12/NJG2 losses 27/28th Dec 44

[Brian Bines]

ADIK report 61/1945 shows Ju88 G1 4R+HW crashed by Chalmont(Marne) at 2130hrs on 27-12-44 . Crew is shown as Ff. Ofhr.Christoph Ruckert Pow, Bf Uffz. Fritz Kninpen and Bm Uffz. Hans Paul both missing even gives their ages. The Michael Balss book however shows Ju88 G6 4R+HW 620870 lost with crew Ofhr Hans-Joachim Wagener, Ofhr Christoph Ruckert, Uffz. Hans Kraus and Uffz Paul Balzer missing can anyone advise which is correct ? As far as I was aware some NJ operating over the Allied lines at the time did not carry radar and only had a three man crew. Is it possible there were two 12/NJG 2 losses this night with crew Ruckert Pow and Kninpen and Paul returned and second crew Wagener, Kraus and Balzer missing ? I suppose if Kninpen and Paul did return any NVM for 12/NJG2 would show four men but perhaps not showing they came from two aircraft, unless of course Ruckert tried to confuse his captors with false information.
Would be very grateful if there is any record that might clear this up,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Matti Salonen]

Information in Michael Balss' book is based on the NVM. I have in my database neither
Uffz Fritz Kninpen nor Uffz Hans Paul.
Maybe some confusion by the interrogator. Please note, that first names of Kraus and Balzer are Hans and Paul.
Could you please tell the ages of Kninpen and Paul shown in ADIK report.

Matti

[Brian Bines]

Matti, the 'K' report says the aitcraft took off from Ahlhorn at 2030hrs. after an hour the aircraft burst into flames and the crew baled out. The pilot being captured and the fate of the other two Kninpen age21, and Paul age 20 was not known. The pilot told his captors he believes the crew were suprised by a N/F,

Regards

Brian Bines


Another member has now been good enough to send the NVM which confirms the Balss book as correct and shows Ff Wagener Kb Ruckert, Bf Kraus and Bs Balzer. The 'K' report described Ruckert as being the pilot stating his morale was high and his security was initially exceedingly good. So it would seem he gave false information about his crew identities.