Hanns Stechmann Mosquito Victoy - May 14,1943

[kaki3152]

In Obermaier's RK Jadgflieger volume it says that Ofw Hanns Stechmann, Jadglehrer for I/JG-108, claimed a Mosquito on May 14,1943.

In Tony Wood's list, there is a Ofw. Stechmaier, I/JG-107, claimed a Mosquito at 8000m over Longuyon,France on MAy 14,1943.

Obviously, I believe Stechamier is incorrect and it should be Stechmann, but which unit was he flying with, JG-107 or JG-108? Also it seem sthat best candidate for a Moquito loss is a Mosquito,DZ 494, belonging to 540 Sq lost on May 15,1943.

Anyone have more information?

[Andy Fletcher]

I can't help regards Stechmann but 540 Sqn lost one Mosquito on 14 May 43

F/S R.B. SHEPHERD and F/S H.W. EVANS (Nav) flying Mosquito DZ523 failed to return from a damage assessment sortie to Pilsen. Took off from Benson at 11:00.

Source: 540 Sqn ORB

I'm not sure where Longuyon is located in France so I'm unable to say whether DZ523 would have flown over this area on its way to/from Pilsen.

DZ494 belonged to 544 Sqn and went missing on 15 May 43 on a sortie to northern France. Crew were F/L J.H. LODER and F/S T.J. HUGHES (Nav), however it didn't take off from Benson until 22:25

Source: 544 Sqn ORB

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Adriano Baumgartner]

KAKI,

Surely, he was flying with JG 107, because JG 108 was only established in July 1943. See the links below:
http://www.ww2.dk/air/jagd/jg107.html

http://www.ww2.dk/air/jagd/jg108.html

Do you have any information about what kind of aircraft Ofw Hanns Stechmann was flying on this mission? Was he a later RK-träger?

Thanks

Adriano Baumgartner

[kaki3152]

Adriano and Andy,

Much thanks and muito obrigado.

I have a data base listing of Mosquito losses but did not have a listing for May 14,1943. I'll correct using the data Andy provided. As far as Obermaier, I'll just note it.

Ofw Hanns Stechmann was a early RK (Sept 41) earning 40 victories while flying with 9./JG-3 and had joined the training schools in February 1942 and in the begining of 43 joined I/JG-107 as an instructor. The Mosquito was his final victory. Final score 41 victories. He was later a pilot for the Dornier-Werke.

Thanks again,

Carlos

[VtwinVince]

Stechmann flew with my uncle during the BoB with 9. JG3. Some of his staffelkameraden included Otto Wessling, Eberhard von Boremsky, Georg Schentke and my uncle's much-beloved wingman, Franz Achleitner.

[Tom Semenza]

Just to clarify from where the JG 107/JG 108 confusion may have originated:

Stechmann was posted as an instructor to JFS 7 in February 1942. JFS 7 was redesignated I./JG 107 on 25.03.43. I./JG 107 was in turn redesignated II./JG 108 on 01.06.44, by which time Stechmann had already been transferred to Dornier.

Regards,
Tom

[mhuxt]

Any views on what type of aircraft he was flying on the date in question?

[Johannes]

I can confirm it was Stechmann at 8000 metres!

Regards

Johannes

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Interesting subject as I will admit that I know little about this rather unknown Ritterkreuzträger. I am attaching what I have been able to uncover on him and please note that rather than 41 victories as Obermaier has him credited with it appears that he actually was credited with 34 confirmed and seven unconfirmed victories. Any additional information regarding his time with II./JGr 186 will be most welcome.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O0W6BPVX

Horrido!

Leo

[jeanba]

Slightly off topic, do you have some info on the PZL P37 he claimed ?