Loss in Jan 1. 1945 of JG1

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Blackeagle

The opponent of the 352nd FG and the 366th FG was JG 11 which by Prein's list lost 27 fighters in aerial combat. Notable losses included the Geschwaderkommodore, Major Günther Sprecht (34 victories, RK), Leutnant Alwin Doppler, Staffelführer of 2./JG 11 and Hauptmann Horst-Günther von Fassong (75 victories, RK), Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 11. Please remember that JG 11 was initially bounced by the eight P-47 fighters of the 390th FS creating a great deal of confusion which along with the dismal quality of the Nachwuchs explains the one sided results. Interestingly, both Sprecht and von Fassong were downed by the 390th FS. I hope this helps out somewhat.

Horrido!

Leo

[John Manrho]

Leo,

indeed Hptm. von Fassong was shot down by P-47 from the 390th FS, but I don't believe there is any evidence that Maj. Specht was shot down by the same unit. How do you come to that conclusion?

Cheers,

John Manrho.

[John Manrho]

Kozcar, I sent you a PM.

regards,

John

[Leo Etgen]

Hello John

The information that Major Günther Sprecht was shot down by the 390th FS is from the JG 11 missing in action section of Erik Mombeeck's site www.luftwaffe.be where it states regarding Sprecht: "Probably KIA during the attack on the Asch airfield. Downed by a P-47 piloted by F/O David Johnson, 366th FG. Johnson was also forced to bale, and went to the crashsite of Specht, gathering various papers and his pistol. Thanks to Tom Kracker and Phil Dufrasne." I hope that this information is accurate. It is my understanding that Johnson claimed two victories that day. Anything that you can add regarding this information would be great.

Horrido!

Leo

[John Manrho]

Leo,

Okay, no that information is incorrect. David Johnson pedalled to the crashsite of Oblt. Engel of II./JG 11. I have gone to great length to recover the exact details of the original story of Johnson. After the war somebody made of Oblt. an Oberstleutnant and came up with the name of Specht, not knowing that Specht was promoted to Oberstleutnant after his death. The actual original information detailed that a Oblt. was found who came from Darmstadt, and that is Engel and the crashsite of Engel was within miles from Asch....and the remains of Oblt. Engel were identified by his Ausweis stating his rank and home address....AND....F/O Johnson only claimed 109's and no 190's....

cheers,

John.

[Leo Etgen]

Hello John

Many thanks for kindly explaining the circumstances behind this error. I had read about this previously and as it was included in Mombeeck's site I thought that there was some truth to the matter. Greatly appreciated and many thanks for your help.

Horrido!

Leo

[Richard Mills]

Originally Posted by Leo Etgen

both Sprecht and von Fassong were downed by the 390th FS. I hope this helps out somewhat.
Leo

After just purchasing some documents appertaining to Horst-Gunther Von Fassong, I have read through this post with obvious interest.

My main question is, can it be established as to the identity of the 390th FS P-47 pilot who actually shot Von Fassong down? I ask this as I have read previously that he was last seen being chased by 2 X P-47 aircraft.

I know this is a long shot but any help at all will be very well received.

Regards Richard.

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Richard

I honestly doubt that given the large numbers of fighters engaged in a relatively limited area that it would be possible to identify with any sort of certainty who were the pilots or pilot responsible for the death of Hauptmann von Fassong. My understanding is that he and his wing man were bounced by two P-47 fighters at low altitude and his aircraft went cartwheeling into the ground where it exploded while his wing man was lucky enough to escape with his life. I am including what I have on this ace and any comments or corrections are welcome. I hope that this helps.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LQZ1OBNT

Horrido!

Leo

[Richard Mills]

Hello Leo

Thank you very much indeed for the info on Von Fassong. Compared to other Jagdflieger RKT he seems to be very much under the radar.

When I finish the research for the group of documents (including his Soldbuch) I shall send you a copy allowing you to make any alterations or additions.

Thanks again.

Regards Richard.