Serching for Logbook entries IV./JG 53, particular at Dec. 22nd 1944
 

Dear All,
I was asked to prepare a 1- max. 2 hours presentation about a dog fight which took place at Dec. 22nd 1944 over Brigachtal, South Germany. This because of 80 years end of WW II in 2025. I will held this presentation next year in Brigachtal (public).

In the afternoon, 12 pilots of IV./JG 53 were on their way back from a mission but were attacked by 12 pilots of 316th Fighter Squadron. The German pilots didn´t recognized the enemy pilots until the first one was shot down.
In that fight 3 German pilots were KIA within 5 minutes. At least 2 could bail aout and in sum the Grouo lost 7 planes that day.
Now I try to find out which German pilots were involved in the dig fight.
My results so far:
Pilots Roth, Neubrand and Walk KIA, Schiller and Huber bailed out.
Based on Prien´s "Pik Ass" Part 3, Hans Sabath flew the mission and made it back to Stuttgart

I have no knowledge about the other 6 pilots and hope somebody can help me based on some infos in log books.

I have some possible candidates but this is pure guess:
Otto Jakob KIA 2 days later and could have flown the mission. In addition I have Rudi Leidl, Uffz. Plag, Eduard Isken and Heinz Girnth as possible candidates. But this is just a guess as I have no evidence.

Erich Braitsch took off to the mission but landed 10 min after take off because of engine problems. (Based on his log book).

I would be very happs if somebody knows more.
Thanks a lot in advance
Rolf

PS. the 316th lost one plane, pilot Wright bailed out and became POW.