KITS 11/2023

Bf 109G-2/R6, Oblt. Heinrich Ehrler, CO of 6./JG 5, Petsamo, Finland, March 1943

Heinrich Ehrler served with the artillery in

the pre-war period. He joined the Luftwaffe

in January 1940, underwent training and was

assigned to 4./JG 77 (re-designated 4./JG 5 later

on). In May 1942 he was transferred to 6./JG 5 and

in August he took over its command. In June 1943

November 2023

he became commander of II./JG 5 and in August

1944 he was appointed Kommodore of JG 5. After

the sinking of the battleship Tirpitz he stood trial

by court martial on unsubstantiated charges

of inadequate air cover for that ship. From

February 27, 1945, he flew Me 262 fighters with

JG 7. He died in combat with B-24 Liberator

bombers on April 4, 1945. He managed to shoot

down two of the bombers, ramming a third one.

Ehrler is credited with 208 victories and was

awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves.

INFO Eduard

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