Uffz. Gunter Mielenz of II/JG 77, POW on 30 Dec 1942

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Hello,

I would like to know the details of the loss of Uffz. Gunter Mielenz of II/JG 77, who was shot down in a battle over Libya against 3 Sqn RAAF on 30 December 1942.

What I am lacking especially is the Bf 109 subtype, the WNr, the code and the Staffel.

Thanks in advance, and happy new year in advance too !

[Matti Salonen]

1942-12-30, 5./JG 77, Bf 109G-2, 13882, 7 schw, El Zidem (Pl.Qu. 5287), Absturz nach Luftkampf mit Spitfire und Aufschlagbrand. Bruch 100 %.
Flugzeugführer Uffz Mielenz, Günter, gefangen

Matti

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Russell Brown, the author of "Desert Warriors", states that Uffz Gunter Mielenz was shot down by AUS401151 Sgt Alan Righetti RAAF, of No.3 Sqn. RAAF. Righetti was flying Kittyhawk IIA FL277:CV-I, it was his first (and only) combat claim. Righetti reported in his diary that his opponent baled out at about 1,500 ft and was picked by our Army.

See:
Desert Warriors:Australian P-40 pilots at war in the Middle East and North Africa 1941-1943.
Brown,Russell.
Maryborough:Banner Books,2000.
pp.213-16

Col.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

Thanks to both of you. The RAAF sources say the battle occured over "Bir el Zidan" and the German ones over "El Zidem". I have not been able to find these locations on any current map or geographical website, but the Pl.Qu given by Matti allowed me to find the general area. The complete Pl.Qu is 13 Ost/5287:

http://www.mapquest.com/?q=31.041666,15.583333

Best regards