LBSt 7

[Chris Goss]

Having just read the book 'To War with The RAF' by Stancombe Smith, it is clear that the author's Wellington was shot down by Hptm Ernst Wallner of LBSt 7 at 0020 hrs 14 Jun 44. Does anyone know more about Wallner (who doesn't appear in the Rangliste 1945) or the unit he flew with?

[Gordon Raddock]

Hi Chris

Believe this could be Hptm. Ernst Wallner who later served with 6./NJG 6 caliming at least three victories with this unit to go with the two he recorded with LBSt. 7. Unfortunately, this is all I have for this Experte.

Cheers
Gordon

[Chris Goss]

I guess it is the same-KIA 4-5 Dec 44 and according to the NJG 6 book, Luftbeobachterstaffel 7 was subordinated to NJG 6

[Stig Jarlevik]

All
Excuse my ignorance, but what was a Luftbeobachter staffel and what was it purpose? From what I have gathered it was equipped with various twin-engined fighters, but what did they do that not a regular night fighter unit could do at least just as well? Its title in translation gives nothing much away. What were they watching, besides enemy planes?

Cheers
Stig

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Stig,

I believe that the Luftbeobachterstaffeln were formed to track Bomber Command raids by inserting themselves in the bomber stream and report on position, heading, altitude etc to provide a "real time" commentary.

One staffel per Jagddivision.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Seaplanes]

According to BA/MA ref. RL 2 III/201, the Luftbeobachterstaffeln 1, 2, 3 and 7 were ordered formed on 24 January 1944.

[RT]

Just losses for the 2 /nord-germ. nd 7 /austria-Italien from feb. to april 44

Remi

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Guys

But what was so special about this job that not the regular NJG could do it?

Cheers
Stig

[RT]

At least that the job was performed by day with conventional JU88A-4 planes+ the fact to be attached to FL.Div. or bigger unit...not to a Geschwader+...

Remi