Oblt Paul Semrau 2 NJG/1

[pauljolee]

Hi to everyone I have just joined after assisting a family member researching our Family tree and have become very interested in Bomber and Fighter Command.I was hoping someone on here could offer any advice on Oblt later Major Paul Semrau as per title.He is recognised as intercepting Hampden P5314 of 16 OTU in his JU88 on 20.09.41 near Upper Heyford in which a family member was an air gunner.All were killed on the Hampden which I am researching at the moment but my interest is also from the German pilots perspective.Does anybody know any Luftwaffe details or where I can access Luftwaffe records as I would like to build up an unbiased understanding of this incident
Thanking you all in anticipation
Regards Paul

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hello Paul!
I am sorry for your famliy´s loss...
I am not an expert, but would suggest you some basic readings about the Nachtjagd, if you do not posses them:
1- German Night Fighter Force 1917-1945 by Gebhard Aders
2- German Night Fighter Aces ( OSPREY Serie )
3- Battles with the Nachtjagd by famous Historians Theo Boiten and Bowman ( this one I did not read yet, but it is on the list for Christmas 2008! )
4- German Night Fighter Force ( picturial by Schiffer Publishing. Some 350+ photographs of German night fighter planes and personalities as well ).
5- Ritterkreuztäger of the Luftwaffe ( a hard and very expensive book to find out; but with a lot of biographical details of the aces and the aircraft they have flown in combat. Sorry but I do not remember by heart the authors...)
6- Simon Parry wrote another book I do want to read: NJG 2 - Intruders over Britain. ( On this book I am certain you wil find more information about the combat that claimed your relative´s life ).

I do hope to have helped with my limited amount of knowledge. If I do remember well, Paul Semrau was lost on 8 February 1945, shot down by a Spitfire whose Squadron and pilot I do not know ( someone can help us? ) while flying his Ju 88 G-6 werknummer 620562.

All the best on your researches and please keep us informed on the results. Friend and sincerely yours

Adriano Baumgartner
(Brazil)

[pauljolee]

Many thanks for your comprehensive reply Adriano and I will certainly look into the books you have indicated.We have already got some detailed accounts of the incident from RAF records and are in the process of looking at local recollections but I did not want to post that information on here due to this forum being Luftwaffe orientated.For anyones information we have a clear photo of oblt Paul Semrau I can post here as I see his name has arisen a few times when using the search function and he had 46 kills to his credit
Thanks once again
Regards Paul

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

It is my understanding that Major Paul Semrau (46 victories, RK-EL), Geschwaderkommodore of NJG 2, was shot down and killed with his crew in Ju 88 G-6 (W.Nr. 620 562) over Coesfeld by F/Lt KS Sleep of 402 Sqn, RCAF. He was flying Spitfire XIVE (RM862) "K" when he claimed his victory at 8:35. I hope this helps.

Horrido!

Leo

[theelliottfamily]

Hi Paul, Noticed your article about Paul Semrau. I dont know if you are still logging in to this forum but My wifes uncle was KIA in a Lancaster III on the Nuremburg raid (March 1944). I have been told by a German airwar historian that Paul Semrau was the luftwaffe pilot that shot the Lancaster down so I would appreciate a copy of any pictures you may have to add to my information on the event. Please email me at paul.elliott@overbury.com.

When he shot the Lancaster down I believe he was with II/NJG2 and was Major. If anyone else has a photo then it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Paul Elliott

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi

From Bundesarchiv:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...aul_Semrau.jpg

Regards,
Andreas B

[Doug Stankey]

Here is what we have about this guy:

SEMRAU, Paul.
(DOB: 12.11.15 in Deutsch-Eylau/Ostpreussen).
01.09.39 Oblt., in 3./Kü.Fl.Gr. 106.
22.12.40 Oblt., appt Staka 3./NJG 2 (to 20.06.43).
24.04.42 Oblt., awarded DKG, 3./NJG 2.
07.10.42 Hptm., awarded Ritterkreuz, Staka 3./NJG 2.
20.06.43 Hptm., appt Kdr. V./NJG 6 (to 05.08.43).
05.08.43 Hptm., appt Kdr. III./NJG 2 (to 01.01.44).
01.01.44 Hptm., appt Kdr. II./NJG 2 (to 01.11.44).
01.05.44 promo to Maj.
12.11.44 Maj., appt Kommodore NJG 2 (to 08.02.45).
08.02.45 KIA – shot down by Spitfires while attempting to land at Twente/Holland.
17.04.45 posthumously awarded the Eichenlaub.
Credited with c.350 combat missions and 46 air victories.


We hope that this helps.

LdZ
DGS

[theelliottfamily]

Thank you for the picture and history

Regards,

Paul