[Jochen Prien]

Thanks, Marc.

This information seems to add to the likelihood that "black 9" was lost on 7 July 1944, becoming a total loss, while Uffz. Schlesinger was able to return to his unit. As recited in the US Report quoted by Heuser, the a/c seems to have been lying between the lines for some days indicating that when its pilot had to force land this took place while the terrain was still in German Hands, the allied lines only closing in during the following days. With the then still rather slow progress of the front in the direction of St. Lô it took several days until the a/c could be salvaged and brought to the place near St. Lô where it was photographed on 31 July 1944. Certainly still only a guess but with the known losses of IV./JG27 it appears quite likely.

Thanks to all contributors - and let's Keep on searching.

KR

Jochen Prien