Operations in Kurland

[LukeFF]

In the Kurland pocket, did the fighters of JG 51 and JG 54 fly close-support (i.e., jabo) missions, or was this type of thing left to the Ju 87s and Fw 190s of SG 3?

[Mark Steinitz]

I'm not sure about JG 51 elements that were in Kurland, but two sources indicate that JG 54 flew at least some operations against ground and maritime targets. In Todeskessel Kurland, p. 213, author Franz Kurowski states that Lt Paul Brandt, a staffelkapitaen in JG 54, destroyed three Russian T-34 tanks and 20 vehicles. In March 1945, Lt Norbert Hannig and his schwarm sunk a Soviet torpedo boat and damaged another that later sank. The source of this info is: Werner Held et al, JG 54: A Photographic History of the Gruenherzjaeger, p. 184. Regards.

[LukeFF]

Thanks, Mark. It'd be interesting to find out if JG 51 flew the same types of missions.

[Flitzer]

Re: Norbert Hannig.

For what it's worth I'm behind on my reading. I can't seem to make much progress on the books on Rall, Schnauffer and Lent, but find myself reading Norbert Hannig's book for the third time. It's Hannig's writing style and personality is what makes his book so interesting. The closest I've seen to it is Knoke's book, "I flew for the Führer". Make sure you don't miss this one.

[George Hopp]

Dumb question I suppose, but what book did Hannig write? I have always thought of Clostermann's "The Big Show" and Knoke's "I flew for the Fuehrer" as coming the closest to making me feel like I was in the cockpit, sweating right along with them.

[wotan]

but what book did Hannig write?

Luftwaffe Fighter Ace
From the Eastern Front to the Defence of the Homeland

Edited and translated by John Weal

fyi, JG 51 wasn't in the Kurland-Kessel

Luftflotte 1:
Stab/SG 3
II./SG 3
III./SG 3
III./SG 4
NSGr.3
Stab/NAGr. 5
1./NAGr. 5
2./NAGr. 5
Stab/JG 54
I./JG 54
II./JG 54

[Mark Steinitz]

I found Wotan's statement that JG 51 wasn't in Kurland interesting in light of some other sources.

The list of bases for I./JG 51 on Tony Wood's site gives Libau (also used by JG 54 in Kurland) as the Gruppe's base from 11-44 to 23.1.44 (sic). I am assuming this is a typo and it is meant to read 23.1.45. However, I also note that in Aders' and Held's book, Jagdgeschwader 51 "Moelders," p. 167, they say that I Gruppe was stationed at several different locations in West and East Prussia in November and December 1944. This would appear to be at odds with the information on Tony Wood's site. At the same time, on p. 163, Aders and Held mention that JG 51 participated in tough air battles in the Kurland area in August 1944. They also say, p.166, that the Stabstaffel of JG 51 flew ship escort missions with elements of JG 54. The timeframe appears to be September-October 1944.

Can anyone else shed light on the question of JG 51 and the defense of Kurland? Thanks in advance.

[George Hopp]

Thanks for the information, Wotan. Based on your excellent review, I have ordered a copy of the book.
Thanks again,
George

[FalkeEins]

Originally Posted by Flitzer

Re: Norbert Hannig.

For what it's worth I'm behind on my reading. I can't seem to make much progress on the books on Rall, Schnauffer and Lent, but find myself reading Norbert Hannig's book for the third time. It's Hannig's writing style and personality is what makes his book so interesting.

No, it's John Weal's mastery of the German language and his skill as a translator that make the book such a good read..!!

[George Hopp]

I stand corrected.
George