Lt. Franz Koplik 9.JG1 May 25, 1944

[Russell M. Brengelman]

Hello Leo,
If possible I would appreciate your help in clearing up conflicting information I have received. If Obergefreiter Kurt Homola was indeed shot down while attempting a landing at Besigheim, I would be interested in knowing if you might have information regarding another Bf 109 being shot down near Hessigheim on 25 May?
An eye-witness from Ingersheim reported in a letter dated 1990..."The Bf 109 you [McDill] chased crashed shortly after Hessigheim to the right of the Neckar River." This eye-witness was an age-17 resident of Ingersheim at the time of the engagement, but he was evidently incorrect when he stated in his letter that this Bf 109 that crashed near Hessigheim was flown by Homola.
Do you have any information indicating a Bf 109 crashing just south of Hessigheim on 25 May 1944? The help you have already provided has been greatly appreciated. Russ

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Russ

I was unable to find another loss suffered by III./JG 1 in the vicinity where Homola went down. I am near certain that this is indeed the pilot and aircraft that McDill claimed as the two locations mentioned in the letter and loss list are very close to each other. Both towns are located in the Ludwigsburg district of Baden-Württemberg and are only some two miles from each other.

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=f...wl&q=Besigheim

You will see Hessigheim to the southeast of Besigheim on the map.

I hope this helps.

Horrido!

Leo