1.(F)123 Staka Question

[Richard Mills]

I am trying to ascertain the identity of the Hauptmann who held the position of Staka 1.(F)/Aufklärungsgruppe 123 during May-1944, as per the attached scan from a Wehrpass of that unit.

Any help will as always be gratefully received.

Regards Richard.

[Melvin Brownless]

Hi Richard,

I have been researching this unit for a number of years, could the signature be that of Hauptmann. Helmut Wippersteg (StKp) KIA 23.05.1944 (Mittemeer). Perhaps someone will know more?

Regards,

Melvin

www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

[Richard Mills]

Originally Posted by Melvin Brownless

Hi Richard, I have been researching this unit for a number of years, could the signature be that of Hauptmann. Helmut Wippersteg (StKp) KIA 23.05.1944 (Mittemeer). Perhaps someone will know more?
Regards, Melvin
www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

Hi Melvin

Thank you for your reply.

The signature certainly could be interpreted as that of Wippersteg.

I would be interested to see if anyone else can add anything else to this question?

Regards Richard.

[Richard Mills]

From the excellent Luftwaffe Officer Career Summeries provided by Doug & Larry:

WIPPERSTEG, Helmut. (DOB: 1913). 01.08.39 Oblt., in A./Fl.Ausb.Rgt. 31. 01.04.42 promo to Hptm. (n.d.) Hptm. in Stab/Aufkl.Gr. 122. 10.06.43 Hptm. in Offiziere z.b.V./Ob.d.L. (Sch.Etat), trf to 2.(F)/Aufkl.Gr. 11. c.10.43 Hptm., appt Staka 1.(F)/Aufkl.Gr. 123 (to 05.44). †28.06.44.

Can anyone provide any details surronding his death? I am interested in particular in the details of the aircraft and crew.

Any details at all really will be very well received indeed.

Regards Richard.

[Matti Salonen]

I have different date of death:

1944-05-23, 1.(F)/123, Ju 88T-1, 1533, 4U+NH, Bodenberührung. Bruch 100 %.
Flugzeugführer Ofhr Wehrstedt, Albert, +
Beobachter Hptm Wippersteg, Helmut, +
Bordfunker Fw Franz, Martin, +
Bordschütze Ogfr Uhrig, Horst, +

Can anyone add the exact location?

Matti

[Nordpol54]

Dear Gang,

no idea if this sheds some more light to that case. VdK gives the following details on it's homepage (whole crew buried at cemetary Costermano):

Helmut Wippersteg (DOB 17.7.1913) grave: Block 9 Grab 174


Albert Wehrstedt (DOB 28.4.1918) grave: Block 9 Grab 265


Martin Franz (DOB 5.9.1918) grave: Block 9 Grab 266


Horst Uhrig (DOB 26.9.1920) grave: Block 9 Grab 173


Costermano is located slightly NE of Garda/Italy.


Best Regards

Norbert

[Nick Beale]

Costermano seems to be the main Luftwaffe cemetery in Italy, so I don't think it offers a clue to the location of the crash (and I don't have anything on it either, sorry).

[Richard Mills]

Matti, Norbert & Nick, many thanks indeed for your help, it really is much appreciated indeed.

If anyone can add the location, that would also be very well received.

Regards Richard.