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Jagdgeschwader 4 - JG4
Stab Jagdgeschwader 4 - Stab JG4
Focke-Wulf Fw-190A8 Green 3 flown by Maj. Hans-Günther von Kornatzki, Stab II./JG4 Germany September 11th 1944
Sturmböck W.Nr. 681424 "Green 3" was attached to Stab/II.(Sturm)/JG4, and became the personal aircraft of Oblt. Hans-Günther von Kornatzki, commanding officer of JG 4. "Green 3" saw combat with the enemy on two occasions. When, on September 11th, 1944, aircraft of II.(Sturm)/JG 4 engaged first time, the unit's commander did not participate, and this bird went into action with Uffz. Herbert Chlond at the controls. In the ensuing combat, Chlond managed to shoot down a 100th BG, 8th USAAF B-17G over the Ore Mountains, and returned "Green 3" in good order to Oblt. von Kornatzki. The very next day, September 12 , the unit entered combat with the Americans again. This time, Oblt. von Kornatzki was in control of "Green 3". Shortly after 1100h, he managed to take apart a B-17G with his 20 and 30mm cannon. He took serious hits from the defensive fire of the combat box, and was forced to disengage. During an attempt at a forced landing of "Green 3" in the vicinity of Zilla, high voltage line got in the way, and the aircraft slammed into the ground.
Sturmböck W.Nr. 681424 "Zelená 3" byl přidělen ke Stab/II.(Sturm)/JG4 a stal se osobním strojem Oblt. Hanse-Günthera von Kornatzki, velitele II./JG4. Do střetu s nepřítelem se dostal pouze dvakrát. Když 11. 9. 1944 letěla II.(Sturm)/JG 4 poprvé vstříc nepříteli, její velitel ji nevedl. Přesto "Zelená 3" v tento den vzlétla, pilotována Uffz. Herbertem Chlondem od 5.Staffel. V následujícím boji s bombardéry 100.BG 8.letecké armády USAAF nad Krušnými horami sestřelil Uffz. Chlond B-17G. V pořádku pak předal "Zelenou 3" Oblt. von Kornatzkimu. Hned následující den se dostala II. (Sturm)/JG 4 do boje s Američany znovu. Tentokrát Oblt. von Kornatzki na kniplem "Zelené 3" nechyběl. Krátce po 11. hodině semu podařilo roztrhat svými 20 a 30mmkanóny jednu B-17G. Sámovšem inkasoval vážné zásahy a byl nucen se z boje stáhnout. Při pokusu posadit poškozenou "Zelenou 3" na břicho semuu Zilly připletlo do cesty vedení vysokého napětí, do kterého stroj narazil a následně se roztříštil o zem.
Additional Information Eduard plastic models - http://www.eduard.com/
I Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - I./JG4
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A9 2./JG4 White 2 Germany April 1945
II Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - II./JG4
5 Staffel II. Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - 5./JG4
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of II.(Sturm) 5./JG4 White 9 flown by Obergefreiter Heinz Gehre in late 1944
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 White 11 II Sturm / JG4 WNr 681497 pilot Walter Wagner plane captured by US troops after a landing Operation Bodenplatte
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 Walter Wagner, 5./JG 4, January 1st, 1945
"White 11" is likely the best known, and best photographed, of aircraft flying with JG 4. In the brisk morning hours of January 1st, 1945, Gefr Walter Wagner took off on what was only his third combat flight in participation of Operation Bodenplatte, a large offensive against allied airfields on continental Europe. His mission was to attack the airfield at LeCulot, but by error, he attacked American ground units near Bastogne, and the Belgian airfield at St. Trond. His plane was hit with an anti-aircraft ground and Wagner force landed south of the airfield, which at the time was occupied by 404th Fighter Group, 9th Air Army, USAAF. While Gefr Wagner awaited his grim fate as a POW, his aircraft, virtually undamaged, became a major attraction for the crew of Thunderbolts on the American base. In preparation for test flights, the aircraft had its armament removed, as well as drop tank racks, and the cockpit side armor. The armor glass in the windscreen was, in all likelihood, removed while still on inventory with JG 4.
