February 21 1944

[vinnie]

Hi to all,

I would like to have some more information about the 21st of February 1944, when the allied forces started their Big Week offensive with heavy attacks on Germany. This day many pilots came in action, and among them were Uffz. Helmut Sainisch from 9./JG 1 and Fw. Fritz Haspel and Lt. Erich Mattern, both from 8./JG 1. In the afternoon, all three pilots ditched in the IJsselmeer (according to the losses as registered that day).
Only Haspel survived his crash, but Mattern and Sainisch did not survive the accidents they had. They are now buried in Ysselstein.

Can anybody tell me something more about these pilots and their aircraft? For example if it is certain that all three airplanes crashed in the lake (locations aren't known, correct?), more info about the pilots, maybe some specifications on the Messerschmitts they flew in that day, etc.
It seems to be very likely that Capt. William O'Brien from 357th FG shot one of these Me-109 G-6 machines down above the 'Zuiderzee', the old term for the Ijsselmeer. I wasn't able to connect his victory to one of the 3 specific aircraft so far...

Thank you very much for your help!

[vinnie]

Since the locations of the planes of Sainisch and Mattern are unknown, maybe anyone can tell me more about Fw. Haspel? I know that his Flugbuch still exists...

[BigWeeker]

Hi, Vinnie
Being pedantic, Big Week started on Sunday, 20th Feb '44. If you wish, contact me off-line, as I have all the 8th AF Mission Reports/MACR's that covered the Big Week period (20th - 25th Feb)...
Andy BigWeeker

[Frans A]

Vinnie,
I have the following details;
FhjFw. Erich Mattern KIA Buried Ysselsteyn CT-7-173 Bf109G-6 410874 8./JG 1 Schw. 6+
Fw. Fritz Haspel OK 8.JG 1 Bf109G Time 16.00 hrs. Schw. 3+ Survived the war No more details
Uffz. Helmut Sainisch KIA Ysselsteyn CT-9-221 Bf 109G-6 4110141 9./JG 1 Gelbe 5+
Washed ashore 44-02-22
Frans.A

[vinnie]

Thank you all, gentlemen!

I know that mr. Van Mombeek has the Flugbuch of Fritz Haspel (according to his website). Maybe there are more details to be found in that book? I'm convinced that the book covers details that are unknown right now.
Unfortunately no more information exists concerning the crashes of Mattern and Sainisch. The wreck locations and combat history of these pilots on that day are therefore impossible to retrieve...

[ouidjat]

Originally Posted by Frans A

Vinnie,
Uffz. Helmut Sainisch KIA Ysselsteyn CT-9-221 Bf 109G-6 4110141 9./JG 1 Gelbe 5+
Washed ashore 44-02-22
Frans.A

Sure of that number ?? 410141 is enough.

Cheers, Franck.

[vinnie]

Originally Posted by ouidjat

Sure of that number ?? 410141 is enough.

Cheers, Franck.

The number is 410141. Very spot on, Franck.
Interesting to note that Haspel survived the war. Unfortunately no Werk Nummer is known of his Messerschmitt, but it might be Werk Nr. 15645? He made a forced landing with that aircraft on august 12 1943, but the damage was 35%. Perhaps they restored this airplane, and brought it back to action... It seems likely to me that his Me-109 was a G-6, but could also have been a G-5.
I just don't know.