Nightfighters - Rudolf Altendorf of 2./NJG4

[OP-researcher]

Can anyone tell me if any of the German nightfighter pilots wrote or co-wrote their biographies?

[John Williams]

I do have some infomation on Rudi Altendorf. What did you have in mind ?

Regfards,

John.

[OP-researcher]

Hi John,
Anything on Rudi or his unit covering July, 1943 would be interesting. Regards OP-researcher.

[John Williams]

Oblt Rudolf Altendorf's only success in July occured on the night of 13/14 July 1943 when he downed two Halifaxs in an attack on Aachen.

The first at 02.19hrs 10 kms south of Maubeuge which was 102 Sqn Halifax JD297 with the loss of all the crew of 7 which included the Wing Commander H R Coventry DFC and the Gunnery Leader F/L G F Hogg.

The second was Halifax from 78 Sqn JD108 which crashed 1 1/2 kms N E of Froid-Chapelle at 02.36hrs with the loss of 3 KIA, 3 Evaded, 2 POW.

These were his 17 and 18 victories as a nightfighter pilot. On the 26 July 1943 Rudi received the Honour Goblet.

Can I ask what is your interest in Rudi Altendorf ? I hope this helps.

Regards,

John.

[OP-researcher]

Hi John thanks for the info.

May I ask why your asking?

OP-researcher

[John Williams]

My uncle waqs shot down by Rudi Altendorf.

John.

[OP-researcher]

A relative of mine was the Bomb Aimer on JD297 one of the Halifax’s you mentioned before.
OP-researcher

[John Williams]

Mine, was the rear gunner in HR980 lost on HR980 23/24 August 1943, 158 Sqn.

John.

[OP-researcher]

Lots of information about 158 Sqdn and HR980 on the net. In contrast there seems very little about JD297 or 102 Sqdn.

Have you read "Tail Gunner" by By S/L Rivaz?


OP-researcher