"Bílá 11". je jistě nejznámějším a fotograficky nejlépe zdokumentovaným strojem JG 4. V brzkých ranních hodinách 1. 1. 1945 s ní odstartoval Zatímco Gefr. Wagnera čekal fádní osud válečného zajatce, jeho stroj, téměř nepoškozený, se stal velkou atrakcí pro piloty a mechaniky Thunderboltů na americké základně. Pro plánované letové zkoušky byly z letounu odmontovány zbraně, závěsník přídavné nádrže a boční pancéřování pilotního prostoru. Pancéřová skla na překrytu kabiny měl letoun velmi pravděpodobně sejmuta již v době služby u JG 4. na svůj teprve třetí bojový let Gefr. Walter Wagner do operace Bodedenplatte, velkému ofenzivnímu útoku Luftwaffe proti spojeneckým letištím v kontinentální Evropě. Jeho úkolem bylo zaútočit na letiště LeCulot, ale místo toho omylem zaútočil na americké pozemní jednotky v okolí Bastogne a na belgické letiště St Trond. Jeho stroj byl při prvním průletu zasažen protiletadlovou palbou a Wagner s ním nouzově přistál jižně od letiště, které v tu dobu již obývala 404. stíhací skupina 9. letecké armády USA
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 Ex-white 11 of 5/JG4, Leo C.Moon, 404th FG, 9th USAF, February/March, 1945
The story of "White 11" of JG 4 that by way of forced landing at St. Trond did not end there. In the weeks that followed, the aircraft received a striking red guise, US national insignia, and the markings OOL ("OO" as a Belgian code, and "L" for "Leo Moon"). The numerals "1-1-45"was applied on the tail, signifying the date when the aircraft entered USAAF inventory. On the upper wing surfaces, on both sides of the fuselage, there appeared gloss black walkways, extended up along the fuselage, where they arched from the exhaust to the wing trailing edges. Black was also applied to the inside faces of the wheels, and the spinner. The prop blades were painted black with yellow tips. The fan blades behind the spinner received a light color, probably white. The wing gun openings were faired over, while those of the MG131 over the engine cowling remained unfaired. With the exception of the missing position lights, the aircraft carried no signs of its forced landing. The aircraft underwent engine run-ups, as well as taxying trials, but, due to landing gear worries, was never flown again.
Nouzovým přistáním na základně St. Trond peripetie "Bílé 11" neskončily. V následujících týdnech dostal letoun výrazný nátěr červenou barvou na všech plochách, americké výsostné znaky a kódové označení OO-L (OO jako registrační kód belgických strojů a L jako "Leo Moon"). Na svislé ocasní ploše se objevilo označení "1-1-45" (datum zařazení do inventáře USAAF). Na horní ploše křídla byly po obou stranách u centroplánu nastříkány černou lesklou barvou chodníčky, které zasahovaly až na trup, kde se táhly od výfuku až za odtokové hrany křídla. Stejnou barvou byly natřeny i vnitřní disky kol a vrtulový kužel. Vrtulové listy dostaly klasický nátěr černou barvou se žlutými konci. Růžice ventilátoru dostala světlou, pravděpodobně bílou, barvu. Byly zakryty otvory po kanónech v křídlech, zatímco výstřelné kanály po MG 131 nad motorem zůstaly nezakryty. Kromě absence pozičních světel na křídlech nenesl letoun výraznějších známek poškození. Byly s ním provedeny motorové a pojezdové zkoušky, ovšem kvůli poškození podvozku již nebyl nikdy zalétán.
Additional Information Eduard plastic models - http://www.eduard.com/
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A 5./JG4 (White 15+-) Anatol Rebane WNr 739136 Parchim Apr 1945
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of II.(Sturm) 5./JG4 White 16 flown by Oberfahnrich (Warrant Officer) Franz Schaar (3 Air Victories) on September 27, 1944
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of II.(Sturm) 5./JG4 White 20 flown by Unteroffizier (Sergant) Erich Keller on December 23, 1944 who crash landed this plane only 20 km from his home base.
