Nos 17, 18 19, all three Il-2's on 16 August, 1944. Nos. 20-22, all Yak-9's on 15 September, 1944. Nos. 23 24, a Yak-9 and an La-5 on 16 September, 1944. Nos. 25 26, a Yak-9 and a Pe-2 on 30 September, 1944. Nos. 27 28, a P-39 and an Il-2 on 27 October, 1944.
Another one with a interesting Wk. Nr.,
Ofw Heinrich Tetzlaff, 2/NJG-2 Ju 88G-6 Wk. Nr. 621313 "4R + KK" (lost MIA).,
MIA 25 December, 1944 after sustaining a flak hit in his G-6 and crashing by Roermond Holland. Remaining crew (POW): Uffz Rudolf Reichelt, R/O; Ogefr Werner Kilian, Mechanic and Uffz Herbert Walter. The remaining crew were captured by the British ground troops. One known victory, a "4 mot" at St Leu on 8 July, 1944, a Fw at the time.
Not a "13" but an interesting story,
Hptm Walter Gerdes, Erprobungsstelle-Werneuchen Ju 88C-6 "CD + PV" (interned in Sweden).,
Gerdes, with his navigator Helmer Dreilich set out on a long distance flight without official authorization to Norway. Due to a compass and radio malfunction, Gerdes decided to make an emergency landing at Virkvarn Sweden on 17 October, 1944. There he claimed he was defecting, but the nightfighter had top secret equipment onboard, and without authorization, the Germans suspected treason and wanted him shot! In a bizarre twist, another researcher suggests he was making the flight to meet with his actress girlfriend, Grete Weise, was on tour in Norway entertaining troops. The fact that he was carrying a small kit with toilet articles and wore his class "A" uniform with decorations under his flightsuit, makes the latter explanation very convincing. In fear of being returned to Germany, Gerdes unsuccessfully attempted suicide on October 18th. Dreilich asked to be returned to Germany.
...and another one, with a somewhat more sad ending.,
Fw Max Werner Schultz, 4/ZG-26 Bf 410A-1/U4 Wk. Nr. 420622 "3U + KM" (lost, KIA, in Sweden).,
KIA 11 April, 1944 when he passed over Sövdeborg Sweden and was brought down by 40mm gunfire. The gun crew thought they were being fired upon, and observers indicated that it may heve been the AC engine backfiring that was heard, as they were attempting to land. Remaining crew: Fw Josef Kaulartz (born 1/29/1920 Frankfurt), also killed. Both were killed on impact and buried at Sövde with Swedish military honors, then re-buried at Trelleborg.
And now for some completely different,
Maj Hans Georg Bätcher, Stfkpt 1/KG-100, Kdr I/KG-27('41), Kdr I/KGr 100(10/43), Kdr I/KG-4(3/44), Kdr III/KG-76(9/44), He 111 in KG-4, Ar 234 in KG-76, Me 262 in KG(J)/54 at wars end.,
This famous bomber ace survived a higher number of combat missions (658...) than any other bomber airman in WWII, serving over France, England and Russia. Shot down at least once, into the Channel in September, 1940, and rescued by ASR. During bthe French Campaign, his He 111 was shot down by a Morane fighter, and he was a brief POW in France until his release upon their surrender. During the Siege at Sevastopol, he flew 15 missions between June 12 15, 1942 and 116 total! IHe was Kdr III/KG-76 in December, 1944, the worlds 1st Jet Bomber Unit. Kdr KG-54 in April, 1945. He also briefly commamded KG(J)-54 and III/KG-76 in May, 1945. His Observer was an Oblt Scholz.
Hptm Günther "Pan" Müller, 4/SG-2, Fw 190F-8 Wk. Nr. 580956 "White 13" (lost, KIA),
KIA 23 June, 1944 in his F-8, on his 900th mission. He was shot down east of Ploesti by American fighter escorts for bombers attacking the oil refineries at Ploesti Romania.
