Oberfeldwebel Gotthilf Benseler - killed 23 Feb 44
 

Hi all

I have for some time owned a group of documents and awards to Oberfeldwebel Gotthilf Benseler. For most of his service he flew as a Radio Operator with III. Gruppe KG3 but on 9th June 1943 he was awarded the Pilot Badge. He was killed 23rd February 1944 but I do not know the circumstances of his death nor much about the unit with which he was serving at that time. He was awarded the Bomber Clasp in Gold back in July 1941 so was a very experienced airman. Sadly I do not have his Flugbuch so details are a little vague.

If anyone has access to information on how he was killed, the unit he was flying with or any other information on him, I would be very grateful for anything you can share.

I attach a photo of him and confirmation of his death.

Best wishes
Tim O.

Re: Oberfeldwebel Gotthilf Benseler - killed 23 Feb 44
 

1944-02-23, 4./ZG 101, Ar 96 B-1, 961280, Westlich Glonn, 17 km nordwestlich Bad Aibling, Zusammenstoß in der Luft mit Ar 96B-6, Werk.-Nr. 964157. Bruch 20 %.
Flugzeugführer Ofw Benseler, Gotthilf, +

Matti

Re: Oberfeldwebel Gotthilf Benseler - killed 23 Feb 44
 

Goodness Matti

That was quick and very helpful! Thank you. You must have excellent sources.

Interesting he was killed in an Arado 96 advanced trainer but tragic to be killed in a mid-air collision with another trainer after surviving 4 years of war.

Does anyone know what 4./ZG101 was doing at this time?

Thanks for the help

Tim O.