Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Hello all,

I was wondering whether anyone here is in contact with Heinz Rökker? I'm assisting with some research into the events at Bochum on the night of 4-5 November, 1944. I suspect that one of his claims on that night was of a four engined bomber which is likely to be Lancaster I SR-F of 101 Sqn RAF. I'd like to hear his recollections of that particular night.

I'm aware that he published a book about his experiences in NJG2, but unfortunately I am not a German speaker.

Thank you very much for any assistance you're able to provide me.

Re: Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Hauptman Rökker claims 4 a/c for that night. 2 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes.
19.31 hrs North Dortmund
19.36 hrs North Dortmund
20.00 hrs North Geldern
20.06 hrs North Geldern
According Chronik by Heinz Rökker.
pp

Re: Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Thanks for the reply. I knew about the four claims, but didn't realise that two of them were Halifaxes. My suspicions are that the first two were the 101 Sqn Lancs carrying the ABC gear, given the times and altitudes.

I'm hoping to hear some personal recollections. I know that Herr Rökker is still alive, and would love to find out more about his memories of that night.

Re: Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Hello Biggus,

Here's detailed info on Rökker's claims, in brackets are the fighter Grid Squares for the locations of his four claims:

Hptm. Heinz Rökker: 42 2./NJG2 Lancaster Haltern-Gelsenkirchen (KP): 5.000 m. 19.31
Hptm. Heinz Rökker: 43 Stab I./NJG2 Lancaster N. Dortmund (KP): 5.000 m. 19.36
Hptm. Heinz Rökker: 44 Stab I./NJG2 Halifax Goch-Geldern (KN): 3.500 m. 20.00
Hptm. Heinz Rökker: 45 Stab I./NJG2 Halifax Goch-Geldern (KN): 3.500 m. 20.06

In his autobiography, he does not give an account of his experiences on this night, only a few further details on the use of Schräge Musik (upward firing guns) with which he destroyed all four of his adversaries.

In the 2nd edition of my book the Nachtjagd War Diaries, I will give a very detailed narrative of the events on this night, you can contact me at
theoboitenATversatel.nl (AT of course is @)
to discuss this further.

Cheers, Theo

Re: Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Hi,

I just noticed a stupid little mistake -Rökker was St.Kpt. of 2./NJG2 so his right unit should be 2./NJG2, not Stab I./NJG2, sorry about that..

Cheers, Theo

Re: Hptm. Heinz Rökker, and the night of 4 Nov 1944
 

Hi Theo,

I've sent you a PM.