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The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew




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You searched for: “sonderkommando elbe”

#Pilot/Crew
SORT (↑)		RankBornPlaceScore
SORT (↑)		PhotoUnitsAircraftAwards*************Notes*************LinksAuthorComments
1 Anton, Karl HeinzLt11/7/1909Instr FFS AB 52 ('42), Instr FFS A 14 (7/43 Klagenfurt), Adj Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspTook part in the Ramm-Attack on American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
2 Bauchinger, AndreasUffz1919-192025 yo pilot KIA on 22 April 1945 on the ground by MG fire at Neu-Darchau an der Elbe.CKönig
3 Baumer, JohannFw16/02/12 (CK)Köfering near Amberg


Flugzeugwerk Speyer (Flg. Sonderkommando Ob. d.L.)He-111 (CK)KilledInAction (KIA) 30 November, 1943. Source: Obit Card on Epier. Added: KIFA at Oberwaag near Heidelberg (CK)
4 Becker,FwSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspAttacked the railline at Ödenburg the evening of 5 May, 1945. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
5 Zapp, JakobUffzRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during an attempted Ramm-Attack on American bombers. He bailed safely after a P-51 attack, but died beneath his chute as he drifted to earth.
6 Böhm, Joachim WolfgangLt1924IV/JG-102, 4/JG-102, Rammkommando "Elbe" (3/45 Gardelegen)Bf 109G, Bf 109K-2 (lost 4/7/45) in RK "Elbe"Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp		Crashed with serious wounds 7 April, 1945 during the ramming incident. Shot down by US fighters. Hit trees during the emergency landing, and overturned. It took witnesses three hours to free him from the wreckage.
7 Böhnke, GerhardFhjFwRamkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during aerial combat with a P-47 of 63FS, 56FG, piloted by Capt George Bostwick. He was able to bail, but struck the tailfin and was knocked unconscious. His chute was not deployed and his body was found southeast of Verden. He is believed to be the first of Rammkdo "Elbe" to be killed in action.
8 Bohnsack, FranzLtSonderkommando BlaichHe-111 H-6He flew the attack against the Free French–controlled Fort Lamy (now N'Djamena) in the Chad region of French Equatorial Africa on 21/01/42. The raid against a target 2,010 km from Axis bases in North Africa was a success but on its return flight the Heinkel ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing of the undamaged He-111 on a high plateau 260 km short of Campo Uno, Bohnsack made an emergency landing. On the 5th day a Caproni Ca.309 landed and delivered water and melons to the Heinkel crew. On the next day a Junkers Ju-52 from Wüstennotstaffel 1 , arrived with more water and fuel. The crew took off for the short journey to Campo Uno, where the Heinkel was refuelled and then the crew flew on. The crew and aircraft were rescued a week later. The crew consisted of The members of the expedition Hptm Theodor Blaich, pilot of the Bf 108B Taifun and raid commander, Lt Bohnsack, pilot of the He 111, Obsv Fw Heinrich Geissler, Radop Uffz Wolfgang Wichmann, Lt Fritz Dettmann, war correspondent and Maggiore Roberto Count Vimercati-San Severino, desert expert and pilot of the Marsupiale.CKönig
9 Bollhorn, HeinzHptm1913/07/09Hildesheim3.(F)/Aufkl.Gr. 123 (12/41-06/43), 2./KG 66 (04/45)Ju-88EP (23/11/42)

EK 1 & 2

at least Recce Operational Clasp in Bronze		KilledInAction (KIA)/MIA on 14 April 1945 near Schönebeck/Elbe by US Flak during an attack on tanks, crashed into a US Flak position. Crew KilledInAction (KIA)/MIA (Fw Lennartz, Fw Losse, OFw Spruck)


Courtesy CK

CKönig
10 Breinl, HenfriedOgefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
11 Bröckelschen, HansLt4/JG-102, Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G-6 "Black 253" w/JG-53 badge under cowl, Bf 109KFighter Operational ClaspSurvived an emergency landing after the 7 April, 1945 Ram-Attack on US bombers. Source: Arno Rose. One of the few survivors of Rammtrager units. Alternate spelling: Broeckelschen.
12 Brökelschen, HansLt9/3/23Asst Flt Instr JG-102 (2/44), JG-53 (1/45), Rammkdo Elbe (4/45)Bf 109G-6 "Black 252" (dam 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspSource: A Franks & Murawski online photo submitted by F.Braun. Added: He was uninjured making an emergency landing after a ramming attack in his G-6, 7 April, 1945 (LOCS) Alternate spelling: Brökelschen.
13 Dalwigk zu Lichtenfels, Friedrich Karl, Freiherr v. Maj4/1/1907Torgau ElbeII/StG-162 (36), Stfkpt 2/StG-167, Kdr I/StG-76, Kdr I/StG-77 (9/39 Ottmuth, 5/40 Cologne)Ju 87B-2 (lost 7/9/40)
RK(7/21/40 Post.)

