Jagdgeschwader 1 (World War II)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Jagdgeschwader 1


caption=New Emblem of Jagdgeschwader 1 introduced by Walter Oesau.
dates=1939-1945
country=Germany
allegiance=
branch=Air Force
type=Fighter Aircraft
role=Air superiority
size=Air Force Wing
command_structure=
current_commander=
garrison=
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname="Oesau"
patron=
motto=
colors=
identification_symbol=
march=
mascot=
battles=Major Hermann Graf (October 1943 - 10 November 1943),
Oberst Walter Oesau, (12 November 1943 - 11 May 1944),
Major Heinz Bär(acting) (12 May 1944 - 20 May 1944)
anniversaries=
decorations=
battle_honours=

Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1) was a German World War II fighter aircraft wing. The name literally means "Jadg" (hunting) and "Geschwader" (wing). Formed in 1939, JG 1 was one of the original groups Luftwaffe had formed in its plan for expansion. Initially it was formed in eastern Prussia but got re-designated. Later JG 1 was reformed on the western front. The goal on western front was to protect German borders and shipping lanes in north sea. JG 1 operated primarily over the Western Front and northern occupied Europe, spending most of the war defending the airspace over the Netherlands, Denmark and the north-west part of Germany, and protecting North Sea shipping lanes. It rarely engaged in large scale confrontations during this time. From 1942 onwards, JG 1 was tasked with defense of the Reich duties which took a heavy toll in terms of pilots and planes. [II.Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 1 (1942-1945)] Towards the end of the war, JG 1 was disbanded and its remaining pilots and aircrafts were re-organized into two new groups. The reminder of these groups surrendered in the end to allied forces. JG 1 was a pioneer in more ways than one. It was the first wing to start using the Heinkel He 162 jet fighter, and was also the first wing to try out 'aerial bombing' techniques against the USAAF heavy bomber formations. JG 1 also tried fighter-bomber tactics with some degree of success. Another technique used against bomber formations was the introduction of under-wing rocket mortars.

In summer of 1944, the 'Oesau' suffix was added after its then wing commander ("Geschwaderkommodore") Lieutenant Colonel ("Oberstleutnant") Walter Oesau was killed in action. He was a highly decorated expert pilot with 127 kills to his name. Several of the pilots associated with this unit received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross & other honors. Several high scoring "Aces" were also part of this wing at one point or the other. The total tally of the wing combined was close to 700 towards the end. Ironically, it is said that it was the only wing that surrendered its HE 162 jet fighters to allies in the end.

Formation of the unit and reorganization

("For more information, see" Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II.)

For most part organization of a fighter wing ("Jagdgeschwader") followed standard Luftwaffe organization of any typical wing ("geschwader"). It was always commanded by a Wing Commander ("Geschwaderkommodore") who is equivalant to a USAAF Wing Commander or RAF Group Commander. This was a position and not a rank. Such a person usually ranked as a Lieutenant Colonel ("Oberstleutnant") or Colonel ("Oberst"). Each group usually consisted of 3 groups ("Gruppen") equivalant to a USAAF group or RAF wing. JG 1 was one of the very few wings that had 4 such groups. There was also a Headquarter's Flight ("Stabschwarm") associated with each wing. Each such flight usually had 4 aircrafts. One of which was the wing commander.

Each group in turn, usually consisted of 3 to 4 squadrons ("staffeln"). It was commanded by Group Commander ("Gruppenkommandeur") with a rank of Captain"Hauptmann". It also had a subordinate Headquarter's Flight ("Stabschwarm") associated as well.

A squadron with 10-16 aircraft usually consisted of several Flights ("Schwarm") (Flight). It was usually commanded by a Staff Captain ("Staffelkapitän") with a rank of Senior Lieutenant ("Oberleutnant") or Captain ("Hauptmann"). Each flight had 4 aircraft thus following the Finger-four formation.

Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1) was formed to provide air cover over a large portion of the North Sea coastline. Its first commander was Lieutenant Colonel Carl-Alfred Schumacher. At the time it was essentially a motley group of flights grouped together into a headquarters group ("geschwaderstab"). Their coverage area stretched from Netherlands to Southern Norway.

During the initial days of the war, JG 1 faced little resistance, apart from occasional RAF excursions. However later in the war and after D-Day, elements of JG 1 were moved to France and were tasked with providing air Support to the army Wehrmacht along with their normal defense role against Allied bombers. Towards the end of the war JG 1 was tasked with Defense of Reich. Operation Bodenplatte severely sapped the strength of JG 1 like most other wings ("Geschwaders") of the Luftwaffe.

On 5 January 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Carl-Alfred Schumacher transitioned the command of JG 1 to Major Erich von Selle. He moved on to take over as commander of the Fighter forces for Luftflotte 5 (Jagdfliegerführer Norwegen). It was von Selle who was instrumental in turning the JG 1 from a caretaker Headquarters flight("Stabsschwarm") to a 4 group wing.Weal (2006) p. 12]

On 31 March 1943, JG 1 was split to form the new JG 11. I./JG 1 became II./JG 11 on 1 April 1943 and III./JG 1 became I./JG 11. IV./JG 1 was re-designated as I./JG 1. A new group was added to JG 1 as III./JG 1. The new JG 1 thus formed was moved to Deelen. The newly formed JG 11 was tasked with protecting North German border between Holland and Denmark. JG 1 was left to protect occupied Holland territory. Dr. Erich Mix was replaced by Major Hans Philipp as Wing commander of ("Geschwaderkommodore") of JG 1.Weal (2006) pp 20–21] Weal (1996) p. 21] In early 1944, "Reichsluftministerium" (Reich Air Ministry - RLM) reinforced day fighter units engaged in the "Reichsverteidigung" (Defense of Reich).Schuelke (1995).]

