II./JG 53 on 30 january 1944
 

Is it possible to have confirmation of the start base of the Bf 109s of the unit on that day?

The question arises because the unit was based at Wien-Seyring on that period, but since it was involved in combat (with losses) against 4-engine bombers with escort attacking Udine area on 30 january 1944 and Udine is over 350km from there, it is legitimate to ask wheter it was a "shuttle" mission or the unit was sent on a south-western route regardless of the distance to intercept the enemy (which is strange).

Any clue?

Thanks in advance.

Re: II./JG 53 on 30 january 1944
 

I only have information for the 16th and 31st:

(VL 4298) Thirty-six Bf 109 of II./JG 53 scrambled at 10.30/16 without interception. Eleven landed at Seyring at 12.30; 22 at Maribor at 13.00, returning to Seyring on 17th. Three force landed on a road owing lack of fuel.

(VL 5344) II./JG 53 ops report at 12.30/31 included: three Liberators claimed, including one by “ramming”. 19 aircraft landed in Seyring, four landed (slight indications away from station) including two as a result of being shot up. Three pilots bailed out, one aircraft and pilot found burnt out. Four aircraft missing, five pilots missing (comment: so accounting for four missing and one burnt out aircraft above).

(VL 5332) When several waves from south attacked Klagenfurt on 31st, II./JG 53 scrambled at 10.25 on defensive patrol and escort for 19 Me 110. No contact. Two ops by three aircraft at a time: defensive patrol over Klagenfurt 113.30–16.15.

Re: II./JG 53 on 30 january 1944
 

Thanks, Nick. ;)

Yet, since the mission of 16th January ended with several aircraft having fuel problems with a mass landing in Maribor just over 200 km from Wien, I wonder if a mission extending over 150 km farther was normal or if it was planned as a Wien --> Maniago (or Lavariano) and return mission or else...