Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

I am looking for any kind of information related to Obfw. Wilhelm Baumgartner from .9 and later .7/ JG 77, a Switzerland born Luftwaffe ace who, apparently is a distant member of my family, who died in combat on 11 April 1943.
It seems that the patrol led by Oblt Siegfried Freytag found and attacked a similar patrol of Spitfires. I would like to know which was that RAF or USAAF Squadron, the Allied pilots who claimed Bf 109 G that day and if possible a photo of Wilhelm Baumgartner, or the identification of his personal aircraft.
Thank you in advance for any kind of information related to this topic

Adriano Baumgartner ( former commercial pilot from Brazil )

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Hello Adriano,

I found the following information in J.PRIEN book 'Geschichte des Jagdgeschwader 77' :

- Ofw. Wilhelm Baumgartner KIA with 7./JG 77 was flying a 109G-2,white 10 with s/n 13996 (build by WNF). In the late morning they flew escort for Stuka's attacking allied positions round Medjez-el-Bab. The force was intercepted by Spitfires and in the ongoing battle Ofw. Baumgartner was shot down 2 km south of Sedjoumi. He wore the DKiG (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) and was credited with 30+ victories.
As this history consists of 4 volumes, I will have a closer look if I could find a photo or more information.
Best wishes,

Dirk
Belgium

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Thank you Dirk! I always thought he was shot down by Polish pilots of 145 Squadron or an USAAF Spitfire Squadron. Could you please inform me in which volume of Prien´s work you found the picture of Wilhelm? I will try to obtain this book, even knowing only single words of German...I found on the net a list of all DKiG winners of Luftwaffe, but Wilhelm was not there, although there were other Baumgartners ( one from TG.5 and another from StG.77 ). Perhaps he was awarded it after his death!?
Thank you for the nice INFORMATION and your kind answer.
May you have a nice week my friend!
Yours
Adriano Baumgartner
PS: Could you post the photo, or send it to me via e-mail?

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Adriano,

According to the book "Die Träger des Deutsches Kreuz in Gold der Luftwaffe 1941-1945" by Veit Scherzer, Baumgartner was awarded the DKiG on 04.08.42. He had claimed his 30th victory on 16.05.42 and may have claimed another 7 before his death.

Do you have any details on his date and place of birth.

Regards,
Tom

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Adriano

April 11th was a complex day with lots of action from all sides during the day. To determine exactly what happened to Wilhelm Baumgartner is difficult and is not made easier because what is left of JG 77 diaries are quite lacking that day and few time frames exists or what their mission(s) was/were for the day.
At this stage we can only assume that our Jochen Prien, also on these pages, have gone through what exists...

8./JG 77 claimed a victory at 11.38H GERMAN time (I don't know if the Allies were on the same time frame)

Checking what Chris Shores, Hans Ring and Bill Hess wrote in Fighters over Tunisia, quote:" ALso on this date, Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner of II./JG 77(this is a misprint, since the index states he was with III.JG 77) was killed in combat south of Sedjenane while escorting Ju 87s in white 10 - possibly he was shot down by 232 Sq during the midday mission"

Best Regards
Stig

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Stig and Nef,
Thank you so much! You have added new info, particularly the info of 232 Squadron. I am trying desperately to discover who claimed him and further details of Baumgartners in WW2.
Glad you have answered. If you do need any data about Brazilian Air Force, or German Night Fighters, RAF Mosquito pilots in WW2, please feel free to ask. I established many contacts with former aircrew.
Glad you helped me in my search.
Friendly yours

Adriano Baumgartner

Re: Ofw Wilhelm Baumgartner .9/ JG 77
 

Dirk, ( from Belgium )
I am new on this business. I got your private reply but couldn´t answer you. So...hope you will find my e-mail here:
baumgartner_asv@yahoo.com.br
Please contact me!