Hptm. von Niebelschütz, Kdr. IV./NJG5 KIA or WIA 2/3.1.44?

[Stig Jarlevik]

Theo

First of all I think this topic has been up for discussion before, since I have made additions in the Meyer/Stipdonk volume. It is possible I have added these details from somewhere else and in that case I apologise.

Checking my relevant second hand sources it looks like the death of Albert Schulz is 'fixed in stone', ie 30.1.1944.
This means that the date given by Rökker (20.1.1944) when Zechlin took over is wrong, and I suspect it is a misprint in his book. What Rökker really is saying is 20.2.1944, which is a date which also seems very solid. All my second hand sources states that date.

Meyer/Stipdonk does not mention any commander in between, but I have added Wolfgang von Niebelschütz as being the 'acting commander' during this period. Since none of my other sources states 'acting', it must have come from somewhere. My problem is of course I have no first hand evidence what so ever...

Checking Balss I located a Hans vom (von?) Niebelschütz as KIA on 2/3.1. 1944. No WNr is listed for his Bf 110 and the units is said to be Stab IV./NJG 5. This seems to correspond to the details stated by you. Since we have two different first names here, I would say we are dealing with two different individuals, brothers perhaps, but I have no actual evidence for that.

One oddity with all this is that I found a Hptm Ernst Zechlin WIA on the night of 19/20.2.1944 with 4./NJG 5. If this was the same Zechlin who was promoted that same morning to take over I./NJG 2 the timing must have been awkward to say the least...

Cheers
Stig