Can anyone ID this FW unit ?

[NickM]

On Sept 21 1944, the 56th FG was involved in escorting transports flying reinforcements to Arnheim; they were engaged by a unit of FW 190s which drew them off thereby opening the way for a very successful attack by I & II/ JG26 on the transports; in the meantime, the 56th claimed to have downed 15 for the loss of one;
I was curious as to the identity of the FW unit involved and their actual losses;

Thank you ahead of time

[Jan Bobek]

My first guess would be IV./JG 54. But I do not know details of the day´s operations and without looking into my sources at home.

Aproximately one hour before JG 26 attack on transports IV./JG 54 claimed 2 P-47s in same area. They lost at least 6 Fw 190s and at least 2 others were damaged around Almelo and Arnheim. Two pilots were KIA, 3 MIA and 3 WIA (one died later).

It could be "your" unit, but it needs more research.

Jan

[John Manrho]

Jan is correct. 56th FG was in combat with IV./JG 54. Two P-47's were shot down;
42-26316, 2./Lt. Cagle, KIA, Weerselo (NL).
43-25515, 2./Lt. Spicer, KIA, Lochem (NL).

IV./JG 54, who were, while flying low on the deck, jumped on by the P-47's lost several pilots;

Fw. Bauer, 13./JG 54, KIA, Laren (NL).
Fw. Vogelbacher, 13./JG 54, MIA, Laren (NL).
Lt. Olsen, 13./JG 54, WIA, Raum Arnheim (NL).
Ofhr. Baur-Bargehr, 14./JG 54, WIA, Almelo (NL).
Fw. Jost, 14./JG 54, WIA (DOW 23/9), Almelo (NL).
Uffz. Guse, 14./JG 54, MIA, Raum Arnheim (NL).
Fw. Mieszala, 16./JG 54, MIA, Raum Arnheim (NL).
Lt. Jung, 16./JG 54, KIA, Lochem (NL).

I have done extensive research into this battle and had contact with most survivors and relatives of the KIA/MIA.

[NickM]

Jan & John:

Thank you both for the reply; so...it was IV/JG54 eh? I guess it was the gruppe that Wolfgang Spate wrote about in 'Top Secret Bird', eh?
Thanks again!

NickM

[John Manrho]

Yep, Maj. Späte was Gruppenkommandeur of IV./JG 54 at that time and he tells some of the story in that book. However, he did not lead IV./JG 54 into battle on 21.9.1944 and the book mixes up some missions and can only be verified by checking the existing KTB of 3. JD (RL8/177 Freiburg). The mission on 21.9.44 was lead by a Leutnant.