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Re: Search for German Fighter Pilot
Andreas,
I think you are missing the point here....there are two issues;
1) Crash on 8.5.1944. This is confirmed by the LB-report. Crashsite described in report. We don't know who this is. He sustained minor injuries. I have still the feeling this could very well be Fw. Benvenuto Gartmann of 7./JG 1. We only know he crashed "über Hengelo" which is a vague description. Unfortunately I don't have his VLM. However, he flew a Bf 109G-6.
2) Peter Monasso found parts at that site (in 1975 and indicating he doesn't think there is a mix up with another site) of a Fw 190A-8/R2 Werknummer 682655. One thing we know this a/c can not be the crash of 8.5.1944 as this a/c was not manufactured before Nov. 1944.
The only conclusion can be that Fw 190A-8/R2 WNr. 682655 comes from another crash. Karl puts up the theory this could be coming from a different crash very near the 8.5.44 crash, just by coincidence. This is possible.
If we look at the 682655 it is very logical this could be one of the "missing" Fw 190's of 14.1.45. At least seven IV./JG 3 pilots crashed near Lichtenvoorde on 14.1.45 (with one unknown WNr.) and only 5-6 crashsites are 100% known. It could even be that 2-3 more Fw 190's crashed that day near Lichtenvoorde with pilots bailing out, so no VLM.
Furthermore I do not know of any other battle of IV./JG 3 or even more unlikely of II./JG 4 over that area. Andreas, all the battles of IV./JG 3 you list; 2.12.44, 17.12.44, 23.12.44 are all in totally different areas. Except for Bodenplatte II./JG 4 never came near Holland....
Just my two cents...
regards,
John.
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