Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

Achtung Kameraden!

I am doing some research on Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann, who I think might be a distant relative of mine. I was assisted a member of the Wehrmacht-Awards Forum (of which I am a 2-year member) who then advised me to check out this forum to see if I could find out any further information.

This member of the WAF was able to tell me to tell me the following information about Major Lessmann:

LESSMANN, Wilhelm-Otto. 15.03.37 appt Staka 1./JG 131. 01.08.38 appt Kdr. I./ZG 143. 01.05.39 Maj., appt Kdr. I./ZG 52 (to 06.40). 1940 Maj., appt Kdr. II./Zerstörerschule 1? (to 1940). 28.08.40 appt Kdr. II./ZG 2 (to 10.40). c.31.10.40 Maj., appt Kdr. Erprobungsgruppe 210 (to 24.04.41). appt Kdr. Erg.Zerst.Gr. (to 15.09.41). 00.41 Maj., appt Kdr. II./Zerstörerschule 2 (to 14.10.41). 11.10.41 Maj., appt Kommodore JG 52 (to 02.06.42). 02.42 appt acting Kommodore JG 77 (to 04.42). 02.06.42 Kommodore JG 52 KIA – shot down vicinity of Brigadirovka. Credited with c.20 victories prior to his death.

I would still like to find out his place and date of birth, where he trained, exact number of kills, his decorations, and a service picture if possible. Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

Hi, Mauser...

I've sent you a PM. Hope to hear from you... :).

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

Many thanks to Paul. I now have Lessmann's exact number of kills (24). Still looking for date of birth, place of birth, training location, decorations, and a service picture.

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

24 kills is impressive, did you find out what awards he recieved.

Good to see your research is coming along

Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann
 

Hello Mauser

I have that he was shot down and killed in Bf 109 F-4 (W.Nr. 13 199) by enemy fire and aerial combat at Brigadirowka, 70 kilometers southeast of Charkow. I hope this information helps you.

Horrido!

Leo

Re: Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann
 

Thanks for the information Leo. Yeah, apparently he was killed instantly by a direct flak hit on 2 June 1942. He probably never even saw it coming.

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

Gentlmen - any info about his claims during 1939-40 with I./ZG52 and II./ZG2?

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

The one with ZG 52, later ZG 2, and then Gruppenkommandeur of Erpr. Gr. 210 was Karl-Heinz Lessman. There may be a mix-up of names here.

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

According my files:

01.05.1939 26.06.1940 Hptm. Karl-Heinz Lessmann, Stab I./ZG52, Appointed Gr.Kdr. II./Zerstorerschule 1

26.06.1940 ??.08.1940 Maj. Karl-Heinz Lessmann, Stab II./Zerstörerschule 1, Appointed Gr.Kdr. II./ZG2

??.08.1940 29.09.1940 Maj. Karl-Heinz Lessmann Stab II./ZG 2, Appointed Gr.Kdr. Erpr.Gr.210

01.11.1940 24.04.1941 Maj. Karl-Heinz Lessmann, Stab./Erpr.Gr.210, TFD

24.04.1941 04.07.1941 Maj. Lessmann, Stab II./Zerstörerschule 2, TFD

04.07.1941 15.09.1941 Maj. Lessmann, Ergänzungs-Zerstörergruppe, TFD, Staffel became Stab II./NJG3

15.09.1941 14.10.1941 Maj. Lessmann, Stab II./Zerstörerschule 2, TFD to unknown unit

Bay be it'll help.

Re: Need Help Researching Major Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann-JG52
 

Guys at somebody photo Wilhelm-Otto Lessmann?