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Major Werner Hoffmann
Born in 1918, Werner Hoffman began flying gliders in 1932 before joining the Luftwaffe in 1936, being awarded his pilots bagde in June 1938. A month later, he was with 7./JG234 which, at the beginning of May 1939, became one of the first Destroyer units, I./ZG52. He was assigned to 4./ZG2 and took part in the Battle of France, scoring his first victory, a Spitfire, over Dunkirk. After being wounded, he served as a Staffelkapitan with Erganzungs Zerstorer Gruppe in Denmark, before retraining as a night fighter. Becoming Staffelkpitan of 5./NJG3, he took part in the Channel Dash operations. Hoffmann claimed two twin engine RAF bombers during the 1,000 bomber raid on the night of 25th - 26th June 1942, his first victories at night. In July 1943 he was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of I./NJG5. By the end of 1943, his victory total had increased to 18, but on 20th January 1944 his aircraft was damaged by a Lancaster bomber and he was forced to bale out. At the end of January 1944, he shot down three Halifaxes one night, followed by two Lancasters the following night. With further victories over four-engined bombers at night, his tally grew until the night of 16th - 17th March 1945, when his Ju88 was shot down by a Mosquito night fighter, thought to have been the 239 Sqn Mosquito of British Ace Dennis Hughes. He flew almost 200 missions, scoring 51 night and 1 day victories. Awarded the Knight's Cross in 1943, he was nominated for the Oak Leaves. Werner Hoffman passed away on 8th July 2011.
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Duel in the Dark by Robert Taylor. The air war fought throughout World War II in the night skies above Europe raged six long years. RAF Hurricanes sent up to intercept the Luftwaffes nightly blitz on British cities had no more equipment than the fighters that fought the Battle of Britain during the day, but as the scale of nightly conflict developed, detection and navigation aids - primitive by todays standards - were at the cutting edge of World War II aviation technology. As the air war progressed the intensity of the RAFs nightly raids grew to epic proportions, and the Luftwaffe night-fighters became a critical last line of defence as their cities were pounded from above. By 1944 the Luftwaffe was operating sophisticated systems coordinating radar, searchlights and flak batteries, enabling effective guidance to increasingly wily aircrews flying equipment-laden aircraft. But the RAF had in turn developed their own detection equipment, and the nightly aerial contests between fighters and bombers were desperate affairs. Night-fighter pilots were men of special calibre, requiring a blend of all the best piloting and navigational qualities combined with patience, determination, and no small element of cunning. They were hunters in the purest sense, constantly honing their skills, and pitting their wits against a formidable foe. The young aircrews of the Luftwaffe fought a brave but losing battle in defence of their homeland, but their dedication never faltered, and their bravery is legend. Robert Taylor pays tribute to this courageous and skilled group of flyers with his new painting Duel in the Dark. It is August 1944. As Lancaster heavy bombers of 106 Squadron approach the target, Major Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, Kommandeur of IV./ NJG1 and the Luftwaffes top-scoring night- fighter pilot, makes a daring attack passing feet below the mighty four-engine aircraft. Flying his Me110 night-fighter among the flak and searchlights he has scored hits on the bombers outer starboard engine. While his gunner fiercely returns fire from the bombers front turret gunner, the night-fighter Ace will slip into the shadows before selecting another quarry. His nights work is not yet done. |
| Major Werner Hoffmann Aircraft details |
