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WNr. 781183, Uffz. Werner Zetzschke, 4./JG 4, Darmstadt-Griesheim,
Germany, January 1945
WNr. 462xxx, Uffz. Karl-Heinz Erler, 16./JG 5, Rygge, Norway, April 1945
The target of the mission flown by I. and III. Gruppe
JG 4 on January 1, 1945, was Le Culot airfield but
neither pilot of these groups was able to attack
it due to the very strong anti-aircraft defense.
Instead, the 4. Staffel probably attacked the
Ophoven airport. One of its pilots was 21 years
old Werner Zetzschke, who was shot down
nearby the town of Sittard and crashed into
its street. Upon the impact he was catapulted
from the cockpit and died within couple of
minutes because of the injuries he suffered.
He was buried in the German Military Cemetery
in Ysselsteyn. Appearance of this airplane is
a conjecture based on the other aircraft of the
same manufacturer’s block and on the planes
operated by I./JG 4. The camouflage was spray-
painted in RLM 74/75/76 complemented by
black-white-black band on the rear fuselage
which was carried by JG 4 aircraft deployed in
the Reich Defense role. There is a JG 4 marking
painted on the left side of the engine cowling,
on the right side there is a I./JG 4 – a rooster on
the blue base, reminder of the former I. Gruppe
JG 4 commander Franz Hahn.
After its establishment in mid-1942, IV./JG 5
was tasked with operations against Western
Allied forces based in Norway. However, from
August 1944 to early November, it was deployed
to Finland, where its mission was extended,
as it included fighting the Soviet units as
well. Additionally, a new adversary emerged:
the Finns, who had switched to the Allied side.
In October 1944, a newly formed fourth Staffel
was added to the Gruppe’s three existing Staffels,
designated as 16./JG 5. The unit was commanded
by Lt. Hans Vollet, who had previously served
with III./JG 5 and II./JG 54. The 16. Staffel scored
its first victory on December 28, 1944, when
Uffz. Walter Smejkal claimed an RAF Mustang.
Lt. Vollet achieved a victory over a Mosquito on
January 11, 1945, marking his 11th and final kill.
In March 1945, Lt. Adolf Gillet took over command
of 16./JG 5, but on April 11, he was killed during
a parachute jump after being shot down by
a Mustang from No. 65 Squadron RAF. Following
his death, Lt. Höhn took over the administrative
command of the unit, while Fw. Heinz Halstrick
assumed command during combat operations.
KITS 12/2024
INFO Eduard
33
December 2024