JG 300 book

[Flitzer]

Another book related to JG 300, one may wish to consider getting Rendezvous with Destiny, as the German pilot who shot down "Just Elmer's Tune" was Günther Sinnecker of JG 300. Lots of nice photos even if the print quality is not that good. For a few bucks on the used book market, it will make a nice addition to your library. I almost missed this book because it was from a small publishing house, Universal Publishers.



(From the publishers description)

On the 24th of February, 1944, 867 bombers of the 8th Air Force were heading for targets on German territory. One of these B-17s named "Just Elmer´s Tune" did not make it home to base again; its 13th mission was going to be its last. Several German fighter planes attacked them during their mission and finally they crash landed in Denmark.

This documentary follows the different crewmembers' destiny that day, minute by minute and during their imprisonment in Germany until the liberation. It was possible for the author to track down the German pilot who shot down "Just Elmer´s Tune" and so it is possible to tell his side of the story too.

On June 27th, 1998, Fritz Ulrich set up a meeting in Berlin where Günther Sinnecker, the German pilot, and Edwin Hays, the tail gunner from "Just Elmer´s Tune", met for the first time face to face 54 years after they had shot each other's plane down. This story is visualized with some 240 pictures, maps and documents which have been provided from crewmembers of "Just Elmer´s Tune" and from the German pilot. The story is based on interviews and written accounts from the people involved and from research in different archives.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Laurent Chambon

One thing that make me wonder is the big difference beetween Luftwaffe pilots Mustangs Claims and actual USAAF admitted loses.

... there is too much difference beetween claims and loses. And the first hand stories by the pilot stating the actual damage inflicted to the mustangs could not led to misinterpretation : These aircrafts claimed shot down could not have survived such damage in many of these cases...

You speak about "USAAF admitted losses" but you have to ask how any air force could cover up losses of aircraft and men on this scale and why they would want to do it? I'm not talking about propaganda released to the press but internal documents.

Every unit commander wants to replace every pilot and machine he loses or his force will gradually disappear. To get those replacements, he has to notify higher command of his losses (he may even exaggerate a little) - reports have to be filed and records kept. Those are the records historians try to use when they talk about numbers.

[Jean-Yves Lorant]

Hi Flitzer,

If it is historically checked, it is a beautiful story...but I regret to inform you that on 24 of february 1944 Leutnant Günther Sinnecker was not yet posted to JG 300. He was a pilot of JG 302 in Ludwigslust. Please notice that JG 300 and 302 were two different units, even their missions were often similar (night and day home defence). However, there is no OKL-claim filed by Lt. Sinnecker this day...

[Flitzer]

Hi Jean-Yves,

As my screen name indicates I do things in too much of a hurry as my post proves. You are correct, on 24 February 1944 Günther Sinnecker was with II/ JG 302. He did not join JG 300 until after D-Day. I shall be more careful in future. Aside from that, the book, Rendezvous with Destiny, is still an interesting book. I especially enjoyed the photos of the Sinneckers with the tail gunner of "Just Elmer's Tune" and his family, taken in 1998.

[Ruy Horta]

Although I am not familiar with the french edition I have to say that Eagle Editions really have out done themselves, although judging by books like Green Hearts one can hardly imagine that's still possible.

Even the normal edition can hardly be described as normal, it's publishing work of the highest order.

Of course you will always encounter people with different tastes, but even they must admit that the quality is superb.

There has been plenty of compliment on the content, which on first glance is equally impressive, but you will certainly get your money's worth in terms of production value.

Congratulations on a stunning piece of work!

...now I must start reading

[Eric Larger]

Hello Ruy

You are right , even more when you know the efforts and the time spent on this project .

According to me it is one of the most interesting and valuable on the history of one unit of the Luftwaffe .

So you have not yet read it ! I do it twice !!

Don't waste time , volume II will be issued ... :-)

Eric

[heinz]

I have received the Book this Week .
Very well done .
Great Job .

[Jean-Yves Lorant]

Hi Jean-Charles,

When I first "discovered" the remains of B-17 "Beats me!?" in Keronic woods not far from Kerauffret I was only 15 old. Do you remember our unespected meeting in Vincennes ? I only hope you well enjoy the forthcoming vol. 2 of the JG 300-Chronicle.

Hals und Beinbruch ! Kenavo...

[Erich]

Jean just a quick couple of words. thanks to you and Richard for a wonderful work. On second note, former pilot of 10.(N)/JG 300, Fritz Neppach died several months ago if you are not aware.

Erich

[Jean-Yves Lorant]

Hi Erich,

Thank you very much for the compliment about our long-awaited book. I only hope now that you - a seasoned specialist - will too enjoy volume 2. The sad new of Friedrich Neppach's death was already transmitted by friends Dr. Karl Mitterdorfer and Georg Czypionka... but came simply too late for enable us to add the detestable crosses in the thanking list. Same sad new for two 1. Staffel/JG 300 old hands, Ofw. Ernst Rummel and Hans Fenten, who passed away for over one year. Both had flown the ramming mission of SKdo. Elbe on April 7, 1945... I will never forgive these nice men.