6 Staffel II. Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - 6./JG4
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A JG4.6 (Black 10+-) Axel Meinhart Kessler Sweden 1945
19.04.45 - FW 190 A-8 W.Nr 961 076 'Black 10 + -' of 6.(Sturm)/J.G.4
Piloted by an Estonian,Obgefr. Aksel-Meinhard Kessler, this aircraft landed at Bulltofta at 10:50 on 19 April 1945. The FW 190 was scrapped in 1946. Aksel-Meinhard Kessler was not handed over to the Russians post-war, and is still alive today in the United States. Click the thumbnail below to view Thierry Dekker's profile of this aircraft. http://fw190.hobbyvista.com/sweden.htmFocke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of II.(Sturm) 7./JG4 Yellow 2 flown by Feldwebel (Sergant) Erich Guldenpfennig who was shot down during Operation Bodenplette Jan 1945
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of II.(Sturm) 7./JG4 Yellow 8 flown by Friedrich-Karl Frank Werk Nr 681323 Kovářská (Schmiedeberg) Germany 11th Sep 1944
ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Two missions are flown.
Mission 623: 1,131bombers and 440 fighters are dispatched to hit synthetic oil plants and refineries in Germany; AAF encounters an estimated 525 Luftwaffe fighters; 40 bombers and 17 fighters are lost; AAF claim 115-7-23 aircraft in the air and 42-0-43 on the ground: 1. 384 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Bohlen (75), Chemnitz (75), Brux (39) and Ruhland (22); the Chemnitz force is an Operation FRANTIC force that along with 64 P-51s, continues on and lands in the USSR; targets of opportunity are a tire plant at Fulda (66), a marshalling yard at Fulda (40) and 16 others; they claim 12-16-1 aircraft; 16 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 94 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 153 MIA. Escort is provided by 252 of 275 P-51s; they claim 57-2-12 aircraft in the air and 26-0-25 on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 5 damaged; 4 pilots are MIA. 2. 351 B-17s are dispatched to hit oil refineries at Merseburg (111) and Lutzkendorf (96); targets of opportunity hit are Eisennach (71), Labejum (12), Rossla (6) and 25 others; they claim 1-1-2 aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 106 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 21 WIA and 120 MIA. Escort is provided by 247 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 13-0-1 aircraft in the air and 4-0-2 on the ground; 3 P-51s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 2 P-47s and 4 P-51s damaged; 3 pilots are MIA. 3. 396 B-24s are dispatched to hit an engine factory at Hannover (88), oil refineries at Misburg (87) and Magdeburg (33) and an ordinance depot at Magdeburg (27); targets of opportunity hit are Magdeburg (70), Stendal (45), Diepholz (9) and 3 others; they claim 4-8-1 aircraft; 10 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 179 damaged; 1airman is KIA, 13 WIA and 102 MIA. Escort is provided by 164 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 45-5-10 aircraft in the air and 12-0-16 on the ground; 10 P-51s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged; 14 pilots are MIA.
III Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - III./JG4
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of III.(Sturm) 8./JG4 Blue 1 flown by unknown pilot in late 1944
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A8 R2 of III.(Sturm) 8./JG4 Blue 21 flown by Major Gerhard Schroeder in late 1944
IV Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - IV./JG4
14 Staffel IV Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 4 - IV./JG4
Heinz Gehre
Units:5./JG-4
Awards:EK 1 & 2, Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A
Remarks:One known victory, a B-24 50 km SE of Kassel on 27 September, 1944. A 2nd, a B-17 (HSS) at Wolfenbütte on 28 September, 1944.
Asisbiz database list of 2 aerial victories for Heinz Gehre
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location 27-Sep-44 Heinz Gehre 5./JG4 B-24 Liberator 11.09 MU (50km SE Kassel) 28-Sep-44 Heinz Gehre 5./JG4 B-17 HSS 50m 12.45 HB (Wolfenbuttel)
Erich Keller
Units:5(Sturm)./JG-4
Awards:EP, EK 1 & 2, Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A-8/R2 WNr 682276 'White 4'
Remarks:MIA 1 January, 1945; shot down near Liege by AA fire on the return from the attack on Melsbroek airfield. Credit for the victory reportedly 1/Lt A. Rigby of 487FS (Rosseels). Two known victories, a B-24 and a B-24 (HSS), both 50 km SE of Kassel on 27 September, 1944. A 3rd, a P-38 at Schöppenstedt on 28 September, 1944. A 4th & 5th, both B-17's at Rathenow on 6 October, 1944. A 6th, a B-17 at Dessau on 2 November, 1944.