 Ju88 Manufacturer : Junkers Built : 15000 | Ju88 The German Junkers JU 88 twin engined Bomber of World war two. The first prototype first flew in December 1936 with a civilian registration of D-AQEN it managed a top speed of 360 mph. This would give the German air force the Luftwaffe a fast multi role bomber. The Junkers JU 88 was used as a night fighter, reconnaissance and Torpedo Bomber. In total there were 15,000 JU 88's built during the war JU88 losses unknown serial numbers at this stage 11/12.07.40: Target Avonmouth & Portishead: Ju 88A of I/KG 51 4 NCO's missing Failed to return and probably crashed into the sea. 11/12.07.40: Target Avonmouth & Portishead: Ju 88A of 3/KG 51 Ofw. Josef Rattel (F) killed 1 NCO injured 2 others uninjured This aircraft was unable to precisely identify the target because of intense flak. It suffered engine failure on the return flight and crashed and burnt out at Varnevil while on approach to landing. 22.08.40: Reconnaissance over Filton: Ju 88A-1, 7A+AL, of 3(F)/121 Ogefr. W.Kuhweide ( ) killed Ltn. R.Pfundtner ( ) POW injured Oblt. Baudler ( ) POW injured Flg. A.Leber ( ) POW injured Crashed at 16.00 hrs at Upcott Farm, Beaford, nr. Okehampton, Devon. Shot down by Spitfires of Green Section, 152 Sq. (Warmwell) following an attack by P/O. W.Beaumont. 11/12.04.41: Target Bristol area: Ju 88A-5, B3+GN of 5/KG 54 Uffz. Karl Funke (F) missing Fw. Josef Höhnhorst (Bf) missing Gefr. Heinz Bretschneider (Bs) missing Gefr. Horst Heller (B) missing Failed to return, probably crashed into the sea | ||||||
 Me110 Manufacturer : Messerschmitt | Me110 The Bf-110 grew out of Herman Gorings specifications for a multipurpose aircraft capable of penetrating deep into enemy airspace to clear the sky of enemy fighters in advance of German bomber formations. The aircraft would also be utilized as a long range interceptor, and as a ground support and ground attack bomber. The Bf-110 prototype first flew in 1936. The prototype was under powered with its Daimier Benz DB 600A engines. Several months passed before a go ahead was given for large scale production which commenced in 1938. Utilizing improved DB 601 engines, the early production 110s were as fast as any single engine fighter at that time, and had superior fire power. Their biggest apparent weakness was in the areas of armor protection for the crew, and in terms of maneuverability when compared to single seat fighters. The 110 was produced in large numbers and in many different variants. The 110D was the long range model. An additional belly tank was fitted to that aircraft, with several later variants having the more traditional drop tanks. The first serious test for the Bf-110 came during the Battle of Britain. About 300 Bf-110s were involved. They became easy prey for Hurricane and Spitfire pilots, and Bf-109s were often required to assist the 110s in their own defense. On August 15, 1940, which became known as Black Tuesday, the Bf-110s were ravaged by the RAF, and for the month over 100 aircraft were lost. On the Eastern Front the Bf-110 performed admirably in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. With the Soviet Air Force weakened in the first several weeks of the attack, 110s were effectively utilized in a ground attack role. Ultimately, the Luftwaffe re-equipped a significant number of its 110s as night fighters. The aircraft performed well in this role because it was a good gun platform with sufficient speed to overtake the RAF night bombers. Such night missions were typically carried out with no Allied fighter escort, so the 110 night fighters would not have to engage or elude Allied fighters in this role. | ||||||
| Major Werner Hoffmann Squadron details |
Known Victory Claims - Werner Hoffmann | |||||||
DATE | PILOT | UNIT | JG | CLAIMED | LOCATION | TIME | FRONT |
| 24/05/1940 | Ltn. Werner Hoffmann | 1 | ZG 52 | Spitfire | Dünkirchen | - | Western Front |
| 24/05/1940 | Ltn. Werner Hoffmann | 1 | ZG 52 | Hurricane | Dünkirchen | - | Western Front |
| 26/06/1942 | Oblt. Werner Hoffmann | 5 | NJG 3 | Hudson | 6km SE Heide | 2.26 | Western Front |
| 26/06/1942 | Oblt. Werner Hoffmann | 5 | NJG 3 | Whitley | 6km N. Busum | 3.24 | Western Front |
| 21/04/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Halifax | 1.5km E. Eggesin: 4000m | 0.45 | Western Front |
| 21/04/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Halifax | 500m S. Güt-Borkum: 3800m | 0.5 | Western Front |
| 25/06/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 6278: 5300m | 1.24 | Western Front |
| 25/06/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Wellington | 1km S. Brasel: 4700m | 1.54 | Western Front |
| 25/06/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 3km SW Erkelenz | 1.21 | Western Front |
| 29/06/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 4 | NJG 5 | Stirling | 3km NW Lommel: 2000m | 2.18 | Western Front |
| 04/09/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Mitte Berlin: 6000m | 0.32 | Western Front |
| 07/09/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | E. München: 5800m | 0.24 | Western Front | |
