Erich Kuhlmann JG53

[Erich Kuhlmann]

Hello,
I am a new member seeking information on Erich Kuhlmann JG53 killed in 1940.
He had 8 victories, 4 in Spain and 4 during World War Two. I believe he may have flown with Wolfgang Lippert.
Thanks1

[Larry deZeng]

It looks like there may have been a couple of officers by that name:


KÜHLMANN, Erich. 08.42 Oblt. and Nafü/Brigade “General Göring” (to14.10.42). 15.10.42 appt Nafü/Gren.Rgt. “Hermann Göring” (to 11.42). 11.42 Oblt., appt Nafü/Gren.Rgt. 1 “Hermann Göring” (to 04.43). 04.43 appt Nafü/ Pz.Gren.Rgt. 1 “Hermann Göring” (to 05.43).

[Chris Goss]

Wrong Kuhlmann Larry. From memory, I have photos of him in Brothers In Arms together with Lippert. Peter Cornwell will no doubtedly answer for me. I think he was Ofw at the time of his death

[Larry deZeng]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Wrong Kuhlmann Larry. From memory, I have photos of him in Brothers In Arms together with Lippert. Peter Cornwell will no doubtedly answer for me. I think he was Ofw at the time of his death

Yep, that's why Doug and I don't have him. But I thought it somewhat interesting that there was a Luftwaffe Oberleutnant by the same name.

[robert]

Hi,

he flew with 3./JG53. According to fragments of his logbook between 20.08 and 30.08.40 he flew in "yellow 6".

Regards

Robert

[Erich Kuhlmann]

What is Brothers in Arms?
I would like to obtain a photo of Kuhlmann.
Also, are there any books I should purchase to read up on his wartime activities?

[Peter Cornwell]

Oberfw Erich KUHLMANN was one of two 3./JG53 pilots reported ‘missing’ following operations over southern England on September 2, 1940, and, as Brian has already stated, was flying Bf109E-4 (1167) on his last mission. According to Lw records the two missing pilots were (67005/15) Lt Herbert RIEGEL, last seen in action over Ashford, and (67007/5) KUHLMANN lost over the English Channel between Dover and Calais.

At 08.50 hours on that date a Bf109E crashed at Bridge Farm Field at Bilsington in Kent the aircraft being totally destroyed and the pilot killed. Unable to be identified, he was buried as an ‘Unknown German Airman’ in Grave 1133/1 in New Romney Cemetery. On his exhumation on October 10, 1962, prior to transfer to Cannock Chase, it was documented that he ‘possibly’ carried the Erkennungsmarke 67007/15 so the possibility certainly exists that the Unknown German Airman in Grave 1-5-152 at Cannock Chase may be KUHLMANN although similarities between the two identity numbers of both pilots concerned makes this conclusion unsafe.

There is indeed a photo of KUHLMANN on p132 of Chris Goss’ excellent Brothers in Arms (Crecy 1994) showing him with Staffelkapitän Wolfgang LIPPERT and others following the award of the EKII.

[robert]

Hi Peter,

according to information from his logbook (thanks James!) he was missing after taking off for last sortie at 17.15.

Regards

Robert

[fran]

Hello,
Do exist his flugbuch with his flights in Spain?
Thank you

[Erich Kuhlmann]

The logbooks are complete from 1937 to 1940. However, the flights in Spain are not recorded. His logbook simply continues with his numbered flights in Europe.

The only explanation I have is that he was under orders to keep the flights confidential.