Bf 109 losses over Peljesac peninsula, Croatia

[Tomislav Haramincic]

Hello everyone,

A group of researchers and enthusiasts is currently researching the Bf109 losses in the area of Peljesac peninsula in the December 1943. This research is connected to the recent discovery of a Bf109G (probably G-6) crash site on Peljesac. We are trying to identify the plane and also the fate of the pilot as many loss records indicate that the pilots are still missing.
The losses are connected with the preparation and execution of operation Herbstgewitter 2 - capturing the Korčula island.

So far, we have the following losses listed:

13.12.43 Bf 109G-6 WNr.140226 IV./JG27 Uffz. Michael Strasser (verw.), Erdabwehr (AA fire) - Absturz (crashed), Peljesac - b%
For this loss we have the most details. Strasser was part of a 7 aircraft formation that attacked the harbour of Vela luka on Korčula island around 12:30LT. Strassers 109 was hit by AA fire from a partisan gunboat. He ditched his 109 north of cape Lozote (the most northern tip of Peljesac peninsula). He was rescued by a Kriegsmarine ship NA2.

16.12.43 Bf 109G-6 WNr.140316 12./JG27 Uffz. Ernst Hackl (verm.), unbekannte Ursache (unknown reason), Ort unbekannt (unknown place) - 100%
16.12.43 Bf 109G-6 WNr.140256 Stab IV./JG27 Lt. Wolfgang Lang (verm.), unbekannte Ursache (unknown reason), Ort unbekannt (unknown place) - 100% VO+UF
16.12.43 Bf 109G-6 WNr.? 12./JG27 Uffz. Hans Zippert (verw.), unbekannte Ursache (unknown reason), Ort unbekannt (unknown place) - 100%
All three losses occurred near the village Trpanj on Pelješac peninsula due to aerial combat with fighter of the 66th FS, 57th FG. It is very likely that the 109 from the discovered crash site is one of those three losses from that day. On the crash site 13mm and 20mm ammo was found. Also a speaker from the pilots flight cap and the pressure bottle from the life vest.

22.12.43 Bf 109G-6 WNr.20682 2./NAGr12 Ofw. Pöblert (Poeblert?), Motorstörung (engine trouble) - Bauchlandung (forced landing), Lovište (Pelješac) 1 km N Mirce - 80%
From two sources this loss is likely to be result of friendly fire from a Krigsmarine vessel. As the loss is 80%, I would assume that Ofw. Pöblert forced landed on the peninsula and survived. Mirce is the northern part of the Lovište bay and 1km to the north is still possible to force land on the ground. Ditching in the sea would be 100 % loss.

22.12.43 Bf 109Ga-6 WNr.760004 10./JG27 Uffz. Franz Koderer (verm.), unbekannte Ursache (unknown reason), Raum Insel Korcula (Korčula island area) - 100%
For this loss we also have indication that it was due to friendly fire from ground units. In a report of the V. SS-Gebirgs-Korps from the 23.12.43 at 07:15 referring to the progress of operation Herbstgewitter 2, it is stated that two Luftwaffe planes were lost due to friendly fire from WH and KM units and one of the pilots was saved. I assume this was Ofw. Pöbelrt.

If anyone has more informations or details to this losses, please share it with us. Thanks!