Re: Hauptmann Kurt Brandle II/JG 3
 

Kurt Braendle's kill on the 20May42 of a R-5 at 03:49 for his 37 victory is most likely a R-Z light bomber. 5 R-Z light bombers of the 47 OKAE were working over Hill 196.2 (Kharkov campaign). The Russians stated 5 Bf-109 attacked and shot down all five. Outside of Brandle the only other pilot claiming any victories was Hptm. Wolfgang Ewald, Stab/JG3 for a R-Z at 03:49 and a R-Z at 03:51 for his 2nd and 3rd victory. Who got the other two R-Z? Maybe they were unconfirmed for Braendle or Ewald or their wingmen. The only other claim was a R-5 by Lt. Friedrich Lorentzen of 2./JG3 at 12:50. No such claims from II. and III./JG52 or III./JG77.

Re: Hauptmann Kurt Brandle II/JG 3
 

You should contact Rob van den Nieuwendijk, who frequents this board.
He is very knowledgeable about JG 3, and has covered the final flight of Brändle in quite some detail in his (Dutch) book 'Doelwit Schiphol'.
Cheers
Ivo de Jong

Re: Hauptmann Kurt Brandle II/JG 3
 

Many thanks gentlemen. I shall endeavour to contact Mr Nieuwendijk. :D