Lt. Bender of JG6 (Fw 190 D-9)

[Roger Gaemperle]

Hello,

I am looking for information about a pilot of JG6 Lt. Bender which apparently shot down at least two aircraft while flying a Fw 190 D-9.

Unfortunately, I do not know the dates of his victories nor any other information about this pilot. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Roger Gaemperle

[Rabe Anton]

Servus, Roger!

John Manrho of BODENPLATTE fame is presently working on a unit history of JG 6, and I imagine that he would be the best resource to answer your question. Also one of the mostly likely to help, as he is very generous in sharing his time, insights, and information.

Tschuß!
RA

[Del Davis]

In addition, Axel Urbanke, is also working on a JG6 history ( he may be working with John) that he expects to publish in 2006. Eric Larger who has also posted on this site is another JG6 resource.

[Roger Gaemperle]

Dear Anton and Del,

Thank you both for your help! I will try to contact them.

Apparently, Lt. Bender shot the two aircraft down using the EZ42 gyro gunsight, which was installed in some Fw 190 of JG6. As I am writing on a technical book about the Me 262, I am also interested in the relatively early (fall 1944) trials and experience with the EZ42 before it was used in the Me 262.

Regards,
Roger Gaemperle

[John Manrho]

Well, both Del and Rabe are correct, together with Axel Urbanke I am working on the Unit History of Jagdgeschwader 6. We started the research somewhere in 1998, although we both had done research on JG 6 before that date. The amount of material is growing, but it is too early to say when we will publish. There is still a lot to do! Late 2006 is probably the earliest possible date.

Lt. Bender was indeed a pilot in JG 6. He scored several victories with JG 6. The ones with the EZ42 were in early 1945, not in late 1944. Mr. Bender passed away several years ago and his relatives had no documents at all. Roger, can you be more specific in your questions?. I can't assure you we are able to answer your questions.

[Roger Gaemperle]

Hello John,

Thank you for your message.
As I would like to include not only the technical details of the EZ42 in the book but also the experiences of Luftwaffe pilots with that gunsight, I am interested in Lt. Bender's two victories with this gunsight. Do you have more information about them (location, date, airplane, etc.)?

I know that the EZ42 was first installed in Fw 190 and Me 109 in some units to get the first combat experience reports with this new sight. As I want to include also briefly the development history of the EZ42, I am looking for any information about the use of the EZ42 I can get.
At the end of the war, several Me 262 were equiped with this sight, although most of the pilots were not so enthusiastic about it.

I guess you have the JG6 combat experience report with Fw 190 D-9 from the beginning of 1945? If not, I could send you a copy if you like. It is the same report were I found the information about Lt. Bender.

Regards,
Roger

[John Manrho]

Hello Roger, I am not sure which report you mean, but the only report I am familiar with is the following report;

Erfahrungsbericht für den Zeitraum 19.2.-18.3.45, Jagdgeschwader 6 "Horst Wessel" dated 23.3.1945.

Total number of pages is 12. Indeed the victories of Lt. Bender are mentioned in this report. We have no confirmation on what day and what type of a/c was involved in the claims of Bender. I have a theory of course, but that I would like to keep for myself and for the future JG 6 book. There are no further records on the claims of Bender as far as I am aware of.

[Robert Forsyth]

Roger,

I have an English translation of a report prepared by the "Training School for Shooting of the Luftwaffe" (!!!) dated 4 September 1944 entitled 'Report on actvity of Enlisting and Training Commands for EZ 40/42 at II./JG 300".

It features the reactions of Bretschneider and Schröder of II./JG 300 and though it is aimed mainly at the EZ 40 there is some reference to the EZ 42.

I also have another report on 'Oberon' as carried by the Me 262 which also mentions the EZ 42.

Contact me of board if you would like copies.

Best,

Robert

[Roger Gaemperle]

Hello John,

Yes, it is this Erfahrungsbericht of JG6. I understand that you would like to keep your theory about Lt. Bender's victories for your future JG6 book.
I am looking forward to it.

Kind regards,
Roger

[Roger Gaemperle]

Robert,

Thanks for your message. I'll contact you via e-mail.

Kind regards,
Roger