Mjr.Erich Thiel III/KG27

[steve sheridan]

Hi, im seeking information on Mjr Erich Thiel of III/KG27.

I see from a search on the net that he was lost 22.4.43 over the Black Sea, could anybody confirm the usual loss data.

Thiel was awarded the RK 23.7.41 as Oblt and Staffel Kapitan of 7/KG27.
Im particularly seeking details of his early career which may include service with 8/KG27 during 1940 and perhaps earlier?
Any help would be most appreciated.
Best regs,
Steve.

[Brian Bines]

Hi Steve my best reading of the GQM report in - report dated 24-5-43 shows on 22-4-43 He111-H-16 1G+AD 8475 of 7/KG27 fell to fighters Pl.Qu.7532. Ff. Maj.Erich Thiel Gp.Kom., B Fw Gunther Heinz, Bm Uffz Willi Praterius, Bs Uffz Heinz Deutsch all missing (no Bf shown). Report dated 27-5-43 then changes the status to crew of Major Thiel gefallen,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Chris Goss]

The recent bomber RK book doesn't help with firm details prior to being St Kap of 7 Staffel

[rob van den nieuwendijk]

Hello Steve,

Here is info from Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries

Section S-Z

Version: 01 April 2012.

By: Henry L. deZeng IV and Douglas G. Stankey

THIEL

, Erich. (DOB: 14.06.12 in Heinrode/Kreis Stuhm in Ostpreussen). (R, DKG).
01.07.39 Oblt.,trf from I. of K/88 Legion Condor to III./KG 157.
01.08.39 trf to Embassy San Sebastian as assistant Luftattache.
09.39 with III./KG 27.
03.11.39 Oblt., trf from Luftattache Madrid to KG 27.
05.41 appt Staka 7./KG 27.
23.07.41 Oblt. in 7./KG 27, awarded the Ritterkreuz, mainly for destroying a key aircraft fuselage plant and an airfield in England.
c.08.41 Oblt., appt Staka 7./KG 27 (to 28.02.42).
01.03.42 Maj., appt Kdr. III./KG 27 (to 22.04.43).
24.09.42 Hptm., awarded DKG, III./KG 27.
12.42/01.43 flew supply ops into Stalingrad.
18/19.01.43 while at Gumrak field/Stalingrad, his a/c was destroyed by
artillery fire and he returned via Ju 52.
22.04.43 KIA – in He 111 H-16 (1G+AD) shot down in Pl.Qu.
7532 by a Russian fighter during a heavy raid on the Black Sea ports of Poti and Gelendzhik. Credited with more than 100 missions. Credited with about 400 missions

Best regards,
Rob

[Matti Salonen]

1943-04-22, Stab III/KG 27, He 111H-16, 8476, 1G+AD, 20 km südlich Anapa, 3 km von der Küste (Pl.Qu. 7532), Jägerbeschuß. Bruch 100 %.
Flugzeugführer (Gruppenkommandeur) Major Thiel, Erich, +
Kampfbeobachter Fw Heins, Günther, +
Bordmechaniker Uffz Prätorius, Wilhelm, +
Bordschütze Uffz Deutsch, Hans, +

Matti

[steve sheridan]

Gentlemen many many thanks for your great replies, particularly Rob for the up to date career summary.

Would anybody have any information on the raids that prompted his Ritterkreuz award... A key a/c fuselage plant destroyed, plus an airfield in England?

I have information on one particular raid he flew on, on the evening of 7/8th September 1940 with 8/KG27 taking off at 21.50hrs piloting 1G+DS,
but little else.

Best regs,
Steve.