Luftwaffe records

[Bruce Dennis]

I live in England and am researching a book on events leading up to the sinking of the German Auxiliary Cruiser KOMET in the English Channel on Oct 13/14 1942.

The Luftwaffe played a supporting role in the movement of this ship and her escorts westward from Flushing towards the Atlantic. The three instances where their part made a positive contribution to the operation are still 'closed doors' to me as I do not know where to begin to find more information. If anyone is able to point me in the right direction, I would be grateful.

(1) there is a document concerning development and, I think, introduction into service, of the FA 330 Bachstelze in 1942: original German reference GL/C-E No15552/42, Genst./6 Abt. (An English translation appears beside the text saying 'Luftwaffe General Staff Division 6, Equipment")
I believe this document overlaps my subject in a way that will only be able to checked by looking at the source and I do not know where it is archived. Another authour has quoted it so it must be somewhere.

(2) any information on radar and Y service establishments in place from Berck (also sp. Berke & Bercke) to Cap de la Hague, also Channel Islands, October 1942. Berck is near Abbeville.

(3) any information about Luftmeldkopf Berck. This communication centre is likely to have been in operation only a matter of weeks at this point (Oct '42) and a 'Lt B' on duty that night ended up directing the fire of shore artillery batteries in Cherbourg. KM senior staff were most impressed and suggested he be rewarded.

Also, and this is a long shot, on the night of 12th October a British Albacore was lost near Berck Buoy in an attack on the Komet. Despite studying the KTBs of the naval units involved, none of them claim to have brought down the attacker. British sources state that their radar tracked another aircraft in the area, but I have found no claims for nightfighter victories in that area on that date. A rescue attempt was mounted by German forces, but I have not yet found the KTBs. Since the action occurred at dusk, I feel it could equally well have been an aircraft of any type that the British radar detected, and almost anything with guns could have picked off a slow Albacore. Any ideas?

If you have any comments or suggestions, I would of course be receptive. Please do not hesitate to ask if my knowledge of the National Archives (Public Record Office) in London can be of use to you.

Regards,

Bruce Dennis

[Hans Mcilveen]

Hello Bruce,

With regard to the first part of your question, try to find the book "Helicopters of the third Reich" by Steve Coates. It contains a detailed account of the development and testing of the Bachstelze. Steve writes that a test took place on the Komet on 28 July 1942.

I can set up contact with the author if need be. He may be able to help you with the document.

There is some material on the Komet (up to 30 September 1942) in the Bundesarchiv as well.

BTW, was a Bachstelze on board when the Komet sank?

Good luck.

Hans

[Bruce Dennis]

Hans, thank you for the reply, I have sent you a PM.

The Komet was carrying at least one FA330 when she set out on her second, and fatal, cruise in September 1942. This was for her own use, the only example of which I am aware of a surface ship being equipped with this aircraft.

Regards,

Bruce