22 December 1944

[Jochen Prien]

Gentlemen,

as it so happens, I have another question, this time concerning Luftwaffe fighter operations in the West on 22 December 1944.

While this day is generally considered to have been very quiet owing bad weather, I have two official German reports stating that Lw.-Kdo. West could in fact muster 262 fighter sorties on that day, claiming five and losing seven.

I can account for 95 of those sorties including six losses, all for JG 53 under 5 JD command. But which unit did put up the other 177 fighters, which would then have been responsible for seven claims and only one loss ?

As usual, any substantiated input would be gratefully appreciated.

KR

Jochen Prien

[Nick Beale]

I don't think the attached will tell you anything new. The Operations Watch report (complied from Ultra and Y-service information) for Dawn 22nd - Dawn 23rd (CX/MSS/OPD 1395) says this:

Weather permitting, JK II intended ground attack operations in the LIEGE area in support of army spearheads. KG 51 and SG 4 were to take part, the latter with aircraft of JG 2 as escort. Operation apparently cancelled owing weather.

[Jochen Prien]

Nick,

many thanks, the JG 53 claims were new to me and I'm most grateful.

Leaves us with just the question who the other 177 fighters were.

Best

Jochen

[RT]

Surprised that Jochen nd his team, never consider the Ultra data, they are full of tits nd bits, nd some mistakes ref. to Wn nd Kennzeichen, but deliver also many/many worthfull détails, on ops, losses, places...

Rémi

[Jochen Prien]

They do Rémi, but they don`t find everything.

Cheers

Jochen

[RT]

Sorry, I hv to think, that collect data , is one thing, give them an order, an other art

A supporter of your work