Günther Frenzel – Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung 1

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Frenzel

Leutnant Günther Frenzel (19 March 1919 – 12 March 2011) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe transport and special mission pilot of Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung 1 (KG z.b.V. 1). He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 December 1942 as Feldwebel und Staffelführer of 11. Staffel / KG z.b.V. 1, in recognition of his daring missions and exceptional skill as a transport pilot under the most dangerous conditions.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 23 December 1942 as Feldwebel und Staffelführer, 11./KG z.b.V. 1

• Various campaign and service awards (not detailed here)

Career Highlights

• ~200 Operational Flights: Frenzel accumulated around 200 combat missions, primarily in the Ju-52, often under heavy enemy fire.

• Stellar Navigation: Volunteered to locate a downed bomber crew deep in enemy territory, successfully navigating by the stars to rescue them.

• Captured Aircraft Operation: Took part in special operations flying captured Vickers Wellington bombers against Allied fuel depots in the Congo. On one such mission, he even landed at a Belgian-Congo airfield, refueled, and then bombed the same base.

• Escape from Captivity: Captured during Operation Crusader at Derna airfield, he escaped the same day with his flight mechanic by seizing their Ju-52 under British fire, taking off during a German air attack.

• Survivor of a Mass Shoot-Down: While flying across the Mediterranean, Frenzel’s transport was the only survivor out of 13 Ju-52s ambushed by British fighters. Despite being badly wounded and his aircraft heavily damaged, he kept it airborne for 45 minutes before crash-landing near the coast, saving all aboard. Field Marshal Albert Kesselring personally visited him in hospital to commend his bravery.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcardsize

• Condition: Good, with clear signature

Collector’s Note

Frenzel’s service stands out for the audacity and uniqueness of his missions: captured Allied bombers, daring escapes, and survival against overwhelming odds. His signature is a scarce and desirable addition to any collection focusing on Ritterkreuzträger, Luftwaffe transport units, or extraordinary air operations of WWII.