| 07/09/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | S. München: 5000m | 0.45 | Western Front |
| 27/09/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 50km S. Hannover: 4500m | 23.18 | Western Front |
| 18/10/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 5-10km 030 ° Hannover: 5900m | 20.25 | Western Front |
| 22/10/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 35km N.Kassel: 6100m | 21.14 | Western Front |
| 22/10/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Buckeburg: 6300m | 21.32 | Western Front |
| 23/11/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | GF 3: 5000m [SW Berlin] | 20.08 | Western Front |
| 02/12/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Berlin: 6500m | 20.23 | Western Front |
| 02/12/1943 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Berlin: 6500m | 20.34 | Western Front |
| 02/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Berlin | 3.06 | Western Front |
| 20/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | EE-9: Berlin [20km NNE Rathenow] | 19.2 | Western Front |
| 29/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | DF-8: 5km N. Neuruppin | 3.12 | Western Front |
| 29/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | FH-5: Berlin | 3.27 | Western Front |
| 29/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | FH-5: 25km NE Berlin | 3.55 | Western Front |
| 30/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Berlinmitte | 20.15 | Western Front |
| 30/01/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Berlinmitte | 20.36 | Western Front |
| 15/02/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | TD 7: 5800m [Mecklenburger Bucht] | 20.48 | Western Front |
| 20/02/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | GB-9: 5900m [25km E. Braunschweig] | 2.51 | Western Front |
| 20/02/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | bei Stendal: 5000m | 3.17 | Western Front |
| 04/05/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 15-20km S. Mailly le Camp: 3000m | 0.36 | Western Front |
| 04/05/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 15-20km S. Mailly le Camp: 2500m | 00.36-37 | Western Front |
| 03/06/1944 | Hptm. Werner Hoffmann | 1 | NJG 5 | UB 3: 2000m [S. Elbeuf] | 1.24 | Western Front | |
| 28/06/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | 05 Ost S/OD: 3000m [Samer-Desvres] | 3.5 | Western Front |
| 29/06/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | 04 Ost N/TH: 2000m [Fismes-Reims] | 0.58 | Western Front |
| 08/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 05 Ost S/TD-UD: 4000m [S. Gisors] | 1.31 | Western Front |
| 08/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | RC-9/RD-4: 3200m [Blangy] | 1.4 | Western Front |
| 08/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 05 Ost S/RG: 3500m [St. Quentin] | 1.5 | Western Front |
| 13/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 04 Ost N/GL-3-CM 4: 2000m | 2.12 | Western Front |
| 13/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | 04 Ost N/GL-2 od. GL-5: 1900m [10km SE Joinville] | 2.18 | Western Front |
| 15/07/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | CL-24: 3000m [Pancey] | 2.1 | Western Front |
| 30/08/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | RA: 3300m [25km NW Königsberg] | 1.37 | Western Front |
| 20/12/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | PS-84 | MD-61: 4500m [E. Libau] | 17.19 | Eastern Front |
| 20/12/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | DB-3F | OC-2: 4200m [E. Libau] | 18.09 | Eastern Front |
| 20/12/1944 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | DB-3F | OC-12: 3800m [E. Libau] | 18.28 | Eastern Front |
| 06/01/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | Danziger Bucht | 21.12 | Western Front |
| 14/02/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | SW Bad Kissingen | 22.11 | Western Front |
| 14/02/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | B-17 | SW Bad Kissingen | 22.58 | Western Front |
| 16/03/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | E. Ansbach | 21.3 | Western Front |
| 16/03/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Halifax | Ansbach | 21.26 | Western Front |
| 16/03/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | SW Schwabisch Hall | 21.18 | Western Front |
| 08/04/1945 | Major Werner Hoffmann | Stab I. | NJG 5 | Lancaster | Weissenfels | 23 | Western Front |
Known Claims : 52
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