Hptm. Werner Thierfelder - Gruppenkommandeur II./ZG 26 ?

[Doug Stankey]

A search of our files was not very helpful in resolving who was Kdr. of II./ZG 26 on the winter of 1941/42 but the implication was that it was most likely Johannes Shalk or possibly Ralph von Rettberg. Regarding Thierfelder, we have:

THIERFELDER, Werner.
(DOB: 24.12.15 in Berlin).
09.39 in II./ZG 26.
10.10.41 Oblt., awarded Ritterkreuz, Staka in II./ZG 26.
03.11.42 Oblt., awarded DKG, 5./ZG 2.
22.04.43 Oblt. in ZG 26, ordered to RLM (Stab/Gen.d.Jagdflieger – L.In.3) for temporary duty.
09.06.43 Oblt., permanently trf to RLM (Stab/Gen.d.Jagdflieger – L.In.3).
15.12.43 Hptm., appt Leiter (Führer) Erprobungskommando 262 at Lechfeld (to 18.07.44).
[06.44 Kdr. III./ZG 26] - perhaps
18.07.44 Hptm., KIA – in Me 262 crash near Lechfeld while attempting to intercept a U.S. bomber formation over South Germany; this was the first operational loss of an Me 262 jet.
Credited with 27 air victories plus 41 more destroyed on the ground.


We hope that this helps

HLdZ
DGS