Fighter pilot Documents

[Meisenhelter]

Any opinions on these documents and photo of Karl Gagstetter, pilot of Jagdgeschwader 53
I think good but always like to hear other opinions
cheers
Mike

[Meisenhelter]

b

[Meisenhelter]

c

[Meisenhelter]

Hi, found this pic that I think must be him in Jochen Prien's 3rd volume
only his name is spelled slightly different in the book.

Apparently there is another reference to him in the 2nd volume on page 676,
Is there someone with this book that can tell me what it says about him on pg 676.

[stgeorge64]

Mike

VERY nice document set indeed! With Jagdgeschwader 53 being covered in great detail (in particular by Prein) you have an excellent potential research project there. I would not worry about the spelling error either, these were by far from isolated cases and with a photo to compare against, there is nothing to worry about.

The icing on the cake for myself are the signatures of Eichenlaubtrager Gerhard Michalski.

I will have a look at Vol 2 of the JG53 history later and get back to you.

Regards Richard.

[Meisenhelter]

Thank you for those comments Richard,
yes a bonus to have the signature of Michalski.

"I will have a look at Vol 2 of the JG53 history later and get back to you."
Thanks Richard that would be much appreciated.
Regards
Mike

[stgeorge64]

I will have a look at Vol 2 of the JG53 history later and get back to you. Regards Richard.

Page 676:

From Robert Gugelberger's diary 31-August-1943.....

"12:20 PM, another scaramble. Were directed to Foggia. As we approached saw bombs exploding on the airfield. Chased an enemy formation that headed out over the Adriatic. Ran low on fuel. During the flight home Lt. Hirsch and Uffz. Gagstatter ran out of fuel and made belly landings. We landed on our last drops of gasolene at 1:51 PM."

I hope this helps.

Regards Richard.

[Meisenhelter]

Thanks very much for that quote Richard, much appreciated.

One other reference from the 3rd volume on Pg 906 while in combat with
B-17s and their escorts...

"while Fw. Gagstatter of 4 Staffel was wounded when his machine was shot up by P-51's near Heidelberg and was forced to take to his parachute."

[Meisenhelter]

Can someone tell me what the, Z .b .V . , and also the, m .d .F .d .G .b . stands for on the spange in silver doc. where it is signed of by

Jagdgeschwader z . b. v .
Michalski
Major und Geschwaderkommodore
m .d .F .d .G .b .

[Eric JB]

z .b .V. =
is an abbreviation for the German term "zur besonderen Verwendung" meaning "Special Purpose".
It is usually translated "For Special Employment".

m .d .F .d .G .b . =
mit der Führung des Geschwaders beauftragt.
entrusted with the leadership of the squadron.

Best regards

Eric-Jan

[Meisenhelter]

Many thanks, again E-J

Is there much significance to this z.b.v special purpose ?

[Stiefel123]

Karl Gagstetter

Dear Meisenhelter,

I am astounded to find these documents concerning my grandfather, Karl Gagstetter! Could you give me a bit more Details where you obtained those certificates?

Best regards

Stefan Gagstetter

[Meisenhelter]

Dear Meisenhelter,

I am astounded to find these documents concerning my grandfather, Karl Gagstetter! Could you give me a bit more Details where you obtained those certificates?

Best regards

Stefan Gagstetter

PM sent

[Tom B]

YES, I agree, VERY nice group indeed !!!! Tom