Bomber or Reconn. mission to Ostashkov?

[Nokose]

On the 06 Oct 1942 the II./JG 54 who were stationed at Rjelbitzi (Rel'bitsy) went twice on missions to the southeast of Demyansk far behind Soviet lines to Ostaschkow (Ostashkov). Were they flying a escort mission for a bomber raid or reconnaissance mission to Ostashkov? If so which unit were they escorting? Ostashkov had a train station which is the reason I figured they would be that far away from the front.

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi Michael,

Here are a few details:

06:30-07:20: II./J.G. 54 mission from Rjelbitzy, purpose not reported, pilot broke off early due to undercarriage problems [Flugbuch entry]
07:10: 6./J.G. 54 victory claim Pl.Qu. 38 757
07:13: 6./J.G. 54 victory claim Pl.Qu. 28 862

08:30-09:45: II./J.G. 54 mission from Rjelbitzy, landing at Demjansk, Freie Jagd Raum Ostaschkov [Flugbuch entry]
09:25: 5./J.G. 54 victory claim Pl.Qu. 38 861

11:15-13:25: III./K.G. 53 mission from Gostkino against Ostaschkov railway station
12:35-13:00: II./J.G. 54 victory claims Pl.Qu. 38 6 and 38 7

12:40-13:55: II./J.G. 54 mission from Rjelbitzy, escort for FW 189, one Rotte [Flugbuch entry]

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com

[Nokose]

Andrew,
Thank you that helped make sense of what was going on. Beisswenger was obviously "testing the water" with his morning mission.