Steinhoff, Johannes

Typed letter signed, one page, 8,25 x 11,75 inch, personal stationery, (Bad Krozingen), 2.10.1974, in German, reply letter to Mr. Temmen - concerning his time as fighter pilot, signed in black ink "J. Steinhoff", with intersecting letter folds - in nearly very fine condition.

In parts:
"... Ich bin im Jahre 1936 nach Upjever gekommen und gehörte damals der Küstenjagdstaffel 136 an. 1938 habe ich dann Jever verlassen und bin zu Kriegsbeginn zurückgekehrt. Damals führte ich die 2. Jagdstaffel des Geschwaders 52, mit der ich an der Luftschlacht über der deutschen Bucht teilnahm..."

Translated:
"... I came up in 1936 and belonged to the Coastal Hunting Squadron 136 at that time. In 1938 I left Jever and returned to the war. At that time, I led the 2nd Squadron of Squadron 52*, with whom I participated in the Battle of the German Bay..."

* Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) was a German World War II fighter-wing that exclusively used the Messerschmitt Bf 109 throughout the war. The unit originally formed near Munich in November 1938, then moved to a base near Stuttgart. JG 52 became the most successful fighter-wing of all time, with a claimed total of more than 10,000 victories over enemy aircraft during World War II.