KG 40 Combat History

[Chris Goss]

I wonder if the pilot was Ofw Konrad Bär shot down by 235 Sqn? If he had 400 flights, he never received any major awards

[Chris Goss]

For those who might be interested, 85,000 word first draft delivered. Around 400-450 photos now need to be selected and captioned by August this year. I will keep all informed of developments

[Siko54]

Great work Chris, I thought you had been quiet! Really looking forward to it

[dp_burke]

hello Chris,

I wonder if I might ask a sneaky question?

On the morning of 15 Jan 1943, Maj Gen Devers, US Army and entourage make a force landing in Ireland aft an overnight flight from Gibraltar. They had gotten very list and ran low on fuel.

Irish Army officers on inspecting the B-17 Flying Fortress, 41-9045 said they found 'two bullet holes and 'some empty ammo. shells and a note in the plane apparently decoded which read "Enemy Actions.

I wondered, would you know roughly accurately, what if any activity the Luftwaffe made that morning/night which might indicate any chance of an engagement?

None of the statements recorded in American sources, including two witness statements and the co-pilots book in later years mention anything about being under attack.

I feel the presence of shells might just be the result of air testing the bombers guns coming out of Gibraltar. The holes and note, I've no clue but thats not

[Chris Goss]

Dennis: Almost missed this. Nothing I can see in German records for 15 and 16 Jan 43 and the only mention of Allied aircraft was PM 15 Jan

[dp_burke]

No worries Chris, thanks for that.

That's just what I was after.

[Chris Goss]

Update. 84,000 words text, so far 550 photos with an aim of over 600. Appendices-Genesis, Executive officers, RK, DKiG, Air Combat Claims, Experten, EKM, aircraft flown and the full account of the attack on 26 Nov 43 in the words of the pilot who sank the Rohna. Trying to use as many new photos. There was a thought of a full loss list but this would make the book much, much bigger. Editing starts in August

[Carsten Petersen]

How much bigger ? I think that it would be worth it.

I am looking forward reading the book

[edwest2]

Chris,

Would it be possible to publish the loss list separately? I suggest a Luftwaffe im Focus type publication that would include additional photos that did not make it into the book.

[Nick Beale]

It’s not up to the author of course but I do wonder why publishers don’t include with books a one-time download code for any “bonus content” like you often get when you buy an LP. A loss list is an easy thing to make into a pdf and is well-suited for referring to on a screen (with the advantage of being searchable).