Bf 109 G-6, WerkNr. 441 744

[Jochen Prien]

Gentlemen,

Bf 109 G-6, WerkNr. 441 744, "black 9" of 11./JG27, has been the subject of quite a number of photos taken by GIs after it came down over allied territory in France presumably in July 1944. Most of the known shots show the aircraft while it was retrieved by US troops near St. Lô .

For some unknown reason I have this loss recorded under 31 July 1944; I cannot remember however where this date originally came from. IV./JG 27 recorded no loss on this day, neither a pilot nor an a/c according to the WASt. and the GQM Summary Loss Returns.

On the verso of one of the images I have it says that the a/c was shot down after it had tried to strafe an airfield in the vicinity of St. Lô between 15 July and 5 August 1944. Neither the cause of the loss not the fate - let alone the name - of the pilot are mentioned there.

My question therefore is: Has anybody got the details of this loss, i.e. the exact date, the cause of the loss, the name and fate of the pilot ?

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

KR

Jochen Prien