Headquarters flight JG 1

Initially when JG 1 was formed, it was constituted as Regional Fighter Command ("Jagdfliegerführer") on 30 November 1939. In order to co-ordinate with Navy ("Kriegsmarine") for flak & Signals units. This autonomous fighter command defending entire north sea coast line was put under Ex-Commander of JG 77, Lieutenant Colonel Carl-Alfred Schumacher. This Headquarters flight ("Geschwaderstab") was alternatively called JG Nord or JG Schumacher. It was equipped with short range BF 109 D & E variants.Reimer, 2007/08] Caldwell, (2007) p.139]

Group I./JG 1

I./JG 1 was one of the groups of JG 1. It consisted of one "headquarters flight" (Geschwaderstab) and squadrons 1./JG 1, 2./JG 1 and 3./JG 1. It did have something of a formation history. Probably because it was one of the original fully equipped groups prior to the war. It was twice re-designated to other wings.

In summer of 1939, I./JG 1 was located in Jesau (modern Nivenskoye or Yuzhny) in East Prussia & equipped with the Bf 109-E. Its emblem was the "German Crusaders' Cross" superimposed with 3 Bf 109s. It was later re-designated as I./JG 21.Weal (2001) p. 9] I./JG 1 was reformed on 30 November 1939 in Jever, initially as "Stab./JG Nordwest" (Headquarters flight of Nordwest wing). When the Battle of France commenced on 10 May 1940 I./JG 1 was put under the administrative control of JG 27. After seeing extensive action, the group was re-designated III./JG 27 on 5 July 1940.

I./JG 1 was formed for the third time in December 1940 consisting of 1,2 and 3 squadrons. A new 1./JG 1 was formed on 7 December 1940 in Vlissingen from Holland squadron ("Jasta Holland"). 2./JG 1 was formed on 5 July 1941 in Katwijk, Netherlands, from Münster Loddenheide squadron ("Jasta Münster-Loddenheide") of Luftflotte 2 while 3./JG 1 was formed on 1 March 1942 in De Kooy from parts of Training/Supplement squadron of JG 52 (Ergänzungsstaffel Gruppe/JG 52). These three squadrons were working independently until September 1941 when they were grouped into a single group designated I./JG 1 under the new group commander Dr. Eric Mix.Weal (2006) p. 10]

However, 3./JG 1 was ordered to Sicily, later Africa; and re-designated as 6./JG 51 on 30 November 1941. Another 3./JG 1 was formed in Wangerooge on the same day.

Headquarters flight ("Stabschwarm") I./JG 1 was formed 1 September 1941 in Katwijk from parts of "Hunting Forces of Führer" ("Führer der Jagdkräfte").

On 15 August 1944, 4./JG 1 of II group was re-designated as 7./JG 1, a new 4./JG 1 was formed to reinforce I./JG 1. This was essentially re-designated 9./JG 77.Reimer, 2007/08]

Group II./JG 1

In September 1941, Captain ("Hauptmann") Hans von Hahn's I./JG 3 was transferred from the Eastern front to Germany for rest & re-equipment. In November 1941, it was transferred to two airfields in North Netherlands.

I./JG 3 on 15 January 1942 was re-designated as II./JG 1 in Katwijk, remaining under the command of Hauptmann Hans von Hahn. Initially, the unit consisted of one headquarter flight ("GruppenStab") Stab II./JG 1 and three squadrons ("Staffeln" 4./JG 1, 5./JG 1 and 6./JG 1).Jagdgeschwader 1] While being at "Katwijk" & "Vlissingen" they were assigned the task of coastal defense and protection of shipping routes.

In early 1944, the Reichsluftministerium (Reich Air Ministry - RLM) reinforced the day-fighters of "Defense of Reich" with an additional squadron ("Staffeln") from Eastern Front units.Schuelke (1995).] On 15 August 1944, II./JG 1 was increased to four squadrons.Jagdgeschwader 1]

II./JG 1 received 7./JG 51, originally equipped with the Bf 109G-6 "Gustav" and based at Brest-Litovsk in Poland. When the pilots arrived on 29 May 1944 at the Störmede base, they were equipped with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. The squadron was re-designated 8./JG 1 on 15 August 1944. Notable among the new arrivals were aces Captain Karl-Heinz Weber (Knight's Cross) (136 confirmed in 500+ missions), leading 7./JG 51, Lt. Friedrich Krakowitzer (23 kills as of 1 June 1944) and Warrant Officer ("Oberfähnrich") Günther Heckmann (12 kills). 4./JG 1 was re-designated to 7./JG 1. Schuelke (1995).] Jagdgeschwader 1]

From this point until the end in 1945, II./JG 1 would consist of it's headquarters flight, Stab II./JG 1, as well as 5./JG 1, 6./JG 1, 7./JG 1 and 8./JG 1.Jagdgeschwader 1]

Group III./JG 1

III./JG 1 consisted of a Headquarters wing ("gruppenstab") and three squadrons numbered 7,8 & 9./JG 1. They were essentially put together from the supplemental squadrons of other wings. By January 1942, most fighting wings ("Jagdgeschwader") of the Luftwaffe had created their own Training Group ("Ergänzungsgruppe"). The purpose of which was to prepare trainees for combat service, usually with their parent wing ("Geshwader"). Each training group ("Ergänzungsgruppe") had its own operating Squadron ("Einsatzstaffel") that doubled as supplemental squadrons, consisting of Instructors and trainees. It was from such "Einsatzstaffel" that III./JG 1 was finally formed.

