FW190 Losses on September 23, 1944 -Arnhem

[John Manrho]

I believe the Fw 190's in combat with the 353rd FG were the ones from IV./JG 54. There were several units active over Arnhem that day. Please keep in mind the 1 hour time difference between Allied and German time.

I./JG 26 was in combat around 17.00 hrs German time (16.00 hrs Allied time). They were in combat with P-51's and claimed 4 for the loss of at least three Fw 190's.

II./JG 26 was in combat around 17.30 hrs German time (16.30 hrs Allied time). They were in combat with P-51's and claimed 4 for the loss of at least one Fw 190.

I believe I. and II./JG 26 were in combat with the 339th FG.

The following units were also active over Arnhem - Nijmegen and belonged to the 3. Jagddivision;

Stab JG 11 with 5 Bf 109 (17.45-19.45 hrs from Gütersloh A/F)
II./JG 27 with 24 Bf 109 (17.45-19.24 hrs from Gütersloh A/F)
IV./JG 54 with 19 Fw 190 (18.10-19.35 hrs from Plantlünne A/F)

They were in combat with a large formation of P-47's (40-50) and reported;

Stab JG 11: 4 P-47's claimed, 1 loss reported (~18.36-18.40 hrs)
II./JG 27: 5 P-47's claimed, 6 losses reported (~18.35-18.45 hrs)
IV./JG 54: 2 P-47's claimed, 6 losses reported (~18.37-18.45 hrs)

It must have been the 353rd FG who was in combat with these units. They claimed around 17.45 hrs (=18.45 German time);

5 Me 109 destroyed
1 Me 109 probable
2 Me 109 damaged
12 Fw 190 destroyed
1 Fw 190 probable
3 Fw 190 damaged

The claiming for the Fw 190's seems a little bit too much.... It is impossible to tell who shot down who. The IV./JG 54 losses that day;

Uffz. Julius Händel, 13./JG 54, MIA, west Kleve.
Uffz. Gerhard Liebezeit, 13./JG 54, MIA, west Kleve.
Uffz. Hans Schidla, 13./JG 54, wounded, bellylanding near Schüttorf.
Uffz. Johannes Schneider, 14./JG 54, KIA, Arnhem area.
Uffz. Hans Götzelt, 15./JG 54, KIA, Arnhem area.
Uffz. Rudolf Walter, 16./JG 54, OK, bailed out near Kleve.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

John.