I./SG 152 vs 15th USAAF, 10 May 1944

[Michal]

So called Einsatzkommando I./SG 152 based in Prostějov (Prossnitz) A/F took part in this attack. Pilots were selected from instructor of this unit and probably from most experienced scholars of this training unit. It is necessary to point out that in reality only pilots from Stab, 1. and 3./SG 152 were involved. It is not sure if they took-off from Prostějov A/F or were for short staioned on some of Vienna´s A/Fs. Probably they took off from Prostějov A/F. There are several known operations against US Bombers im April - June 1944 over Austria, last one, I./SG 152 (know IV./SG 151) was acted against US Bombers on August 25 1944 with loss at least 13 Fw 190A-5, A-6 and F-8.

I have got some additonal information because I am preparing an article on this theme - I./SG 152 and Moravia. I am not sure at the moment (I need to look to my remarks) but there were no losses of SG 152 on Mai 10 1944. I think the one known loss of SG 152 in combat is for example on Mai 12 1944.

[Don Caldwell]

Thanks, Michal. I have just received a PM stating that Obfw. Ernst Krüger of 1./SG 152 was killed on 10 May 44 after shooting down a B-24. Do you have any information on Obfw. Krüger's combat?

Don

[Michal]

Well, it is unknown to me. Interesting would be to know source of information.

According to my notes, Ofw. Ernst "Ohm" Krüger served on Eastern Front and as member of 6./SchG 1 was awarded DKiG. Sometimes in Summer 1943 was put out of Front Service and served as Flying Instructor in I./SG 152. The reason was that his wife was blinded and nobody could take care of his children. Krüger exchanged his Instructor Post with Ofw. Hermann Buchner somewhere in July/August 1944 and became new Staffelführer 4./SG 2 (after Buchner). According to my notes some "Ofw. Krieger" from Stab/SG 152 claimed victory over 1 B-24 on May 24 1944 and not on May 10 1944. So, if it is our Krüger (and I think it is), he could not died in some Aerial Battle early then in August/September 1944 and according recollections of Hermann Buchner he was still alive in November 1944.

[Don Caldwell]

This is well worth following up. I'll copy your post to my source and find out where he got his information & whether he has any further comments. I'm still looking for I./SG 152 losses for the date -- at this point, I'd settle for totals.

Horrido!

Don

[Don Caldwell]

Obfw. Ernst Krüger of 1./SG 152 was not killed on 10 May 44. My source misread his spreadsheet -- slipped a line, happens to us all, especially those of a certain age. So thanks for keeping us honest, Michal, and I'm still looking for any I./SG 152 losses on 10 May 1944.

Don