Kunstflugstaffel –the Experte Staffel!

[Rob Romero]

In 1938 Hptm. Hans Trübenbach hand picked 12 pilots from his command (I.(I)/LG2) to compete as the Kunstflugstaffel (Aerobatics Squadron) at the military air show in Arion, Belgium. Training began in May 1939 in Rangsdorf. Their light grey Bü 133Cs biplanes were graced by a green stripe which tapered to a point along the fuselage -the Jüngmeister (Young Champion) was considered among the world’s best aerobatic platforms. On 8 Jul 39 they performed a 25 minute program over Brussels to rave reviews. Lt. Karl Helmer went on to win the individual Aerobatic Championship, but Hptm. Joachim Wille was killed that day -apparently in the same competition. The Kunstflugstaffel managed a few more demonstrations before war broke out. The quality of this aerobatic team (analogous to the Blue Angels or Red Arrows) is reflected in the fact that 6 of the 10 known surviving team members became aces and 2 of these became 100 victory experte! It is also interesting that 1939’s individual European Aerobatics Champion Lt. Karl Helmer (4) later flew with 5/ ZG 76 in 1940 -anecdotal evidence supporting the contention that the best pilots were indeed selected to fly in Zerstroyer units. Trübenbach, himself went on to become a minor 9 victory ace with JG 52 on the Ostfront.

Lt. Herbert Ihlefeld (132)
Obfw. Erwin Clausen (132)
Oblt. Gerhard Homuth (63)
Uffz. Josef Heinzeller (35)
Obfw. Hermann Staege (20)
Hptm. Hans Trübenbach (9)
Lt. Karl Helmer (4) 1939 European Aerobatics Champion -later of 5/ZG 76
Lt. Hans-Wedige von Weiher (2)
Lt. George Graner (1-)
Obfw. Siegfried Krause (?)
Hptm. Joachim Wille -KIFA on 8 Jul 39 -apparently while competing for the individual Aerobatic Championship.

Can anyone name any remaining flight members?
Can anyone indicate the fate of Lt. Karl Helmer (4) the 1939 European Aerobatic Champion who claimed 4 victories with 5/ZG 76 in 1940? Was he killed during the Battle of Britain?

Thanks,

Rob Romero