Luftwaffe Award Doc Set – 3.(F)/122 – Ju 88 Loss January 1942 – MIA/KIA England

Original WWII Luftwaffe award document grouping belonging to Gefreiter Hans-Georg Blunck of 3.(F)/122, including his Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse and Frontflugspange für Aufklärer in Bronze.

The grouping includes:

• Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, awarded 10 January 1942, issued by the Chef der Luftflotte 3 und Befehlshaber West.
• Frontflugspange für Aufklärer in Bronze, awarded 2 January 1942, to Gefr. Hans-Georg Blunck, 3.(F)/122, at the Gefechtsstand of the IX. Fliegerkorps.
• Additional original Luftwaffe award documentation for the same recipient.

Of particular interest is the documented wartime fate of Blunck. He served as wireless operator aboard Ju 88A-5 Werknummer 0440, coded F6+PL, of 3.(F)/122. The aircraft failed to return from a mission on 19 January 1942 and was subsequently reported missing.

According to the available loss account, the aircraft was attacked by a Spitfire of RAF No. 145 Squadron, flown by Squadron Leader Tony Lovell, DFC. Following repeated attacks, the Ju 88 reportedly suffered a starboard engine fire, turned to starboard and dived into the sea, crashing approximately 20 miles east of Whitby. The entire crew was lost:

• Fw. Gerhard Drassdo – Observer
• Gefr. Hans Blunck – Wireless Operator
• Gefr. Johann Bauer – Gunner

This gives the award documents a particularly interesting connection to a specific operational Ju 88 loss, rather than merely documenting an unidentified Luftwaffe serviceman.

A highly interesting Luftwaffe reconnaissance document grouping with identified unit, aircraft, crew position and documented operational loss.

Condition: Period condition with folds, age-related staining and handling marks. Please see photographs for details.