What is number of that German squadron? - help:)

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » 18 Jul 2003 16:40

I know a German Me-109G pilot who lived in my house during and before WWII. He come to Poland a few years ago to see his house. He was shot down in probably 1943 near Stalino in Soviet Union and he has lived in POW camp for a few years. He said a sign of his squadron had been a Red Heart. Could you help me to find more information of this squadron (Geschwader)?
Regards,
Musashi

subskipper · Post by **subskipper** » 18 Jul 2003 23:32

The only Geschwader I can think of is JG 77. They had a red heart in a diamond box painted on the noses of their aircraft. But if I recall correctly they were stationed in Italy in -43.

~Henric Edwards

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » 19 Jul 2003 09:14

Thank you!

I look for more info. The Geschwader I am thinking about stationed in S.U.

Wulpe · Post by **Wulpe** » 19 Jul 2003 12:44

The 7th Staffel, III Group, JG 26 had a red heart as their unit symbol. JG 77 took it over from them, when a member (Joachim Müncheberg) of JG26 became Kommodore of JG 77.

But I think they were stationed in France at that time.

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » 19 Jul 2003 13:30

Viel Danke Vulpe!

I said:"probably in 1943". I don't know since when Me-109G was available. So it could be in 1942 or 1944. Stalino is Donetsk now. The city is located near Kharkov/Kharkiv (Ukraine). The pilot was born in 1923.

Wulpe · Post by **Wulpe** » 19 Jul 2003 15:20

After looking it up, he was most probably from JG-77, which derived their sign from JG-26. JG-26 was on the West Front during the whole war, while JG-77 "Herz As"

was stationed on the East Front in 1941 and 1942, before they went South.

From January 1942 to Mai 1942 Gruppe I of JG 77 had their base in Stalino. Parts of JG-77 were already issued the Bf-109G while still in the East to replace the F model.

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » 19 Jul 2003 16:11

Thank you very much.

Could you give me any link about it?
Best regards,
Musashi
BTW
I would like to get know something more about that squadron.

Wulpe · Post by **Wulpe** » 19 Jul 2003 16:36

This one looks good

http://www.ww2.dk/air/jagd/jg77.htm

but google anyway !

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » 19 Jul 2003 16:46

Viel Danke noch einmal.

The name of the pilot is Heinz Balfanz. I don't know his rank.
Mit freundlichen Gruessen,
Musashi