Lt. Hasso Holst, Flugzeugführer, I./KG 54

[Paul Giva]

Tuesday, October 13, 1942 - Lt. Holst and his crew, which consisted of Beobachter Uffz. Joachim Elsasser, Bordfunker Uffz. Gerhard Richter, and Bordschütze Uffz. Alfred John, are celebrated upon their return from a raid over Malta for achieving the 5000th operational sortie flown by aircraft of the I./KG 54.

Image Source: Radtke, p.128.

[Paul Giva]

Wednesday, October 14, 1942 – Between 1000 and 1100 hours, Holst’s Ju 88 (B3+HH – 5839) along with six other Ju 88 of I./KG 54 depart their airfield in Catania, Sicily, tasked with another bombing raid over Malta. They are escorted by 45 Bf 109 of I and II./JG 53, I./JG 77 and I./JG 27, and 29 Macchi C.202 of 51o Stormo.

Flight Lieutenant “Wally” McLeod and seven other Spitfire of RAF No. 1435 Squadron confronted the German and Italian aircraft 20 miles north of Malta’s Grand Harbour. Flt. Lt. McLeod, a native of Regina, SK, later dubbed “The Eagle of Malta,” claimed one Ju 88 after pursuing the aircraft across the island and after it had released its ordnance.

Image Source: Wikipedia page of "Wally" McLeod, RCAF

[Paul Giva]

Nine other Spitfire of RAF No. 185 Squadron, led by Wing Commander John “Tommy” Thompson, also engaged the enemy aircraft. Thompson noted the following:

"I dived vertically on two 88s and attacked the starboard one. I opened fire with my cannons and machine guns at 200 yards closing to 50 yards, and saw cannon strikes which caused the enemy aircraft to burst into flames in the middle of the fuselage. Confirmed by ground observation from Luqa."

The author speculates that Thompson was responsible for the downing of Lt. Holst’s Ju 88 considering that the aircraft was reported shot down over the sea off of Malta and that this appeared consistent with Luftwaffe loss reports. The author adds that Holst’s aircraft may also be the one claimed by Flt. Lt. McLeod. (Note – The author identifies Holst’s Ju 88 as stammkennzeichen B3+AA).

Image Source: www.350sqn.be page of John Marlow Thompson

[Paul Giva]

As per the Luftwaffe loss report of the crash of Lt. Holst's aircraft, three parachutes were observed. According to Radtke, the entire crew remains listed as missing in action.

Andreas Brekken's, Aviation History Society Norway: http://www.ahs.no/ref_db/lw_loss_pub...?lossid=142161

[Paul Giva]

Entry noting Holst's status ("vermißt") as of 20.10.1942. Signature of DKiG recipient, Karl Palliardi.

[Spanferkel]

Paul,

Very nice grouping thanks so much for showing. Having the Wehrpas and Soldbuch together are a perfect way of filling in the blanks and not something you see too often.

The wreck photo is remarkably as well a rare chance to see the actual AC used by the flyers as well as putting a personal story to a deteriorating wreck.

Being a document collector I really enjoy seeing this material

Thanks again.

Jeremy

[Larry deZeng]

Outstanding job, Paul. You are rapidly becoming the expert of all experts on interpreting the WPs and SBs and then investigating and putting together the background and story describing the fate of the individual. Great layout!

Larry

[Paul Giva]

Thank you very much, gentlemen. I appreciate the kind words and am glad you both enjoyed viewing the presentation.

[RudiS]

That's some excellent detective work, Paul. I've seldom seen such a comprehensive description of a Luftwaffe bomber pilot's career.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Regards,
Rudi.

[steve sheridan]

Top marks from me also Paul!
A truly excellent grouping you have presented here, your research and attention to detail is superb.
Very well done, and many thanks for sharing Hasso Holst's story with us.

Best regs,
Steve.