Asisbiz database list of 8 aerial victories for Erich Keller
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location 30-May-44 Erich Keller 2./ZG26 P-51 Mustang 7000m 11.15 Raum QE (Fichtelgebirge S Hof) 30-Aug-44 Erich Keller 2./NJG7 4-mot. Flzg. 2300m 00.09 15 Ost N/LG 27-Sep-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 B-24 Liberator Hss 6000m 11.12 MU (50km SE Kassel) 27-Sep-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 B-24 Liberator 7000m 11.10 MU (50km SE Kassel) 28-Sep-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 P-38 Lightning 7600m 12.46 HB (Schoppenstedt) 06-Oct-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 B-17 Fortress 8000m 12.08 FE (Rathenow) 06-Oct-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 B-17 Fortress 8000m 12.07 FE (Rathenow) 02-Nov-44 Erich Keller 5./JG4 B-17 Fortress 7800m 12.55 JE (Dessau)
Axel Meinhart Kessler
Units:5(Sturm)./JG-4
Awards:Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A-8 WNr 961076 'Black 10' (interned in Sweden)
Remarks:After a long planned defection flight, Kessler flew his A-8 from Jessen (Franken) to Bulltofta Sweden on 19 April, 1945. Source: B.Widfeldt
Hans-Günther von Kornatzki joined the Luftwaffe in 1933. Progressively, he served as Gruppenadjutant with I./JG 132, II./JG 132, I./JG 334, and I./JG 138. In September of 1939, he became CO of II./JG 52, with which he took part in the Battle of Britain. On August 26th, 1940, he was transferred to Jagdfliegerschule 1. He continued on with his Stab functions up to October, 1943, when he was given command of Sturmstaffel 1, a specialized unit formed to combat four-engined heavy bombers. When Sturmstaffel 1 was absorbed by JG 3, von Kornatzki took command of II.(Sturm)/JG 4. On September 12, 1944, he lead his unit against a formation of B-17s over Magdeburg, and managed to shoot one down (his sixth and final victory), but he took serious hits. An attempt at a belly landing of Fw190A-8/R2W.Nr. 681424 "Green 3" would take his life.
Hans-Günter von Kornatzki vstoupil do Luftwaffe v roce 1933. Postupně sloužil jako Gruppenadjutant u I./JG 132, II./JG 132, I./JG 334, I./JG 138. V září 1939 se stal velitelem II./JG52, s níž se zúčastnil Bitvy o Británii. 26. srpna 1940 byl převelen do štábu Jagdfliegerschule 1. Pokračoval ve štábních funkcích až do října 1943, kdy se stal velitelem Sturmstaffel 1, speciální jednotky zaměřené na boj se čtyřmotorovými bombardéry. Poté, co se Sturmstaffel 1 stala v dubnu 1944 součástí JG3, převzal von Kornatzki velení II.(Sturm)/JG 4. 12.září 1944 vedl svoji skupinu proti formaci strojů B-17 nad Magdeburgem. Podařilo se mu sestřelit jeden z bombardérů (jeho šesté a poslední vítězství), ale sám byl zasažen palbou a při pokusu o nouzové přistání ve stroji Fw 190 A-8/R2W.Nr. 681424 "zelená 3" zahynul.
Maj. Hans-Günther von Kornatzki, CO
Units:Kdr II/JG-52 (8/40 Peuplingues), Sturmstaffel 1/JG-1 (1/44), JG-3, Kdr II(Sturm)/JG-4 (7/44)
Awards:EK 1 & 2, Fighter & Assault Operational Clasps
Known Aircraft:Ar 65 (4/35), Bf 109C,D & E in JG-52, He-51, Fw 190A-6 'White 1' in JG-1, Fw 190A-8/R2 WNr 681424 'Green 3' (lost 9/12/44)
Remarks:KIA 12 September, 1944 shortly after his 6th victory! Stfkpt in 3/Fl Grp Damm in April, 1935. Channel pilot. Opposed the 6 March, 1944 Raid on Berlin, leading Sturmstaffel 1. His 5th victory, a B-17 (HSS) at Beckum-Hamm on 23 March, 1944. A 6th victory, a B-17 E of Helmstedt on 12 September, 1944. He seems to be the person credited with the idea of the Rammtrager concept, which led to the Sturmgruppes. Another source states his name as Horst Günther. Another, Walter. Another, Hans Georg. Alternate spelling: Kornatski.
