Need info on Max Kussner an 8./JG 26 pilot in 1939-40

[Larry Hickey]

Stefaan,

Thanks for your info! I have some pictures of him during the 1939-40 period that Don Caldwell made available to me from Kussner's personal collection. One of them appears to confirm that he flew "Red 10" with 8./JG26 W.Nr.119X sometime in 1939 before the 1940-style camouflage was introduced. I wasn't familiar with his career, since he was apparently never shot down and didn't score any victories. Your info is very helpful and I thank you for it. Does your info give a date for when he might have first been assigned to 8./JG26 or when he left the unit, other than sometime during the Battle of Britain?

Regarding the dates that you give in your post, are you using the European system or the US system? (ie. was his promotion to Uffz. Jan 12, 1941, or December 1, 1941?) I'm assuming that it is the former, but I'm not sure.

Do any of your photos show him with his. or anyone else's aircraft, during his sevice with JG26? I'm trying to compile a complete roster of JG26 pilots with info on their dates of service, the particulars of their career, and the aircraft that they flew from 1939 through the end of 1940, so info on the career of this relatively unknown pilot is especially helpful. Do you happen to have a copy of his Flugbuch?

Thanx,