Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

SES: Thanks, that will be interesting to see.

Heuser: the Gen.Qu. loss data that I used (item 44 in the report of 10.2.45) says »Besatzung unverletzt« and is listed under Luftflotte 10. I./NJG 6 was part of Luftflotte Reich at that time (e.g. the loss of Oblt. Willi Rathmann's Bf 110 W.Nr. 730370 near Reuthlingen on 1 February, with the deaths of all three crew).

On 10 January 1945, Stab NAG 6 had 2 (1) Bf 110 G-4/R3 on strength.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

and what I meant to say was supplementary primary sources.
I just re-sent the mail.
bregds
SES

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Nick,

surviving German documentation does seem to attribute 730324 to different units.

The relevant NJG6 Namentliche Verlustmeldung gives:

10 km nordwestl.
Waldmühlenbach
b./Heilbronn.
1.2.45 19.15 h
Bf 110/G-4
2Z-OK. W.-Nr.
730324, Nr. d.
Qu.Meld.: 106

Note that Waldmühlenbach is only some 4.5 km from Roigheim, as mentioned with the NAGr 6 loss...

Werner Koch's published transcription of the handwritten KTB of Stab NJG6, "Das Kriegstagebuch des Nachtjagdgeschwaders 6", also gives 730324 as Ofw. Paul Faden's aircraft, but it is unclear if Koch added this data to his manuscript or if the data is cited in the original KTB....

There is no other entry in the surviving Genst.Gen.Qu.6.Abt returns that could relate to Faden's Bf 110.

Cheers

Rod

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

There is no other entry in the surviving Genst.Gen.Qu.6.Abt returns that could relate to Faden's Bf 110.

Which points to two entries getting confused or conflated, but it's pretty hard to tell which was correct.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's Ghost Bombers updates are:

• Some additional information on the fates of I./JG 2 pilots who served in Italy.
• Extensive additions to the Geschwader Bongart article about the attacks on the Glières Plateau (March 1944); Valréas (09.06.44); Houeillès (13.06.44); Anterrieux (20.06.44); Lestaget (25.06.44); Combovin (22.06.44); Combovin Plateau (28.06.44); Les Ollières (29.06.44; Saou and Saint-Floret (30.06.44); Le Cheylard (05.07.44); Lamastre (06.07.44); Villereversure (11.07.44); Oyonnax (12.07.44); Saint-Pierreville (17.07.44); Ambert and Ouroux, Rhône (26.07.44); Thônes (03.08.44); Morgins, Switzerland (06.08.44); Marcols (07.08.44); La Douzette and Cluny (11.08.44); Le Lioran (13.08.44). Also, an afterword, several additions to the map of operations, many more source links and various changes to page layouts and numbering to incorporate the new material.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks for your much appreciated additions, Nick. Glières is close to Geneva; good to know what was undertaken by the Luftwaffe there in 44.

Cheers
Marc

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's updates are:

• Jagdgruppe 200: more about the events of 14 July 1944; also a brief note about the unit's whereabouts prior to its disbandment.
• Geschwader Bongart: a little more about IV./KG 27's deployment to Dijon in March 1944; the German police request for an attack on Thônes; an Fw 190 of the 8. Staffel at Cravant and an He 46 D at Étampes-Mondesir, possibly belonging to the Geschwader; an eyewitness account of Luftwaffe attacks on the Vercors Plateau.
• 10./ZG 1: Several additions, including operations on 2 and 6 March 1944 and information about the Staffel's disbandment, necessitating a slight change of title.
• Jagdgeschwader recognition markings: a deciphered message stating the aims of the major defensive fighter operation being prepared in Autumn 1944; and an RAF Intelligence assessment of the bases from which this could be mounted.
• Operation Dragoon: something more about Ju 88 A-17, W.Nr. 300135 of KG 26.
• Kommando Hecht: details of an operation on 18 November 1944.
• Raid damage: German Police reports on the attacks on Angers on 8 and 17 June 1944.
• Guide to Ultra: two additions to the Further Reading page.
• Corrections to layouts, links and typing mistakes.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

550070 DO+L. likely 550570 DO+LT (as 550070 had other Stkz.)

A-17 1022 (can be 0881022) anyways one A-4 ´1022 is known in need of certain spares at Westerland 28.04.44 (Ultra)

A-17 801490 is mentioned twice, confusing re-dates / units
(but either can be 301490, as no info yet)

A-17 801598 3Z+CH already lost 11.05.44 ("LATA & OPS" Thiele; Salonen)
(but 0881598 still no fate)

Else other II/KG 26 info fills preatty well in.

http://www.ghostbombers.com/dragoon/appx2.html

Best regards
Ed

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

The Ghost Bombers website is 10 years old today.