Asisbiz database list of 3 aerial victories for Hans-Günther von Kornatzki
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location Friday, August 29, 1941 Hans-Gunther von Kornatzki 6./ZG76 Spitfire 150-200m 10:53 332 Thursday, March 23, 1944 Hans-Gunther von Kornatzki Sturmstaffel 1 B-17 Fortress Hss 6700m 11:25 Beckum-Hamm Tuesday, September 12, 1944 Hans-Gunther von Kornatzki Stab II./JG4 B-17 Fortress 8000m 11:16 HC-1 (E Helmstedt)
Franz Schaar
Units:5(Sturm)./JG-4
Awards:EP, EK 1 & 2, Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A-8 'White 16', Fw 190A-8/R2 WNr 682676 'White 18' (lost 1/1/45)
Remarks:KIA in 'White 18', 1 January, 1945; Aerial combat at Vosberg, north of Panningen-Venlo, southern Netherlands. Buried at Ysselsteyn Military Cemetery, GraveD-8-184 (J.Manrho). Two known victories, a B-17 S of Chemnitz, and a B-17 (HSS), also S of Chemnitz, on 11 September, 1944. His 3rd, a B-17 E of Helmstedt on 12 September, 1944. A 4th, a B-24 at Bad Hersfeld on 27 September, 1944.
Asisbiz database list of 3 aerial victories for Franz Schaar
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location 11-Sep-44 Franz Schaar 5./JG4 B-17 Fortress Hss 8300m 12.16 OF-OG (S Chemnitz) 12-Sep-44 Franz Schaar 5./JG4 B-17 Fortress 2600m 11.25 HC-1 (E. Helmstedt) 27-Sep-44 Franz Schaar 5./JG4 B-24 Liberator 1800m 11.10 05 Ost S/MU (Bad Hersfeld)
Walter Wagner
Units:II/JG-4
Awards:Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A-8 WNr 960328 (60% dam 2/3/45)
Remarks:KIC 3 February, 1945 when he overturned on landing at Neuhausen/Cottbus.
Asisbiz database list of 1 aerial victories for Walter Wagner
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location 27-May-44 Walter Wagner 2./JG5 P-51 Mustang 8500m 12.22 CO-8 (10km W. St. Die) Erich Guldenpfennig
Sturmjager - Reichsverteidigung - Jagdgeschwader 4
Zur Geschichte / History of JG4
Das Jagdgeschwader 4 bestand neben dem Gruppenstab, aus der I., II. (Sturm), III. und IV. Gruppe. Die Einheiten der I., III. und IV. Gruppe nutzen vorwiegend einmotorige Jager der Messerschmittbaureihen Bf-109 G6, G10 und G14, ab Mitte 1944 auch die Bf-109 K4 wahrend die II. Gruppe, die so genannte 'Sturmgruppe' mit zusatzlich gepanzerten Focke Wulf 190 der A-Reihe ausgerustet war. Nach Ende der eigentlichen Sturmeinsatze gegen die alliierten Bomberverbande zum Anfang 1945 rustete die II. Gruppe neben dem Stab auch auf die Focke Wulf Fw 190 A9 und D9 um.
Fighter Squadron 4 was formed like most Luftwaffe Units from I., II. (Assault), III. and IV. Group. The Fighter Wings of I., III, and IV. Group used single engine fighters of the Messerschmitt type Bf-109 G6 and G14 and from Mid 1944 also the Bf-109 K4, the II. Group, the so called 'Assault Group' uses heavily armoured Focke Wulf 190 A-Typ fighters which was protected with additional armour plates to fight the allied heavy Bomber formations. Beginning of 1945 after the actually end of Assault missions the II. Group was reequip with Focke Wulf A9 and D9 fighters.
