Major d.R. Helmuth Wendel - KG4 General Wever

[Nicolas7507]

Dear Forum,

I hope you don't mind that my first post is a help request.
My name is Nicolas and I collect WW2 Militaria for around 1 year.
I am looking for any information about this man. This is what I have:

Nachname: Wendel
Vorname: Helmuth
Dienstgrad: Major
Geburtsdatum: 07.10.1895
Geburtsort: Erfurt
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 04.07.1943
Todes-/Vermisstenort: Ortslaz. Sarajevo/Bosnien

He was, with his brother, Udets Kettenhund. What does that mean?
Any info about his death or/and plane

Thanks and Best Regards,
Nicolas

[G.R.Morrison]

This is from deZeng & Stanky's extensive listing of Luftwaffe officers:

WENDEL, Helmut. 06.43 Hptm., Staffelkapitän 2./Einsatz-KampfGruppe Ju 88/Chef Ausbildungswesens. Severely WIA 3.July 1943 in Ju 88 A-4* (GI+QD) while taking off from Sarajevo-Butmir on a combat mission when the starboard engine failed causing the a/c to skid into a parked plane** and catch fire, which detonated the on-board fuel and bomb load.

In your listing, "Ortslaz." is an abbreviation for regional hospital.
"Udets Kettenhund" may refer either to him having served with Ernst Udet in the First World War (considering his birthdate), or perhaps part of a trio on a flight-demonstration team. 'Kettenhund' translates literally as 'chained dog,' but can here mean a wingman in a three-plane ('Kette') formation.

GRM

*WNr.3929, the Beobachter Fw. Fritz Zircker and Bordfunker Stfw. Paul Mehl were also injured, and Bordmechaniker Ofw. Hermann Neiß, killed.

**Ju 88A-4 142088

[Nicolas7507]

Thank you very much.

I know this list and mistakingly referred to Helmuth Wendel. The wrong one, my bad.
Anyone more info about that plane?
He probably was Udets WW1 Wingman, because I have his full award list and he has the Imperial Pilots Badge amongst others. The promotion to Major was between 06. and 07 1943? Quite a fast promotion.
May I ask what this means:

Staffelkapitän 2./Einsatz-KampfGruppe Ju 88/Chef Ausbildungswesens.

He was the Staffelkapitän of the 2. Staffel / Einsatzkampfgruppe in a Ju 88 and Chef des Ausbildungswesens of KG4?

Best regards,
Nicolas

[Nicolas7507]

Strange, your info is correct, but this is the right one. I have period documents ,in which he is written Helmuth

WENDEL, Helmuth. 01.03.43 promo to Maj.(d.R./Fl.)

The promo does make more sense aswell.


Best regards,
Nicolas

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Nicolas7507

He was the Staffelkapitän of the 2. Staffel / Einsatzkampfgruppe in a Ju 88 and Chef des Ausbildungswesens of KG4?

Best regards,
Nicolas

Not exactly. The Einsatzkampgruppe Ju 88, Gen. des. Ausbildungswesens (also known as Einsatzkampfgruppe Ju 88, General der Fliegerausbildung) = 'Operational Ju 88 Bomber Group, General of Flying Training' seems to have been a combat formation assembled from flying school aircraft and personnel. It had its own unit code 'K5', a Stab and three Staffeln and was active over the Balkans and the Aegean in circa September 1943 – January 1944.

[Nicolas7507]

Thanks Nick!

Regards,
Nicolas

[Stig Jarlevik]

As far as I can see the two Wendel brothers were Ltn Hellmuth and Ltn Hewarth
Wendel who served with Ernst Udet in Jasta 15 in Dec 1916 - at least May 1917.

In June 1917 Udet transferred over to Jasta 37 and it seems possible both brothers followed Udet to his new unit. I have no real evidence for this except the statement regarding Kettenhund.

Ltn Hellmuth Wendel claimed one victory during his career, 16.4.1917 when he scored against a Nieuport over Prouvais.

Cheers
Stig

[Nicolas7507]

Thanks alot Stig. Very appreciated