To mark the occasion, there's an expanded and remastered 25th Anniversary de luxe reissue of an article I had published back in November 1989 about a I./KG 200 spy-dropping mission over Belgium. Many more sources have become available since I researched the original.

The other new things this month are:

• Information about 2/Lt. Peter J. McGirr of the 414th NFS, shot down by an Fw 190 of NSG 9. (This new material comes by courtesy of Lt. McGirr's niece, Ellen Manzo).
• A visit by General der Schlachtflieger Hubertus Hitschhold to SG 4 in Piacenza, Italy in June 1944.
• SG 4 in Normandy: more about the defence of the Distelfink radar station at Douvres-la-Délivrande.
• More about Bf 109s of 3./NAG 13 in Spring and Summer 1944.
• Geschwader Bongart: identification of another Junkers W.34 belonging to the unit.
• Operation Dragoon: reference to another He 111 of Stab II./KG 26.

The Me 262 "S" marking: more about the Sichtungsstelle General der Jagdflieger.

Amendments to page layouts, typing corrections, restoration of links and some changes to file structures.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Nick,
Interesting as always. I find it ironic that no RK was awarded to intercept controllers (JLo) for their vital contribution in obtaining kills in the air. The only RK awarded to Ln-personnel were for ground action. Please see:
http://www.gyges.dk/Jlo%20abschuessse.pdf
for a listing of intercepts resulting in confirmed kills.
The unit was given credit for kills and this was mentioned in the monthly summary of the JK.
But the action at DIESTELFINK was certainly the result of outstanding leadership.
bregds
SES

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick,

Congrats! Ten years is forever in this age...

Excellent, original research and a great site -- thanks for sharing.

Regards,
Leon Venter

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hello Nick,

I have some small idea of the difficulty of what you have done for 10+ years. I am also appreciative of the quality of your website and the data presented therein.

I guess this my long-winded way of saying, “Thank you sir. You are appreciated.”

Steve Sheflin

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thank you very much, Nick, for your so fantastic work during these 10 years.

Pierre

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick,

Selfless toil and contribution has its own intrinsic reward, but the occasional pat on the back is nice, too. ;)

L. :)

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thank you Nick,

for your enduring publication endeavour, shareing your always reliable and well referened research results with us in a so well structured focused way.

I hope that your motivation, engagement, health and what ever is needed in addition, will let you enjoyed it and carry on for a long time.

So, best wishes for 2015!

Martin

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I've just posted the first updates of the New Year:

• 10./ZG 1: several additions about operations in January and February 1944, including escorts for returning U-boats.
• Geschwader Bongart: additions about the bombing of Guéret and the abduction of two U-boat officers.
• Kommando Olga: map of operations over Holland and Belgium on 23 January 1945 and a page about Fhj.-Fw. Heinz Hauck's time with 6.(F)/123.
• Operation Dragoon: information from the US Navy and a German radar station about anti-shipping raids on 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21 August 1944; more about USN claims of three Ju 52s on 21 August (thanks to Ronnie Olsthoorn and Georg Schlaug).
• Markings and camouflage: an August 1944 message about the imminent delivery of Fw 190 and Bf 109 aircraft with unpainted lower surfaces.
• Jagdgeschwader recognition bands: expanded text of a signal about the "transfer of further fighter forces … into the Reich … to cause [the enemy] such heavy losses that he is forced to give up the systematic destruction of the armaments industry."
• KG 51 fighter operations: corrections regarding the fates of Oblt. Heinz Lehmann and Uffz. Horst Sanio (information courtesy of Jaap Woortmann).
• The Arado 234 in Norway and Denmark: added plan of Stavanger-Sola aerodrome.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Nick,

Thanks very much for your continuous efforts and generous sharing for a decade, this website of yours is great.

Regarding your Nachtjagdstaffel Norwegen article, below photograph has recently been auctioned on ebay, http://www.ebay.com/itm/281582548112. This Ju88G-6 was apparently captured at Flensburg and displays a black starboard underwing as well as the white spinner spiral, similar to other aircraft of that unit. The fuselage is camouflaged with heavy Wellenmuster, again, a feature apparent for example at Bf110G-4 B4+KA or Ju88G-6 B4+SA.

