Date: 24th April 1942
Unit: 1 Staffel/Fernaufklaerungsgruppe 123
Type: Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4
Werke Nr. 8765
Code: ?
Location: In the English Channel, off the Isle of Wight
Pilot: Unteroffizier Rolf Grassberger 69004/243 Killed (Born 21.08.1920 in Salzburg.)
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft crashed and sank in the sea in unknown circumstances.
The body of Unteroffizier Grassberger was washed ashore at Alum Bay, Isle of Wight on the 30.05.42
Unteroffizier Rolf Grassberger was the replacement Me 109 pilot of Unteroffizier Kurt Thuene who failed to return after mission on the 07.01.1942.
Unteroffizier Rolf Grassberger killed in action
A.I.1.(k) Report No. 131/1942 states the following;
It is evident from documents that this man was a fighter pilot and that he was a member of 1./(F)123 - presumably engaged on photo reconnaissance.
The finding of his body is thought to establish a further loss of this unit, which, from the condition of the body, must have taken place about three weeks previously. The following details of this pilot's career were obtained from documents.
17.01.40 Pay book issued by 1/Fl. A.R.13, Neubiberg
30.03.40 Reservelazarett Pilsen (appendicitus)
17.05.40 3/Fl.A.R. 13
20.06.40 Flugzeugfuehrerschule (A/B) 4. Prag/Gbell
01.12.40 Promoted to Gefreiter
05.05.41 A/B pilot's certificate issued by Flugzeugfuehrerschule Prag/Gbell
21.06.41 Flugzeugfuehrerschule (A/B) 4, Schwechat
17.07.41 Jagdfliegerschule 2
16.08.41 F.P.N. L.07101a Paris
10.11.41 Appointed Offizieranswaerter by 1/Jagdfliegerschule 5
01.12.41 Promoted to Unteroffizier by 1/Jagdfliegerschule 5
25.01.42 F.P.N. L.37984 Paris (Unknown)
12.02.42 Aufklaerungsgruppe 123, 1st Staffel.
Burial detail:
Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof Cannock Chase, Staffs, England. Block 7, Grave Nr. 251.
