Ltnt Guter Franz 5.NJG1

[Frasera]

Hi Folks.
I have this guy above as claiming a Stirling brought down at Netersel on the night of 28/29 June '43. I think it may be 149 Sqn Stirling III ser BK703, OJ-K. He brought down a well documented Halifax, but I have seen no confirmation of the Stirling. Can anyone help? TIA

[retje]

Hello Alan,

The Abschuss is documented in the KTB II./NJG 1: " 29.6.1943 02.14 Uhr Abschuss einer Short Stirling bei Netersel , 18 km WSW Eindhofen Durch Lt. Franz / Uffz. Bauer 5/1 Raum 6B".

This Abschuss was not recognized by the German Abschusskommission.

Regards,

René Brachten

[Frasera]

Thanks reetje.
I now have to ask if there were any other claims on this aircraft, or indeed Raume 6B on that night?
I am fascinated that the Abschusskommission did not confirm this claim. Any ideas? I understand the the proof of victories was very closely looked at for the Luftwaffe?
I have yet to raid the piggy bank for Theo Boitens "Vol1" but it looks like I will have to

[retje]

Hello Alan,

I wass wrong, I overlooked my files.
Both Abschusse are recognized by the German Abschusskommission. Also (Bf) Uffz. Bauer has to be (Bf) Uffz. Lauer.

Regards,

René

[Frasera]

Great René,

I also have confirmation from Theo's book which matches. I have PM'd you my e-mail, with thanks

Alan F

[lancaster103]

Hi Alan,René

BK703 is under research by me for many years and we have erected a memorial near the crashsite as you probably know with presence of the crews families.

It is still unclear to me who brought this kite down Lt Günther Franz or ObLt Clemenz(or both??). Also I still looking after a photograph of Lt Günther Franz. Can you put a light on this René??

Cheers,
Adrian

[Frasera]

Adrian,
I now have confirmation from Theo Boiten's Vol 1 (quoted below) and Rene saying it was Gunter Franz/ Uffz. Lauer. from II gruppe NJG/1, 5 Staffel. Nachtjagd War Diaries Vol I Sept '39-March '44. Page 210
27/8 June 1943 (cont)
Lt Gunther Franz 5./NJG1, Stirling 149 Squadron BK 703 at 2.14am. Netersel, 17Km SE of Tilburg 4,600 meters.

I would be very interested in work on BK703 for the 149 Archives. My e-mail is alanDOTfraserATstirlingpilotDOT orgDOTuk and would be pleased to pass on what I have on this aircraft.

TIA

[retje]

Hello Alan and Adrian,

also Otto-Karl Klemenz 3./NJG 1 claimed a Short Stirling in this area around 02.30 (Source: KTB 6 Kdo. Flughafenbereich 6.III Gilze-Rijen). Only the credits for shooting down BK 703 went to Lt. Günther Franz 5./NJG 1.

@ Adrian: for photos you'll have to wait until my book plans are realized.

Regards,

René

[lancaster103]

Many Thanks René. If you ever could scan me the "abschuss meldung" and "gefechtsbericht" about Franz for BK703 that should be wonderfull. For a very long time I searching for a good photograph of Günther Franz. Good luck with your book and I looking forward to get it on the shelves in my book collection.

Cheers,
Adrian

[Frasera]

My thanks to Reetje and Lancaster 103.

Good information, and please keep in touch.

Alan F