III./JG 1 was formed in January 1942 in Husum. Consisting of 7./JG 1, 8./JG 1 & 9./JG 1. Squadron 7./JG 1 consisted of supplemental flights (Einsatz-Schwärme) of fighter pilot schools ("Jagdfliegerschule" or "JFS") Gleiwitz, Breslau and Königsberg. 8./JG 1 was formed from supplemental squadron (Einsatzstaffel) of JG 27). Whereas 9./JG 1 was formed from supplemental squadron (Einsatzstaffel) of JG 52). Headquarters flight ("gruppenstab") of III./JG 1 consisted of supplemental group ("Ergänzungsgruppe") of JG 52. III./JG 1 was re-designated I./JG 11 on 1 April 1943. A new III./JG was added, borrowing units from other fronts.Reimer, 2007/08]

Group IV./JG 1

JG 1 was one of several wings ("Jagdgeschwader") that was expanded to include a 4^th group ("gruppen"), the IV/JG 1. IV./JG 1 was formed around the same time as III./JG 1, and was also formed using the training groups ("Ergänzungsgruppe") & training squadrons ("einsatzstaffel") of other wings.

Aircraft of Jagdgeschwader 1

When JG 1 was formed, it primarily used the Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 & other variants. Later on in mid 1942, II, III & IV./JG 1 started converting to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, although I./JG 1 never converted to the Fw 190, instead phasing out their Bf 109 E & F models for the specialized G-1 pressurized high altitude fighter. Towards the end of the war, elements of JG 1 were the first units to equip with the Heinkel He 162A-2 "salamander".Weal (2006) pp 13–14] Jagdgeschwader 1 Oesau]

In February 1945 deliveries of He 162 started for I./JG 1. Around April 1945, II./JG 1 had moved to the airfield at Rostock-Marienehe near the Heinkel factory.Goebel (2001).]

Unit emblem and color schemes

II./JG 1's unit emblem was the Tatzelwurm, a mythical Norse serpent. This unit emblem probably had its origins with the parent JG 3. Several of the squadrons ("Staffeln") as well as Groups ("Gruppen") tended to inherit the emblems of their parent units after moving to JG 1. For each squadron, individual flights ("Schwarm") tended to be color coded to follow the Finger Four formation. Usually those were "green", "red", "yellow" and "white". Of this, usually the headquarters flight for the wing("geschwaderstab") or for the group ("gruppenstab") carried the green emblem.

I./JG 1 "Red 9" had a emblem of the German Crusaders' Cross superimposed with 3 BF 109. It was identical to that of JG 27 except the planes were facing down instead of up. It was also the only group, that displayed the aircraft numeral on the engine cowling until it was re-designated III./JG 27. Each of the squadrons of this group, had its own emblem as well. For example, 2./JG 1 had a sword slicing Chamberlain's umbrella in two. Incidentally this emblem was short lived due to re-designation to JG 27. Weal (2003) p. 123.]

After his appointment as Wing Commander (Geschwaderkommodore) Lieutenant Colonel Walter Oesau introduced a new emblem on 12 November 1943, that was to be used by all JG 1 Groups ("Gruppen") - a red winged ‘1’ in a white diamond, which was enclosed in a black circle. Both II./JG 1 & III./JG 1, like I./JG 1, quickly adopted this symbol in place of their traditional markings.Reimer, 2007/08] There seem to some disputes over this emblem with one version stating that the white diamond was surrounded by a red circle not black circle.

As early as January 1944, parts of the JG 1 on Defense of the Reich duties ("Reichsverteidigung") started using colored fuselage bands to as a quick identification in combat. Use of these color fuselage bands was abandoned in mid 1944. At one point, a color scheme of painting tail rudder in white was introduced for units dedicated to "Defense of Reich" duties. I./JG 1 were unique in using a variation of a more colorful identification scheme of checkerboard black and white striped engine cowlings. The checkerboards were divided into black-white, black-red and black-yellow for the 1, 2 and 3 squadrons ("Staffeln") respectively.

Wartime history

I./JG 1's primary role was that of defense of Germany and occupied territory. In this role the unit almost exclusively worked in Netherlands prior to its transfer to central west Germany. Following the European offensive I./JG 1 was tasked with the defense of Northern Germany and the approaches across the North Sea. Its main opponents through 1940-41 were therefore lone RAF reconnaissance aircraft, the anti-shipping aircraft of RAF Coastal Command and the medium bombers of Bomber Command's 2 Group, although the group would see little action compared to other theaters during 1941. During this time, this sector was considered relatively safer compared to other theaters.

Unlike other wings JG 2 & JG 26, JG 1 was somewhat insulated from RAF's "Lean into Europe" "Circus" campaign of 1941. One reason could be that the small groups of bombers and their escorts didn't have range to reach German airspace. For a period of 1941 the Group commander ("Geschwaderkommodore") was Lieutenant Colonel ("Oberstleutnant") Dr. Erich Mix. A veteran of World War I, and over 40 years of age, Mix nevertheless flew frequently, claiming a Blenheim as his 13th kill in mid 1941.Weal (2006) p. 10]

The group claimed 82 air victories in the Battle of France campaign, with the likes of Hauptmann Wilhelm Balthasar top scorer with 23, and Lieutenant Ludwig Frantisek with 9.

Defense of Reich 1942-43

II./JG 1 was assigned to the defense of Northern Germany until D Day. The group had been involved in several battles previously including Battle of France and Eastern Front. By September 1941, the group, under its prior designation, as I./JG 3, had 421 kills to its name. As II./JG 1 it was tasked with air defense of occupied Holland from 13 December 1941. By early 1942, the group had started to switch from its earlier Bf 109F-4s to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. It had completed equipping with Fw 190 A-2 and A-3 fighters by 12 May 1942.

Through much of 1942, most of the kills by JG 1 occurred when RAF aircraft intensified their attacks on shipping lanes and coastal regions. One notable ace from this period is that of Oberfeldwebel Gerhardt, the then leading scorer of JG 1. He took his tally to 9 on 17 February 1942.

