[Tim O.]

Hi all

I am researching a Flugbuch to a Bordmechaniker who flew with 5./MSG 1. There seems little information available on this unit and I wondered if anyone else has researched this Staffel.

'My' man is Bordmechaniker Oberfeldwebel Werner Petersen, who served with KGr. 126 in the Battle of France and Battle of Britain, then moved to KG 53 for Barbarossa, being awarded the Ehrenpokal (11th May 1942) and DKiG (14th November 1942). In July 1943 through to April 1945 he was with Minensuchgruppe 1. Most of his time was with 5. Staffel flying over the Baltic. (detonating his last mine on his last recorded flight on 13th March 1945).

During his time with MSG 1, Petersen flew regularly with pilot Oberfeldwebel Brauneis but I have been unable to find further details for Brauneis. My spelling of his name may be a bit away as Petersen's writing is not always easy to read.

One point of interest I have noted is that at least one collector has award documents to a crewman from MSG 1 and he was awarded Operational Flying Clasps for Reconnaissance Crew but Petersen was awarded the Operational Flying Clasp in Gold with 200 Hanger for Bomber Crews while with 5./MSG 1 (5th November 1944). I wondered whether this unit was something of an anomoly and therefore crew continued to be awarded whatever type of Clasp (i.e. Bomber or Recce) that they had when they transferred into MSG 1.

Any information on 5./MSG 1 will be gratefully received. I am happy to exchange information.