EK 1 & 2
Dive Bomber Operational Clasp		KilledInAction (KIA) 9 July, 1940 during an attack on British shipping when he was shot down by a Spitfire piloted by F/O D.M. Crook of RAF No. 609 Squadron, crashing into the sea. Channel pilot. Added: His R/O-Gnr, Fw Karl Götz, MIA presumed KilledInAction (KIA). This victory by F/O Crook seems to be a "shared" victory with two others from Green Section, No. 609 Sq., P/O Michael Appleby and F/O Peter Drummond-Hay (MIA as his Spitfire crashed into the English Channel after the engagement) (D.Drury).
14 De Bruyn,FwRammtrager-Elbe (Stendal 4/45)Bf 109G
EK 1 & 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		Per Jager Blatt 1/2001, he rammed a B-17 in the Schwarmstedt area, on 7 April, 1945, and bailed after doing so. Taken to a Schwarmstedt hospital for treatment. Later served as a Transport pilot.
15 Wolf, GüntherUffzSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspFlew an attck on a railline at Ödenburg the evening of 5 May, 1945. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
16 Eitle, Hans DieterOgefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
17 Evers, HerbertFhr10/26/1924Sölden Freiburg1/JG-301Fw 190D-9Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during aerial combat with a P-51 by Zimmernsupra/Erfurt. Most of his flights were fighter protection for Rammkommando Elbe, in the area of the Elbe. Jager Blatt 2/1999 & 4/2001. Added: He was buried, same day, in the Zimmerernsupra Cemetery (C.König).
18 Funk, ErichRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 is unknown.
19 Fussinger, HansFwRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
20 Geisler, SiegfriedMaj1/29/1912Breslau6/KG-76 (2/40), Kdr I/KG-76 (1/43), Kdr II/KG-76 (9/43-3/45)Do 17 & Ju 88 in 6/KG-76, Ar 234
RK(7/20/44)

Deutsches Kreuz - Gold(9/24/42)

EK 1 & 2
Bomber Operational Clasp in Gold		355 combat missions in the east and west, a few missions flown in the Me 262. Deceased 1 August, 2003, Strehla bei Riesa/Elbe.
21 Godry, ViktorUffzSchulungslehrgang "Elbe"Bf 109G "Jagoda"Missing 7 April, 1945 on a flight from Delitzsch to Holzkirchen. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
22 Golde, WernerFw (postmortem)04/07/20



3./ KGr z.b.V. 600 ('42-03/43)Ju-52 Werknr. 1338 (dam 60% 10/03/43)
EK 2
Transport Operational Clasp in Silver (04/02/43)
Wound badge in Gold (15/03/43)		Received his flying license on 24/09/41. Severely WIAA on 10/03/43 in Africa in the Tunis area, he was wounded due to the heavy Allied bombing of the Tunis airfield on that day - he was immediately rewarded with the Wound Badge in Gold but DOW on 16/03/43. He is buried at the war cemetery of Bordj-Cedria (Tunesia) NAS Ossario 6 (table 19). Crew: Radop OGfr. Johann Frühwald (WIA), Mech Uffz Heinrich Püpke (WIA), Gunr Uffz Heinz Goetsch (WIA/ DOW, born 24/07/19 in Lauenburg/Elbe, also buried at Bordj-Cedria NAS Ossario 2 - table 6).CKönig
23 Golz,UffzSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 6 May, 1945 north of Steinamanger. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
24 Grabinger, AntonRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspHe is known as a Rammtrager, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack against American bombers, is unknown.
25 Habel, HarriLt09/04/12Keila



Sonderkommando Buschmann, 2./ SAGr 127He-50Estonian Luftwaffe volunteer. In 1941, Habel, along with many other Estonian pilots, managed to avoid being drafted into the Red Army and sent to Russia. In 1942, Habel took part in setting up the Buschmann Sonderkommando maritime reconnaissance flight, where he was commissioned as a lieutenant. He taught the aviation specialty on the pilot observer course, which began in March 1943. Deceased on 08/03/80 in Sundby, Sweden.CKönig
26 Hansen, OlafOblt

