Luftwaffe claim 18 Sept 1944 - Auster

[John Manrho]

I can confirm now that Stfw. Walter Böker (born 01.03.1912) was killed near Lommel on 18.9.1944 as a member of 6. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment. So, he was killed in ground combat. One of the many groundcrew personnel that was transferred to FJ-Regiments.

[Franek Grabowski]

I have tried to check anything on 30th ID, but there is only a page with photos of L-4 and L-5, as well as a photo of their pilot getting award.https://www.oldhickory30th.com/PHOTO...s%20photos.htm
Reports on the page did not help, but perhaps it would be worth to ask the webmaster?

[Leendert]

30th Inf Div After Action Reports here: https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digi...id/5469/rec/15

18 Sep 1944 at near bottom of file produces no indication of a shoot down. Div was well into Dutch province of Limburg by that time.

Leendert

[Franek Grabowski]

The claim filed does not necessarily mean the aircraft was shot down.

[John Manrho]

Franek, sure, but he claimed it at 10 metres height.....so you would expect some effect or damage....

John

[John Manrho]

Does anybody know which Field Artillery Units were active in that area?

[Franek Grabowski]

Not necessarily. An Auster was claimed destroyed over Arnhem on 25 Sep, but it evaded after some wild manouevring sans damage. Not easy to hit a slow and low flying aircraft with an experienced pilot.