[Nefiakoff]

Gentlemen,

Many years after the war Erich Hartmann confessed, that his real success at war was to protect and save many lives of his young, unexpirienced wingmen. Only because of this he was really proud.
I’d like to ask for different situations – when ace lost his Katschmarek in controversial circumstances.

I know two examples:

30 September 1940 – Maj. Galland attacked formation of Hurricanes from 303 Sqd. RAF and shoot down Sgt. Bełc (his victory no. 42), but lost his wingman, Hptm. Kienzle, who heavily wounded saved life with parachute and was taken PoW. It is believed, that Galland was so intent preparing to attack that didn’t care what was happening with his wingman. In this way JG 26 lost very good and perspective officer.

6 September 1940 – Oblt. Joachim Müncheberg, staffelkapitän 7./JG 26, was flying as a Rottenführer and was attacked by Spitfires of 234 Sqd. RAF – in short moment lost his three pilots !
Gefr. Holzapfel and Gefr. Biecker were killed, Oblt. Christinnecke taken PoW.
Later in this flight Müncheberg claimed a Hurricane (his no. 17), but loosing all Rotte must have been like a nightmare.

Can You give more examples?

Thanks in advance and best regards,

Nef