4/JG-102, Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G & K EK 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		MIA 7 April, 1945 after the Ram-Attack on US bombers. Source: Arno Rose.
27 Harms, HugoOgefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45 Sachau)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during the Ramm-Attack against American bombers. He was attacked by American fighters SW of Schwarmstedt. He was found in his crashed AC near Gilten.
28 Walter, HelmutFwI/JG-26 (joins 3/45), 1/JG-26Fw 190D-9 (lost)Fighter Operational Clasp in BronzeKilledInAction (KIA) 29 April, 1945 dduring aerial combat in his D-9 with a Spitfire of RAF No. 412 Sq. at Lauenburg on the Elbe. He was the last of 757 JG-26 pilots lost in the war.
29 Hedwig, ReinholdFw1922Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 when he collided with a B-17 during the Ramm-Attack. He was found in his chute, hanging from a fir tree, in October, 1945. He was buried in the War Cemetary in Schwarmstedt.
30 Hees, HansUffzFFS C-9 Pretzsch/Elbe (12/42), BFS Plauen, 2(F)/101 (9/43 Grossenhain)Ju 52, Ju 88 most likelyObserver Operational ClaspSource: Das Kleeblatt via Klaus Klee, son of Uffz Ferdinand Klee.
31 Heintsch, SiegfriedOfw1/JG-302 (1/44)Bf 109G-6 Werk # 27045 (lost 1/21/44)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) the night of 20/21/January, 1944, during aerial combat with an RAF bomber, on a night mission. He crashed near Pretzsch an der Elbe (C.König). I have considered this Ofw may be the Uffz in NJG-1, missing in 1943, and somehow returned to fly additional night missions, but unable to confirm.
32 Herbold, WalterFlugzeugführer in Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Fw 190, Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspThis Walter known as a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack on American bombers, is unknown, The may be Walter formerly in the StG unit.
33 Tetzel, ErnstGefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45 Sachau)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspPOW 7 April, 1945, when ,during the Ramm-Attack on American bombers, he became disorientated and was hit by flak. He made an emergency landing behind American lines and was taken prisoner. He was flying wing with Gefr Rudi Ringhofer.
34 Hildebrandt, Heinz OttokarFwSonderkommando "Aktion 24"Do 24T-1Transport Operational ClaspOn 4 April, 1945, Hildebrandt took off in his Do 24, fully loaded with explosives and a demolition man, to blow a bridge near the Müritzsee. His AC was discovered over the open sea by British P-51s, and attacked, 2 km west of Rechlin. His burning AC exploded and Hildebrandt was rescued by a seaplane crew who had already saved 95 persons. Jager Blatt 6/2003.
35 Voight,FwSonderkommando (Special Command) Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspAttacked a railline the evening of 5 May, 1945 by Corsa, NW of Papa Hungary. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
36 Jansen, GerhardRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack against American bombers, is unknown.
37 John, OskarObltSonderkommando "Komet", Vers.Abt.d. Ob.d.Luft. Kothen/AnhaltMe 163RK

EK 1 & 2 Fighter Operational Clasp		Information provided by Doug Dilda.
38 Karmann, HansHptm1909/04/01Munich


Kdr. Sonderkommando “Mausi” (11/40-10/42), Kdr Minensuchgruppe 1 (10/42-04/45, renamed)Ju-52/3m MSEP (probably)

EK 1 & EK 2

at least Recce Operational Clasp in Bronze		Karmann took the command of the mine sweeping Ju 52 on 21/11/40 as Oblt. He was brought down several times on the dangerous mine missions due to the proximity of the exploding mine, but survived all these accidents on the open sea.CKönig
39 Kempa,UffzSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspKnown to have made a low-altitude flight to Hungary on 5 May, 1945, carrying a second person, most likely to avoid Russian captivity. Jager Blatt.
40 Kempf,OfwSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspAttacked a rail line the evening of 5 May, 1945 by Corsa, NW of Papa Hungary. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
41 Kleinstück, ReinhardGefr2/JG-301 (Finsterwalde)Fw 190A-9 Werk # 206154 (lost 1/14/45),Fw 190D-9 Werk # Unk (lost 4/7/45) Wound Badge, Pilot Badge A New Growth Pilot, KilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945, during aerial combat with US fighters, while escorting Rammkdo Elbe ac at Deilmissen. He was killed attempting an emergency landing. He flew only a few missions (C.König). WIA 14 January, 1945; crahsed at Kyritz. Combat with P-51's this date, when JG-300 & 301 suffered heavy losses.

Courtesy Christian König
42 Korner, WalterUffzRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack on American bombers, is unknown. Alternate spelling: Körner.
43 Kraul,Flugzeugführer in Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack on American bombers, is unknown.
44 Kreth, GeorgUffzII/JG-26 (joins 7/44), 6/JG-26Fw 190A-8 Werk # 175122 (lost), Fw 190D-9 (lost)Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp		MIA 21 April, 1945 in his D-9 during a Jabo raid in the area of Lauenburg-Elbe. Mombeek. He was shot down by a Tempest of RAF No. 486 Sq. (New Zealand) NE of Wismar. Still missing as of 1998. WIA 9 September, 1944 in Werk # 175122 when he was shot down by his own flak. He bailed out with injuries. He rejoined the squadron 14 April, 1945, after recovering from the September injuries.
45 Walkhoff, HerbertGefrJG-101 (6/44 at Landau), 3/EJG-1 (1/45), "Schulungs-Lehrgang-Elbe" (3/45 Stendal)Fw 190A-8/R8, Bf 109G in "Elbe" GroupFighter Operational Clasp in BronzeKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 one his first and only "Rammtrager" mission.
46 Kruchem, MathiasFwRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
47 Laaf,FhrRammkommando "Elbe" (4/45)Bf 109G-14Fighter Operational ClaspTook part in the ramming attempt against B-17s of 452BG on 7 April, 1945.
48 Lackner, JosefLt4/9/1922Vienna, Austria5/KG(J)-54Me 262A-1a Werk # 111917 "B3 + BN" (lost 2/25/45)Fighter Operational ClaspShot down with wounds on 25 February, 1945, during aerial combat with a P-51 by Marktbreit, near Kitzingen. Died in a Reserve Lazarett in Göhrde/Dannenberg-Elbe on 13 April, 1945. Jager Blatt 5 & 6/2003.
49 Linder, WernerOfwEJG-1, Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45) EK 2 (Post)
Fighter Operational Clasp		KilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during the Ramm-Attack against American bombers. He collided with the B-17, both plunging to earth. His body was recovered later from the Hüttensee.
50 Löscher, Hans LudwigHptm4/9/1920Hannover13(Erg)/JG-2 (1/45), 1/JG-400 (2/45 Brandis), Rammkdo "Elbe" (4/45)Bf 109G, Me 163 Werk # 190598 "White 10" (2/45 in JG-400)Fighter Operational ClaspMissed the Ramm-Attack on American bombers on 7 April, 1945 due to engine trouble (F.Braun & LOCS) taking off from Sachau
51 Marktscheffel, FritzOfhrNJG Training Unit, JG-104, Sonderkommando "Elbe" (Stendal 3/45)Bf 109G-6 Werk # Unk "Yellow 279" in JG-104Pilot BadgeCame to this ramming unit fresh from a number of training commands. Took part in the ramming attempt against B-17s of 452BG on 7 April, 1945. It is not known if he was successful. History Channel. Friends with Armin Thiel, who he never saw again after Thiel's departure from Gardelegen.


