[Brian]

Hi guys

I'm still rather confused about the sequence of events regarding the execution of the three German airmen. Perhaps we haven't the answers but:

(a) How was it that a court-martial was convened so quickly that they were executed within hours of being captured? Or would it have been a kangeroo court?

(b) Why were the aircrew executed and not any of the other deserters?

(c) What were the circumstances of the trial that found Major Hesse guilty of the crime, with a four-year sentence? How could such a sentence be passed, and by whom, when the war was within days of ending?

(d) Since his assistants received two-years and six-months respectively, can one assume that Hesse carried out the executions? Or did he receive the harsher sentence for giving the command?

(e) What happened to Hesse and his assistants?

(f) Apparently a German nightfighter was contacted to shoot down the three TGr.30 Ju88s. One was intercepted and damaged (with one crewmember killed). Any ideas to which unit the nightfighter would have belonged?

Quite a fascinating story and thanks to our members for their endeavours in unfolding the events.

Cheers
Brian