Air combat over Reghin 31.8.44, JG 52 vs. 52nd FG

[Monaco]

Dear gentlemen,
a big thanks to all that contributed. The publications are known to me, but I wanted to make sure, that I have all infos I could get to draw my conclusions about this combat, which is still difficult to dessolve. Especially the fate of Fönnekold is of interest, because I´m working with Iwan Lawrinenko on a book about Fönnekold and Wolfrum as "TWO COMRADES" within II./JG 52. At the moment I tend to support the opinion that Cobbey was not the victor over Fönnekold.
Hopefully I can persuade Iwan to publish "TWO COMRADES" in English language as an E-Book...

Cheers

Michael

[Stig Jarlevik]

Michael

Just out of interest, who then do you consider was the individual responsible for
Fönnekold's demise?

B Rgds
Stig

[Monaco]

Hello Stig,
as I have Lipfert´s book not at hand at the moment it is a little bit difficult...as I remember he returned and saw Fönnekold´s Bf.109 standing at the end of the runway (= landing after Fönnekold). Lipfert was probably still in combat with Carlson and Nash around 10.35-10.40h still in the Reghin airfield area.
So a possibility is that Fönnekold was hit by 1/Lt Albert R. McCraw at 10.50 (claimed as damaged) SW Bistrița (which is 3-4 miniutes flying time from Budak).
Or all happened 20 minutes earlier (claim by 2/Lt William B. Dorsman at 10.30). Or an unknown pilot hit Fönnekold as eyewitness saw the attack happened over the airfield and Fönnekold´s aircraft hardly damaged so that the US pilot filed no claim.
It´s up for discussion - any comments welcome!

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks
Stig