Re: 812Th IAP claimed for Hs 129 in Oct-Dec 1943
 

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I am interested by the book Nokose is talking about for a part of my research. On 18 October 1944 the French pilots of Normandie group flying with the VSS claimed 5 Hs 129 shot down over East Prussia. As 1944 losses are far less detailled than other years due to the lack of primary documents, I was wodering if the book mentionned above was detailling HS 129 use, and possibly losses, during the East Prussia battle in October 1944.

Thanks in advance

Laurent

Re: 812Th IAP claimed for Hs 129 in Oct-Dec 1943
 

Laurent, Martin Pegg has listed on p.266 that Normandie flew 88 missions on the 18th and made 12 claims. First engagement 11:25, Asp. Joseph Risso & Asp. Alexandre Laurent pounced upon a number of unescorted Hs129's. Risso shot down one (ofw. Bey of 13(Pz)/SG9 who was known to be MIA on the 18th). 12:45 9 Yaks located another formation probably 12.(Pz)/SG9 and shot down 4. The only plane showing in the Loss Table for that day was for Ofw. Ferinand Bey (Hs129 B-2 W.Nr.141828 coded Red B, 13.(Pz)/SG9), posted missing after sustaining hits from AA near Haselgrung. Fuselage fuel tank exploded in the air. It doen't have any damaged Hs129's for that day. There may be more info in a unit record for SG9.

Re: 812Th IAP claimed for Hs 129 in Oct-Dec 1943
 

Laurent:

The book about the 812th is volume 1, through May, 1944. Evidentally volume II, when published, will cover the period you list.

Re: 812Th IAP claimed for Hs 129 in Oct-Dec 1943
 

Thanks, John, but the book I was interested in was the Hs 129 pne.

Nokose, thanks for the details, this book seems very interesting for me (covering, or trying to, both sides of the events, as much as they can be combined) and will be added to my buy list.