Main image - White” 13 being examined by U.S troops during January 1945 (Jeckel)

REASON FOR LOSS:

Extract from Jochen Prien’s JG53 history (Jan 44 – May 45).

IV Gruppe lost six pilots over the airfield and around Metz; 13 Staffel alone reported three missing: in addition to Ofw. Kohl, who was in fact captured unhurt, Oblt. Benz and Uffz. Maxis failed to return. One pilot stated that Maxis and Benz had collided near Frescaty and crashed. In fact not long after an Allied recovery team found the wreck of a Bf 109G-14 bearing the code “White 13” near Frescaty, while Oblt. Benz’s “White 3” was found near Remy.

Researched and compiled by former member M.Brownless with special thanks to Horst Jeckel who submitted the information and photographs, not forgetting the excellent work of Jochen Prien. June 2013. Page reconstructed by Alexander D King October 2025.