Iv./jg 54

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Thank you both for your kind and prompt responses to my question. I must admit that there appears to be several differing accounts as to the reorganization of IV./JG 54, as both your posts have demonstrated. Based on the Wood's claims files, I am getting the impression that indeed around 20 August 1944, 10./JG 54 became 13./JG 54; 11./JG 54 became 14./JG 54 and 12./JG 54 became 15./JG 54. I have found that the last mention of both 10./JG 54 and 11./JG 54 is 19 August, with 13./JG 54 claiming its first victory on 23 August and 14./JG 54 two days later. Unfortunately, concerning 12./JG 54, there appear to be several typographical errors caused by the poor condition of the microfilms that the claims files are based upon but overall I get the impression that around the same time period it was redesignated as 15./JG 54. 16./JG 54 is quite a problem and honestly I cannot comment on this Staffel's origins as there not enough data on Wood's files for me to do so. Most sources state that it was a redesignation of 6./JG 54 and until new evidence surfaces I think it best to go with that. I would assume that this took place around the same time as the other redesignations. As Rabe states, from the claims files I get the impression that 4./JG 54 remained as such as was not involved in the reorganization of IV./JG 54. 2./JG 54 was indeed redesignated as 12./JG 54 and became a component of III./JG 54 in August with a new 2./JG 54 being formed under the command of Leutnant Otto Kittel in late August. Thank you Rabe as well for the note of caution concerning this unit. I would like to clarify more the origins of 16./JG 54 but for now that might remain one of the minor mysteries of the Luftwaffe. I must say that I am very grateful for both of you guys stepping in to help me with this question. Thanks a lot to both of you!

Horrido!

Leo