Vom August 1943 bis Kriegsende 8. Mai 1945 agierten die Einheiten des JG4 auf mehr als 30 Flugplatzen, zu nennen sind hier Mizil, Rumanien und Ferrara in Italien und im Rahmen der Reichsverteidigung von Flughafen auf deutschen Reichsgebiet in Dortmund, Bad Lippspringe, Welzow, Frankfurt/Rhein-Main, Neuhausen, Alteno, Ansbach, Salzwedel, Leck, Juteborg-Damm, Finsterwalde und Neukirchen.
From August 1943 till end of the war on Mai 8th 1945 the Fighter Wings of JG4 fought assigned to over 30 airfields mainly at Mizil, Rumanien and Ferrara in Italy and during their missions for the Defence of the Reich located at Airfields on German Territory from Dortmund, Bad Lippspringe, Welzow, Frankfurt/Rhein-Main, Neuhausen, Alteno, Ansbach, Salzwedel, Leck, Juteborg-Damm, Finsterwalde and Neukirchen.
Die I. Gruppe des Jagdgeschwader 4, 1943 stationiert bei Mitzil in Rumanien, flog Objektschutzeinsatze nahe der Erdolfelder im Gebiet um Ploesti, um die dortigen Erdolfelder gegen den Angriffen schwerer Bomber der 15th USAAF zu schutzen, die von den Basen in Nordafrika aus ihre Angriffe starteten. Danach wurde die Gruppe zu Verteidigung von Rom und Norditalien bestimmt und auf ein Flugfeld bei Ferrara verlegt, wo diese Einheit bis zum Fruhsommer 1944 verblieb.
First Group of Jagdgeschwader 4 stationed 1943 at Mitzil, Romania flews Air Protection over the Oilfields around Ploesti in order to protect the Area against Assault Mission by the 15th USAAF, which start their missions from bases in North Africa. After that the Unit was shifted till early summer of 1944 to Italy near Ferrara in order to defend German bases around around the area of Rome and northern Italy.
Im Sommer 1944 bildete die Luftwaffenfuhrung in in Salzwedel bei Kassel aus der Stabsgruppe und der schon bekannten 'Sturmstaffel 1' des Majors von Kornatzki eine neue II. Gruppe. Diese neu entstandene Gruppe wurde mit schwer gepanzerten und bewaffneten FW 190A-8/R2 nach dem Muster der Major von Kornatzki gefuhrten 'Sturmstaffel 1' ausgerustet. Diese Einheit war direkt fur den Kampf gegen die schweren amerikanischen Bombereinheiten bestimmt und sie erhielt wie ahnliche Einheiten des Jagdgeschwader 3 die Bezeichnung 'Sturmgruppe'.
Im gleichen Zeitraum erfolgte auch die Neuaufstellung der III. Gruppe, die ausgerustet mit Messerschmitt Bf-109 G6, G10 und G14 Jagern (spater Bf-109 K4) vorwiegend den Jagdschutz fur die gepanzerte 'Sturmgruppe' ubernahm. Von der 'Sturmstaffel 1' ubernahm das Jagdgeschwader 4 nun auch das 'schwarz-wei?-schwarze' Reichsverteidigungsband (RVT) zur Kennzeichnung der Zugehorigkeit 'Reichsverteidigung'.
Im Herbst 1944 erlitt die II. (Sturm) Gruppe und III. Gruppe bei heftigen Abwehrkampfen gegen stark uberlegene alliierte Jagd- und Bomberverbande enorme Verluste. Unter der Fuhrung von Major Gerhard Michalski konnten die zumeist ohne Kampf Erfahrung neu zugeteilten Piloten trotzdem beachtliche Erfolge erzielen.
In Summer 1944 the Luftwaffe formed in Salzwedel area city of Kassel a new II. Group out of the staff group and the already well know outlaw unit 'Sturmstaffel 1' commanded by Mayor von Kornatzki. This new Group was now equipped with heavily armoured Focke Wulf 190 A8/R2 Assault Fighters assigned to fight the heavy American Bomber formations and was named like similar units of Jagdgeschwader 3 'Udet' as so called 'Sturmgruppe' (Assault Group).
