01.01.1945 16./JG53 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 Wnr.462829 Gefr. Michel

Mission: “Operation Bodenplatte” Mass attack on Allied airfields.

Date: 1st January 1945

Unit: 16 Staffel./Jagdgeschwader 53

Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14

Werke/Nr.462829

Coded: 2 + (Blue)

Location: Near Waldweisdorf, France.

Pilot: Gefreiter. Alfred Michel. 59741/775 – Captured POW. Born 26.06.1922 in Fulda.

Main image - A well known photograph showing Alfred, his “Blue 2” and American captors (Jeckel)

REASON FOR LOSS:

Extract from Jochen Prien’s JG53 Unit history January 1944 – May 1945.

IV Gruppe suffered its first casualty. “Blue 2” flown by Gefr. Michel of 16 Staffel developed engine trouble and he was forced to belly-land the aircraft near Waldweisdorf. He ended up with a large bump on his forehead (probably from striking gunsight) but otherwise was unhurt. This was Alfred Michel’s first combat mission and it ended with him a prisoner of the Americans, after soldiers of the 90th Infantry Division rushed to the scene and “pocketed” a German airman.

Researched and compiled by former member M.Brownless with thanks to Jochen Prien and Horst Jeckel for their research and photos. June 2013. Page reconstructed by Alexander D King October 2025.

Tags: Alfred Michel

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