Flakkräfte "Brasilien" EK2 award document

[giorgio]

Hi to everyone,
some years ago I got this EW2 award document belonging to:
Kanonier Brandstetter Simon – Flakkräfte Brasilien
Making some researches I found out that the name “Brasilien” was given to the flak forces protecting a dummy installation near the town of Lauffen which should protect Stuttgart against heavy air strikes, (1942-43)
I think is a very curious story so I'd like to know if some of you knows more or has some others documents about this Flakkräfte “Brasilien”.
Thank so much for your opinions and answers
All my best
Giorgio

[giorgio]

2

[giorgio]

3

[giorgio]

4

[giorgio]

the last one...

[Gerdan]

Some information dealing with General Zanetti who signed the document:

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Zenetti

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...ettiEmil-R.htm

http://www.huesken.com/shop/de/autog...tti-45826.html

http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=h...1t:429,r:8,s:0


Gerdan

[Gerdan]

It is Zenetti - not Zanetti, sorry.

Gerdan

[Simon O.]

Given the date i would assume the award was made in connection with the 3 raids made against Stuttgart in early May '42, also perhaps the raid against Mannheim 19/20 May (197 aircraft, 11 aircraft lost). In Middlebrook's 'bomber command war diaries, mention is made of Lauffen.

First large raid against the city 4/5 May 42. 121 aircraft, 1 lost


"..A decoy site near Lauffen, 15 miles North of Stuttgart, attracted many bombs. This clever decoy was 'defended' by up to 35 search lights and 50 glak guns and regularly attracted bombs when targets in Southern Germany were attacked, The town of Lauffen was bombed 37 times in the war because of the decoy; Stuttgart people were not popular there"

Also.

5/6 May, 77 aircraft, 4 lost
6/7 May, 97 aircraft, 6 lost

Lauffen is mentioned in both of these raids too as having lured the bombers to it.

[giorgio]

Thanks so much for your answers
Regards
Giorgio