Courtesy Christian König.
52 Wienkotter-Wolf, ManfredUnterFwRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
53 Meya, FritzFhjFw11/26/1919Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during aerial combat near Wendhausen. It was on this date that he opposed American bombers in what was known as Ramm-Attack. Jager Blatt 6/2001.
54 Suckrow, GünterOgefrBerlinFFS AB 9 (Grottkau '43), 9/JG-26 (7/44), Rammkdo-Elbe (4/45)Bf 109G-6 Werk # 162509 "White 10" (lost 7/2/44) Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp 		WIFA 2 July, 1944 when he bailed fom his "White 10" 7 km N of Evreux when its engine failed. Added: Ogefr Suckrow may be the person Willi Reschke refers to as the pilot of Rammkdo he met in Berlin, to whom he spoke of his ramming experience (C.König).
55 Moll, HelmutOfhr3/6/1924Prague6/JG-3 (11/44), 11/JG-3 (Reich Def Ost)Bf 109G-14 Werk # 460418 "Black 3" (dam 11/2/44), Bf 109K-4 Werk# 332546 "Yellow 4 + I" (lost 3/9/45)Wound Badge, Fighter Operational ClaspMIA 9 March, 1945; Combat with a LaGG-5, 15 km southeast of Stettin. Mombeek MIA List. Added: He has no known grave location. The March 9th crashsite is known, but excavation is prohibited in "protected ground". He was sd with wounds in Blk 3 during combat with fighters near Pretzsch on the Elbe (C.König).
56 Molly, KlausUffzRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GunknownMolly was said to be a nephew of Hermann Göring who volunteered for this Rammtrager unit. May have been a rookie pilot. No further detail known.
57 Muffey, WernerOblt1921DanzigStab Korpsführungskette X. Fl.Korps (1942), Stab/X. Fliegerkorps as Offz.z.b.V. (1943), Versuchverband OKL (07/44-10/44), Sonderkommando Götz (10/44), Kommando Sperling (11/44), 1./Vverband OKL (01/45) (CK??nig), TO in Kommando Sperling (2/45), 1(F)/Aufkl.Gr. 123 (04/45)He 111 "F4 + AA" (loss on 26/04/42), He 111 H-6 "P4 + AA" (loss on 10/08/42), Ar 234B-2b Werk # 140151 "T9 + KH" (10/44)Wound Badge, Observer Operational ClaspEntered the Luftwaffe in 1939. Was briefly was Kesselring's personal pilot. WIA on 26/04/42 when crashed at sea on take-off near Matruk due to a servicing fault. WIA on 10/08/42 when shot down in error by I./JG 27, crashed at sea 10 km S(NE?) of Mersa Matruh. Force landing on 22/01/45 due to fighter damage near Rheine airfield (unhurt) (CKönig) Muffey snapped recon photos 3 December, 1944 of the Allied Maas River crossing between Dinant and Liege from 3300 ft.



58 Unmack, Heinz HansFw8/KG-55 (11/43 Crimea), Sonderkommando "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Ju 52 in Africa, He 111H-11, Fw 44Bomber Operational ClaspPOW in France after the war. 3 May, 1945, flew an attack against the American lines. He landed in a meadow in Steigerwald. Authored the book entitled "Fernkampflieger". Jager Blatt 3/1999.
59 Uhlich, GeorgRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot, however his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack against American bombers, is inknown.
60 Nagel, HansLt1917Schleswig - Holstein4/JG-102, Rammtrager "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G & K EK 2 (Post?)
Fighter Operational Clasp		KilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 after ramming a B-17 of 490BG. He then collided with a 2nd B-17, piloted by Lt Carrol Cagle. He died making an emergency landing in France. Buried in the village of Berhof. Source: Arno Rose & "The Last Battle of the Luftwaffe..
61 Netscher,FwSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspCrashed 6 May, 1945 at the Marcei River by Celldölmölk (Hungary?). Jager Blatt 3/1999.
62 Neudorff, Ludvig Roman (until 1935, then Rein Tooma)Hptm08/02/06Vormsi/ Estonia