Close examination does unfortunately not provide clarity, but the aircraft might carry B4+AA marking. The IWM has a photograph where the tail of our subject is visible behind a Ju88A and it supports at least the +AA interpretation.

Kind regards
Mathias

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Mathias,
Vey nice shot thanks for sharing. AA does not sound like a very likely code since this would be the Geschw.Kodore. aircraft and this was just a Staffel.
bregds
SES

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks for your interest and for your comments on the site. NJ Staffel Norwegen did have an AA but it was their one He 219. I think I can see a small "9" to the left of this Ju 88's Balkenkreuz.

It can't be G9 because NJG 1 had no Ju 88s (I think!). So NJG 5 (C9), NJG 9 (D9) or NJG 101 (9W) maybe?

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks, SES, Nick.

@SES, as far as I understand, all NJ Staffel Norwegen aircraft carried B4+xA codes, despite being a Staffel.

@Nick, C9+AA actually is documented as the mount of Major Schoenert, Ju88G-6 WNr. 620788 with up and down facing antennas mounted on the rear fuselage. It was captured at Eggebeck airfield.

Kind regards
Mathias

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Hi Mathias,
Yes I think you are right.
bregds
SES

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

actually not sure if C9+AA could be called a regular mount as another famous pilot of NJG 5 also flew the bird and not necessarily with the odd fuselage aerials ............ hope this makes some sense

E `

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's updates to Ghost Bombers are as follows:

• Kommando Götz: more about operations on 11 February 1945.
• I./JG 2 in Italy: discovery of a wreck from the 454th BG's combat on 3 March 1944.
• SG 4 in Italy: the fate of a 324th FG pilot in the combat of 13 May 1944.
• Kommando Olga: identification of 6.(F)/123's Z6+DL as a Ju 188, and the aircraft's fate.
• Operation Dragoon: more about converting II./KG 26's aircraft for bombing; more about Seenotstaffel 3 and its aircraft; more about events on 13 and 14 August 1944; the loss of a Do 24 SE of Dijon; the evacuation of aircraft on 19 August and 20 August; orders for reconnaissance on 22 August; Seenotkdo. Berre's transfer orders; correction to Appendix 2; and a note added to Appendix 3: Orders of Battle.
• Geschwader Bongart: a note about operations on 5 August 1944; details of another He 46 of the III. Gruppe; a contact between Oberst von dem Bongart and NJ Staffel Norwegen.
• Many corrections to layouts and typos.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

For your ongoing efforts, this member of an admiring public thanks you.

GRM

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's updates to Ghost Bombers are:

• A new (short) article on the last days of 3./NAG 13.
• 3./NAG 13 in May 1944: something about the circumstances of the loss of Bf 109 G-8 W.Nr. 710124.
• Operation Dragoon: a note about an Fw 190 of 2./NAG 13 (thanks to Peter van Gogh); more about the loss of a Do 24 to a Mosquito intruder on 15 August 1944.
• Geschwader Bongart: more about 2./FAG 5's operation on 4 July 1944.
• Using ULTRA: more about online access to the DEFE3 series files.
• 1.(F)/100: information on a further mission on 22 April 1945.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick - Thanks for the DEFE3 update. You've repeated a paragraph on Page One.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks, a Rapid Response Team will be dispatched.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

where's the 'like' button!

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Here's the design, now all I need is the html code to link it directly to my ego.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Today's updates to Ghost Bombers are:

• 10./ZG 1: a new page about Teilkommando 5./196 (J) Brest-Süd.
• The last days of 3./NAG 13: timeline of the American advance into Bavaria added.
• Staffel Kaatsch: a map of operations and a revised page layout.
• Kommando Götz: small additions regarding operations on 4 January and 21 March 1945.
• Operation Dragoon: a little more about Seenotstaffel 3 and its plans to withdraw from France.
• ULTRA and the Coventry Blitz: information added about ULTRA's revelation of Knickebein and German plans to bomb British cross-channel guns.
• Geschwader Bongart: a note about a German propaganda attempt to link the Haute Savoie Maquis with a serial killer in Paris; a small revision regarding damaged Re. 2002s at Lyon-Bron.
• SG 4: Last Battles in Italy: correction of the name of Uffz. Günter Panknin (as per German war graves records).

