41 Sqn vs Me262s, Rheine Aerodrome, 14 Feb. 1945

[Steve Brew]

At around 08:00 on 14 Febrary 1945, 41 Squadron arrived over Rheine Aerodrome on an armed recce to see a dozen long-nosed FW190Ds orbiting at 1,000 feet, as well as several Me262s in the process of taking off. The Focke-Wulfs belonged to JG26, and were forming up to cover the Me262s on a bombing mission to Nijmegen, Gennep and Kleve. 41 then spotted another dozen FW190s above them and to the east of the airfield, which belonged to III/JG54 and were forming up to provide high cover for the Me262 mission.

I have consulted The JG26 War Diary and Don Caldwell directly, so have the story from JG26's point of view, but am seeking information on the Me262s, as 41 Squadron claimed two damaged. Don suggests they may have belonged to Stab KG 51 or I./KG 51, which were both based at Rheine. Not being his specialty - nor indeed mine! - I was hoping someone may be able to provide me some information on the 262s involved, please, and potentially confirm whether they recorded any casualties over and around Rheine on this date.

Any additional informaiton would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Steve