Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

My Uncle, F/L George Raymond Wood, (Ray) RAFVR was shot down over Sombor on 3rd July 1944, He and the rear gunner were killed, the rest of the crew were inturned. I understand the Luftwaffe pilot was Oblt. Josef Krause. He was with 6/NJG 101. `JAFU 8 Jagddivision/LFL. Reich` are also mentioned and I am hoping someone can throw some light on that. Any other info on Krause or his unit/base/record would be appreciated. The action took place at 14 OST N/NT-76 at 2,600 metres.

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Oblt. Krause claimed three RAF bombers that night.

03/07/44; Oblt. Krause, Hans; 6./NJG 101; Wellington; 14 Ost N/OT-6: 3500m [S. Sombor]
03/07/44; Oblt. Krause, Hans; 6./NJG 101; Halifax; 14 Ost N/NT-76: 2600m [Sombor]
03/07/44; Oblt. Krause, Hans; 6./NJG 101; Halifax; 14 Ost N/NT 36: 3500m [Sombor]

8. Jagddivision was formed 15 June 1944 in Wien-Kobenzel from the Jagdfliegerführer (Jafü) Ostmark and subordinated to the I. Jagdkorps. "Jafü/8. Jagddivision" probably means that the Jagddivision retained a Jagdfliegerführer commanding position, normally responsible for command and control of day fighters. Not sure whether he would also control the night-fighter units within 8. Jagddivision area of responsibility, but that is I believe possible.

I. Jagdkorps (I. JK) was formed 15 September 1943 in Zeist from the XII. Fliegerkorps under the Luftwaffenbefehlshaber Mitte, and later subordinated to the Luftflotte Reich.

Regards,
Sinisa

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Chris,

Sent you a message. I was in touch with Krause a long time ago and can be of assistance.

Adriano

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

He gets a mention in my forthcoming books on the Do 217. I like no doubt others have a copy of his logbook if that is of interest

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Hello Chris,

Oblt. Krause, St.Kpt. of 6./NJG101, flew a freelance sortie from Parndorf in Do217 N-2 coded 9W+OO, between 21.15 and 01.55 hrs. I have the following details for his claim over Sombor plus the matching Halifax:

Oblt. Hans Krause: 10 6./NJG101 Halifax Sombor (NT 7-6): 2.600 m. 22.26 148 Sqn Halifax JP247

Do you have a photo of your Uncle's crew? I'd be very interested in a scan for my current book series the Nachtjagd Combat Archive.

Cheers, Theo

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Not crew picture, but the A.M. Form 78 card of the downed Halifax, JP247.
Cheers and Merry Christmas to everyone!
Gabor

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Hello Gabor,
Thank you for your reply and apologies for the delay in responding. The copy of the A.M. 78 is appreciated.
Chris

Re: Halifax downed Sombor, Hungary, (now Serbia)
 

Hello Cris,

and here is your Uncle's gravestone at Belgrade War Cemetery attached.

Regards
Aleks