Sonderkommando BuschmannSV.5KIFA on 10/09/42 in Tallinn during a test flight of the Stampe et Vertongen SV.5 reconnaissance aircraft (a Belgian design built under license at the VEF factories in Latvia). Engineer and head of the transport department of the Economic and Financial Directorate in Estonia during the German occupation. In 1942, he started serving as an inspector at Sonderkommando Buschmann. His main responsibility was to ensure the technical maintenance of the planes, he also performed test flights on the planes himself. Crew: E. Ploommann (KIFA).CKönig
63 Niedens, JuliusUffz18/12/19Blagoveshchensk, Russia


Images courtesy Kevin Plume - relative

4./ KGr z.b.V. 1 Posen (03-04/42 Demyansk), 16./KG z.B.V. 1 (-04/43), 13./ TG 1 (renamed, 05/43-01/45)Ju-52/3m "G6 + ??" (-1943), He-111 "1Z + ??" and Savoia-Marchetti SM-82 "1Z + ??" (in 1944/45)
Deutsches Kreuz - Gold (04/01/45)

EP (29/09/44)


EK 1 (09/06/43) & 2 (21/04/42)

Transport Operational Clasp in Gold (22/10/42) with pendant "400" (01/12/44)

Winterschlacht im Osten 41/42 medal (18/03/43)

1 October 1938 Commemorative Medal (Sudentenland medal)

Africa Ribbon
Julius was not the pilot but a Fliegerschütze i.e. gunner. He received the DKiG for the high number of survived combat missions (at least approx. 150+). According to known documents and pictures he flew missions in Russia (Demyansk cauldron with KGrzbV Posen (a school unit ordered to help out), Africa, Greece, Italy and in the Reich from 03/42 to 01/45. On the picture in front of the Acropolis in Greece the pilot of his crew was an experienced Fw or OFw. KG z.b.V. 1 was renamed to TG 1 in May 1943, while his IV Gruppe oF TG 1 was dissolved in the end of 01/45. The document of the Transport Operational Clasp in Gold with 400 pendant (12/44) was signed by Gruppenkommandeur Major Karl-Heinz Schütte. He was shot down several times: once near Belgrade in the Balkans where he was found unconscious hanging in chute from the trees, it took 3 months to get back to the front after hospital stay from concussion. Once he had to land in water with his chute near a small airport at Odessa on the Black Sea. Another time they had to ditch off Sicily on a 20th of April but he was rescued after 16 hours in the sea. Near the end of the war he had to chute again in the Balkans where he and 3 others had to hide in the woods and finally mafe their way to Berlin by train. Out of fear of Partisans they buried their medals. Finally he was taken POW by the Russians. He escaped one of the biggest POW camps (140.000 POWs) after swimming across the River Elbe.There is a good probability that he was the Gunner of Knights Cross Holder OFw Paul Zebhauser. His father Johann was a Christian missionary who was later sentenced to a labor camp & never seen again. Julius mother and her 5 kids (including Julius) fled from Blagoveshchensk to China which is across the border river Amur. There was a book written about this called ‘5 brothers in 4 countries’. They later ended up in Hamburg, Germany around 1938-39. After the war Julius emigrated to the United States on the steamer "Homeland" in 1952. He deceased in 1985 in California, his wife Gisela (born 26/06/26) followed him on 14/05/05 in Sonoma, CA. Source: Kevin Plume, his grandson.


Niedens 2nd from left


Niedens 1st from right


(Images courtesy Kevin Plume - relative )

Archive Report with imagesCKönig
64 Nogly, HansFhrIII/JG-300 (Reich Def)Bf 109G-10 Werk # 491293 (lost 2/14/45)Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp		WIA 14 February, 1945 during aerial combat at Fichtberg/Elbe.
65 Phieler, HeinrichSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspShot down 6 May, 1945 by Russian Flak during an attack on a Russian airfield. He was captured and spent four years on in Russian POW Camp. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
66 Zens, FranzLtII/JG-26 (4/43/Channel), 4/EJG-1, Rammtrager "Elbe" (3/45)Fw 190A-4 Werk # 5663 (lost 4/29/43)Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp		Injured in a crash near Abbeville on 29 April, 1943 due to a servicing fault. Participated in the Ramm-Attack on American bombers on 7 April, 1945. Survived the war. Butler Pilot list & Arno Rose.
67 Rauber, PaulUffz4.(F)/Aufkl. Gr. 122 (03/43)He-111 H-11 "T5 + TB" (CK) Werknr 8102 (85% dam 07/03/43 CK)KIC with entire crew, 7 March,1943 when they crashed on take-off from Sarabus. Remaining crew: Obsv Lt Heinz Bösand, Radop Gefr Ludwig Lenzer and Gunr Gefr Gerhard Müller (Qu.Meister File). Added: The blind flying instruments failed The holder of the He-111 was Sonderkommando Götz Berlin-Oranienburg (CK)
68 Raydt, GüntherOblt15/03/03MunichSeenotdienst Athens (07/41), 5./Bordfl.Gr. 196.Raydt was initially chosen in 03/41 to fly the special mission with Sonderkommando Blaich to attack Fort Lamy. Due to his flying inexperience he was subsequently transferred back to Germany.CKönig
69 Repnau, Ants (Arthur)Lt30/08/14Tallinn



