III./JG53 9 Staffel loss. 29/03/1940

[Bernard]

Good afternoon,

On the morning of the 29/03/1940 at 09h30, No 1 Squadron P/O P H M Richey claimed a Me109 probable ( AIR 50/1 p 172 ).

From one source I have no Bf109 loss on this date, from another JG53 would have lost one Bf109.

Please could anyone help ?

Thanks.

Bernard.

[robert]

Hi Bernard,


29.03.40 9/JG53 Olt.Josef Volk WIA air combat in the Bouzonville area, hit by own wingman, e/l by Saarburg Bf109E-1 damaged 40%.
Source: J.Prien "JFV Teil 2."

Regards

Robert

[Bernard]

Many thanks for this Robert, do you know if this was the only Bf109 casualty on this date ?
Bernard.

[robert]

Hi,

another loss was Lt.Leopold Magath (WIFA) from the 7/JG53, whi e/l in Mainz-Finthen due to fuel shortage with Bf109 E-3 (85%).

I want to add also:

"On 29th March Staka of 9/JG53, Olt.Boenigk, shot down a Morane; the same day, however, his Staffel suffered an unusual loss when Oblt.Volk was forced to crash-land near Saarbruecken after being wounded in combat. Subsequent investigation revealed that Volk had probably fallen victim to his own wingman, as the remains of what was clearly German ammunition were found in the cockpit of his aircraft" Source: J.Prien "A History of the PIK AS Geschwader March 1937-1942".

Regards

Robert

[Brian]

Hi Robert

Naturally I have also found your information most useful. Have you come across any similar friendly fire incidents while studying Jochen Prien's tomes or other German-language histories? If so, do please let me know.
Thanks
Brian

[robert]

Hi Brian,

I will take a look.

Regards

Robert