Bf109G-2
Major Heinrich Ehrler, 6/Jg5 at Bardufoss Norway.

Ehrler was a very successful Kommandeur of JG5 in Norway right up until late September 1944, when he was made the Scapegoat for the loss of the Tirpitz, which was already damaged beyond repair from a previous 'tallboy' bomb attack by 617 sqn Lancasters (The Dambusters) while in Alten Fjord 200 miles away.
The Tirpitz was again attacked while it was anchored (too deep, in 8+fathoms) in Tromso Fjord, with Ehrlers Jg5 based at nearby Bardufoss.

On the day of the second attack Ehrler was away in Oslo, visiting his girlfriend, and the sinking of the Tirpitz and subsequent loss of more than 1000 men during his absence, was enough for the high command to court marshall him AND pronounce the death sentence!!

It was possibly only his exemplary record as a Kommandeur and fighter pilot with Knights cross WITH Oakleaves (he had been nominated for the swords at the time) that saved him. But he was stripped of his command and held responsible for the loss. He was a broken man.
He was aged 28 at the time.

He scored a total of 205 (possibly 220) including 5 in the Me262 with JG77.


DeanH