III/KG26 Losses 8/9.7.41

[derek hicks]

Yet another source of information which might help in your research but think it is more in the field of torpedo operations but nonetheless maybe worth a look-see.

"Luftwaffe Aerial Torpedo Aircraft and Operations in World War II" by Harold Thiele (ex-KG26)

[derek hicks]

Hi Steve

Another book on KG26 but orientated towards Torpedo aircraft which might be worth checking-out "Luftwaffe Aerial Torpedo Aircraft and Operations in World War II" by Harold Thiele (ex-KG26 pilot).
As a matter of interest (a shot in the dark) I've been researching a KG26 pilot, Major Otto Werner and although I have all his service records in KG26 I've yet to obtain a photo of him. Don't suppose you can help? I'm in contact with 2 ex-KG26 pilots (Reimer Voss/Werner Morath) and although very helpful they've been unable to furnish a photo of Werner.

[steve sheridan]

Good morning Derek,

Thanks for the leads on the books regarding torpedo ops. I shall check these out
and see whether they may offer the info im seeking.

Ive also looked through my files for KG26 and unfortunately, no photo of Werner
im afraid. I have seen your previous requests on TOCH for photos of this officer,
and its looking like a tough nut to crack! so to speak.
When did he join KG26 out of interest, and do you have his Flugbuch?
id be interested to know of any of his ops.

Rgs,
Steve.

[derek hicks]

Hi Steve
Unfortunately I don't have Otto Werner's soldbuch but do have his side cap (with his personal metal logo), a engraved hallmarked-silver beaker to him (II/KG26), and a bronze engraved plaque with the Lion Lowengeschwader with Otto Werner's name (KG257 Dec 1939-June1940 at rank of Oberleutenant).
I have all his service career from 1932 (when he served in the Kriegsmarine) and later transferred to the Luftwaffe where I believe he was involved in bombing Poland and also was involved in the Battle of Britain. At Nov 1944 Major Otto Werner (Commander II/KG26) became General Staff Officer, Kommandierender General Luftwaffe Denmark. As I mentioned earlier, to complete my research it would be great to obtain a picture of him which I've been trying to get hold of for about 10 years now!
Regards
Derek

[DDT]

Hello Steve,

I do have Rudi Schmidt's book "Achtung Torpedos Los !" The full crew lists are the following :

(ff)Lt.Günther Adler+ - ?(bo)Ofw.Werner KlotzKg(bf)Fw.Erich Ehrenstein+ - ?(bs)Fw.Leopold Theinert+ - ?

(ff)

Uffz.Gerhard Fingerhutv(bo)Gefr.Viktor Gussv;+(bf)Gefr.Stefan Krusev(bs)Gefr.Karl Russv


(ff)Lt.Heinz Pahlitzschv(bo)Fw.Georg Schrammv(bf)Uffz.Joachim Zscheilev(bs)Uffz.Karl Maraunv

Do you know (or someone else) if the Pahlitzsch-crew belonged to the 9.Staffel ? Schmidt's book only gives the Gruppe - code.
Some explanation : (ff) Flugzeugführer or pilot ; (bo) Beobachter or observer/navigator ; (bf) Bordfunker or Wireless Operator ; (bs) Bordschütze or air gunner. It's possible that the some of the crew-members occupied a different position on board, but to what I know they are ok.
According to Schmidt's book the crew of Lt. Horst Ludwigs was not lost on 8/9-7-41. It seems they were the first crew to be lost at the start of the German invasion of Russia (Operation Barbarossa) : 22/7/1941.
Together with Lt. H.Ludwigs, Fw Dietrich Zwicker (bo) - Gefr. Adolf Bruckner (bf) - Gefr. Georg Keil (bs) were KIA.
Hope this helps you a little more.
regards,
Dirk

[DDT]

Hello Steve,

I do have the book "Achtung - Torpedos Los !" by Rudi Schmidt (who by the was a member of KG 26 during the war). The 3 crews of III./KG 26 lost on the 8/9-7-41 are :
(ff)Lt.Günther Adler+ - ?(bo)Ofw.Werner KlotzKg(bf)Fw.Erich Ehrenstein+ - ?(bs)Fw.Leopold Theinert+ - ?
(ff)Uffz.Gerhard Fingerhutv(bo)Gefr.Viktor Gussv;+(bf)Gefr.Stefan Krusev(bs)Gefr.Karl Russv

(ff)Lt.Heinz Pahlitzschv(bo)Fw.Georg Schrammv(bf)Uffz.Joachim Zscheilev(bs)Uffz.Karl Maraunv

Do you know (or someone else) if the Pahlitzsch-crew also belonged to 9.-staffel ? Schmidt's book only gives the Gruppe-code. It's also possible that some of the crew members had a different position on board, but to me they seems ok. (ff) Flugzeugführer/pilot - (bo) Beobachter/observer-navigator - (bf) Bordfunker/wireless operator - (bs) Bordschütze/air gunner.

According to the same sources the Horst Ludwigs crew was the first to be lost by III./KG 26 during the German invasion of Russia : 22/7/1941.
Together with the pilot the rest of the crew was KIA :
(bo) Fw. Dietrich Zwicker
(bf) Gefr. Adolf Bruckner
(bs) Gefr. Georg Keil

Hope this will help you a little bit more. Best regards,

Dirk

[steve sheridan]

Hello Derek and Dirk,

Many thanks for the further info regarding these losses and that concerning
Mjr Werner.
It is so gratifying, knowing that so much expertise is available on this site,
and so many other enthuasists, are willing to share their valuble data!
Thanks guys.
Steve.