Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

Hello to all,

I am trying to identify the two Ju 88 aircrew, these two men both hold the DKiG and I am wondering if they were part of the same crew? The photo I believe was taken in Italy and came to me via a pilot of 1./(F)123 who was stationed there at the time with (F)122.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

Re: Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

Hi to all,

Pilot identified on LEMB forum by two respected sources, the image shows;

Major Orlowski, Helmuth
* 07.08.1914
+ 08.11.1943
Ritterkreuz am: 19.09.1943 als: Major
Funktion: Kommandeur FernAufklGrp.122

Regards

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

Re: Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

In case you don't have them - his known machines (WNr. 1067 is the much published machine usually attributed KG 30 and a highly decorated pilot whose name completely escapes me right now.) -

Ju 88D-1, 1067, ORLOWSKI, Hptm. Helmuth (F)/HEIDENREICH, Oblt. Fritz (B), , , 1.(F), 120, schwarz, A6+HH, , , , Nov-41., Both RK., Norwegen, Meyer & Stipdonk, Von der Fliegerschule zum Einsatzverband, p.81 photo, , Fl.Pl. Stavanger-Sola, -, F, , ,
Ju 88D-1, 430593, ORLOWSKI, Major Helmut, , St., Stab (F), 122, , 4U+UH, , , 08-Nov-43, Gr.Kdr. MIA with crew due to enemy fighters., F RK., Lfl.2/Mittelmeer, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #12)-Vol.23, , nordostwärts Pescara, 100%, F, B Hptm. Karl-Heinz Hilbig & Bf Ofw. Albert Kelbsch, ,

"Not Baumbach" is who you're thinking of. n/t
 

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Re: Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

From Air War Italy 1944–45 (Beale, D'Amico, Valentini):

[Reconnaissance] HQ remained at Perugia from November 1943 and into 1944 and the unit — now composed of Stab FAGr. 122, 1.(F)/123, 2.(F)/122 and Westa 26 — was commonly known as "Gruppe Orlowski" after the Major in command … Orlowski was lost flying a Ju 88 in bad weather northeast of Pescara in November 1943, intercepted radio traffic suggesting he had fallen victim to two P-38s.

Re: Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

Many thanks Jim and Nick for the additional information!

Much appreciated,

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

Re: Identity of RK & DKiG holder?
 

Melvin:
Nice pic! Oberfeldwebel ALBERT KELBCH (right spelling-not Kelbsch) is the other man next Major ORLOWSKI.
Kelbch was the longtime Bordfunker in Orlowski's crew and was also MIA when his Ju 88 crashed on 8-11-43. Kelbch was awarded with the Knights Cross after his death.