Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi All,

To my knowledge, K-H Elles was KIA because of a take off accident in Donaueschingen.

I have no idea why he was killed. Can be many reasons and hope somebody knows a bit more. Could not find more info yet.
Any info is appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance
Rolf

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Bf 109 G-8 Wk Nr 200410. I have him as injured in an accident on take off?

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi Rolf,

Story as follows:

2./NAGr. 13 / Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-8 / # 200410 / Reconnaissance Flight west of the River Rhine / Shortly after take of attacked by french Spitfires of Groupe Provence / Chrash Landing at the South Edge of Hüfingen (at a place now called „Mariahof“ = Youth Welfare Institution), south of Donaueschingen (Baden-Württemberg) - Deutschland / Unteroffizier Karl-Heinz Elles / Badly wounded - Lazarett Donaueschingen - succumbed to his injuries there in the evening

All the best

Fred

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

From ULTRA (times are GMT):

CX/MSS/T332/24
HP 2788
T.O.O. 091946/10/44Z
Some NAG 13 Sorties

(A) On 7th. 1 Rotte Me 109 2nd Staffel up 1050 hours Vesoul area. 1 Rotte Me 109 1st Staffel up 1126 hours P/R Moselle and Seille. 2 Me 109 unspecified Staffel up 1435 hours Fremifontaine area.

(B) On 8th. Unspecified aircraft up 0923 to 1032 hours. 1 Rotte 1st Staffel up 0950 hours to complete P/R of Moselle Crossings. Unspecified aircraft 2nd Staffel up 1136 hours Remirement – Melisey.
2032/9/10/44Z

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi Fred,

thanks a lot. In my list I had the following entry "wounded / +". So I was not 100% sure if the pilot died later or survived.
Thanks again and stay healthy
Rolf

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi Nick,

once more I really appreciate your post with the ULTRA. Always very helpful.
Thanks again and stay healthy
Rolf

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi Rolf,

At the very same day the french Spitfires shot down a further german Bf 109:

9./JG 76 / Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-14 / # 780311 / Weiße 4 + / „Freie Jabojagd“ west of the River Rhine / Shortly after take of attacked by Spitfire - Capitaine Dorance - Groupe Provence / Crash Landing in the City Park in Donaueschingen (Baden-Württemberg) - Deutschland / Unteroffizier Günther Dietrich / Badly wounded (burned) - died at the crash site (8 Days before his 20th birthday)

In Summer 2019 a contemporary witness (meanwhile a very old man), showed me the place of the crash landing. He told me, that the pilot was still alive. He screamed terribly, but nobody could help him, because the ammunition exploded. The french Spitfires strafed roads and traffic in Donaueschingen and killed a man and a child. War is horrible!

Stay healthy too.

Fred

Re: Karl-Heinz Elles, NAGr 13, KIA at 07. October 44
 

Hi Fred,

Thanks again.
Rolf