Uffz Hans Wemhöfer of 5/JG 53?

[Peter Cook]

In Eric Mombeek's book Jagdwaffe Vol. Two Section 2 - Battle of Britain Phase Two, p. 149, the caption for two photos of a mass take-off of Bf 109s of 5/JG 53 states that:

"The leading aircraft with the red ring is 'Grey 10', and may very well be that of Uffz. Hans Wemhöfer who was shot down during a bomber escort mission on 18 August. After the bombers had completed their mission, Wemhöfer's 'Grey 10' was attacked at 18,000 feet and the pilot baled out, wounded. On the same mission, another Bf 109 coded 'Grey 9' and flown by Fw. Heinz Pfannschmidt was shot down by a Spitfire in similar circumstances."

Fw Pfannschmidt was actually shot down on 13 August, and I can't find any record for Uffz Hans Wemhöfer with any unit. Can anyone confirm that Wemhöfer flew with JG 53, and what was his fate?

[Chris Goss]

Uffz Hans Wemhöner was 5./JG 26 lost 13 Aug 40

[Stig Jarlevik]

Erik has most likely confused Uffz Wilhelm Hohenseldt with Wemhöner.

Hohenseldt 5./JG 53 was lost in 10+ when shot down at 18000ft and baled out wounded to become a POW

See BoB Combat Archive.

The 18th vs 13th is perhaps harder to explain, but if Erik made notes by hand he may have misread a "sloppy" written 3 with an 8.

Cheers
Stig

[Peter Cook]

Thanks Chris and Stig, that resolves it for me!

Peter