Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

I can confirm now that Stfw. Walter Böker (born 01.03.1912) was killed near Lommel on 18.9.1944 as a member of 6. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment. So, he was killed in ground combat. One of the many groundcrew personnel that was transferred to FJ-Regiments.

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

I have tried to check anything on 30th ID, but there is only a page with photos of L-4 and L-5, as well as a photo of their pilot getting award.https://www.oldhickory30th.com/PHOTO...s%20photos.htm
Reports on the page did not help, but perhaps it would be worth to ask the webmaster?

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

30th Inf Div After Action Reports here: https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digi...id/5469/rec/15

18 Sep 1944 at near bottom of file produces no indication of a shoot down. Div was well into Dutch province of Limburg by that time.

Leendert

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

The claim filed does not necessarily mean the aircraft was shot down.

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

Franek, sure, but he claimed it at 10 metres height.....so you would expect some effect or damage....

John

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

Does anybody know which Field Artillery Units were active in that area?

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

Not necessarily. An Auster was claimed destroyed over Arnhem on 25 Sep, but it evaded after some wild manouevring sans damage. Not easy to hit a slow and low flying aircraft with an experienced pilot.

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

Can you tell me who claimed an Auster on 25.9.44? And which Auster was that not so easy prey?

Re: Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster
 

The 'problem' with LW Air OP claims is that US L-types were more often than once also listed as Austers.
An 'Auster' among the claims could therefore have been an (e.g.) L-4 Cub in reality.
Depends a bit on area of claim and if British or US forces were operating in vicinity. Air OP a/c were usually near their respective front lines supporting their artillery units.

It appears that US Army (artillery) units had to file an 'Air OP Loss Report' with their HQ, but have not traced any online yet. Since they were not USAAF, no comparable MACR or Accident Report to look for either.
For RAF Auster squadrons we can rely on their ORBs.


Leendert