Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks Nick, great work!

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick, excellent coverage. I'm really enjoying your Luftwaffe loss reports May - October 1940. This brings unique insight into day to day operations and casualties during this critical period. More please!
Best regs,
Steve.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

addition to 13 August 1940:
The belly landing of "1Z+EU" was indeed in Schwarza (near Rudolstadt) and not in Schwarzach (like guessed) and the a/c belonged to 10./KG z.b.V.1 (with the badge of the 3rd group near the middle engine). I have some pictures of that landing. The W.Nr. was 3101 (with my bad eyes).

Greetings
Rasmussen

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's updates to ghostbombers.com:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–December 1940: the fourth instalment, two pages covering September.
• KG 100, ULTRA and the Coventry Blitz: a new page about joint RAF/RN Operation MEDIUM, during which a German navigational beam station was destroyed.
• Geschwader Bongart: an addition about the attack on St. Donat-sur-l'Herbasse on 15 June 1944.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

The last updates to ghostbombers.com for this year:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–December 1940: the fifth instalment, one page covering October.
• KG 100, ULTRA and the Coventry Blitz: a note about the special Whitley bombers assigned to the Wireless Intelligence Development Unit; and a substantial rewrite of the page about Operation MEDIUM, identifying a possible cause for the destruction of German navigational beam station "SPREE."

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

My first new material for 2016 has been uploaded today to http://www.ghostbombers.com/updates/updates.html:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–December 1940: the sixth instalment, two pages covering November and December.
• Jagdgruppe 200: a map showing bases and combats.and an eyewitness account of the unit's action on 12 July 1944.
• Geschwader Bongart: information about two He 177 operations flown by Westa 2.
• Operation Dragoon: cancellation of an operation against Allied ships off Corsica on 13 August 1944.
• Kommando Olga: more information about 6.(F)/123 in the summer of 1944, including a Ju 188 operation from Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

This takes the site total to 541 pages.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

6.(F)123 Ju 88 S-1 140700 was not S-1 really, it was Ju 188 V61 (Prototype Ju 88 E-2) converted in mid 1942. Possibly the DF+EV but may have had other code.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

It can be assumed that He 177 A-3C refers to Rüstzustand C, with long range equipment.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks, that certainly makes sense of the reports.

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FYI, Ju 188 140700 is found in TNA HW 5/515 CX/MSS/R.229 /C/12.
(date 26.06.44)

-Eggert

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks. I had found that one but I was somewhat sceptical of it being a Ju 188 since 140604 and 140607 were Ju 88 S-1. Were there Ju 188s in the 140 000 series?

The Ju 188 series I normally encounter in the areas that interest me most are 180 000 (Ju 188 A), 260 000 (Ju 188 E) and 280 000 (Ju 188 F).

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick, not original Ju 188 per se. This is one was ex-Prototype Ju 88 E-2 but Re-edesignated Ju 188 in late 1942. One appeared in 430xxx series (mostly D-1, D-1/trop / D-5 / D-5/trop series. Total of five conversions to Ju 88 E / F series). Without specific JFM records these, they are hard to verify, but three are confirmed. This is one.

The Ju 88 V61 / Ju 188 V61 / Ju 88 E-2 DF+EV was W.Nr. 0880140700 and one of a series of conversion of two Standard A-4 and two A-4/trop, one D-1/trop, made at FSD (Dessau) in early/mid summer 1942 onwards - made long before (full year) the A-4 / S-1 140601 etc. were made. These were further research to the Ju 88 B V prototypes done in 1940 to 1941 period.

In flight movie of DF+EV, looks Ju 188´ish, right?
One can see DF+ in one part (when it nearly collides with photoplane) and later E+V clearly under left wing at end of movie. Much better version of this movie I once found on internet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrRnM-VV5o0

The Junkers made (Bernburg Assembled) Ju 88 A-4, D-1 and C-6´s were NOT made in nummerical order, none starting at 0001. Three times exactly was the sequence broken, in same manner as Black out blocks were used later, but with large difference, by jumping back and forth!

I know of correct order now, plotted and verified by official docs.

-Eggert

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Also valid are Ju 188 in 10xxx, 188/150xxx, 160xxx, 170xxx, 230xxx, 290xxx series. But them in 088/0140xxx and 0430xxx were prototypes and in "other system", but the latter ones were used in Ju 88 H series (Recce) conversions. None C-6 in 0880360xxx or 188/720xxx or 750xxx series are yet found as conversions to Ju 188, but one Ju 88 H (Zerstörer).

