Ernst Winkler 4.JG1

[_Mike_]

Hi,
Any idea what number Winkler’s FW190 A-4 #140662 carried? He was flying it, I believe, on 28/11/42 when he shot Mick Shand of 485 Sqn down in Spitfire Vb EP595 5km NW of Waarde. I know he later flew another FW190 marked White 5.
Any other biographical information about Winkler would also be gratefully received.
Thanks,
Mike

[Chris Goss]

I think he had 15 kills but as you appear to know was killed in action 17 Jun 43 as an Ofw still with 4./JG 1. No major awards. Born 6 Sep 17 and buried at Ysselsteyn

[_Mike_]

I have read that he had over twenty kills. He was also shot down over Russia.

I am preparing a display for the King's Cliffe Airfield Museum about Winkler and Mick Shand (who would go on to be part of the Great Escape) and was hoping for som efurther information about him.

[Chris Goss]

15 kills according to Jochen Prien and other sources. 27 Jun 41 he suffered engine failure in Bf 109 F-2, 5719 of 1./JG 3 and crash-landed Hrubitschew. The fact that he was flying 0662 when he had a crash landing on 4 March 1943 does not mean he was definitely flying this plane on 28 November

[_Mike_]

Any idea whether there may still be a combat report from his flight on 28/11/42?

[Chris Goss]

German combat reports are like hen's teeth I am afraid

[_Mike_]

I have some images of Winkler that I can use. The plan was to have a model of both his and Shand's aircraft to display as well.