… and no end of layout corrections.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick - Thanks for the piece on 3./NAG 13. The Fi 156 you mention Frank Stout as having shot down was almost certainly piloted by Heinz Lex of Transportstaffel 40.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I've posted all kinds of updates to the site this morning:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–October 1940: the first part of a new article on Ultra reports mentioning lost, missing and damaged aircraft during the Battle of France and Battle of Britain.
• Geschwader Bongart: a mission by IV./KG 100 on 19 June 1944 (thanks to information in a new book by Jean-Louis Roba).
• Green's last kill: changes to the conclusions, based on new information about salvaged aircraft at Bonn-Hangelar; a new page about Ofw. Jürgen Campsen of NSG 1 (thanks to Dr. Steffen Daehn).
• Markings and camouflage: new page added with several items from 1940.
• ULTRA and the Battle of Britain: some changes to the introduction.
• Adlertag: additions about a proposal to bomb the RAF's home airfields during the Battle of France and German units ordering self-destruct charges for their aircraft.
• KGr. 100, first weeks in France: various minor amendments and corrections.
• KGr. 100, Ultra and the Coventry Blitz: more about the 2./KG 1 Heinkel that crashed on Johnson Road, Bromley in November 1940; various minor corrections.
• He 111 Torpedo Operations: a small addition about KGr. 126 aircraft at Marx.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick, a big thank you for your enduring effort to research and share your results with us!

It is always a true pleasure to surf your ghostbomber site for example for my beloved recce units (e.g. German jet recce planes and missons) and any new Bf109 WNr out of the WNF production from losses PR strenght reports and your Welle researched Liftings. And not to forget the stories of the people mentioned, often as victims.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

I've posted the following updates to the site this morning:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–October 1940: the second instalment, four pages covering July.
• I./JG 4 leaves Belgium: a new page detailing 15 Bf 109 G-14 lost or damaged while the Gruppe was withdrawing to Germany.
• NSG 9: correction regarding Uffz. Karl Defele.
• Markings and camouflage: another reference to fighters' yellow nose markings in 1940.
• ULTRA and the Coventry Blitz: new information about fears that a proposed German transmitter would jam their own navigational beams.
• Geschwader Bongart: additions about Major von dem Bongart's first appearance in France in July 1940 and the bombing of Dortan, four years later.
• Addition of a page count to the home page (530 pages so far).
• More work on format and appearance of pages, plus minor corrections.

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

"Bf 109G - 14, W.Nr.460382, blue 1, damage 15%, 05 September 1944
First reported as "apparently blown up by Aerodrome Command on account of damage to undercarriage and wings." On 18/9 confirmed as 15% damaged, not observed by the enemy, no personnel losses, turned over to Aerodrome Command, Antwerp-Deurne. [Found by the Allies: DB 605 A-1 No. 00205227. MW 50. “Badly looted.”]"

Antwerpen was liberated on September 4, 1944, the last lorries of Erla VII left Antwerpen on September 3, 1944, 05 pm, and the Geman Aerodrome Command was there on September 18, 1944? Quite strange!

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Nick,

The name you have "corrected" is really Oefele. I have confirmed this from the EKM-list at WASt. You can make sure of this matter by checking for example the following:

http://www.library.yale.edu/catalogi...ic/fraktur.htm or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraktur

There is some similarity between "D" and "O", but this case is very clear.

Matti

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thanks for the comments.

Rasmussen: I think that the message implied only that the information from Deurne had arrived by 18 September. For example, the Fliegerhorst Kommandantur may have arrived back in Germany with its records and was informing units what had happened to their aircraft. I had more trouble with the losses at Beauvechain. Knowing that Leuven was liberated on 4 September, I was surprised that Beauvechain hadn't been evacuated sooner.

Matti: I went back to the NVM (typewritten, thankfully) and you're right, it is "Oefele."

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Thank you Nick !

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

Gentlemen,

I wonder how many sorties in total of Oberfeldwebel Jurgen Campsen that he flew before he lost his life on Feb. 24,1945? I know that Campsen made 450 sorties before he was shot down the first time on October 29,1944.

Sincerely,

Edward L. Hsiao

Re: Ghostbombers updates
 

The latest updates to Ghost Bombers are:

• Luftwaffe loss reports, May–October 1940: the third instalment, two pages covering August.
• Air raid damage: a new page on I./SKG 10's losses from 6–13 June 1944.
• Staffel Kaatsch: identification of "Tessains" as Tessens and update to map, thanks to Yves Michelet.
• Jagdgruppe 200: added information about Uffz. Gustav-Wilhem Ohmert's flying with the 1. Staffel in the period 3–25 July 1944. (My thanks to 12 o'clock High Forum member "Karl" for pointing me to this material).
• Kommando Olga: a small addition about the fitting of tail-warning radar on Ju 188 Z6+DL of 6.(F)/123