Fw. Dörre and Lt. Kestel - JG 26

[Henofred]

Hello/Bonjour,

I am looking for some details regarding two pilots within the Luftwaffe, Fw. Edgar Dörre (9./JG26 - KIA September 8, 1943) and Lt. Melchior Kestel (9./JG26 - MIA June 25, 1943), as well as their date and place of birth. Icing on the cake would be a good picture of these latter. This in the context of a research work for the purpose of a remembrance event planned before summer 2020 dedicated to the tragic events linked to the loss of a B-17 bomber on 23 January 1943 near Edern, France. (As too often, a lot of details on the American and French sides but few on the German's one.) I thank you beforehand for your assistance.

Best regards,
Frederic

[Teresa Maria]

Dear Frederic,
Edgar Dörre was born on 24 November (another source says December) 1919. There is a thread about him: http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=15755


About Melchior Kestel De Zeng and Stankey say the following: KESTEL, Melchoir. (DOB: 03.12.21). 01.02.42 promo to Lt./A1. 31.03.42 Lt., II./JG 53. 10.05.42
Lt., II./JG 53 WIA - Bf 109 collided with another fighter 8 km N of Valetta. 01.12.42 Lt.,I./JG 53. 23.01.43 Lt., 9./JG 26. 13.06.43 Lt., 9./JG 26. 25.06.43 Lt., 9./JG 26 KIA - Bf 109 G-6 (Yellow 4 + I) crashed into the North Sea in bad weather. 01.08.44 officially listed as MIA. Credited with 4 victories.

[Henofred]

Hello,

A big thank you Teresa Maria for these first details - which help. I have since found further information in Donald Caldwell's excellent books about JG 26.

Best regards,
Frederic