Hptm Günther Schack, 7/JG-51, Bf 109G-6 Wk. Nr. 165559 "Yellow 13"(lost).,
780 combat missions. Shot down 15 times. Forced to bail with wounds from his "Yellow 13" on 23 October, 1941 after daylight raids over Moscow. Most likely a victim of the 34th Fighter Aviation Regt. protecting Moscow. Collided with Ofw Lothar Mai on 27 August, 1943. Mai could not extricate himself, and died in the crash. Schack was able to bring his damaged AC back to base. All victories in the East. He was Stfkpt 9/JG-51 in Dec. 1943, Kdr I/JG-51 in Dec. 1944, and Kdr IV/JG-3 in May, 1945. Served briefly in JG-27. One early Soviet victory, an I-26 on 1 March, 1942. An Il-2 on 1 August, 1942. An Il-2 on 10 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 12 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 13 August, 1942. A Pe-2 on 18 August, 1942. A MiG-3 on 27 August, 1942. Two Pe-2's near Stephanovka on 3 September, 1942. Two Pe-2's on 10 September, 1942. An Il-2 SE of Belojne on 15 October, 1942. Among many multiples, five Pe-2 in the Sychevka/Subzoff areas on 17 December, 1942. Four Pe-2's on 29 January, 1943. An Il-2, a LaGG-5 and three LaGG-3's on 23 February, 1943.
Fw Walter Scholz, 3/JG-53, Bf 109E-4 Wk. Nr. 1325 "Yellow 13" (lost).,
POW 30 September, 1940 after aerial combat over England, force landing at Langley, no report of injuries (Prien). His first victory, a Spitfire 10 km S of London on 15 September, 1940. The Aircrew Remembrance Society reported that he had three victories up to the time of his capture.
Ofhr Gerhard Schwital, 15/JG-54 Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 750135 "Yellow 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 24 December, 1944 over Setterich, northwest of Aachen.
Ofw Heinz Seifert, 15/JG-54 Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 205120 "Yellow 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 14 January, 1945 in aerial combat with a P-51 over Hunteburg, near Vörden Germany.
Gefr Martin Stahlberg, 8/JG-54 Bf 109G-6 Wk. Nr. 410875 "Black 13" (lost KIA)., KIA 29 March, 1944 in a Mid-air collision with another G-6, Wk. Nr. 410136 over Lüneburg Germany.
Hugo Welsch, 2/JG-54, Fw 190A-9 Wk. Nr. 205233 "Black 13" (lost MIA).,
MIA 29 October, 1944 12 km northwest of Vainoda. His first known victory, a Soviet Pe-2 on 10 March, 1944. A 2nd, a Yak-9 on 16 May, 1944. A 3rd, an Il-2 on 29 May, 1944. Nos. 4, 5, 6 7, two Yak-9's a P-39 and an Il-2 on 30 June, 1944. Nos. 8 9, both Il-2's on 16 July, 1944. Nos. 10-12, an Il-2, an La-5 and a Yak-9 on 21 July, 1944. A 13th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 23 July, 1944. A 14th, a Yak-9 at Daugavpils on 24 July, 1944. A 15th, a Yak-9T NE of Kreutsburg on 7 August, 1944. A 16th, an Il-2 on 15 August, 1944. Nos 17, 18 19, all three Il-2's on 16 August, 1944. Nos. 20-22, all Yak-9's on 15 September, 1944. Nos. 23 24, a Yak-9 and an La-5 on 16 September, 1944. Nos. 25 26, a Yak-9 and a Pe-2 on 30 September, 1944. Nos. 27 28, a P-39 and an Il-2 on 27 October, 1944.
Another one with a interesting Wk. Nr.,
Ofw Heinrich Tetzlaff, 2/NJG-2 Ju 88G-6 Wk. Nr. 621313 "4R + KK" (lost MIA).,
MIA 25 December, 1944 after sustaining a flak hit in his G-6 and crashing by Roermond Holland. Remaining crew (POW): Uffz Rudolf Reichelt, R/O; Ogefr Werner Kilian, Mechanic and Uffz Herbert Walter. The remaining crew were captured by the British ground troops. One known victory, a "4 mot" at St Leu on 8 July, 1944, a Fw at the time.
