Hans Müller, captured North Africa, ca. May 1943

[Schirmmutze]

Hello all, thought I'd bring this thread back to the top.
I'm currently in the process of acquiring this BF109 tail panel, brought home from Tunisia by a US Army 34th Division Veteran. The pilot survived and was taken prisoner. I've only just begun researching but so far I've come up with 2 possible pilots.

2 March 1943, Hptm. Adolf Warmbold of 2.(H)/14 was shot down at 17:10 in combat with British fighters, and taken prisoner near Souk el Khemis. He was flying Bf 109 F-4 Werk Nummer 7517 marked '6 +

25 March 1943, Lt. Hans Möller of 1./J.G. 53 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire north of Beja, and crashed on the road to Abiod. He was taken prisoner. He had been flying Bf 109 G-4 Werk Nummer 15 073, marked 'Black 5 + -'.

As you can see on the label attached to the panel, "near Bizerte" is the location claimed by the vet. Möller's shot down location north of Beja would make it closer to Bizerte than Warmbold's location.

Are they any other possible choices of pilots in the records? Also, can the model of BF109 be determined from looking at the panel? Lastly, it has a bullet hole through it, can the calibre of shell be identified?

Thanks in advance.
Ben

[Schirmmutze]

Ok, no one is interested so far.

In that case can I ask where I could find accurate info for Luftwaffe BF109 losses for the month of March 43? I've got the OKL report but it's sadly lacking in detail because I've searched the forum and at least 2 a/c were claimed as lost in March from JG77 but don't appear on the list.

I'd really appreciate some help here guys. I'm very excited about buying this item, been waiting a long time for the right one to turn up.

In return, I'm very knowledgeable concerning original TR headgear and would be glad to help anytime.

Cheers
Ben