B-24 "Dwatted Wabbit" lost 12 July 1944

[gawjr]

Seeking information on JaFu Sud-Frankreich downing of a USAAF B-24 "Dwatted Wabbit" (53) from 461st BG on 12 July 1944 after leaving the target at Nimes, France. Three B-24's were lost over the target area and the "Dwatted Wabbit" ditched in the Mediterranean at 11:51 AM enroute to its base in Torretta, Italy. A review of the O. K. L. Fighter Claims list indicates that Ofw. Labe, 1/JGr 200, Ofw. Eduard Isken, Uffz. Heuman, Ltn. Bell, Ofw. Felder and Uffz Coster 1/JGr 200, Hptm Georg Seckel and Uffz Ohmert reported B-24 kills on this date in the Toulon, Nimes area. Information on these pilots, type of aircraft they were flying and the name of the pilot that downed the "Dwatted Wabbit", method of attack and type of weapons used in the shoot down is sought. From my review of the data it appears that Ofw. Eduard Isken got the "Dwatted Wabbit" 80 Km. south Toulon at 10:28 AM. Information on Ofw. Eduard Isken will be appreciated.

[Nick Beale]

JGr. 200 was equipped with worn out Bf 109 G-6 that had served in a training unit (JGr. 200 was activated in June 1944 from among the instructors and better pupils). Several of its aircraft had a 3 cm cannon firing through the propeller boss. The second Staffel was equipped with the WGr. 21 mortar but I only have evidence for these being used air-to-ground, not air-to-air.

Go to http://www.ghostbombers.com
Click on the "Operation Dragoon" link and page through the section "Before D-Day" for more about JG 200.

I think the hardcore fighter junkies on this forum may be able to tell you something about Isken's earlier career.

[461bg50]

My uncle was a member of Lt Fawcet's crew also shot on the Nimes mission. If you found anything out I would appreciate the info. I have been searching for years. Thanks, Tim

[Gordon Raddock]

Eduard Isken was born on 15 April 1918 at Hagendingen in the Metz region of Lothringen. He was posted to 7./JG 77 in autumn 1940 and gained his initial operational experience over the Channel front. Isken recorded 14 victories over the Eastern front but was obliged to force-land on 15 January 1942 due to unknown causes. In October 1942, he relocated to the Mediterranean theatre. Isken recorded 15 victories before being wounded in aerial combat with USAAF bombers on 25 September 1943. On recovery from his wounds, Isken was posted as an instructor to EJGr Süd based in France. By June 1944, he was serving with 2./JG 200. Isken gained at least 12 victories with this unit before transferring to Sonderstaffel Kaatsch on 15 September 1944. In October 1944, Isken transferred to 9./ZG 76, which became 13./JG 53 on 20 October 1944. Oberfeldwebel Isken was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 14 January 1945. He shot down a B-17 in April 1945 but was also downed in the combat, baling out wounded. During the war Isken was shot down nine times, baling out on six occasions. He was credited with 56 victories in 946 missions.

Hope this helps
Gordon Raddock

[edwest]

The aircraft in question:

http://www.b24bestweb.com/dwattedwabbit.htm



HTH,
Ed