Description
You are bidding on a SUPERB and VERY RARE WW2 German Luftwaffe Pilot’s Badge and Document Grouping! These belonged to Oberfeldwebel Friedrich Meder, who flew with 2./ZG76 throughout the war. He flew such aircraft as the Me109, Me110, and Me410!
Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 76) was a heavy fighter wing of the German Luftwaffe during WW2. They operated the Me109 in the early phases, and then transferred over to the Me110 and Me410 for the duration of the war.
Created in 1939 they flew the Me110 in the Invasion of Poland; the Battle of the German Bight; the German invasion of Denmark; the Norwegian Campaign; the Battle of Belgium; the Battle of France; the Battle of Britain; the invasion of Yugoslavia; the Battle of Greece; and Battle of Crete.
In 1943, it was re-formed as a heavy fighters unit in Defense of the Reich, however after the induction of long-range US fighter escorts resulting in heavy casualties, and operations were scaled down until the final disbandment of ZG76 in September 1944.
Oberfeldwebel Friedrich Meder and his Radio Operator, Unteroffizier Paul Kiehn were shot down over Raab, Austria on June 14, 1944, by a heavy escort of P-51 Mustangs who were escorting B-17s. He was flying Me410 (M8+8), W.Nr. 120019.
Made of Zinc by FLL (Friedrich Linden Lüdenscheid) this Pilot Badge and Document grouping is a AMAZING piece of history! The badge itself is unmarked, but that is quite typical of the maker. Some wear and paint loss, but that is typical of these late-war badges. Additional items include:
SIX original Wartime Photos of Meder (one shows him wearing this exact badge)
SIX Enlarged Copies of the photos notea above
Photocopy of the Official Loss Report (Details his loss while in his Me410, including location)
Official Death Notice & Location (Dated June 27, 1946)
A hand-typed and signed letter from the Nephew of Friedrich Meder, who gifted this grouping to Mr. Steven J. Hall in the UK in 2003.
A brief account of the loss in English.
Gymnastics Society Document (Dated July 18, 1933)
Ration / Meal Tickets
Due to the age, there is some slight age, wear, toning and patina to all items…but nothing that detracts. A FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
