He111 W.Nr. 160965 + 161433 KG53

[Thomas H]

Hi,

I'm looking for information surrounding the losses of the above He111's. Both involved the crew of Ofw. Rein.

Rein received the Knight's Cross posthumously. Although being a KC-holder, I can't find any information on him online. The only information I have commes from the second volume of "Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kampfflieger". Any additional information about him would be much appreciated.

Kind regards, Thomas

[Matti Salonen]

1944-02-14, 2./KG 53, He 111H-16, 160965, A1+BK, Salushna-Nowosseliga, Notlandung infolge Flakbeschuß. Bruch ? %.
Flugzeugführer Fhj-Ofw Neuber, Kurt, verletzt
Bordmechaniker Ogfr Heinrich, Gerhard, verletzt
1944-08-21, Stab KG 53, He 111H-16, 161433, A1+AA, Frankreich, Unbekannt. Bruch 100 %.
Flugzeugführer Ofw Rein, Willi, vermißt
Beobachter Ofw Prestel, Heinrich, vermißt
Bordfunker Ofw Schmeling, Georg, vermißt
Bordmechaniker Ofw Schrang, Kurt, vermißt
Bordschütze Fw Stephan, Erich, vermißt

Matti

[Jim P.]

An earlier loss for WNr. 160965 which you likely have.

He 111H-16, 160965, REIN, Ofw. Willi, , St., Stab, KG 53, , A1+AA, , , 18-Aug-43, WIA due to enemy fighters. Bf, Bm & Bs also injured., F RK. 29-Aug per loss., Lfl.6/Eins.Osten, Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #11)-Vol.21; Kaiser, Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kampfflieger, V.2, p.78-79, , bei Bywalki, 15%, F, Bf Fw. Georg Schmeling, Bm Fw. Heinrich Klein & Bs Uffz. Erich Stephan, ,

[Thomas H]

Hi Matti and Jim,

Thanks for replying and the information provided.

On Volksbund website I found information on FF Rein and his BS Stephan.
Both are reported as buried in "Noyers-Pont-Maugis" (France).

Kind regards, Thomas