Loss for III./JG 53 on 21.01.1945 an error??

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi, guys!

As You have noticed I am going through and trying to add and amend or correct information in the loss database for entries I find dubious...

The loss is not for an aircraft, but for three crew members, and they are given functions as one pilot (Flugzeugführer) and two observers (Beobachter).

I feel there is an error here, and that the personnel in question was probably members of III./KG 53 not III./JG 53.

Their names were Obgfr. Ernst Klein, Obgfr. Konrad Zeitler and Obgfr. Günther Penski.

Any information welcome.

Regards,
Andreas

[Norbert Schuchbauer]

I have the same info you have. Here some more I found:
On 21-01-45 there was an American bomber attack on Wiesental. There were indeed elements of III./JG 53 based there. Destroyed were a row of houses and a church. The Gruppe was grounded that day due to bad weather. No casualties for III./JG 53 based on Jochen Priens JG 53.

What other units were at this location on this day?

Could the crewmembers in question be new arrivals from other units to serve as infantry?

Regards,

Norbert