8./KG 30
 

Hello
I am looking for information regarding Hauptman Gerhard Metzenthin of 8./KG 30. Can anybody tell me information regarding what he flew, how many air victories he had and about his career?

Thank you

Max

Re: 8./KG 30
 

Just to add something extra to the thread, here is a picture of Gerhard Metzenthin, taken in march 1942.

Re: 8./KG 30
 

I have some photos of him with III/KG 30. He was taken POW later in the war (I have details at home) only to be killed in a flying accident in Argentina after the war. He flew Ju 88s but as far as I am aware had no air combat victories

Re: 8./KG 30
 

Thanks there Chris, it would be great to hear more details about that, it sounds like an amazing but rather unhappy destiny. I can inform you that in november 1946, Metzenthin was one of three to row in a leaking rubberboat, after having bribed a fishing boat to take them to international waters, to Sweden, where his wife (who was divorcing him at that moment) at the time was. Also that an amazing story.

Re: 8./KG 30
 

Hptm Gerhard 'Gaggi' Metzenthin was born 5 Dec 12 in Ludwigslust. On 17 Nov 42 he was shot down in Ju 88 A-4 Wk Nr 5873 P1+BB of 2/KG 60 attacking Bone Harbour, possible victim of 111 Sqn. He and his crew were taken POW

Re: 8./KG 30
 

Here is what we have about this fellow:


METZENTHIN, Gerhard.
01.11.39 Oblt., trf from FFS Neuburg/Donau to I./KG 30.
01.11.40 Oblt., appt Staka 2./Erg.KGr. 6 (to 20.03.41).
21.03.41 Oblt., appt Staka 2./Erg.KGr. 4 (to 14.05.41).
01.08.41 promo to Hptm.
11.42 Hptm., in I./KG 60 (to 17.11.42 MIA).
01.06.44 promo to Maj.

Kracker has nothing about this guy.

HLdZ
DGS

Re: 8./KG 30
 

Thank you very much for the info. Now, reading that he was a POW on 17/11/1942, did he escape or was exchanged or did he stay a POW for the rest of the war? I am just curious since he was also promoted to Major on 01.06.1944.

Re: 8./KG 30
 

I don't know if he was exchanged or somehow escaped but it was not at all unusual for prisoners to received awards and promotions. The same applies to the dead.

He sounds like an interesting fellow.