Date: 8th November 1943
Unit: Stab./Fernaufklärungsgruppe 122
Type: Junkers Ju 88D -1
Werke/Nr.430593
Coded: 4U + UH
Location: NE of Pescara, Italy.
Pilot: Major. Helmut Orlowski (Gruppenkommandeur & Ritterkreuzträger) – Killed.
Observer: Hauptmann. Karl-Heinz Hilbig. – Killed.
Radio/Op: Oberfeldwebel. Albert Kelbsch. – Killed.
REASON FOR LOSS:
This aircraft of the 1./(F)123 was being piloted by the Gruppenkommandeur of (F)122 Major Helmut Orlowski. During the flight they were attacked by fighters (P-40) and it is believed that they were shot down by 1/Lt Clarence F Musgrave of the 65th FS, 57th FG one mile off Pescara, Italy.
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Helmut Orlowski together with Albert Kelbsch (Brownless)cccccccc Fine portrait photo of this officer.cccccccc
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Major Orlowski was awarded the Knights Cross just a few weeks earlier on the 19.09.1943
and was decorated with the award personally by General Bülowius on the 06.10.1943, just two days before his death.
Burial detail:
None found on German VDK website – Possibly missing in the sea?
Research & compiled by Melvin Brownless May 2013.
