Minensuchgruppe "Mausi"

[Peter Kassak]

Hi all,

I am looking for information of MSGr. 1 especially its 3rd and possibly also 5th Staffel, which should participate over Danube river in mine sweeping operations in 1944.
I have a great book of H. Nowarra (BTW, can someone tell what happened to his archive, and where possibly ca some of his photo be obtained?)
However not much details given.
I am looking for loss data, as there should be some losses of Ju 52MS planes in time May - September 1944 (3. Staffel mainly).

Can anyone help with any info or photo?
Thanks, much appreciated...

[ju55dk]

Hi Peter.

Be very carefull with the information given in this Nowarra book. It contains loads of errors, also the information to the different photos. It's probably the worst Nowarra book. The 5 Staffel did not participate in the Danube river sweeping. All it's life it was stationed in Denmark, with a Aussenkdo. in Norway.

Junker

[Adam]

Hi Peter,

Here are a what snippets of info for the 3 Staffel or pertaining to the Danube I have. Sources are listed at the end. Hope it helps

Adam



8.2.44[1] - 3./MSGr 1
Dated 8/2, addressed to Seefliegerfuehrer: No operation on 8/2, as no new mine-sweeping area was available.
NOTE: Source is certain that these reports were sent from ODESSA.

10.2.44[2] - 3./MSGr 1
Dated 10/2, addressed to Seefliegerfuehrer: No operation on 10/2 as no new mine-sweeping area was available.

11.2.44[3] - 3./MSGr 1
Dated 11/2, addressed to Seefliegerfuehrer BLACK SEA: No operation on 11/2 as no new mine-sweeping area was available.
NOTE: Source is certain that these reports were sent from ODESSA.

17.3.44[4]
3./MSGr 1 reports on 17 March no areas to be swept, therefore no operations flown. KL+BL made a forced landing at sea, salvage arranged.


15.4.44[5]
3./MSGr 4 – detachment at Semlin
One Ju 52 mine sweeping from 0730 to 1030. Danube from Semlin to Smederevo once. No success

One Ju from 1215 to 1545. Swept above area twice, no success.

20.4.44[6]
3./MSGr 1
Two Ju 52s mine sweeping 0600hours until 0900 hours. Areas IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA three times. One Ju had to break off ops owing to electrical power unit trouble. No success.

One Ju 52 mine sweeping from 1310 hours until 1620 hours. Areas and success as above.

21.4.44[7]
3./MSGr 1
Sweeping area SULINA anchorage and SULINA canal as far as 38 mile point.

25.4.44[8]
Subject: transfer back of Branch Detachment SEMLIN. 1 Ju. 52 (MS) marking 3K + ML was ordered for transfer back on 10/4. The crew has not arrived here up till now. On 23/4 a second urgent telegram was sent to A.M.C. SEMLIN for Fw. (B% KLAEDTKE) without success. We request investigation into the whereabouts of a/c and crew.


[1] HW 5/445
[2] HW 5/445
[3] HW 5/445
[4] HW 13/69
[5] ULTRA, CX/MSS/R.175 (D)
[6] ULTRA, CX/MSS/R.175 (D)
[7] ULTRA, CX/MSS/R.175 (D)
[8] HW 5/482

[Kari Lumppio]

Hello!

Another - general - source would be the Kriegstagebuch der Seekriegsleitung -series (google it). The diaries usually have a daily short Minenlage Danube -input. Aircraft and air unit details not given IIRC, but successful mine sweeps by aircraft are mentioned. Also mine droppings and possible shoot-downs by (night?)fighters. Plus lost vessels with locations if someone is researching for Allied successes.

Like I said the KTB is a good general source (also) for the Danube mine warfare.


Cheers,
Kari

[Peter Kassak]

Junker: Thanks for warning...but some photos in the book clearly shows buildings which are recognizable...
Adam: WOW! thanks for the info...I wish the re would be some info also for May-October period ?

Kari: Is the KTB available through library borrowing service or how can I get access to it??No experience with such a service...

best regards

Peter

[Kari Lumppio]

Originally Posted by Peter Kassak

Kari: Is the KTB available through library borrowing service or how can I get access to it??No experience with such a service...

best regards

Peter

Hello!

I have no idea. I have the May, June and July 1944 diaries thanks to an Estonian colleague who had surplus examples. I've heard some of the KTB parts been sold as low as 1 EUR per piece! At the moment I cannot help you with any places where to buy (try googling).

Had I spare time and nothing to do I would collect and retype the KTB text but that would be quite a lot of work. At this time not going to happen, sorry to say.

Cheers,
Kari

[Peter Kassak]

Kari, any chance to borrow those? How many pages do we speak about?
THX