Loss of Major. Donaubauer ex 1./(F)123

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi all,

Wonderfully updated forum! Great to be a new member.

I am currently writing the unofficial history of the 1./(F)123 from 1938 -44 using compiled personal diary entries and the official Squadron "Foto Staffelalbums". I have discovered that Major. Walter Donaubauer, the former Staffelkapitän was killed in action flying against England around the beginning of September 1940 whilst serving with another unit. Can anyone supply me with information regarding the unit, date, aircraft type & crew for this particular loss? Any info will be greatly appreciated, with thanks in advance!

Best wishes to all who read this notice.

Regards,

Melvin.

[Chris Goss]

He was lost flying with 4/KG 76 (he was in Stab II) on 29 Jul 40 when shot down over the Channel

[Melvin Brownless]

Thanks Chris,

I appreciate your information, I will now consult my files to see if I can find more!

Regards,

Melvin.

[Andy Mitchell]

Melvin,

For 29 July 1940 - I have the following from "Battle of Britian Then and Now" (Mk 3):-

"4./KG76. Junkers Ju 88A-1. Shot down into the Channel south of Worthing at 2.00 pm by 145 Sqdn Hurricanes. Maj. Donaubauer and Uffz Peters killed. Lt Nier and Uffz Cordes missing.Aircraft lost".

From Mason's earlier "Battle Over Britian" I have a slightly different view:-

"4./KG76. Shot down by Naval AA gunfire of Dungeness, 13.12 hrs. Ju 88A-1. 100 %. Two crew killed.Maj.i.G. Donaubauer and Lt Nier missing".

[Melvin Brownless]

Dear Andy,


Yes you are right! I also checked my two books and found the same conflicting information. Obviously there is some confusion regarding the location of the aircraft & crew. My next step will be to find out who is actually missing? So I will have to check out the German War Graves register. Thanks Andy, I appreciate your efforts!!!

Regards,

Melvin.

[Chris Goss]

According to a recent book, Obstlt Adolf Genth, Gr Kdr of III/KG 76 was attacked by a Hurricane this day and mortally wounded so perhaps, for a change, Mason is right. He also mentions a Ju 88 colliding with a balloon cable. The KG 76 loss diary states that Ofw Edmund Riebl was Genth's pilot and Lt Martin Nier and Uffz Gerhard Cordes missing, Maj Donaubauer and Uffz wilhelm Peters killed

[Melvin Brownless]

Thanks Chris,

It is like a cat amongst the pigeons! Such conflicting reports, I suppose the PRO might hold details regarding the naval AA unit that possibly claimed the Ju 88? It will be interesting to see if anyone else has any comments!

Thanks again,

Melvin.

[Mirek Wawrzynski]

Hi

I wonder if you have any data concerning the unit service over Poland in September 1939. If I am right they flown over Southern Poland.
They also had made some reccon over Warsaw and Modlin. May you have to this peiodn and place any info about losses over Poland.
Sometimes ago I have written (in 2002) a story about A/A defenc of Modlin
and looking for datas for confirmation of some victories achived by Polish Bofors 40 mm.

Regards
Mirek W

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi Mirek,

Thanks for getting in touch! Unfortunately, I am only researching the 1st, 4th and 5th Staffel./(F)123 and I have found no data for the 1st Staffel operating over Poland. The first missions were reconnaissance flights to France. I am sorry that I cannot help at this present time, hopefully someone out there may have the details you require.

Kind regards,

Melvin.

[Mirek Wawrzynski]

Hi
May you ahve any data about reccon operation over Russia before 22 VI 1941?
Regards
Mirek W