Date: 8th July 1942
Unit: 3 Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 53
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4/Trop
Werke/Nr. 10243
Code: ?
Location: Woronesh, Russia.
Pilot: Unteroffizier Wilhelm Crinius POW (Born 02.12.1920 in Hohenhausen/Lippe.)
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft was engaged by enemy fire and forced landed at Woronesh, pilot safe.
Note: Wilhelm Crinius joined the 3./JG3 as a Gefreiter in February 1942 in Russia and seven months later was a Feldwebel. His first two aerial victories were achieved on the 09.06.42. Three months later he had reached his 100th victory and received the Knights Cross and Oak Leaves on the same day. Crinius flew as Wolfgang Tonne's wing man. On the 13.01.43 he sustained engine damage during combat with Spitfires over Tunisia and was subsequently taken prisoner. Total of 400 missions, 114 victories, 14 of these over the West Front, 1 four-engined.
Wilhelm Crinius pictured here as Leutnant shortly after receiving his Knights Cross & Oak Leaves
Wilhem Crinius with other Knights Cross holders in conversation with Adolf Hitler
