Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

A question about the loss data of lutfwaffe in Jan 1 , 1945.

8th's 487FS of 352th fighter group claimed 23 victories without single lost. It seemed that their rival is JG1(plus SG4?) . JG1 also lost some experts at that time. Did the 352th's cliaim close to luftwaffe's lost list? Why 352th suffer no loss but achieve so high?

Any helpful information will be appreciate.

Thanks

Book Bodenplatte
 

I suggest you buy the book "Bodenplatte" published by Hikoki publications. It has the answers to all your questions. Regards,
John Manrho. (P.s. the book was written by the late Ron Pütz and myself).

Re: Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

Hi John Manrho,

I had been in contact with Ron regarding information as to the last flight of Major.George Preddy, and was saddened by his passing. But I never found out the course. Please could you let me know the circumstances of Rons passing?
I do have the mentioned book..it is superbe, well worth investing in.
Am I right in believing Ron passed away before its publishing?
Ron had spoken of it during our correspondences.

Regards
Koczar Koenig

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cripesa...dyBrothers.htm

Re: Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

hi blackeagle_I,

You may want to do a search for "The Legend of Y-29"..or just Y-29.
This should bring you a number of sites regarding the action of 1st Jan 45.

Koczar

Operation Bodenplatte
 

Hi Blackeagle

The opponent of the 352nd FG and the 366th FG was JG 11 which by Prein's list lost 27 fighters in aerial combat. Notable losses included the Geschwaderkommodore, Major Günther Sprecht (34 victories, RK), Leutnant Alwin Doppler, Staffelführer of 2./JG 11 and Hauptmann Horst-Günther von Fassong (75 victories, RK), Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 11. Please remember that JG 11 was initially bounced by the eight P-47 fighters of the 390th FS creating a great deal of confusion which along with the dismal quality of the Nachwuchs explains the one sided results. Interestingly, both Sprecht and von Fassong were downed by the 390th FS. I hope this helps out somewhat.

Horrido!

Leo

Re: Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

Leo,

indeed Hptm. von Fassong was shot down by P-47 from the 390th FS, but I don't believe there is any evidence that Maj. Specht was shot down by the same unit. How do you come to that conclusion?

Cheers,

John Manrho.

Re: Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

Kozcar, I sent you a PM.

regards,

John

Operation Bodenplatte
 

Hello John

The information that Major Günther Sprecht was shot down by the 390th FS is from the JG 11 missing in action section of Erik Mombeeck's site www.luftwaffe.be where it states regarding Sprecht: "Probably KIA during the attack on the Asch airfield. Downed by a P-47 piloted by F/O David Johnson, 366th FG. Johnson was also forced to bale, and went to the crashsite of Specht, gathering various papers and his pistol. Thanks to Tom Kracker and Phil Dufrasne." I hope that this information is accurate. It is my understanding that Johnson claimed two victories that day. Anything that you can add regarding this information would be great.

Horrido!

Leo

Re: Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1
 

Leo,

Okay, no that information is incorrect. David Johnson pedalled to the crashsite of Oblt. Engel of II./JG 11. I have gone to great length to recover the exact details of the original story of Johnson. After the war somebody made of Oblt. an Oberstleutnant and came up with the name of Specht, not knowing that Specht was promoted to Oberstleutnant after his death. The actual original information detailed that a Oblt. was found who came from Darmstadt, and that is Engel and the crashsite of Engel was within miles from Asch....and the remains of Oblt. Engel were identified by his Ausweis stating his rank and home address....AND....F/O Johnson only claimed 109's and no 190's....

cheers,

John.

Operation Bodenplatte
 

Hello John

Many thanks for kindly explaining the circumstances behind this error. I had read about this previously and as it was included in Mombeeck's site I thought that there was some truth to the matter. Greatly appreciated and many thanks for your help.

Horrido!

Leo