Gail Kim

Jagdgeschwader 1
File:JG1 New Logo.png New Emblem of Jagdgeschwader 1 introduced by Walter Oesau.
Active	1939-1945
Country	Germany
Branch	Air Force
Type	Fighter Aircraft
Role	Air superiority
Size	Air Force Wing
Nickname(s)	Oesau
Engagements	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)

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. 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

File:JG 1 Old Emblem.png

Original emblem of the JG 1.

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

File:JG 1 Emblem.gif

One Version of the new emblem of JG 1.

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 CaptainHauptmann. It also had a subordinate Headquarter's Flight (Stabschwarm) associated as well.

File:1.JG 1.png

Emblem of the 1./JG 1.

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.

File:2.JG 1.png

Emblem of the 2./JG 1.

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.

File:3.JG 1.png

Emblem of the 3./JG 1.

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.

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. In early 1944, Reichsluftministerium (Reich Air Ministry - RLM) reinforced day fighter units engaged in the Reichsverteidigung (Defense of Reich).

Headquarters flight JG 1

File:JG1 Geschwaderstab.png

Emblem of the Stab/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.

Group I./JG 1

File:I. JG 1 1943.png

New emblem of I./JG 1 from 1943 onwards.

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.

File:4.JG 1 new.png

Emblem of 4./JG 1 after it was added to I./JG 1.

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. 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.

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.

Group II./JG 1

File:Gruppenstab of II. JG 1.png

Emblem of Gruppenstab (headquarter's flight) of II./JG 1.

File:4.JG 1 old.png

Emblem of squadron 4./JG 1 of 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.

File:5.JG 1.png

Emblem of squadron 5./JG 1 of group II./JG 1.

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). 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. On 15 August 1944, II./JG 1 was increased to four squadrons.

File:6.JG 1.png

Emblem of squadron 6./JG 1 of group II./JG 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 they were re-equipped with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. The squadron was re-designated 8./JG 1 on 15 August 1944. 4./JG 1 was re-designated to 7./JG 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.

Group III./JG 1

File:III. JG1.png

Emblem of III./JG 1.

File:7.JG 1.png

Emblem of 7./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.

File:8. JG 1.png

Emblem of 8./JG 1.

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.

File:9. JG 1 of II. JG 1.png

Emblem of 9./JG 1.

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

Fw 190 V1 similar to the one used by II,III & IV./JG 1.

Bf 109E similar to one used initially by JG 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.

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.

Unit emblem and color schemes

He 162A-2, similar to the ones operated by I./JG 1

File:Gruppenstab of II. JG 1.png

Tatzelwurm Emblem of II./JG 1.

File:I. JG 1.png

Emblem of I./JG 1 until 1943.

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.

File:2.JG 1.png

Emblem of 2./JG 1.

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.

File:JG1 New Logo.png

New emblem of JG 1.

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. 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.

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 Gruppen had been involved in several battles previously including Battle of France and Eastern Front. By September 1941, the gruppe, 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 Gruppe 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.

Bf 109G-2 "Gustav" 'Black 6', On display at RAF Hendon London

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 Gruppen were equipped with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 except I./JG 1. The unit 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 Wehrmacht during the Battle of Normandy and suffering heavy casualties.

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 Hauptmann 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 Oberlieutenant Hugo Frey of 2./JG 1, or by Feldwebel Siegfried Zik as his second kill.

Geschwaderkommodore Hans Philippe. (13 March 1917 - 8 October 1943)

There was a repeat bombing raid on 4 February 1943. This time 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 staffeln 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 Leutnant Heinz Knoke, who went on to become Gruppenkommandeur 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, Oberfeldwebel Fritz Timm of 3./JG 1 shot down a Lancaster, one of the few credited to JG 1. On 17 April 1943 Hauptmann Fritz Losigkeit, Kommandeur 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.

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

File:Walter Oesau.jpg

Geschwaderkommodore Walter Gulle Oesau. (28 June 1913 – 11 May 1944)

It was during late 1943 that Walter Oesau was appointed Kommodore of JG 1.

D-day and beyond 1944

In early 1944, the Reichsluftministerium (Reich Air Ministry - RLM) decided to reinforce the day-fighters engaged in the Reichsverteidigung (Defense of Reich) with an additional Staffel transferred directly from Eastern Front units. II./JG 1 received attached elements of 7./JG 51, a Bf 109G-6 Gustav equipped unit previously based near Brest-Litovsk. The pilots arrived at Störmede around 29 May 1944 and were equipped with Focke-Wulf Fw 190. 7./JG 51 was re-designated 8./JG 1 on 15 August 1944. Notable among the arrivals was Hauptmann 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 Ofhr. Günther Heckmann (12 kills).

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 Jafu Bretagne in summer of 1943 before being appointed as Geschwaderkommodore of JG 1 in 12 November 1943. The ban on further flying was lifted and Oesau claimed a further 14 kills with JG 1.

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 Jagdgeschwader 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 fighters. JG 1 Geschwaderkommodore 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 stabsschwarm in his "Green 132" Bf 109.

There are various versions regarding his death. One version suggested that his wingman 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.

Major Heinrich Bär, was acting Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 1 since the death of Hauptmann Hermann Segatz. He was finally reassigned as Geschwaderkommodore of JG 3 on 21 May 1944. He had 23 victories in the four months with II./JG 1 and was replaced by Oberleutnant Georg-Peter Eder. Hauptmann Weber was appointed Gruppenkommandeur III./JG 1 on 7 June 1944.

