2./NAG 13 (1944)

[Xerumbe]

I am seeking information on 2./NAG 13 based in Cuers (France). Especially in July and August 1944. It appears that this unit also used airports Pierrelate and Montelimar. This until the allied advance prevents using these places. I did not find traces of the history of this unit anywhere other than on the excellent website of Nick Beale. My research at the local level have not worked.

Thanks in advance.

[Alfred.MONZAT]

"La Luftwaffe face au débarquement" by Jean-Bernard Frappé have this unit's story from 6th June 1944 to 31 August 1944. I have not the book on hands, if you wait until Monday, I will have a look but I think someone will provide you an answer before that.

Regards

Alfred

[Xerumbe]

Thanx. I will wait, with pleasure.

[Chris Goss]

Information on this unit is very limited. I do have much information from 1943 and a loss list from 1944 with contact with just one pilot. So much was happening then it is doubtful that there is much to help you

[Alfred.MONZAT]

According to the book :

2. Staffel, equiped with Bf 109 G and Fw 190 A, was commanded by Oberleutnant Walter Erhard, and sent to Cuers "few weeks" before Allied Landings in Normandie.

14 June : Walter Erhard was reported missing near Ajaccio in Fw 190 (W.Nr. 130340 - A-3) during a mission over Corsica. The Germans intercepted an allied radio transmission mentioning the fall in the sea of an aircraft with no chute seen

29 June : Ofw. Wilhelm Stockburger was reported missing in Fw 190 (W.Nr. 145656 - A-4). Believed to have fall five km south of Nice in aerial combat.

29 July : Ofhr. Bruno-Georg Braun is reported missing (presumed POW) in Bf 109 G (W.Nr. 200628). He suffered an engine failure over the sea, North-West of Corsica.

16 August : Ofhr. Robert Heichele suffered a landing gear failure at Avignon-Est airfield. His Fw 190 (W.Nr. 581300 - F-8) took fire, inflicting fire wounds to its pilot. He was killed on 21 August during an ambush.

20 August : The unit started its retread to the North by road and was attacked several times by the French.

23 August : Ground crew suffered 2 deads, 3 wounded and 5 missing (believed prisonners) during an ambush 6 km North of Villars-les-Dombes.

So there are not the informations you were looking for...

[Chris Goss]

Additionally, I have:

12 Apr 44: Bf 109 G, 15583, Red 9. Lt Gerhard Wächtler missing in a mission to Bastia
23 May 44: Bf 109 G 161402 Red 9. Accident Cuers Ofhr Robert Heichele injured
3 Jun 44: Bf 109 G, 411379, accident 5 km north of Lavandon. Uffz Erich Weil injured

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

3 Jun 44: Bf 109 G, 411379, accident 5 km north of Lavandon. Uffz Erich Weil injured

I think we have the same list! My guess is that the location should in fact be Le Lavandou (about midway between Saint Tropez and Toulon).

[Xerumbe]

Thank you for taking the time to search. I have received reports of very old neighbors of Pierrelate airfield (south of Montelimar) as FW 190 were present (5 or 6) until 20 August 1944. According to one witness, his great age seems not to have corrupted his memory, these aircraft were escorted by other "smaller" at landing and take-off. After reading the work of Nick, there were two (planes) wrecks of this kind at Pierrelate airfield : "2 wrecks Fw 190 in Pierrelatte: WNr. 314229 & 429034". I will continue to dig it ...