Re: Loss of 1./JG 5 on April 30th, 1943
Hi, Jochen
I have read through what I have on this, and in my opinion there is nothing from the german side that indicates that this crash was a result of enemy action.
1. GenQu6Abt report just states that the loss reason was not reported.
2. The Summarische Verlustemeldungen puts the loss in category 20 (total loss on operational flight with no enemy action causing the loss)
3. In the Namentliche Verlustemeldung the more or less laconic entry by the Gruppenkommandeur says that "Fw. Schaub stürzte während des Geleitschutzes ab. Nach Angaben von Augenzeugen Absturz und Aufschlagbrand ('auf Wasser' added in pencil note). Leiche wurde nicht gefunden."
I will check my references with regards to the naval operations (these are on my server at home), and come back if I find something that indicates otherwise.
Regards,
Andreas
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