Hptmn Ernst Drünkler, 13./NJG 5

[bill norman]

Can anyone confirm that Hptmn Ernst Drünkler shot the Halifax bomber that crashed near Pockau, on the German/Czech border, on the night of 14/15 February 1945? Chemnitz was the target. Does anyone have a photograph of Drünkler that they are willing to share?
Bill Norman
(website: www.billnorman.co.uk|)

[RodM]

Hi Bill,

I presume that you are referring to 640 Squadron Halifax NP653, which, according to RAAF documents, crashed at Pockau (some 25 km S.E. of Chemnitz) circa 21.00 hrs, following three night fighter attacks.

According to the Nonnenmacher-/Ring-compiled Nachtjagd Abschüsseliste, Hptm. Ernst-Georg Drünkler made a claim to the N.W. of Chemnitz at 21.00 hrs. Provided that this data is correct then this location would seem to preclude Drünkler's involvement in the demise of NP653. I have seen that some researchers link the two together, although I think it wise to validate the reasoning behind such assertations.

To be sure, you would need to cite the original source of information used by Nonnenmacher/Ring when compiling their listing. In this case, it was probably a flying logbook from either Drünkler himself or one of his crew.

Cheers

Rod

[Stig Jarlevik]

Guys

First of all Ernst Georg Drünkler was St Kap of 1./NJG 5 at said date after a previous term as St Kap with 13./NJG 5.

Feb 14/15th was a rough night for Bomber Command and I think it is very difficult to even speculate who went down to whom and/or Flak.

In their book Nachtjagd war diaries, Theo Boiten and Rod Mackenzie favours Lancasters heading for Rositz as his most likely victim.

B Rgds
Stig

[RodM]

Hi Stig,

yes, I wrote and researched that part of Volume 2. The possibility of the claim being against the Rositz force stems from the location of the Drünkler claim as given in the Nonnenmacher/Ring listing, although surviving crew members of the three Lancasters lost attacking that target all thought that they'd been shot down by Flak.

The timing of the attacks on both Rositz and Chemnitz means that the time of Drünkler's claim could equally apply to aircraft attacking either target.

I figure that the only way to possibly clarify the situation further would be to cite the original documentation upon which the Nonnenmacher/Ring list is based, to verify the claim location.

Against eight claims as stated in an original OKL operations summary (1 JD - 3 claims; 3 JD - 1 claim; 7 JD - 3 claims; Jafü Mittelrhein - 1 claim), only seven documented claims were discovered at the time the NJWD was published (1 JD - 3 claims; 3 JD - 1 claim; 7 JD - 3 claims; Jafü Mittelrhein - claim not discovered). Therefore, there remains a possibility that the unknown Jafü Mittelrhein crew shot down the Halifax at Pockau.

Cheers

Rod

[Stig Jarlevik]

Rod

How silly of me Never made the connection...

Basically I am not very interested in the constant debate who got whom since I don't believe we ever are going to come any certain conclusions.

Your e-mail simply confirms what I have already read out of your book.
As you can see, I already use it as a basic reference tool...

Cheers
Stig

[bill norman]

Rod/Stig,
Thanks for your contributions. I think I'm back to Square 1!
Bill Norman
(www.billnorman.co.uk)