A couple of ?? RE: Emil Lang's 18 vic day..

[Boomerang]

Nick:

Donald Caldwell's JG 26 War Diary includes a very interesting account of Lang's last flight, which states that the Alfred Gross who was involved was his long time wingman (Caldwell also concludes that Gross shot down a RAF 41 Squadron Spitfire for his 52nd victory in this combat).

Gross was injured and hospitalised - not aware of his subsequent fate.

I do hope that some information comes to light about Lang's '18 victory day'. According to Caldwell, Lang, as well as being a brilliant pilot and dynamic leader, was very optimistic in his JG 26 victory claims. I will follow this thread very closely - hope some good information turns up!

Cheers

Boomerang

[NickM]

Thanks Boomerang;
Caldwell's book is where I got my question from--so it's safe to assume Fred is Alfred; now...Lang may have been optomistic but Hannig left no doubt as to his skills when He watched Lang shoot down a pair of La5/7 practically in front of them...quick run, a short burst on one then a quick skid & a short burst into the second & both just blew apart & crashed;

NickM

[NickM]

***like, btt, dude***

[Brian Bines]

Some years ago another researcher sorted out the names given in Willi Heilmans book 'Alert in the West'. For Ltm Alfred Gross he had that Gross was posted to JG 26 with Lang and was Lang's long term wingman. Gross was born 4-10-19 ,was awarded the RK in April 1945, flew 175 missions claiming 52 victories (39 in the East). Gross apparantly died on 19-8-47 there was no note of the circumstances.

[NickM]

***btt****

[montana]

Lt. Alfred Gross died of tuberculosis of the peritoneum on August 19th 1947 at Tönning. He was the wingman of Hptm. Lang the day this one was shot down by a Spitfire pilot of the 41 Sqn. Lt. Gross claimed W/O Chattin before being himself shot down by another pilot of this Sqn.

[Flupke]

Hello Montana
You’re right concerning the 41st Squadron , they may claim the loss of Lang .

The 55th FG 38th FS bounced the 2./JG 26 near Zemst and the 338th FS bounced the rest of this flight near Baale , they shot down Kempf not Lang

Regards
Phil