Sonderkommando Buschmann, 2./ SAGr 127,He-50, Bf-109 G
EK 1 & 2
He graduated in 1937 as a non-commissioned officer pilot at the Estonian Military Aviation School. Was part of a group of pilots who escaped from the Jägala camp into the forest by car on 27.06.1940. When the Estonian Volunteer Aviation Unit of the Luftwaffe was founded in 1942, he was one of the first volunteer pilots of this unit at the beginning of the year. Went front flying in July 1943. Allegedly the first Estonian pilot to receive the Iron Cross. Learned to fly Messerschmidt Bf 109 fighter planes in Augsburg and then served until 1945 as a transfer pilot of Bf 109 aircraft from the factory to the front units. Deceased 03/06/20 in Simi Valley, California.CKönig
70 Ringhofer, RudiGefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Wound Badge
Fighter Operational Clasp		WIA 7 April, 1945 during the Ramm-Attack against American bombers. He was unable to complete the mission due to his canopy icing over. He was attacked by two P-51s and a 50 cal severed his foot. He bailed safely, despite the wound. His AC was recovered in 1986 near Geesthacht.
71 Rix, Helmut PeterFhjUffz1924/10/27




Courtesy CK

LKS 3 (Werder/Havel), BFS 34 (01/44), Erg/JG 110 (09/44), Erg I./JG 2(12/44 Glewe), 8./JG 301(01/45; 03/45 Stendal)Bü 131 & Bü 181 in LKS 3, Ju 88 & He 111 in BFS, Fw 190 A-8 "Red 7", Fw 190 D-9 "Red 4" Werknr 500111 (lost 02/03/45). Added: He 111 G-3 "CE + NX" (Kastrup,Denmark,1944; one of 2 built G-3) (CKönig)Wound Badge
Class "C" Glider Badge
Shot down with wounds, and bailed successfully, 2 March, 1944 during aerial combat at Vetrov CZ. with P-51s of 486FS, 352FG. He was the only one of a schwarm of four to survive. Killed were Stfkpt Lt Walter Kropp and Uffzs H. Hager and W. Ehrlich. Joined the Luftwaffe on 1 March, 1943. His initial training was for Night Fighters while in BFS (Blind Flieger Schule FFS(B)34) at Kastrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. Then joined JG-110 for Bf 110 and Me 410 training at Pretzsch, on the River Elbe. Moved to Altenburg in November, 1944 for Fw 190 conversion training. His last flight of the war was on 2 March, 1945. Deceased 22 October, 1996.

Courtesy Per Jonasson; CK

rixx
72 Roethig, HeinzUffzFFS B36 (Instr 12/43)Ju 88A-12 Werk # (88)7185 (lost 12/18/43)Pilot BadgeKIC in flames, 18 December, 1943, at Gut Verklas, near Doemitz/Elbe, Germany, cause no reported. His R/O, Gefr Heinz Wiederhold, was also killed. Two pilot trainees, Uffz Herbert Demmler and Uffz Erich Fischer, were also killed (C.König).
73 Winter, FranzFhrJG-108 (Fels am Wagram), JG-1, Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45), 8 PanzerjagdstaffelFw 190A, Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspShot down over Klein-Oschersleben on 11 April, 1945, survived. Jager Blatt 5/2004. Participated in the Ramm-Attack on American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
74 Rossner, HeinrichSonder Kdo-Elbe (4/45 Stendal)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspA 44 minute documentary reported that Rossner rammed two B-24s of the 389BG, one named the Palace of Dallas, piloted by Robert Dallas. I found no such victories claimed by OKL. Pilot and B-24 Crews disposition unknown.
75 Rummel, ErnstOfw1918Flt.Instr., 1/(Nacht)JG-300 (Wild Boar Night Fighter Unit), Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Fw 190A-6, Bf 109G-6 (Rammjäger) (lost 4/25/44 near Lohr)Fighter Operational ClaspHad to break off his one ramming mission against American bombers on 7 April, 1945 due to canopy icing.
76 Schack,OfhrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45 Schau)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspHe is known to have served in this unit, however no report on his participation in the Ramm-Attack against American bombers on 7 April, 1945.
77 Schaffranek, AdalbertOblt14/TG-4 (7/44), Sonderkommando Condor (12/44)Fw 200 "G6 + FY" (12/44)Bomber Operational ClaspKnown to have served with RK Holder Hptm Karl Heinz Stahnke. Source: Kaiser RK book.
78 Thiel, JurgenFhrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown as a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the & April, 1945 against American bombers, is unknown.
79 Schmidt, Franz JosefFhrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Fw 190 & Bf 109G (early model)Fighter Operational ClaspPOW 7 April, 1945; After being accepted because of a forged logbook, he failed to make contact with American bombers after a failed start in an Fw 190, and a second AC, an early model 109. He was shot down by US fighters near Weser and immediately taken prisoner by the advancing Americans.
80 Schmidt, FriedlSonderkommando (Special Command) "Bienenstock" (5/45 Salzburg-Ainring)Bu 131Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 6 May, 1945 during an attack on a Russian airfield, the victim of Russian Flak. Jager Blatt 3/1999.
81 Schrack, FranzUffz11/JG-301 (11/44), 12/JG-301 (4/45)Fw 190A-8 Werk # 682027 "Black 4" (dam 12/44), Fw 190A -8 most likely Werk # Unk (lost 4/7/45)Wound Badge, Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during aerial combat with US fighters near Lüneburg while escorting Rammkdo Elbe ac. WIA in Dcember, 1944 during aerial combat over Lüneburg. Returned to JG-301 after a short hospital stay (W.Reschke/C.König).

