Hauptmann Rudolf Smola - 27 March 1945

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Hauptmann Rudolf Smola (17 victories, RK) was killed in action when his aircraft was brought down by Flak five kilometers north of Zinten on 27 March 1945. He is often stated to have been serving as Gruppenkommandeur of I./SG 3 at the time but other sources state that he was serving as Gruppenkommandeur of IV./SG 151 at the time of his death. I believe it to be the former but goes anyone have the usual loss information regarding his unit and aircraft to clear up this minor mystery of the war?

Horrido!

Leo

[John Manrho]

I believe he was Gr.Kdr. I./SG 3 at that time. No details on a/c.

[Leo Etgen]

Hi John

Many thanks for your help and it's greatly appreciated!

Leo

[Stig Jarlevik]

That is not quite what Holm lists on his website

IV./SG 151 Franz Smole 15.10.44 - 23.2.45

I./SG 3 Heinrich Smikalla 4.3.45 - 8.5.45 (Smola not mentioned at all)

B Rgds
Stig

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Stig

I noticed that and several other sources that stated that Smola was Gruppenkommandeur of IV./SG 151 when he was killed which is also contradicted by the information that Holm provides. I have not been able to find much information on Hauptmann Heinrich Smikalla but he definitely existed as his name appears in the Luftwaffe officer career summaries by deZeng and Stankey but aside of his date of birth and the fact that he served as Gruppenkommandeur of I./SG 3 there is not much else. I have say that I have not been able to find any victories for Smola in the usual sources either.

Horrido!

Leo