Not a "13" but an interesting story,
Hptm Walter Gerdes, Erprobungsstelle-Werneuchen Ju 88C-6 "CD + PV" (interned in Sweden).,
Gerdes, with his navigator Helmer Dreilich set out on a long distance flight without official authorization to Norway. Due to a compass and radio malfunction, Gerdes decided to make an emergency landing at Virkvarn Sweden on 17 October, 1944. There he claimed he was defecting, but the nightfighter had top secret equipment onboard, and without authorization, the Germans suspected treason and wanted him shot! In a bizarre twist, another researcher suggests he was making the flight to meet with his actress girlfriend, Grete Weise, was on tour in Norway entertaining troops. The fact that he was carrying a small kit with toilet articles and wore his class "A" uniform with decorations under his flightsuit, makes the latter explanation very convincing. In fear of being returned to Germany, Gerdes unsuccessfully attempted suicide on October 18th. Dreilich asked to be returned to Germany.
...and another one, with a somewhat more sad ending.,
Fw Max Werner Schultz, 4/ZG-26 Bf 410A-1/U4 Wk. Nr. 420622 "3U + KM" (lost, KIA, in Sweden).,
KIA 11 April, 1944 when he passed over Sövdeborg Sweden and was brought down by 40mm gunfire. The gun crew thought they were being fired upon, and observers indicated that it may heve been the AC engine backfiring that was heard, as they were attempting to land. Remaining crew: Fw Josef Kaulartz (born 1/29/1920 Frankfurt), also killed. Both were killed on impact and buried at Sövde with Swedish military honors, then re-buried at Trelleborg.
And now for some completely different,
Maj Hans Georg Bätcher, Stfkpt 1/KG-100, Kdr I/KG-27('41), Kdr I/KGr 100(10/43), Kdr I/KG-4(3/44), Kdr III/KG-76(9/44), He 111 in KG-4, Ar 234 in KG-76, Me 262 in KG(J)/54 at wars end.,
This famous bomber ace survived a higher number of combat missions (658...) than any other bomber airman in WWII, serving over France, England and Russia. Shot down at least once, into the Channel in September, 1940, and rescued by ASR. During bthe French Campaign, his He 111 was shot down by a Morane fighter, and he was a brief POW in France until his release upon their surrender. During the Siege at Sevastopol, he flew 15 missions between June 12 15, 1942 and 116 total! IHe was Kdr III/KG-76 in December, 1944, the worlds 1st Jet Bomber Unit. Kdr KG-54 in April, 1945. He also briefly commamded KG(J)-54 and III/KG-76 in May, 1945. His Observer was an Oblt Scholz.
Hptm Günther "Pan" Müller, 4/SG-2, Fw 190F-8 Wk. Nr. 580956 "White 13" (lost, KIA),
KIA 23 June, 1944 in his F-8, on his 900th mission. He was shot down east of Ploesti by American fighter escorts for bombers attacking the oil refineries at Ploesti Romania.
A couple more reading Willi Reschke's JG 301/302 "Wilde Sau"
Oberfahnrick KarlHansel was shot down and killed by P-51's near the town of Lohm west of Neustadt an der Dosse (FW-190 A-8 "White 13" , WNr. 175 920) He died just a few days after our battle with P-38's in which he had fought so bravely.
Feldwebel Clemens Schmoll was shot down and killed near Lohm, west of Newstadt an der Dosse (Fw-190 D-9 "Red 13", WNr. 210 913
Unteroffizier Ullrich Filipp of the 5. Staffel was shot down and killed over the Easter Front, location unknown (Fw-190 A-9 "White 13" WNr. 206 148 )
Thanks and one more..
Unteroffizier Heinz Sturm was born in Herdingen,Westphalia on May 4, 1922. When the mission was over he attempted to land at Stendal but crashed just short of the airfield. The cause of the crash that claimed Sturm's life is not known . (FW 190 A-8 "Red-13", WNr. 734 397)
Ohh I am just reading down the lists of losses like here is another
Ofw. Willi Frank shot down in air combat over Lepizeg on February 14th,1945. (FW-190 D-9 "Yellow 13" WNr. 210 919)