From late 1942 onwards, the increasing USAAF bomber offensive now brought JG 1 to the forefront of Defense of the Reich, operating at high altitude against the American bomber streams of the 8th Air Force. By then they had equipped with the BF 109 Gustav with pressurized cabins. JG 1 experimented with several ways of downing the heavy bombers with varying degree of success. Leutnant Heinz Knoke developed a means of 'air bombing' the bombers from above using a delay-fused 250-kg bomb, although the loss of aircraft performance and vulnerability of the bomb-carrying aircraft to fighters meant the method was not widely adopted. JG 1 also pioneered the use of underwing WGr 21 rocket mortars as a 'stand-off' anti-bomber weapon in mid 1943, although they proved too heavy for the fighter aircraft and were removed later in the year.

By the start of 1943 all the groups were equipped with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 except I./JG 1 who were using BF 109G. The wing served almost exclusively in North Germany and the Netherlands until June 1944, when it was transferred to Central and Western Germany. From there, JG 1 would go on to serve in France, providing air cover over the Army (Wehrmacht) during the Battle of Normandy and suffering heavy casualties.Price (1991) p. 59.]

The first large scale air battle between JG 1 and VIII Bomber Command occurred when the latter bombed the Naval base in Wilhelmshaven on 27 January 1943 with a combined force of 64 "B-17 flying fortresses" and 27 "B-24 Liberators". Facing them were II./JG 1 and IV./JG 1. Two Liberators were shot down, while 53 Flying Fortresses attacked Wilhelmshaven. I./JG 1 from "Jever", under Captain Günther Beise, were also called on to intercept. They were equipped with "Bf-109 G". Unlike the II./JG 1 & IV./JG 1 interceptions, this conflict had less than satisfactory results. Although most of the B-17s had some combat damage, only one of the Flying Fortresses failed to return, claimed by either First Lieutenant Hugo Frey of 2./JG 1, or by warrant officer ("Feldwebel") Siegfried Zik as his second kill.

There was a repeat bombing raid on 4 February 1943. This time Night-Fighter wing Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 with Bf 110 "Zerstörer" twin engined fighters joined the fray along with I./JG 1, II./JG 1 & IV./JG 1. Due to poor weather conditions, only 3./JG 1 out of the 3 squadrons was able to find the formation, claiming one B-17. II./JG 1 and IV./JG 1 claimed 6 B-17 downed at the cost of two fighters.

I./JG 1 claimed 4 B-17s & 4 B-24s on 26 February 1943 during an attack on Wilhelmshaven U-boat yards in Wilhelmshaven. 2 Liberators were actually lost. One was claimed by Second Lieutenant Heinz Knoke, who went on to become Group Commander of III./JG 1. He also later won the Knight's Cross as part of III./JG 11 on 27 April 1945. The other was claimed by Unteroffizier Leo Demetz of 3./JG 1. 13 B-17's were downed by JG 1 in total.

On 1 April 1943, platoon leader ("Oberfeldwebel") Fritz Timm of 3./JG 1 shot down a Lancaster, one of the few credited to JG 1. On 17 April 1943 Captain Fritz Losigkeit, Group commander of I./JG 1, (previously IV./JG 1) shot down his first B-17. There were 17 other B-17s shot down that day by JG 1 & JG 11.Weal (1996) p. 45]

On 8 October 1943, JG 1 lost their Wing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel ("Oberstleutnant") Hans Philipp (206 kills), against P-47 fighters of the 56th Fighter Group. The Headquarters Flight of JG 1 heard Philipp announce a victory over a Thunderbolt. The last transmission from him was, "Reinhardt, attack!". Warrant officer Reinhardt was Philipp's wingman on that day. He last saw the wing Commander's aircraft disappear in a cloud. Reinhardt was wounded after colliding with an enemy aircraft, but made a successful forced landing.

When II./JG 1 received additional squadrons from eastern front, there were several experts among the arrivals. Notable among the arrivals was Captain Karl-Heinz Weber (Knight's Cross) (136 confirmed in 500+ missions), leading 7./JG 51, first lieutenant Friedrich Krakowitzer (23 kills as of 1 June 1944) and warrent officer Günther Heckmann (12 kills).

It was during late 1943 that Walter Oesau was appointed wing commander of JG 1.Williamson & Bujeiro (2004) p. 30-31.]

D-day and beyond 1944

Colonel ("Oberst") Walter Oesau was automatically banned from further operational flying following his 100^th kill with JG 2 of a Spitfire on 26 October 1941. However he claimed to shoot down another kill in April 1942. He was appointed Commander of fighter forces Brittany("Jagdfliegerführer Bretagne") in summer of 1943 before being appointed as wing commander of JG 1 in 12 November 1943. The ban on further flying was lifted (or ignored ?) and Oesau claimed a further 14 kills with JG 1.Weal (1999) p. 71.] During first half of 1944, Allied attacks on railway networks had thoroughly frustrated Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring. Goring was not at all happy with the inability to stop the bombing runs. Hermann Göring questioned the commitment of several fighter wing leaders who were not flying and leading their units on a regular basis. On 11 May 1944 Allied Air Forces attacked vital railway networks in Northeast Belgium and eastern France. More than 1000 B-17 and B-24 bombers of 8^th Airforce were sent. They were escorted by even more number of fighters. JG 1 wing commander Oberst Walter Oesau was sick and in bed at the time but, angered by Göring's insinuations, took off with two other fighters of the group headquarters flight ("stabsschwarm") in his "Green 132" Bf 109.Sundin & Bergström (2002) p. 56.] Weal (1999) p. 71.]

There are various versions regarding his death. One version suggested that his wing man reported damage and was asked to break off. Alone over Ardennes, he was engaged by at least 4 escorting P-38s or possibly by P-51s. In the ensuing dogfight that lasted for 20 minutes, he was killed and crashed near St. Vith. In his memory, Jagdgeschwader 1 was granted the 'Oesau' suffix.Weal (1999) p. 71.]

