Thread: Willi Gasthaus, 4./JG 51 and two mid-air collisions
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Old 1st December 2025, 04:30
Leo Etgen Leo Etgen is offline
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Willi Gasthaus, 4./JG 51 and two mid-air collisions
Hi Gaston

The first incident involving Hauptmann Douglas Pitcairn (4 victories), Staffelkapitän of 1./JG 51, and Feldwebel Willi Gasthaus occurred on take-off at Pihen on 5 August 1940. The latter was serving with 1./JG 51 and flying Bf 109 E-4 "White 8" (W.Nr. 6266) at the time. Pitcairn was injured while he was not and apparently never returned to combat duty. The second incident involved Oberleutnant Giselbert Pirker of 4./JG 51 who was killed in Bf 109 E-7 (W.Nr. 6455) when he collided with Feldwebel Willi Gasthaus of 4./JG 51 in Bf 109 E-7 (W.Nr. 6456) over Mardyck on 26 February 1941. The latter was able to bale out without injury. I have no idea why he served the remainder of the war as an instructor but such did happen to several aces so it was not unheard of in the Jagdwaffe.

Horrido!

Leo
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