During the same time III. Group was also newly formed and reequipped with Messerschmitt Bf-109 G6, G10 and G14 Fighters (later Bf-109 K4) focussing mainly to flew top cover for the Assault Fighters of the 'Sturmgruppe'. For recognition the Jagdgeschwader 4 uses the marking band of 'Sturmstaffel 1', the 'black-white-black' Reichsverteidigungsband (RVT) to identify to unit as part of the Reich's Defence.
In Autumn 1944 the II. (Assault) Group and the III. Group suffered heavy loses fighting the overwhelming allied Fighter and Bomber formations. Under the command of Major (at this time) Gerhard Michalski the mostly inexperienced pilots was although capable to achieve remarkable success, which anyway didn't change the drainage and the downfall of the Luftwaffe.
Im Oktober 1944 entstand aus einem Teil des JG4 die IV. Gruppe, ausgerustet wie der Gro?teil des JG4 mit Messerschmitt Bf-109. Ab November 1944 operierte das JG4 dann von Flugplatzen um Frankfurt am Main aus. Wahrend der schweren Einsatze im Rahmen der Ardennenoffensive und der "Operation Bodenplatte" wurde das Geschwader sehr stark dezimiert. Seine Angriffsziele wahrend der "Operation Bodenplatte" Lowen und Le Culot konnte es nicht einmal erreichen.
Mitte Januar 1945 wurde das Geschwader erneut verlegt und bekam den Einsatzraum Guben-Juterbog zugeteilt. Dort kam es zu sehr schweren und verlustreichen Luftkampfen um die russischen Bruckenkopfe an der Oder. Die II.( Sturm) Gruppe mit ihren Focke Wulf Fw 190Flugzeugen flog ihre letzten Angriffe gegen die Sowjetische Arme und deren VVS bei Berlin.
Die noch kampffahigen Teile zogen sich im April 1945 nach Schleswig-Holstein zuruck, wo das JG4 bei Kriegsende am 8. Mai 1945 kapitulierte und aufgelost wurde.
In October 1944 a part of JG4 formed the IV. Group that was equipped with Messerschmitt Bf-109 Fighters. Beginning from November 1944 JG4 flew its mission now from Frankfurt am Main area. During the operations around the Battle of the Bulge and 'Operation Bodenplatte' the wings of Jagdgeschwader 4 was again heavily decimated. Even it's main targets Lowen and Le Culot JG4 the units failed to reach during "Operation Bodenplatte".
Mid of January 1945 the Squadron was relocated to the area of Guben-Juterbog . There again the Groups suffers heavy loses fighting the Russian bridge heads on the River Oder. The II. (Assault) Group with its Focke Wulf planes flew their last sorties against the soviet armies and VVS around the area of Berlin. In April 1945 withdrawal to Schleswig-Holstein the Jagdgeschwader 4 was disbanded on May 8th, 1945.
Kommandeure des Jagdgeschwaders / Commanding Officers of Squadron
Major Gerhard Schopfel 15.06.1944 - 06.08.1944
Oberstleutnant Gerhard Michalski 07.08.1944 - 08.05.1945Eine kurze und pragnante Zusammenfassung der Geschichte findet ihr auf den bekannten Seiten von Michael Holm auf Luftwaffe - 1933 -1945 und dem Direktlink zum Jagdgeschwader 4.
"III./JG4 and IV./JG4 - Jagdschutz der Reichsverteidigung"
Die Bemalungen / The paint works
Um die schwer gepanzerten Focke Wulf Bomberjager zu schutzen, stellte die III. Staffel des Jagdgeschwader 4 Messerschmitt Jageinsitzer bereit, welche die Spitfires, Mustangs und Thunderbolts des Bomber Jagdschutzes in Kurvenkampfe verwickelten, damit die Sturmjager uberhaupt Chancen hatten die Bomber mit ihrer vollen Feuerkraft angreifen zu konnen.
