Other fragments from Montesano airfield

[SALERNO1943]

These fragments came from Luftwaffe Montesano airfiled. Some idea about these parts and about aircraft lost in that airfield? Thanks.

[Dan Gilberti]

Hi, the last part is for Machine Gun MG 151.20

http://www.histavia21.net/SJB-PARTS/sjbarm050.jpg

Bsrg, Dan

[Dan Gilberti]

About yours 3 broken ammos cases.
First is certainly 20 mm MG 151 and the 2 others certainly MG 131.13
Bsrg, Dan

[SALERNO1943]

Many thanks for your precious help.

[Larry deZeng]

Montesano (ITAL) (a.k.a. Montesano sulla Marcellana) (40 16 N – 15 41 E)
General: landing ground in S Italy 136 km SE of Napoli (Naples).

I have found no record of Luftwaffe occupancy of this landing ground, although there were probably German aircraft that passed through it between June and September 1943.

[SALERNO1943]

Thanks for your informations! From friends of ARCHEOLOGI DELL ARIA forum I know that in Montesano there was a detachment of Bf 109G of I./JG53 "Pik As"

[Larry deZeng]

Elements of I./JG 53 were transferred from Cancello to Montesano early on 9 Sep 43 where they landed, topped off their tanks, and then flew a patrol mission. After landing back at Montesano, they gassed up and then transferred to San Severo at 1100 hours. A small Restkommando with three Messerschmitts were still at Montesano on 10 Sep when Allied fighters strafed the landing ground and either destroyed or damaged all 3 of the Bf 109 G-6s (Werknummern: 18740, 18894 and 20392). Montesano, variously referred to as a Landeplatz (landing ground) and a Absprungplatz (advanced landing ground), was not used again because the landing ground was compromised in that the Allies now knew of its existence and were keeping a close eye on it.

So it appears that Montesano was only used for two days (9 and 10 Sep) and no units were ever based or stationed there. The Germans hoped they could use it to stage attacks on the Salerno invasion area, but these plans fell through when it was quickly discovered by Allied fighters.

[Source:
Prien, Jochen. Pik-As: Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 53. 3 Teile (volumes). Eutin: Struve-Druck, c. 1989-90. Teil 1(Aufstellung des Geschwaders-Vorkriegszeit-Sitzkrieg-Frankreichfeldzug-Einsatz gegen England-Russlandfeldzug-Holland-Einsatz gegen Malta: März 1937 – Mai 1942). Teil 2 (Mai 1942 bis Januar 1944, ISBN: 3-923457-14-6). Teil 3 (1943-1945, ISBN: 3-923457-16-2). Hb (oversize). Dj. 1,721p. Heavily illus. Maps. Dwgs. Tables. Numerous appendices incl. loss and victory lists. Name index. See Teil 2 pages 978, 983 and 1056.]

Larry

[SALERNO1943]

Dear Larry
you do really a great work! Many thanks!!!
Do you know if someone of pilots of Bf109 destroyed was killed in Montesano? Some people referr us that 1 pilot was killed and buried in tha landstrip.

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi,

To add to what Larry said, here are a few notes on the use Montesano airfield:

2(H)/14
Elements of 2.(H)/14 reported that they were based at Montesano on the afternoon of 2 September 1943. On 5 September 1943 2.(H)/14 aircraft were to transfer to the airfield after carrying out reconnaissance. On the evening of 6 September 1943, 2.(H)/14 at Montesano reported eleven Bf 109 G-6s, with five serviceable, and a single Bf 109 G-4. On the evening of 10 September it was reported that only 2.(H)/14 would remain at Montesano, although the Gruppe was in the process of transferring away.

II./S.K.G. 10
Aircraft armament ammunition for II./S.K.G. 10 was sent to Montesano on 3 September 1943 in anticipation of the move of the Gruppe to that airfield. The Gruppe was ordered to move to Montesano early on 10 September. However, on the morning of the 10th the Gruppe was said to be moving to one of the Foggia airfields. When leaving Montesano, the Germans destroyed an FW 190 G-3 of II./S.K.G. 10.

I./J.G. 53
On 5 September all unneeded equipment and personnel of I./J.G. 53 was to transfer to Montesano. I./J.G. 53 and the fighter control post were to transfer as early as possible on 9 September to Montesano. A scramble was flown by I./J.G. 53 from Montesano at 11:40 on 9 September, and a sweep at 17:40. I./J.G. 53 flew a sweep from Montesano at 08:55 on 10 September. Three Bf 109s from the Gruppe were damaged in a strafing attack on 10 September. That evening a pilot of 2./J.G. 53 transferred from Montesano to San Severo.


Sources
ULTRA
Logbooks
Loss list
Prien, Jagdgeschwader 53


Cheers,
Andrew A.

Air War Publications - www.facebook.com/airwarpublications

[SALERNO1943]

Many thanks also to you Andrew! I'm atonished (?) for all informations that are coming out about Montesano landstrip. I hope you can find something about the pilot killed in this airfield.