more 355FG 'connections' 16/3/44-45/04/04

[drgondog]

John - the evidence points to JG27's Bartels,Stieglar and Engel as the three that probably got 357FS Sturm, Hillman and Norman on 24 April, 1944 - so 11/JG 27 and possibly 1/JG3 were the probable adversaries of the 355th around Munich that day. There is also a claim by Fw Rabenstein of 10/JG27 in the same area - but the 355th only lost 3 in aerial combat that day.

Do you offhand know what the losses were for those two Staffel? The times were between 1340 and 1405 (GMT?)

Regards, Bill

[Eric Larger]

Hello cocerning the encounter on 4 april 1945 , do you have any location mentionned ?

All the best

Eric

[drgondog]

Eric - it was over Ludwiglust A/d

Regards,

Bill

[drgondog]

Richard - I think I understand the issue on the 28 July, 1944 Encounter Report. The time is presented at 0932 when in fact it was probably closer to 1020 or later. The first engagement between German units and the 355th were right at the formation assembly point S Merseberg - this is the fight that McElroy engaged two Fw 190's.

The later attack was ~ 75 miles/120 KM W. Merseburg on the way home - still putting it in Mulhausen area but at least 45 minutes later than the encounter report 'time'. It would have also been a different unit, most likely..

How does that change the refences to a/c down in Mulhausen area? There is no question about the 109 as he flew directly over the crash site to film the wreckage.

Regards,

Bill

[kb]

Originally Posted by John Beaman

Hi Erich:

The losses I have for 1./JG 3 in April 1944 are listed as G-6s. The first G-6/AS losses for the unit are not listed until August. What sources are you using regarding the unit have AS machines in April?

Looking at the range of WNrs lost, it is possible that some were AS conversions but simply not listed that way.

Thanks

John

John, the first "hohe gruppe" to receive the G-6/AS series was II/JG 11, which flew their first operational sortie in the type on 29 April. I/JG3 was reequipped with them in May; their first losses in the type appear on 30 May 1944.

[drgondog]

Richard - I re-examined the 28 July Encounter report. It was 1020 when it actually occurred, near the Mulhausen area on the way back from the target - not inbound as it would have been at 0930.

Remi provided a spreadsheet that listed 7/JG3 loss in France plus 3 III/JG3 losses in fight at unspecified location/time as well as the Fw 190 losses for McEroy... so, I just don't know but will pencil in III/JG3 as a (?).

Thank you so much.

Regards,

Bill

PS - I have compiled a "355 Encounter Log" from 4 October 1943 to 20 April 1945 that contains dates, times and locations for all the 355FG and Scout Force (Exp and 2nd) air combat encounters. If you want it, PM me and I will send to you.