JG301 Shown L-R: Straub, Egon - Schrack Franz - Michaelis Rudolf - Fw Dörr, Heinrich - Dürr, Hermann - Scheller, Walter - Greiner, Willi - Prawitz- Wissmann,
Front: Warnecke, Heinz - Dederichs, Gerhard - Bäcker, Walter

Courtesy Christiam Kónig
82 Schrader, Karl HeinzFhjFw1911BraunschweigII/EJG-1 (Denmark), Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during aerial combat attacking US bombers. He was shot down by a P-47 of 56FG. He body was found after the war, still strapped in the smashed cockpit.
83 Schulte-Sempten, zum OpferOfhrRammkommando "Elbe"Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945. Jager Blatt article.
84 Thiel, ArminLt4/JG-102 Rammkommando "Elbe" (3/45 Gardelegen)Bf 109K-2Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during the Ram-Attack on US bombers. He was shot down by US fighters. Source: Arno Rose.
85 Schulz-Sembten, DietrichLtRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45 Stendal)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspParticipated in the 7 April, 1945 Ram-Attack against American bombers. Completed his mission and managed to return to Stendal at the end of the day
86 Seidel, HorstOgefrII/EJG-1 (Denmark), Rammkdo "Elbe" (Delitzsch 3/45)Bf 109G, Bf 109K-4 (lost 4/7/45)Fighter Operational ClaspKilledInAction (KIA) 7 April, 1945 during a Ram-Attack against B-17s of 452BG over Schwarmstedt. With no radios, he and his friend and wingman, Uffz Werner Zell, waved to each other as they attacked. Zell learned years later, the fate of his friend, who was buried in Schwarmstedt under the wrong name, "Joachim" Siedel. Siedel was found in the Ostenholzen Moor in an unopened chute.
87 Sorge, ErnstHptm1/25/1912Gieboldhausen / Duderstadt2(F)/22, Wekusta 5, 1(F)/124 (Alakurtti Lappland 11/43), 1(F)/124, Rammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Fw 189A, Ju 88D-1 Werk # 430802 "G2 + FK" (20% dam, force land 11/2/43)
RK(1/19/43)

Spanish Cross
Foreign Pilot Badge

Deutsches Kreuz - Gold(2/7/42)

EK 1 & 2
EP (10/7/41), Observer Operational Clasp w/Pend.		Pilot reported "Safe" after being hit by Russian flak in his Ju 88 on 2 November, 1943, but was able to make a force landing on the Alakurtti airfield (Observer Loss List). DK-G Awards List.. Participated in the Ramm-Attack on American bombers on 7 April, 1945. He was unable to complete the mission as a result of a smoking engine, making an emergency landing near Lüneburg. Deceased 21 May, 1992 Gieboldhausen/Duderstadt (P. Bastin).
88 Stauff,OgefrRammkdo "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspKnown to be a Rammtrager pilot, but his participation in the 7 April, 1945 Ramm-Attack against American bombers, is unknown.
89 Sterl, Hans GeorgSonderkommando "Bienenstock" (Holzkirchen 4/45), BFS-6Si 204D Werk # 251127 "KH + WZ" (lost)Fighter Operational ClaspDitched into the Attersee on 30 April, 1945 after an attack on the US airfield at Rimini, Italy. Remaining crew: Willi Herold, R/O and Schermin, Mechanic. Sterl and Herold swam to the safety of a nearby steamer, however, Schermin drowned. Jager Blatt 6/2003.
90 Stumpf, OttoOfhrRammkommando "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109GFighter Operational ClaspTook part in the ramming attempt against B-17s of 452BG on 7 April, 1945.
91 Becker, KurtFw15/JG-302Fw 190A-5 Werk # 155868 "Yellow 1" (lost 12/4/43) EK 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		KIC 4 December, 1943 at Freiburg/Elbe, cause unknown. One known victory, an "unidentified" AC at Berlin on 2 December, 1943. This may be a 2nd Kurt Becker, since the other was an Ofw in July, 1943, and this man is a Fw in December, 1943. (Could have been demoted!)
92 Bott, HansLt3/16/1921Calw1FFS A/B 10 ('43), JG-104, JG-1 (3/44) 1/JG-400 (8/44), Rammkommando "Elbe" (3/45)Bf 109G, Me 163B in JG-400 EK 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		One known victory, a B-17 (HSS) at Leipzig on 24 August, 1944. Took part in the ramming attempt against B-17s of 452BG on 7 April, 1945.
93 Fenten, HansOfw11/JG-300 (1/45 Borkheide), I/JG-300 (3/45)Bf 109G-14/AS "White 5" (Bf 109 Loss List) EK 2
Wound Badge, Fighter Operational Clasp		WIA 24 March, 1945 during aerial combat with a P-51 in the Göttingen vicinity, no further detail. Survived the Kdo Elbe mission.

