7 August, 1944

Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 "black 12" (W.Nr. 20034 or 20634 ?)
In the area of Le Mans
(contributors : Jean-Louis Roba, Frédéric Hénoff)

Pilot
Gefreiter Hans THRAN - 10./JG 26, killed.
Born September 27, 1923 in Königsberg (East Prussia, now Kaliningrad in Russia).
He was the son of Johann Thran, living at 39 c Bahnhofstrasse, Reichenberg, Sudetenland (now Liberec in Czechia).
A victory was attributed to Hans THRAN on the day of his disappearance on a P-47 Thunderbolt around 3:15 p.m. in Le Mans sector

THE STORY

August 7, 1944, loss of Gefreiter Hans THRAN in Le Mans region aboard his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6

According to German documents, on August 7, 1944, THRAN took off with a group of fighters for a free fight in the Mortain region. Around 3:10 p.m., they had to face American Thunderbolts (presumably from the 368^th FG). THRAN climbed to get into a firing position, and shot down a Thunderbolt. After this Thunderbolt was shot down, THRAN was probably shot down himself and had to bail out. Hanging from his parachute, he was machine-gunned and killed by Thunderbolts only 20 m above the ground.
On the American side (368^th FG), no loss was declared. And 2 air kills were claimed on Messerschmitt 109s, one for Captain J.J. McLachlan (his first victory in 75 missions) and one for Lieutenant A.E. Benton.

The document below, a list of losses ("Verlust-Listen Nummer" or VLN), provides extra information :
- " Feindbeobachtet Einsatz West " :
THRAN was probably carrying out an observation and attack mission of the Western Front (advance of the Allied forces).
- "Die Leiche wurde dem franz. Friedhofswärter un Le Mans übergeben" : THRAN's body was handed over to the guardians of the Le Mans cemetery.
- " Benachrichtiging des Vaters erfolgt gem.den Bestimmungen im L.V.Blatt durch den Staffelkapitän. Der Nachlass wird dem Vater zugesandt." : it is specified that THRAN's father was notified by the Squadron captain in accordance with the provisions of the L.V. sheet. The personal effects were sent back to the father.

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Document collection Jean-Louis Roba

GEFREITER HANS THRAN

The document below ("Ehrenbuch" or "Booklet of Honor"), dated August 12, 1944, gives us some information about Hans THRAN :

• Hans THRAN went to high school.
• he was enlisted on December 1, 1941 in the 5./Flieger-Ausbildung-Regiment 61, a Luftwaffe personnel training regiment based in Oschatz, Saxony where he remained until March 2, 1942.
• from March 3, 1942 to May 1, 1942, he was assigned to the 2./Fluganwärter-Bataillon in Finsterwalde (Brandenburg).
• from May 2, 1942 to November 6, 1942, he joined the 5./Fluganwärter-Bataillon 2.
• from November 7, 1942 to September 1, 1943, he attended fly training at the Flugzeugführerschule A/B 9 Schüko.
• he was then assigned to 3./JG 103 (unit dedicated to pilot training), from September 2, 1943 to February 13, 1944.
• then he joined 2./JG 102 from February 14, 1944 to March 15, 1944.
• he moved to 1./JG 102 from March 16, 1944 to March 25, 1944
• he then went to 2./Jagdgruppe Ost from March 26 to May 1, 1944.
• he was finally assigned to 10./JG 26 "Schlageter" from May 2, 1944 to the day of his disappearance, August 7, 1944.
• it is said of him that Thran was a young and fresh talented soldier with good mental and physical abilities. He had an honest and frank character. Passionate fighter pilot, with verve and an attacking spirit. His commitment and courage were exemplary. Very popular among comrades due to his cheerful nature and constant willingness to help.

• THRAN became a non-commissioned officer on August 1, 1944. He had one victory and had made 14 war flights.

Document collection Jean-Louis Roba