Norway Campaign - Operation Weserübung
Operation Weserübung was the code name for Germany's assault on Denmark and Norway during the Second World War and the opening operation of the Norwegian Campaign. The name comes from the German for Operation Weser-Exercise (Unternehmen Weserübung), the Weser being a German river.
Preparations for the upcoming campaign were underway. ZG76s aircraft were getting some much needed repairs and upgrades.
Jaguar Schwärme had been given the task of attacking a Norwegian airfield.
The allotted hour arrived and Fw. David Kobs, Jaguar Leader, gave the order for the formation to get airborne.
“Approaching target”
“Roger”….”Jaguar 2 and 3, target approaching, prepare to bomb target”
“Jaguar 2 roger”
“Jaguar 3 roger”
“Jaguar 1, Jaguar 1…..this is Jaguar 3, we have developed engine problems, and the port engine is failing”
“Jaguar 3, roger break off and return to base”
“Roger Jaguar 3 returning to base, good luck David”
“I don’t need luck Felix, I have Daniel with me, when we get back your buying”
“Tim plot me a course for home”
“Will do Felix”
“Heads up Jaguar 2, looks like we’ve been spotted, I will give cover while you bomb then I will bomb. Daniel, stay calm, Michael will watch your six”
“Roger ” Fw. Daniel Landler replied in a shaky voice.
The enemy had two aircraft airborne and one just about to get airborne.
As Jaguar 2 approached the target he was greeted by the airfield defence.
Jaguar 2 lined up on the first aircraft and let loose a hail of bullets. Daniel smiled as he saw his bullets ripping into the parked aircraft.
Jaguar 1 saw an enemy aircraft heading for Jaguar 2 and intercepted.
Daniel (Jaguar 2) continuing to strafe the parked aircraft heard shouting in his headset. “DROP THE BOMBS, DROP THE BOMBS”. Without thinking he released his bomb load just as an enemy plane shot passed him, he had been concentrating so much he hadn’t even seen it approach. The enemy AA continued to fire at him.
Michael (Jaguar 2 Rear Gunner) saw the enemy plane shoot past them and half loop onto their tail, without hesitation he opened up on the attacking aircraft.
David (Jaguar 1) saw the second enemy coming straight at him and shots were exchanged.
Daniel (Jaguar 2) also saw the second enemy and quickly opened fire but due to his inexperience, his shots went wide. His rear gunner had better luck, hitting the enemy as it passed.
Jaguar 2s bombs exploded destroying two enemy planes.
Once more the enemy AA targeted Jaguar 2, and once more they missed.
Suddenly Jaguar 1 found two enemy aircraft on his tail and bullets ripped into it. Both Jaguar rear gunners returned fire.
This time the AA targeted Jaguar 1 but to no avail.
The two enemy aircraft continued to pound Jaguar 1, sparks flew as bullets ripped into one of the engines. Sweat poured down Fabian’s face as he desperately tried to shoot the pursuing aircraft.
The AA targeted Jaguar 2 but again they failed to hit anything.
David jettisoned Jaguar 1’s bombs, his aircraft had taken a considerable damage and it was with a heavy heart when he transmitted “Jaguar 2, Jaguar 2 return to base, mission aborted”. He didn’t hear the reply only a scream from his rear gunner just as his aircraft started to break up.
“Jaguar 2 roger”……”Michael why have we been ordered home?”
Long Pause……….”Michael?”
“Daniel, head for home……David and Fabian have been shot down…..”
Long silence……. “Roger”
Fw. David Kobs (pilot)
Fw. Fabian Brenner (Rear Gunner) Wounded
Shot down near Norwegian airfield.
Fw. Daniel Landler (pilot)
OFw. Michael Schuler (Rear Gunner)
2 x parked aircraft destroyed
RTB
Enemy Airfield
2 x parked aircraft destroyed
Sgt Alexis Nilssen
1 x Kill
Heavy damage
RTB
PO Haagen Esse
Heavy damage
RTB
Sgt Bjorn Waage
RTB
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