7./JG 26 on 21 May 1943

[Håkan]

Hello,

On 21 May 1943, Finnish, German and Russina aircraft clashed several times Lavansaari area. In a mission between 10:00-10:45 (Finnish time), 3/LeLv 34 reported a combat with I-153s in the Lavansaari area. One of the I-153s was claimed as shot down by lentomestari Yrjö Turkka. They also reported that three German Bf 109s joined the combat and claimed one I-153.
71 IAP-KBF reported that at 11:15 (Moscow time) four 1-153s and four I-16s were engaged in combat over Tytärsaari area. One Bf 109 was claimed damaged but the lost one I-153 and one I-16.
The only claims I can find made by Luftwaffe at roughly the same time is two claims by 7./JG 26 – Hpt Mietusch (I-153 at 10:20 at 70 221) and Ofw. Kemethmüller (I-16 at 12:21 at 70 221). However, if I understand right this unit was equipped with Fw 190s at the time.

Is there anyone who can verify that any of these claims were made in ‘co-operation’ with Finnish fighters, i.e. is there anyone with access to combat reports of 7./JG 26 on this day? Also is there anyone who can verify the location (70 221) or point me in a direction to understand the German map references?

Best wishes/Håkan

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Haken

I used the Luftwaffe grid calculator at www.gyges.dk/LUMA.xls and by using 26 Ost 70 221 in the GNMV converter, I got a location that is near Lavansaari Island http://atlas.mapquest.com/maps/map.a...=41&longsec=40 The trouble is that I have no idea if the prefix was indeed 26 Ost or 36 Ost or if I am using the software correctly. If I am using the software correctly and the prefix is correct as well, then it may be that the German unit involved was 7./JG 26 even though it was equipped with the Fw 190. Hopefully others can add to or correct this.

Horrido!

Leo

[Håkan]

Hello Leo,

Thanks for your kind help!

/Håkan

[Juha]

Hello Håkan
checked from a LW map and yes, Leo is right, 70 221 is a bit WSW of Lavansaari.

Juha

[Håkan]

Thanks Juha! /Håkan