File:Lwbar.jpg

Geschwaderkommodore Major Heinz Bär. (21 March 1913 – 28 April 1957)

By January 1944, II./JG 1 was based in Northern Germany as a Reichsverteidigung (Defense of the Reich) unit under Gruppenkommandeur Hauptmann Walter Höckner (62 kills). Its component Staffeln were 4./JG 1, 5./JG 1 and 6./JG 1.

During the first half of 1944 II./JG 1 had great successes despite high odds against Allied bombing raids. The gruppe also had three noted Experten 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 to transfer him to JG 1 as an ordinary pilot. Hauptmann Hermann Segatz (33 kills with JG 51, JG 26 and JG 5)replaced Hauptmann Walter Hoeckner (moved to JG 4 on 31 January) on 4 February 1944 as Kommandeur and Oberleutnant Georg-Peter Eder (33 kills by then) assigned as 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 Oberleutnant 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 Hauptmann Karl-Heinz Weber, new Gruppenkommandeur 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 Gruppen 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 Jabo attack with twenty aircraft off the coast, and were saved by bad weather conditions.

However RAF aircraft bombed Le Mans airfield that night, II./JG 1 losing 7 aircraft and 5 damaged. Oberleutanant 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 Uffz. 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 Ofhr. 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.

Operation bodenplatte

Main article: Operation Bodenplatte

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.

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

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.

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. gruppen lost 1 with 2 getting captured. Lieutenant Swoboda's 5./JG 1 lost 5 aircraft.

Among those lost by I./JG 1 was its Gruppenkommandeure Hauptmann 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 Hauptmann Hackbarth was said to be thrown clear of the wreckage into the street. Uffz. Karl Hahn is also said to have been shot down by Stanowski that day. Another casualty for I./JG 1 was Feldwebel Harry Klints whose Fw 190 "Green 5" crashed near Zwijnaarde. Once again being credited to Stanowski. However Stanowski had to crash land for lack of fuel after shooting down a third. As No. 308 Squadron 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. Uffz. 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 No. 317 Squadron oined 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, Uffz. 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 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 favour 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 wingman 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 Uffz. 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 Kommodore Oberstleutenant Herbert Ihlefeld was reasonably upset upon return. He personally ran into friendly flak that didn't improve his mood. He had lost Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 1 Hackbarth, who was later replaced by a bomber pilot Major Günther Capito. 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."

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

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.

Name	Knight's Cross	Oak Leaves
Carl-Alfred Schumacher	July 21, 1940
Robert Olejink	July 27, 1941
Alfred Grislawski	July 1, 1942	446. Oak Leaves 11 April 1944
Hans Ehlers	June 9, 1944	55.
Georg-Peter Eder	June 24, 1944	663. Oak Leaves 25 November 1944
Anton-Rudolf Piffer	October 20, 1944	35.

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

• "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.

• Caldwell, Donald (2007). The Luftwaffe Over Germany: Defense of the Reich. MBI Publishing Company. pp. pp. 304. ISBN 1853677124. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Dierich, Wolfgang (1976). Die Vërbande der Luftwaffe 1935-1945 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch.

• Foreman, John (1994). Over the Beaches: The Air War Over Normandy and Europe 1st-30th June 1944. Air Research. ISBN 1871187265.

• Goebel, Greg (2001). "The Heinkel He-162 Volksjaeger". Retrieved 2008-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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

• Parker, Danny S. (1998). To Win The Winter Sky: The Air War Over the Ardennes, 1944-1945. Da Capo Press. ISBN 1580970060.

• Price, Alfred (1991). The Last Year of the Luftwaffe, May 1944 to May 1945. Arms & Armour. pp. pp. 224. ISBN 1854091891. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Prien, Jochen (1994). Jagdgeschwader 1 und 11: Einsatz in der Reichsverteidigung von 1939 bis 1945 (in German). Struve. ISBN 3923457219. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Reimer, Michael. "Jagdgeschwader 1 Oesau". Retrieved 2008-09-12.

• Schuelke, John (1995). "A Fighter Group in Normandy". Luftwaffe Verband Journal. 4 (October 1995). Retrieved 2008-10-01. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

• Sundin, Claes (2002). More Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile. Schiffer Publishing. pp. pp. 56. ISBN 0764315595. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Weal, John (1996). Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Aces of the Western Front. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 96. ISBN 1855325950. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Weal, John (1999). Bf 109 F/G/K Aces of the Western Front. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 96. ISBN 1855329050. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Weal, John (2001). Jagdgeschwader 54 'Grunherz'. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 128. ISBN 1841762865. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Weal, John (2003). Jagdgeschwader 27 'Afrika'. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 128. ISBN 1841765384. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Weal, John (2006). Bf 109 Defence of the Reich Aces. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 96. ISBN 1841768790. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

• Williamson, Gordon (2004). Knight's Cross and Oak-Leaves Recipients 1939-40: Knight's Cross and Oakleaves,1939-40. Osprey Publishing. pp. pp. 64. ISBN 1841766410. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

External links

• Jagdgeschwader 1 List of bases.
• More photos Related to Jagdgeschwader 1 - From the time at Napier Barracks, Brackel - Dortmund, Germany.
• Jagdgeschwader 1 "Oesau", Bases & aircraft organization. This interestingly shows both old & new Emblem for JG1.
• Nice Collection of Photographs from I./JG1
• Colors & Markings of Jagdgeschwader 1’s Fw 190As
• Aircrafts of Aces of JG 1
• Fw 190 Orders of Battle.
• Jagdgeschwader 1 Oesau on Lexicon Good information. Nice set of Pictures and Logos.

See also

Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II