[SOkland]

Hello all,

I’m looking for information about a German Luftwaffe pilot named Paul Reichardt (in some sources: Reichard). This is what I have so far:

He was born 05.03.1922 in Duisburg, and reached the rank “Gefreiter” in 3.JG 5 (Jagdgeschwader 5). He was stationed most likely at Herdla or/and in Stavanger. On 30. March 1942 he was flying a Messerschmidt Bf-109 E7 on a “Feindflug” mission (most likely escorting ships together with other aircrafts) along the western coast of Norway.

Due to engine problems he was forced to do a waterlanding in the Langenuen fjord between Tysnes and Stord, ca 65 km south of Bergen. He did not manage to get out and drowned when the plane sank.

The crash is briefly mentioned in both Mombeek and Girig’s books about Jagdgeschwader 5. Reichardt seems to have been the first pilot to be killed after the geschwader reorganization which established JG5 early 1942.

I have searched for more information about Reichardt in a lot of sources and archives, but with lesser success. According to several local eye witnesses, a german warship approached to crash site just after the Messerschmidt sank. The identity of this ship is unknown (to me). Neither the Messerschmidt nor Reichardt has ever been found.

I am researching this event for local historians who are preparing an article series about JG 5, the ship escort and Paul Reichardt’s crash.

In particular I am looking for a photo of Paul Reichardt, but any piece of information about him would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Best regards
SOkland