Courtesy Christian König
94 Hahn, Klaus1

Sonderkommando "Elbe" (Sachau 3/45)Bf 109G (lost 4/7/45) EK 2
Wound Badge (4/7/45)
Fighter Operational Clasp		Took part in the 7 April, 1945 Rammtrager mission (his first mission) against American bombers nearing the Me 262 facility at Parchim. A post-war discovery identified his victim as a B-17 of the 487BG, piloted by Lt Bud Wentz. Alone in the freezing sky, he found the bombers and after a brief but brutal combat, he survived the war. Although wounded in the right arm (which had to be amputated), Hahn was able to bail safely. Hahn was initially attacked by four P-51s, but with no armor plate and only 60 rounds of ammo, he was severely damaged, but miraculously found the bombers in his line of descent, and struck the B-17. The B-17 was able to make an emergency landing at an American-occupied airfield in Belgium. Hahn survived the war. Wentz and his crew survived and made an emergency landing with a large portion of their rudder assembly chewed away.https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FnhNBQDZMs1Nz9Pq/
95 Henkel,Gefr18/JG-300Bf 109G, Fw 190A
EK 1 & 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		One known victory, a B-24 NW of Steenwijk on 15 August, 1944. This may be Heinrich Henkel, later in Sonderkommando "Elbe" (3/45), also under the command of Hajo Herrmann. like the Wilde Sau units. Alternate spelling: Henkle.
96 Henkel, HeinrichUffz1Sonderkommando "Elbe" (Stendal 3/45)Bf 109G
EK 1 & 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		Took part in the 7 April, 1945 Rammtrager mission against American bombers. A post-war discovery identified his victim as a B-24 of the 467BG "Sacktime", piloted by 1/Lt Robert Winger. Henkel was able to bail safely after chewing off the right side rudder of the B-24. Henkel may have served earlier in JG-300. Henkel survived the war. Alternate spelling: Henkle or Hinkel. Deceased 1 February, 2012 (P. Bastin).
97 Hintermaier,Ofw18/JG-11 (12/44), 1/JG-11Bf 109G, Bü 131 (lost) EK 2
Fighter Operational Clasp		MIA 3 May, 1945 after being hit by AA fire in the area Elbe. Mombeek MIA List. The pilot deserted with a Staff Helper named Schall (L. Wiegels). One known victory, a P-47 at Rochefort-Houffalaise on 19 December, 1944, a Fw at the time. Alternate spelling: Hintermeier (Mombeek)
98 Köhnke, OttoMaj18/02/12Bremen1

Courtesy Christian König


Condor Legion, KG-3 (39), Stfkpt 2/KG-3, Kdr II/KG-54, Schs & Staff, Kdr Rammkommando "Elbe" (3/45)Ju 88 & Do 17 in KG-54, He 111, Bf 109G in RammKdo
RK(8/1/42)

Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords

Deutsches Kreuz - Gold(2/14/42)
EP(9/10/41)

EK 1 & 2
Wound Badge

possibly Bomber Operational Clasp in Gold
Al Mérito Militar
Medalla de la Campaña de España 1936-1939		Battle of Britain pilot. 230 combat missions. One known victory, a Soviet I-15 south of Stadt Jeletz on 28 June, 1942. WIA losing a leg and joining various school and staff positions before taking command of Rammkdo "Elbe". Deceased 13 September, 1998, Nürnberg. Source: A. Rosseels.
99 Kölsche, WernerFw5/10/1921Dahle, Westfalen1ERG-1 (10/44-1/45), 3/JG-102, II/EJG-1, "Elbe" Trng Grp (4/45), Sonnderkdo. "Bienenstock"Fighter Operational ClaspHis one victory, the ramming of a B-24 near Stendal on 7 April, 1945. He bailed successfully after this encounter. At wars end, he flew himself and Wart, Herbert Lindemann, away from the advancing Russians, making a force landing between Klagenfurt and Linz, and were intered by the Americans, but later turned over to the Russians. Kölsche escaped, and Lindemann was released in 1949. Kölsche deceased 19 June, 2004. Jager Blatt 6/2004.
100 Otto, WalterFw1KG-200, Rammkommando "Elbe"Captured B-17s, Ju 88, Bf 109, Bu 181
EK 1 & 2
Bomber & Fighter Operational Clasps		His one victory was ramming a bomber of 452BG on 7 April, 1945 (finally becoming operational) and he bailed successfully. On 5 May, 1945 he crashed in his Bu 181 on the Feld Mountain, during bridge attacks over the Danube near Pressburg. He was promptly captured, but released 14 days later.

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