Major Heinrich Bär, was acting group commander (gruppenkommandeur) of II./JG 1 since the death of captain Hermann Segatz. He was finally reassigned as wing commander of JG 3 on 21 May 1944. He had 23 victories in the four months with II./JG 1 and was replaced by senior lieutenant ("Oberleutnant") Georg-Peter Eder. Captain Weber was appointed group commander of III./JG 1 on 7 June 1944.By January 1944, II./JG 1 was based in Northern Germany as a "Defense of the Reich" ("Reichsverteidigung") unit under group commander captain Walter Höckner (62 kills). Its component squadrons were 4, 5 and 6./JG 1.

During the first half of 1944 II./JG 1 had great successes despite high odds against Allied bombing raids. The group also had three noted "Experts" transferred in. Major Heinz Bär moved to 6./JG 1 on 21 January 1944 (179 kills). However his criticisms of the Luftwaffe's failings made Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring demote him to JG 1 as an ordinary pilot. Captain Hermann Segatz (33 kills with JG 51, JG 26 and JG 5)replaced captain Walter Hoeckner (moved to JG 4 on 31 January) on 4 February 1944 as group commander and Senior Lieutenant Georg-Peter Eder (33 kills by then) assigned as Squadron Leader ("Staffelkapitän") of 6./JG 1 on 15 March 1944, after recovering from wounds suffered while serving with JG 2.

On D Day, II./JG 1 received orders to transfer West. From their base near Störmede, at 4:25 AM 32 Fw 190 A8s took off under the command of Senior Lieutenant Georg-Peter Eder, and headed for Essay after refueling at Montdidier, France.

By late afternoon all the aircraft landed at Montdidier. Due to delays in re-fueling the "Gruppen" took off next day at dawn. News came that their original destination was bombed and hence diverted to Le Mans. The newly added Staffeln 7./JG 51 (later named 8./JG 1) were attacked by Mustangs near Le Mans, with Lt. Johann Brünnler shot down and killed near Châteaudun.

Both I./JG 1 and II./JG 1 were based at Le Mans for some time along with II./JG 53. with a complement of 100 Fw 190s and Bf 109s. Next day however was the notable loss was that of captain Karl-Heinz Weber, new group commander of III./JG 1, who was shot down and killed by Mustangs.

It was from Le Mans that JG 1 started to perform "Jagdbomber" missions. Even though neither I. nor II./JG 1 had any training, on 8 June 1944 both groups were sent off on ground attack missions after some rudimentary training. II./JG 1 started off at 11:00 AM with 25 FW 190s for an attack on Allied shipping off the Normandy coast. They went unmolested other than flak hits. On 9 June II./JG 1 did attempt another fighter-bomber attack with twenty aircraft off the coast, and were saved by bad weather conditions.

However RAF aircraft bombed Le Mans airfield that night, resulting in II./JG 1 loosing 7 aircraft and 5 damaged. Senior lieutenant Rüdiger von Kirchmayr flew back to 4./JG 1 after his release from hospitalization on 12 June in Störmede. En route he was attacked by Spitfires over Flers, claiming an unconfirmed kill as a result. There was a follow up Bombing attack on 15 June resulting in a loss of two more FW 190s.

On 15 June 1944 NCO Günther Henschel of 8./JG 1 downed a Mustang north of Caen. There was one FW 190 downed without human loss. On the afternoon of 16 June 1944, II./JG 1 moved its complement of 25 FW 190's to Essay, France. It was tasked with defending the skies over the beaches of Normandy. From there it flew patrols over the battle area for the next four days.

During the transfer, 8./JG 1 once again flying independently, was probably attacked by the P-51s of 354th Fighter Wing, near Alençon. In the ensuing dogfight, JG 1 lost 3 pilots & one mechanic riding passenger. Also lost were two other aircraft without human loss. 8./JG 1 claimed downing 2 P-51s. Those were credited to Lt. Friedrich Krakowitzer (24^th kill) and Warrant Officer Günther Heckmann (13^th kill) each. The base at "Essay" was bombed the same day by B-24 Liberators, making the airfield unusable for further missions.

This prompted a transfer from Essay to the landing ground at Semallé, south-east of Alençon. As the unit was establishing itself at the new base, they came under fresh attack from a force of Mustangs who, in a few minutes of co-ordinated strafing runs, shot up the airfield, destroying 15 FW 190's, putting II./JG1 out of the battle.

On 17 August 1944, II./JG 1 transferred back to "Reinsehlen", Germany, for re-equipping with He 162 "Salamander". Non operational FW 190s around 11 in all were destroyed resulting in the final losses of II./JG 1 in Normandy. In the ten weeks in Normandy, II./JG 1 lost 27 pilots, 3 captured and 2 wounded. 106 aircrafts were lost for various reasons including the 11 destroyed.

On 21 November, 8^th Air Force attacked the Merseburg oil yard. There were 1149 Bombers escorted by 858 fighters. In the poor flying conditions, facing them were JG 1 along with other wings. Many of the pilots of JG 1 were fresh students with hardly any experience of handling the fighter. I./JG 1 was nearly wiped due to the loss of 20 aircrafts.Parker (1998) p. 96.]

The wing ("Geschwader") was then assigned to help support preparations for the Ardennes counter-offensive, which would restart the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945.

Operation bodenplatte

In late 1944 Luftwaffe planned the launch of "Operation Bodenplatte" with the aim of crippling allied Air forces in low countries. It was also aimed at reviving a bogged down progress of Wehrmacht during battle of the bulge. The operation was launched on New year's Day 1 January 1945. JG 1 participated in this action. The orders were to destroy as many enemy aircraft on the ground as possible. Each pilot was ordered to perform at least 5 strafing runs. This made several pilots not being able to pay attention to enemy fighters in the air. This also caused the pilots to exhaust their ammunition on the ground targets leaving nothing to defend themselves. This is probably one of the reasons for such a heavy price paid. Although a large number of allied aircrafts were lost, Luftwaffe lost large number of pilots that were irreplaceable.Parker (1998) pp 409–413.]

