ID needed pilots II./JG 26

[CJE]

Hi!

Priller is visiting II./JG 26 à Boissy-le-Bois, late June 1944.
Who are the other pilots?
Maybe Fw Schmidtke left and Matoni far right?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[Don Caldwell]

Hi Chris --

This is a PK shot ID'd as taken at Boissy-le-Bois on 23 Jun 44. This was the base of the First Gruppe, not the Second. The pilot in the rear is definitely Ogfr. Wodarczyk, normally Priller's wingman, but listed with the 4th Staffel. 2nd from the left could be Fw. Schmidtke, who was in the right Staffel (4th); he was KIA 7 Jul. The pilot on the right is not Matoni -- wrong unit, too short, and wearing the cap and tabs of an NCO.

Hope this helps.

Don

[CJE]

Thanks Don.
It does help.

Chris

[PeterVerney]

A really funny photo. The NCO in the centre, standing at attention, looks as if he is getting a right bollocking. The NCO behind him is standing at ease, but awaiting his turn, and not enjoying life at present.

[CJE]

Don,

According to J-B. Frappé, the third man is Uffz. Hermann Grad.

Chris

[Don Caldwell]

Chris --

I'd agree with Grad -- correct Staffel and time frame, and on his big day (only 2 days later - see JG 26-WD Vol 2 p. 290) he was wearing a scarf identical to that in your photo.

Horrido!

Don