Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Hello,

On 24 December 1944, the 394th FS of 367th FG was approaching its target of Trier when it was attacked by about twenty German fighters. In the following battle, two of its P-38 were shot down (Lt James Baxter KIA, Lt Jesse DeFrance baled out and POW) and two other damaged but the American pilots after dropping their bombs claimed 8 enemy fighters shot down.

According to one of my sources, both P-38 were shot down near Lörsch-Newel, and four Fw 190 were also shot down in the same area, all four pilots being killed: Fähnrich Hermann Franz, Obw Schurlich, Major Bischoff, Lt Richter.

I would like to know more on the German side of the battle, especially the involved unit, and if the four casualties listed above fell in this battle. I would also like to know their full names and the usal details (Wnr, etc...).

Thanks in advance

Laurent

Re: Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Good evening Laurent !

The German counterpart were FW 190 of I. and III./JG 11.

The dogfight took place over the Moselle and Kyll-river vallies in the vincinity of Kordel, Ehrang, Schweich, Kenn, Mehring and Fell. This is generally located about 10 km NNE from the center of Trier.

Fähnrich Hermann Franz, 12. Staffel, III. Gruppe, came down near Fell-Fastrau, which is in the general vincinity of the dogfight. His FW 190 had the W-Nr. 731798 and was marked with a "blue 8". He was killed in the action and his remains now rest on the military section of the Schweich cemetary.

Well, I must stop now since family purposes at this time now come current. I'm sure, that you may receive more information about this particular event, since it is very well investigated.

If you like, we can do more about at in the weekend days.

All the best !

Horst Weber

Re: Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Zum Gedenken F3733348
Nachname: Schulisch
Vorname: Anton
Dienstgrad:
Geburtsdatum:
Geburtsort:
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 24.12.1944
Todes-/Vermisstenort:
Anton Schulisch ruht auf der Kriegsgräberstätte in Schweich (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) .
Endgrablage: Grab 44

Zum Gedenken L2957860
Nachname: Bischoff
Vorname: Hans
Dienstgrad: Major
Geburtsdatum: 17.11.1911
Geburtsort:
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 24.12.1944
Todes-/Vermisstenort:
Hans Bischoff ruht auf der Kriegsgräberstätte in Trier-Hauptfriedhof (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) .
Endgrablage: Block R I Grab 2

Re: Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Thanks for the replies, I will then investigate in JG 11 direction.

Best regards

Re: Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Hello,

Major Hans Bischoff crashed near the small ancient castle Ramstein near Kordel/Kyll.

Fähnrich Franz and Ofw. Schulirsch rest in the same grave at Schweich.
Schulirsch crashed near the Bridge over the river Mosel and was found dead on the RR-Tracks from the former Moselbahn.

Ltn. Richter is still MIA, it is for sure he crashed with his Fw 190 into the River Mosel.
h.

Re: Battle vs 394th FS, 367th FG on 24 December 1944
 

Hello Laurent,

in JFV 13/V are listed:
Maj Hans-Heinrich Bischoff Stab I./JG 11 Fw 190 A-8 WNr. 960509 black <2
Fw Anton Schulirsch 3./JG 11 Fw 190 A-8 WNr. 733962 yellow 14
Lt Herbert Richter 12./JG 11 Fw 190 A-8 WNr. 350232 blue 1
Fhr Hermann Franz 12./JG 11 Fw 190 A-8 WNr. 731798 blue 8.

Regards
Leo