LT Jochen Knoche (I./KG 77) - 27.07.44

[Scott Revell]

I have been meaning to research this for a while but I am looking for more information on an officer that went missing on 27.07.44. From what I know he was a member of KG 77 and was a pilot. I assume he was the pilot of a JU 88 variant (first question). I believe he had three crew members with him who were Feldwebel Helmut Feusch, Unteroffizier Juergen Muegge and Unteroffizier Heinz Oetting. His Staffel commander said that he went missing south of the Isle of Wight around 2324 (I assume German time).

How can I found more information - in particular - who shot the plane down. What plane type was it (markings etc) and any photo is by chance someone has anything related. I would appreciate any help that anyone can provide.

Kind regards

Scott

[Matti Salonen]

I have for this two dates, 1944-06-14 and 1944-07-27 and am unsure, which is correct. Also differences in crew names. This is not based on the NVM, which is missing. Hopefully some one else can confirm the correct data.

1944-06-14, 2./KG 77, Ju 88 A-17, 801341, 3Z+KK
Flugzeugführer Lt Knoche, Johann, vermißt
Kampfbeobachter Uffz Peusch, Helmut, vermißt
Bordfunker Uffz Mügge, Jürgen, vermißt
Bordschütze Fw Kohlmetz, Erich, vermißt
Unbekannt. Bruch 100 %.

Matti

[Chris Goss]

I have the NVM for I/KG 77 7-18 Jun 44 and the only loss listed is that of Lt Erich Ficke of 1/KG 77 on 14 Jun 44

[martin75]

From infos transmitted by REMI (RT), I have surprisingly two different possibilities for 3Z+KK :
- lost on 14 june with 4 crew missing
- crash landing on Vannes airfield on 15 june with crew safe.
If someone knows which is the right one ?

Claude

[Scott Revell]

I can confirm that Jochen Knoche went missing in July - not June. I have attached all documentation I have. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

cheers

Scott

[martin75]

So his plane, 3Z+BK, was lost during night 27 to 28 july. Thanks for the info !
May I ask you if it is possible to have a larger scan of the last document (letter of Gruppenkommandeur I/KG77) ?

Claude

[Scott Revell]

Thanks Claude. Anyway we can confirm the crew that went missing?

Here are the larger scans.

[Scott Revell]

I would be very grateful if someone could translate this letter for me as I haven't been able to read it except for a word here or there.

Also - is it possible to find out the corresponding 'kill lists' for Allied pilots that may have shot down this aircraft on the night of 27/28 July 1944?

cheers

Scott

[Chris Goss]

Only one RAF kill that night and it was over land. Most I/KG 77 ac were lost to ships Flak

[Scott Revell]

Ok Chris - thank you.

Sorry for all the questions but is it possible to get an understadnign of where he took off from and any other generic information. Was the plane a JU88 A-4/Torp or an A-17...researching for the last 1 hr but not completely sure.

cheers

Scott