JG 1's targets on this day were,

* Polish fighter squadrons located near Ghent/Sint-Denijs in Belgium (No. 302, 308 and 317).
* New Zealand fighter Squadron No. 485 located near Maldegem in Belgium.
* Other Spitfire Squadrons near Ursel in Belgium.

On 1 January 1945, there was a terrific dogfight which caused heavy damage to allied forces. However JG 1 paid an even heavier price. I./JG 1 lost 7 pilots killed or missing in action with 3 being captured. II./JG 1 paid the heaviest with 10 lost and 1 captured and another injured. III./JG 1 lost 1 with 2 getting captured. Lieutenant Swoboda's 5./JG 1 lost 5 aircraft.Parker (1998) pp 411–413.]

Among those lost by I./JG 1 was its group commander captain Georg Hackbarth (30 "kills"). During a fight with the Polish Spitfires, he was engaged by Flight Sergeant Joseph Stanowski returning to the airfield at Ghent. Hackbarth's Focke Wulf FW190 A8 was shot down as a result. It crashed in the back of a flower shop near St. Pieters railway station. The body of cpatain Hackbarth was said to be thrown clear of the wreckage into the street. NCO Karl Hahn is also said to have been shot down by Stanowski that day. Another casualty for I./JG 1 was NCO ("Feldwebel") Harry Klints whose Fw 190 "Green 5" crashed near Zwijnaarde. Once again being credited to Stanowski. However Stanowski had to crash land himself, for lack of fuel after shooting down a third. As Squadron No. 308 returned to base on being recalled, they shot down 4 more of the I./JG 1 fighters.

It was then that II./JG 1 arrived on the scene. NCO Edger Ardner of 5./JG 1 managed to empty his magazines on the parked planes. He was engaged by two spitfires and shot down. However he was able to bail out and was taken prisoner. Hastily recalled Squadron No. 317 joined the melee upon arrival. Warrant Officer Stainslaw Piesik shot down another FW 190.

One version suggested that some of the downed JG 1 pilots faced the wrath of the Belgium civilians. The body of one of the pilots was stripped and attacked by the angry mob. Another pilot, NCO ("Unteroffizier") Fritz Hoffman barely escaped by involuntarily surrendering to Allied forces after being shot down by Flight Lieutenant Czeslaw Mroczyk of No. 317. He was said to be a POW, along with 10 other pilots shot down the same day. Other pilots like NCO ("Feldwebel") Paul Mayr and Lieutenant Ernst Von Johannides died after being shot down by No. 317 Squadron. In turn Flight Lieutenant Tadeusz Powierza was shot down and killed. Another Allied pilot crash landed after downing a German aircraft. As more spitfires arrived, the balance slowly turned in the favor of allies.

Flying Officer Tadesusz Szlenkier shot down FW 190 piloted by Harry Klints, who was chasing another Spitfire. Szlenkier in turn was attacked by another German pilot and crash landed. Pilot Officer Andrezj Dromlewicz was credited for downing another German aircraft after a lot of evasive action. Flight Lieutenant Mach too shot down another German aircraft after some wild chase at ground level. However he was in turn chased by another German FW 190 that was shot down by his wing man Warrant Officer Stainslaw Bednarcyzk.

After taking a lot of punishment, remaining pilots of I./JG 1 and II./JG 1 started homeward journey. Some of whom were downed by enemy flack attack. One such casualty was NCO Paul Wunderlich. They also came under fire from friendly flack. This downed even more pilots. In all JG 1's tally was 32 Spitfires, one B-17 and one Short Stirling. Two Allied pilots died from the Polish squadrons. In all JG 1 lost 12 pilots killed in action with 6 more POW. Some 6 were considered to be missing in action and probably died. One pilot was wounded in action.

JG 1's Wing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Ihlefeld was reasonably upset upon return. He personally ran into friendly flak that didn't improve his mood. He had lost group commander of I./JG 1 Georg Hackbarth, who was later replaced by a bomber pilot Major Günther Capito. This was the same Capito who had the misfortune of being the only wingman of Erich Hartmann being shot down. JG 1 never recovered from those losses.

Defense of Reich 1945

After the disastrous losses of Operation Bodenplatte, and failing to maintain air superiority over the Ardennes area, a severely weakened II./JG 1 was then transferred from Western Germany to Insterburg in East Prussia (modern Chernyakhovsk in Poland). Here, they were briefly assigned to Luftflotte Reich (the Air Fleet assigned to defend what was left of Germany from the final Allied offensives).

It was during this time that the unit began converting to the new jet propelled Heinkel He 162A “Volksjager”, which would replace the unit’s FW 190A’s. Some 12 pilots were killed flying the new fighter, mainly through flying accidents. I./JG 1 had moved back to Parchim, performing "Defense of Reich" duties. Since this was not far from Rostock-Marienhe, where the Heinkel factory was located, it was easier for the pilots of I./JG 1 to pick up the new jets. I./JG 1 started training on the new Jet Aircraft in March 1945. However with Germany on the brink of collapse, transportation and fuel supply was getting difficult with the increased Allied air attacks.

On 7 April 1945, 134 allied B 17 Fortresses bombed the field at "Parchim". In 2 days, I./JG 1 relocated to a nearby airfield at Ludwigslust. They had to move again a week later, north to airfield at Leck. Around this time, II./JG 1 had moved to airfield at Marienhe and started taking delivery of He-162s. These new jet aircraft would never see wide-spread combat with JG 1 due to their late introduction. With a shortage of both pilots, aircraft and fuel, JG 1 could no longer field their full complement or effectively fly operations as required.

Dissolution

The new He 162 had about half an hour's worth of fuel. This endurance was simply not enough, and at least two of JG-1's pilots were killed making "dead-stick" landings after exhausting their fuel.

