Date: 4th May 1944
Unit: 6 Staffel./Jagdgeschwader 1
Type: Focke Wulf Fw 190A-7
Werke/Nr.652551
Coded: 13 + (Yellow).
Location: Goettingen, Germany.
Pilot: Unteroffizier. Willi Siewers.
REASON FOR LOSS:
On 4.5.44 at 0922 hours I took off as section member of the 6th squadron of II./JG1 following a period of “ground readiness.” At 1050 hours I reported to my section leader the need to land at Goettingen due to a lack of fuel. After overflying the airfield I made my landing approach during which I was attacked by two Mustangs. They came out of the clouds from above and to the left (of my aircraft). I immediately turned and as I came out of the turn shot at a Mustang that was in front of and below me at a distance of 300-500 meters. During my attack I observed a dark smoke trail. I managed to score hits on the engine and radiator and lost the Mustang from my view. A further attack on the second Mustang was not possible as my cockpit was covered in oil and visibility was nil (due to oil on the windscreen). I climbed my fighter and then jumped with the parachute. While hanging in my chute the second Mustang shot at me with two short bursts of fire. I landed on the gable of a house in Goettingen.
Note: Only one P-51 Mustang is listed lost on this day in Germany. This aircraft, P-51B Serial No.43-6873 (YF-V) of Lieutenant. Donald M Martyn 358FS, 355FG failed to return from operations and is listed as killed. I would tend to believe that this is the aircraft that Uffz. Siewers reports he hit during combat.
Willi Siewers pictured in flight gear (Jeckel).
Copy of Willi’s original combat report in German (Jeckel)
Researched & compiled by Melvin Brownless with thanks to Horst Jeckel and Dave Kirby (March) 2013.