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Nick, had a look at the JG200 pages and looks like you incorporated some of Ohmerts Flugbuch info I sent you. Thanks for that and keep up the good work!

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Some of it's there but not all of it yet. More at the next update (whenever that is). Meanwhile,, thanks for all your help.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I've just posted the latest additions to my site:

• Luftwaffe reconnaissance: the first part of a new article: Invasion Watch, 18 April–5 June 1944.
• Jagdgruppe 200: a new page summarising the career of Uffz. Gustav-Wilhelm Ohmert, plus addtions to the narrative regarding his actions with JGr. 200 (thanks to Simon Kovach).
• Kampfflieger Vol. 4: correction to an error on page 318, based on further research.
• Operation Dragoon: a note about Ogefr. Fritz Pauleweit joining II./TG 1; a little more information about Fw 190 A-4, W.Nr. 140703.
• Staffel Kaatsch: a note about a 2./NAG 13 pilot killed on the first day of that unit's return to operations.
• Kommando Olga: some more information about the apparent winding-up of the special detachment of 6.(F)/123.
• AIr raid damage: a note about the fate of Bf 109 G-6, W.Nr. 15864 of III./JG 27.
• Various minor corrections.

This brings the total to 547 pages.

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Fabulous stuff on Ohmert, thanks Nick and absolutely fascinating to find out some more about him.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Nick,
I read the Luftwaffe reconnaissance part with much interest. By far too many legends have been published about Luftwaffe actions prior to and during D-Day. By now they are about to become facts.
Within my own sphere of research I was fortunate to get sources that enabled my to to tell the radar story. "The invasion fleet was not detected by radar on 6 june", wrong please see:
http://www.gyges.dk/pre_dday_attacks_on_the_german.htm
bregds
SES
www.gyges.dk

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hello Nick,

I did sent you an email on your Gmail-address about some files sent also by WeTransfer. I got a reminder from WeTransfer that you haven't downloaded the files yet.

All the best, Marcel

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hello Nick
I read your Luftwaffe reconnaissance article and found it very interesting and very informative.

Thanks a lot for your effort on this very interesting subject!
Juha

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

The latest set of updates to my website includes:

• A page listing some aircraft of I./JG 4 reported lost or damaged in the course of the unit's deployment to and departure from the France and Belgium in the late summer of 1944.
• Jagdgeschwader recognition bands: a signal of 25 October 1944 from Ob. West about an impending major operation.
• He 111 torpedo operations: an early British identification of KGr. 126.
• Kommando Olga: expanded information on 6.(F)/123.
• Sonderstaffel Kaatsch: more information on Bf 109 G-6, W.Nr. 781210.
• Geschwader Bongart: quote from a member of 2./ZG 1 about the unit's first knowledge of the Normandy invasion.
• SG 4 in Normandy: a prisoner's description of radar station »Distelfink« and the dispatch of one of the unit's Fw 190s for repair at Cravant-Bazarnes.
• Raid damage: the fate of Fw 190 G-3, W.Nr. 160462 of 1./SKG 10.
• Kampfflieger 4: an Abwehr assessment of damage inflicted in three Steinbock raids on London.
• I./JG 2 in Italy: a report of damage caused by the USAAF raids on Rome on 3 March 1944; a map of the Gruppe's bases and combats; a breakdown of pilots' victory claims.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

The latest set of updates to my website includes:

• Completion of the new article: Invasion Watch, 18 April–5 June 1944 (including some revisions to the existing April 1944 pages).
• Using ULTRA: a listing of DEFE3 series files for 1944–45 in date order and with serial numbers of the messages in each one.
• Geschwader Bongart: Westa 2 Ob.d.L's contribution to anti-partisan operations on 4 and 5 July 1944 (thanks to Pierre Babin).
• I./JG 2 in Italy: another report about the Allied bombing of Rome on 3 March 1944.
• Codes of 1.(F)/33 & 1.(F)/5 Arado 234 aircraft at Stavanger (thanks to Huib Ottens).
• Kommando Götz: some small additions about the last days of 1.(F)/123.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

It's been a while but I've now posted several updates and additions to my website:

• A new article: Listening and Jamming: July 1943–August 1944, about Kommando Rastedter and its successor units.
• I./JG 4 heads home: expanded to include details of eight more Bf 109 G-14 lost or damaged up to 29 September 1944.
• Heinz Hauck and 6.(F)/123: article expanded.
• Geschwader Bongart: an SOE agent's brief description a German air attack.
• NSG 9: more on the fate of Ofw. Wolfsen and Gefr. Wilk (thanks to Michele Becchi).
• Markings and camouflage: identification of »Herr Beu« of the Heinkel firm (thanks to Don Bender).
• JGr. 200: another incident in the flying career of Heinz Moschke (thanks to Matti Salonen).