On 4 May 1945, all of JG-1's surviving He-162s were formed into a special consolidated "Einsatzgruppen". However on 5 May 1945, there was a cease fire which effectively grounded the He-162s.

By April, I./JG 1 had scored a number of kills, but at the cost of 13 He 162s and 10 pilots. The losses were mostly attributed to issues with the HE 162 such as engine flame-outs or occasional structural failures. Probably attributed to poor design and development time. On 24 April 1945, III./JG 1 was disbanded. On 30 April 1945, II./JG 1 was combined with I./JG 1 at Leck to form two new Gruppen: I. (Einsatz)/JG 1 and II. (Sammel)/JG 1; a combined total of about 50 pilots and aircraft. Within days of this last re-organization, the original JG 1 ceased to exist as the war in Europe ended. Surviving JG 1 collectively turned in their He 162s to the Allies.

Eberhard Burath, a former Adjutant from JG/1 is said to have written;

"Throughout the entire war, our JG 1 had the thankless task of defending the north-west flank of the Reich, which, until the Americans entered the air war, merited little attention. The Geschwader came to the fore with the start of the "Defense of the Reich", which was to be a harsh baptism of fire."Mombeek (2003).]

Notable successes and losses

One of the most famous group commanders ("Gruppenkommandeuren") of JG 1 was Major Heinz “Pritzl” Bär, before he was promoted as wing commander of JG 3. Credited with 220 kills, Bär was the 8^th ranking aerial “Ace” of all time. Other notable aces were Oberstleutnant Georg-Peter Eder, the highest scoring Luftwaffe ace against the USAAF, who would go on to become a “Jet Ace”, scoring at least 12, possibly 24 victories in an Me 262 while serving with Kommando Nowotny and JG 7. According to Luftwaffe rules of engagement, there has to be a witness (human or Gun camera) for a confirmation of the kill. Also a confirmed kill required complete destruction &/or pilot bailout. Simply put No witness = No kill. Together, this ensured accurate reporting, however it also resulted in many unconfirmed & uncredited kills.

An example of such unconfirmed kills was that of First Lieutenant("Oberleutnant") Rüdiger von Kirchmayr of squadron 4./JG 1. He was flying back alone to join his squadron on 12 June 1944. In a confrontation with spitfires, he claimed to shoot down one over Flers. Since there was no witness, this kill went unconfirmed. The Gruppe's 700^th victory occurred on 29 April 1944, credited to First Lieutenant Von Kirchmayr's 15^th kill. There were several high scoring pilots associated with JG 1. For example, Alfred Grislawski had a score of 134 to his name. Georg-Peter Eder had 78. Walter Oesau had 127 confirmed prior to his death.

However, despite notable successes, losses were also high. For example, five of the fourteen Group commanders ("Gruppenkommandeuren") of II./JG 1 were killed in action while serving with II./JG 1. The notable losses were Lieutenant Colonel ("Oberstleutnant") Rohwer, Hauptmann Kijewski, Captains ("Hauptmann") Wickop, Seegatz and Dähne.

During early 1944, prior to D-Day, II./JG 1 was led by one of its four experienced formation commanders. Those were Captain Segatz, Major Bär, First Lieutenant ("Oberleutnant") von Kirchmayr and Eder. Yet the unit suffered heavy losses (along with most other wings in the West) of 48 pilots killed, 23 wounded, and 158 aircraft destroyed for 164 confirmed victories. Of these 119 were USAAF four-engined bombers.

Significantly, the highly experienced and irreplaceable experts were among the losses. Notable loss of II./JG 1 was its group commander ("Kommandeur") Captain Segatz (KIA 8 March 1944 (40 kills). The group ("gruppen") also lost seven experienced team leaders ("Rottenführer") and flight leaders ("Schwarmführer").
* Uffz. Erich Negraszus (KIA 11 February 1944, 3 Kills),
* Fw. Heinz Fuchs (KIA 24 February 1944, 11 Kills),
* Uffz. Hans-Joachim Tünger (KIA 3 March 1944, 4 Kils),
* Fw. Heinz Kahl (KIA 12 May 1944, 9 Kills),
* Uffz. Helmut Stiegler (KIA 12 May 1944, 6 Kills),
* Uffz. Heinrich Weber (KIA 16 May 1944, 3 Kills),
* Lt. Gunther Buchholz (KIA 31 May 1944, 5 Kills).

When 8./JG 1 (originally 7./JG 51) was transferred from Eastern front, it had 15 pilots in May 1944. By August, twelve pilots had been killed, one captured and another severely wounded, Only Lieutenant Günther Heckmann was the sole pilot remaining.

The Luftwaffe units committed to battle after D-Day landings suffered further catastrophic losses against the overwhelming numbers of allied fighters present. In ten weeks of action since D-Day, II./JG 1 lost 106 aircraft (41 in air combat) and 30 pilots, for just 32 air claims. Many experienced and irreplaceable "experten" were killed during this time. Hauptmann Karl-Heinz Weber Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 1 (136 claims) was killed in action against Polish Wing Mustangs on 7 June 1944, North of Paris, while on 17 June 1944, Leutnant 'Toni' Piffer (35 claims) was shot down and killed in aerial combat with USAAF fighters over La Cordonnerie.

On 16 June 1944, 8./JG 1 was moving from Le Mans, to Essay, France came under attack by the P-51s of 354th Fighter Wing, near Alençon. In the ensuing dogfight, 8./JG 1 lost 3 pilots & one mechanic riding passenger. Those were Uffz. Günther Henschel, Uffz. Franz Zechner, and Feldwebel Helmuth Heidemann. The mechanic was Uffz. Herbert Redlich. Also lost were two other aircraft without loss of life.

Total pilot losses in World War II were 464 Killed in action, 174 wounded, 94 killed in accidents and 16 POW.

Missing and killed in action

[http://www.luftwaffe.be/miajg1.html A partial list of pilots "Killed in Action" or Missing.]

