Oblt Lenz Finster

[David P. Williams]

Oblt Lenz Finster, Staffelkapitan of 4./NJG 1 was killed on 24.12.43 apparently shot down by a 141 Squadron Beaufighter.

Does anyone know who claimed this victory and the circumstances/details of the attack/victory.

Many thanks,

David.

[Theo Boiten]

Hi David,

This is what I have, perhaps others can supply a Combat Report:

K 23-24.12.43 at Unteresbach, 15 km SE of Cologne by 141 Sqn Beaufighter (F/Lt. H.C. Kelsey & P/O E.M. Smith)

Cheers, Theo

P.S.: how's your Tino Becker book progressing? Can't wait to see it in print!

[Doug Stankey]

Although this really doesn't answer your question, here is a bit of background info about this fellow:

FINSTER, Lenz.
(DOB: 26.01.21).
05.43 in Führer-Reserve/Ob.d.L.
25.06.43 in I./KG 2, trf to NJG 101.
01.07.43 promo to Oblt. (Ing.) and appt Staka 2./NJG 1 (to 23.09.43).
15.10.43 Oblt., appt Staka 4./NJG 1 (to 23/24.12.43 KIA – shot down and crashed at Unteresbach 15 km SE of Köln).


HLdZ
DGS

[Marcel Hogenhuis]

Hello Doug,

Thank you for this most interesting data. However (just in an attempt of fine tuning all available info) the KTB II./NJG 1 (RL 10/540) mentions that Finster was joining the II./NJG 1 not earlier than 15th October 1943. Circumstancial evidence, Finster (2./NJG 1) claiming a Lancaster near Landau in the night of 23/24 September 1943, does support the thought that Finster stayed with the I./NJG 1 up to the end of September, perhaps then having a two week rest before he became Staffelkapitän of the 4./NJG 1 because Oblt. Walter Barte was promoted to Gruppenkommandeur III./NJG 3.

I will check the diary of Oblt. Paul Förster who succeeded Finster in Venlo.

All the best, it would be fun to check some guys of I./NJG 1 with your data, perhaps we both benefit from such comparisons?

Marcel Hogenhuis
www.fliegerhorst-venlo.net

[thenelm]

Marcel, geez, you look so young in that photo!!

[David P. Williams]

Gentlemen,

Thank you all very much for the information. It's very much appreciated.

David.