Henrich Ehrler combat claims for 1941

[Danny152]

I am trying to do research - work on Henrich Ehrler, I am struggling as have 2 deconflict stories for his early claims in 1941.

Quote - There, he scored his first victory in May 1941 and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) on 19 September 1941.

Then I have 2 deconflicted dates

Beaufort that was shot down on 02 Sep 1941. I only have the date, estimated 1500Hrs, and rough area of operations, which was southwest of Stavanger. And on 8 Nov Tupolev SB-2, Northwest of Loukhi.

In short, can anyone confirm what he claimed, and any official information - combat reports etc to support this?


Thanks

Danny

[igorrB]

Abendmeldung 8.11.41 5 Lfl. says that one SB-2 was indeed shot down Northwest of Louhi, but without name of pilot. Same thing stated in Lageberichte 8.11.41
Prien say Ehrler has 3 claims in 1941

[focusfocus]

According Johannes Mathews:

02/09/41=Beaufort SW Stavanger 1500- (his first victorie)

08/11/41=SB-2 1646 (his third)

His second....mystery???

Michel

[Andy Mitchell]

Danny,

Ross McNeill's RAF Coastal Command Losses v1 (1939-41) has a Beaufort lost from 22 Sqdn on 2/9/41.

Details - Beaufort I AW218 OA-W Shipping Strike Base - Leuchars. T/O 13:45
Took off for an attack on shipping off Stavanger. Aircraft last seen during attack with engine on fire gliding down under control towards the sea in position ZNEF 5227. Crew commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

However, no mention of fighter combat. You may need to get hold of 22 Sqdn's ORB for that month.

[Danny152]

Thanks all, and confirming the 3rd has provided some information. I have got alittle to keep me going... look out for my 1942 plea!

Cheers

Danny

[Danny152]

On some forums, it mentions a combat claim in May 41, but this could be any of number of aircraft, possibly a Blenheim it seems.

[Danny152]

For the combat on 2 Sep - 22 Sqn ORBs.

‘W failed to return, last seen by other aircraft gliding down towards water (under control) with port engine on fire. Explosion seen towards stern of E.V., presumably from W’s torpedo. Heavy flak from E.V. and as soon as attack completed 5 Me109s F’s sighted. Two attacked V and one was hit by long effective burst at 10 yds range. E/A broke away and gunner got in further burst in belly: E/A half rolled and went down upside down: it appeared that the pilot had been hit. V and Q evaded further attacks and gained cloud cover.’

So its possible by confirming if there was a M109 loss at this time, it can be confirmed if the was a 4/JG77 engagement.

[igorrB]

Mombeek in his Bd.2 about JG 5 says completely different things about Ehrler: first claim 30.8.41 (Hudson NO-M from 320 sqn) and Curtiss on 31.12.41 as his second in 1941
But it is surely that germans has no claims 31.12.41 according to docs.
If we talk about possibilities for Ehrler to claim his third victory on Ostfront, then there is just little variants: 16.11.41 (but perhaps this was Kurt Hammel), 29.11.41 - I-153

[FrancisM]

More details about Ehrler are in my book Graf Zeppelin's Eagles.
Francis

[Danny152]

Hi Francis,

PM sent.

Thanks

Danny