Fritz Kuhlmann AGO Industrieschutzstaffel ?

[Ivo de Jong]

On January 11, 1944 a photo was made over Ochersleben, with a B-17 on fire and an FW 190 behind it.
The accompanying text states:

"Although the 8,8 anti-aircraft guns near Oschersleben fired, four test pilots of the AGO Fighter plant: Otto Stoll, H.-W Hopfer, Helmut Born and Fritz Kuhlmann started with their Fw 190 A-7 of AGO own Industrieschutzstaffel (Industrial protection squadron) and began dogfighting West of Oschersleben.

One of them (H.W. Hopfer) was shot down near Hanover and died. Otto Stoll later returned safe and Helmut Born too. (He died in an accident with an Me 262 in '45)
Fritz Kuhlmann remained with his Fw 190 over the factory alone and begann dogfight. During the bombing the B-17 "Blonde Bomber", 42-3057, 91st BG, was shot out of the formation.

The photo was taken above the village Neindorf only a Minute after.

In the course of the battle, the German fighter pilot was also hit: In both legs.

Fritz Kuhlmann bailed out, but lost his leg because of the serious injuries."

My question is if this account is accurate? I can't find any reference to a Fritz Kuhlmann as fighter pilot, let alone him being credited with a B-17. Your help is much appreciated!

[Kapper]

Ivo

An Uffz Fritz Kuhlmann *21.09.09 Ernhofen Altdorf EM 67009/12 of 4./JG 53 was injured in a crashlanding after combat on 28 May 1940 (Source NVM). In BofF book he is listed as Uffz E Kuhlmann but I think this is confusion with Erich Kuhlmann of 3/JG 53 in the same JG at that time.

This could be your guy

Regards

Craig

[Leendert]

Ivo,

Ofw. Hans-Walter Hopfer was flying Fw-190A-7 Wnr. 430182 of unit indicated.

Groet, Leendert

[Ivo de Jong]

Thank you Craig en Leendert!

Does anyone have an 'anerkennungs' document/film for the 11 January 1944 mission and if so, is Fritz Kuhlmann on it?

TIA....
Ivo