Operations in Kurland

[Mark Steinitz]

I found Wotan's statement that JG 51 wasn't in Kurland interesting in light of some other sources.

The list of bases for I./JG 51 on Tony Wood's site gives Libau (also used by JG 54 in Kurland) as the Gruppe's base from 11-44 to 23.1.44 (sic). I am assuming this is a typo and it is meant to read 23.1.45. However, I also note that in Aders' and Held's book, Jagdgeschwader 51 "Moelders," p. 167, they say that I Gruppe was stationed at several different locations in West and East Prussia in November and December 1944. This would appear to be at odds with the information on Tony Wood's site. At the same time, on p. 163, Aders and Held mention that JG 51 participated in tough air battles in the Kurland area in August 1944. They also say, p.166, that the Stabstaffel of JG 51 flew ship escort missions with elements of JG 54. The timeframe appears to be September-October 1944.

Can anyone else shed light on the question of JG 51 and the defense of Kurland? Thanks in advance.