Because to ensure a protection of the heavy armoured Focke Wulf Bomber killers, Jagdgeschwader 4 ordered its III. Echelon of Messerschmitt Fighters as Top Cover and to engage the Spitfires, Mustangs and Thunderbolt Fighters of the Bomber Protection Squads in Turn Fights to ensure that the Storm fighters will have a chance to engage their firepower on to the endless Bomber formations
Friedrich-Karl Frank
Units:7./JG4
Awards:EK 1 & 2, Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A
Remarks:One known victory, a B-17 S of Chemnitz on 11 September, 1944.
Asisbiz database list of aerial victories for Friedrich-Karl Frank
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location Monday, September 11, 1944 Friedrich-Karl Frank 7./JG4 B-17 Fortress 8300m 12:15 OF-OG (S Chemnitz) 8AF BC: Ruhland, Bohlen, Brux, Chemnitz, Merseburg, Lutzkendorf, Misburg, Magdeburg & Hannover
Rudolf (Gerhard) Schroeder
Units:8./JG-4, Kdr II./JG-4 (9/44)
Awards:EK 1 & 2, Fighter Operational Clasp
Known Aircraft:Fw 190A-8
Remarks:His first known victory, a B-17 south of Chemnitz on 11 September, 1944. A double victory on 28 September, 1944,; a B-17 and a B-17 (HSS) in the Oschersleben area. His group was completely wiped out attacking the 9th Air Corps airfield at Le Culot on 1 January, 1945. His disposition unknown. Alternate Spelling: Schröder. All victories recoeded under spelling of Schroeder by OKL. The given name 'Gerhard' appeared in the Perry Claims on the double victory on 28 September, 1944.
Asisbiz database list of 3 aerial victories for Major Gerhard Schroeder
Date Pilot Name Unit Enemy A/C Type Height Time Location 11-Sep-44 Gerhard Schroeder 8./JG4 B-17 Fortress 1800m 12.19 OF-OG (S. Chemnitz) 28-Sep-44 Gerhard Schroeder 8./JG4 B-17 Fortress Hss 8000m 12.46 HB-JB (Oschersleben area) 28-Sep-44 Gerhard Schroeder 8./JG4 B-17 Fortress 8000m 12.45 HB-JB (Oschersleben area)
Some of the most widely used Book References:: +
- Jagdwaffe: Battle of Britain: Phase One: July-August 1940 (Luftwaffe Colours: Volume Two, Section 1) Paperback Eric Mombeek (Author), David Wadman (Author), Eddie J Creek (Author)
- Jagdwaffe: Battle of Britain: Phase Two: August-September 1940 (Luftwaffe Colours: Volume Two, Section 2) Paperback Eric Mombeek (Author), David Wadman (Author), Martin Pegg (Author)
- Jagdwaffe: Battle of Britain: Phase Three: September-October 1940 (Luftwaffe Colours: Volume Two, Section 3) Paperback Eric Mombeek (Author), David Wadman (Author), Martin Pegg (Author)
- Jagdwaffe: Battle of Britain: Phase Four: November 1940-June 1941 (Luftwaffe Colours: Volume Two, Section 4) Paperback Eric Mombeek (Author), David Wadman (Author), Martin Pegg (Author)
Web References: +
- Airfix Magazines (English) - http://www.airfix.com/
- Avions (French) - http://www.aerostories.org/~aerobiblio/rubrique10.html
- FlyPast (English) - http://www.flypast.com/
- Flugzeug Publikations GmbH (German) - http://vdmedien.com/flugzeug-publikations-gmbh-hersteller_verlag-vdm-heinz-nickel-33.html
- Flugzeug Classic (German) - http://www.flugzeugclassic.de/
- Klassiker (German) - http://shop.flugrevue.de/abo/klassiker-der-luftfahrt
- Le Fana de L'Aviation (French) - http://boutique.editions-lariviere.fr/site/abonnement-le-fana-de-l-aviation-626-4-6.html
- Le Fana de L'Aviation (French) - http://www.pdfmagazines.org/tags/Le+Fana+De+L+Aviation/
- Osprey (English) - http://www.ospreypublishing.com/
- Revi Magazines (Czech) - http://www.revi.cz/
- Luftwaffe profiles http://luftwaffeprofiles.blogspot.com/p/fw-190-a8-profiles.html
Editor for Asisbiz: Matthew Laird Acred
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