JG 1 Knight's Cross recipients

The following soldiers received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross or a higher grade while being assigned to Jagdgeschwader 1.

Commanding officers

Geschwaderkommodore

*Oberstleutnant Carl-Alfred Schumacher, 30 November 1939 - 5 January 1942
*Major Erich von Selle , 6 January 1942 - 27 August 1942
*Oberstleutnant Dr. Erich Mix, August 1942 - 31 March 1943
*Oberstleutnant Hans Philipp, 1 April 1943 - 8 October 1943
*Major Hermann Graf, October 1943 - 10 November 1943
*Oberst Walter Oesau, 12 November 1943 - 11 May 1944
*Major Heinz Bär (acting), 12 May 1944 - 20 May 1944
*Oberst Herbert Ihlefeld, 20 May 1944 - 8 May 1945

Gruppenkommandeure

I./JG 1

*Major Bernhard Woldenga, 1 May 1939
*Hauptmann Joachim Schlichting, 13 February 1940 - 5 July 1940
*Oberleutnant Dr. Erich Mix, September 1941 - August 1942
*Oberleutnant Paul Stolte, August 1942 - September 1942
*Hauptmann Günther Beise, September 1942
*Major Fritz Losigkeit, 1 April 1943
*Hauptmann Rudolf-Emil Schnoor, 15 May 1943
*Hauptmann Hans Ehlers, 17 April 1944
*Hauptmann Georg Hackbarth, 28 December 1944 - 1 January 1945
*Major Günther Capito, 3 January 1945
*Oberleutnant Emil Demuth, 15 January, 1945 - 12 April 1945
*Major Werner Zober, 1 May 1945 - 5 May 1945

II./JG 1

*Hauptmann Hans von Hahn, 15 January 1942 - June 1942
*Oberleutnant Detlev Rohwer, 20 June 1942 - October 1942
*Major Herbert Kijewski, October 1942 - 16 April 1943
*Hauptmann Dietrich Wickop, 17 April 1943 - 6 May 1943
*Hauptmann Robert Olejnik, May 1943 - 28 June 1943
*Hauptmann Walter Hoeckner, 28 June 1943 - 31 January 1944
*Hauptmann Hermann Segatz, February 1944 - 8 March 1944
*Major Heinrich Bär, 15 March 1944 - 12 May 1944
*Oberleutnant Georg-Peter Eder, 13 May 1944 - June 1944
*Oberleutnant Rüdiger Kirchmayr , June 1944 - July 1944
*Hauptmann Hermann Staiger, 1 August 1944 - January 1945
*Oberleutnant Fritz Wegner, December 1944 - 1 March 1945
*Hauptmann Paul-Heinrich Dähne, March 1945 - 24 April 1945
*Hauptmann Rahe, 1 May 1945 - 5 May 1945

III./JG 1

*Hauptmann Herbert Kijewski, 6 February 1942 - October 1942
*Hauptmann Rudolf-Emil Schnoor, October 1942 - November 1942
*Major Walter Spies, October 1942 - 31 March 1943
*Major Karl-Heinz Leesmann, 1 April 1943 - 25 July 1943
*Hauptmann Robert Olejnik, 26 July 1943 - 8 October 1943
*Hauptmann Friedrich Eberle, 9 October 1943 - 27 April 1944
*Major Hartmann Grasser, 27 April 1944 - 31 May 1944
*Hauptmann Karl-Heinz Weber, 3 June 1944 - 7 June 1944
*Hauptmann Alfred Grislawski, 7 June 1944 - June 1944
*Hauptmann Erich Woitke, June 1944 - August 1944
*Oberleutnant Erich Buchholz, July] 1944 - September 1944
*Hauptmann Heinz Knoke, 13 August 1944 - October 1944
*Hauptmann Erich Woitke, October 1944 - 24 December 1944
*Hauptmann Harald Moldenhauer, 25 December 1944 - 5 May 1945

IV./JG 1

*Hauptmann Günther Scholz, January 1942 - March 1942
*Hauptmann Fritz Losigkeit, March 1942 - 1 April 1943

Notes

References

* [http://www.jg1.org/show.php?pg=real_jg1 "II.Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 1 (1942-1945)"] Jagdgeschwader 1 Oesau, Jagdgeschwader 1. Retrieved: 8 September 2008. Most of the info on II. Gruppe is gathered from this site.

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* Messenger, Charles. "The Chronological Atlas of World War Two"; New York: Macmillan, 1989

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*cite journal |last=Schuelke |first=John |year=1995 |month=October |title=A Fighter Group in Normandy |journal=Luftwaffe Verband Journal |volume=4 |issue=October 1995 |url=http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/FGnorm.html |accessdate=2008-10-01

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External links

* [http://www.ww2.dk/air/jagd/jg1.htm Jagdgeschwader 1 List of bases.]
* [http://napierbarracksdortmund.blogspot.com/2007/01/jagdgeschwader-1-oesau.html More photos Related to Jagdgeschwader 1] - From the time at Napier Barracks, Brackel - Dortmund, Germany.
* [http://www.michael-reimer.com/CFS2/CFS2_Profiles/ETO_AXIS_Luftwaffe_JG1.html Jagdgeschwader 1 "Oesau", Bases & aircraft organization] . "This interestingly shows both old & new Emblem for JG1."
* [http://jg1.sk/oesau/gallery_fw.htm Nice Collection of Photographs from I./JG1]
* [http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/jg1colourstt_1.htm Colors & Markings of Jagdgeschwader 1’s Fw 190As]
* [http://www.sandbaggereaw.com/aacesjg1.html Aircrafts of Aces of JG 1]
* [http://fw190.hobbyvista.com/oob.htm Fw 190 Orders of Battle.]
* [http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Jagdgeschwader/Inhalt.htm Jagdgeschwader 1 Oesau on Lexicon] Good information. Nice set of Pictures and Logos.

ee also

Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II