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick,

It's such a great work that you've been doing. Thank you very much for sharing it with us!

Boris

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

good morning Mr.Beale

for several months I can't access to your site ( ghostbombers)
is it normal? your site became private?

regards

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hello focusfocus
I don't have any problems with the access to the site.

Juha

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

hello Juho

I am in france,and impossible to access:I have this message:this site is unable to access the internet address in french of course.

I don't understand

regards

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I don't understand either, ghostbombers.com had 74 unique visitors from France during September. The site has never been private, I want people to read what I write. Clearing the cache on your browser might help, perhaps.

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Hello,

I'm in France too, but I have no problem to access to Ghostbombers website.

Pierre Babin

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

hello mr.Babin

impossible to access,I am going crazy (maybe has cause of my internet operator(free) but why? I give up!

when I see you name Pierre Babin,Pierre Babin and "bingo" of course the book of Wekusta 2,I take this opportunity to tell you a very good book!
a new projet of book?

best regards

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Uploaded to the ghostbombers.com website this morning:

• Several additions to Listening and Jamming, June 1943–August 1944: including the origins of Kommando Rastedter, co-operation with naval units and its commanding officer's subsequent posting.
• KGr. 100, ULTRA and the Coventry Blitz: extensive additions about the RAF's attacks on the X-beam stations.
• I./JG 4 heads home: expanded to include details of four more Bf 109 G-14 lost or damaged on 19 September 1944.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

For September 19th 1944, Bf 109G-14 WNr 413774 I have Fahnenjunker- Unteroffizier Horst Zwingmann, injured. Obviously he returned.
Hope this helps

Regards
RolandF

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks Roland, that's one for me to include at the next update.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nd for the 413686, name is Ge. Kurt Lack 59740/620

Rémi

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

This morning's updates to Ghost Bombers are:

• Extensive additions to Listening and Jamming: June 1943–August 1944, including statements from German prisoners about Kdo. Rastedter and information about the Kettenhund jamming transmitter.
• Markings and camouflage: additions about Mediterranean theatre markings in December 1941 (thanks to Daniele Righi) and the emblem of 1.(F)/121.
• Geschwader Bongart: more about Luftwaffe intervention in the Battle of Estang, as seen by Lt. Col. George Starr.
• Jagdgruppe 200: additions regarding operations on 18, 23 and 29 June 1944 (thanks to Jochen Prien).
• I./JG 4 heads home: addition of a pilot's name and correction of another (thanks to 12 o'Clock High Forum members RolandF and RT).

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12 December 1941
"engine colwings will be painted broihgt yellow..."

Nothing personal. These bright cowlings hit my eyes some days ago, but was unable post anything, due "page resetting whilst loading" problem, unsolvable by hitting F5.

I think in old days Warts were warned of falling bottom (under) engine cowlings, at least on Bf 109s as these included the (heavy) oil cooler.

HNY -Ed

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Interesting to see the magnitude of decrypted ULTRA-messages and it looks like ULTRA also includes losses with lightly damaged aircrafts with no personal injury. Any chance for that you have stumbled upon similar cases in Norway for the same time period in 1944 as this bird? http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...ight=krager%F6

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I have been so busy for a long time with operations in France that now I feel guilty that I did not pay more attention to Norway! Most of what I have noticed has been about movements of aircraft between bases and sorties flown on particular days, especially reconnaissance and convoy escort. From memory I am sure that you will find some reports of lost or damaged aircraft but I don't remember any long lists. That I./JG 4 material I found is unusual because you do not usually get so many reports from one unit. Such information can appear suddenly and vanish just as fast (for example when they move to somewhere with a good landline and stop communicating by radio).

I'm still "in France" (in research terms) at the moment but if I spot any good Norway material, I'll post it on the forum.

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So that probably means that communication between luftwaffe units in Norway, was mostly by landline, and was never picked up by ULTRA?

Then what we have left, is communication with ship traffic?

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks anyway for the reply and information on the matter Nick.