The Wartime Memories Project - Erprobungskommando 16

It is not possible to fully understand the history of the Second World War without refering to the forces of the Axis.
The Wartime Memories Project is purely a historical resource and the information contacted in this section is for historical educational. We are a Non Political organisation and do not support the ideas of The Third Riech, we simply present the facts.

Information.

Erprobungskommando 16 or EK 16, an operational training unit, was formed during July 1943 at Pennemünde West. The unit moved to Bad Zwischenahn before the first group of pilot trainees arrived as the result of allied bombing at Pennemünde. The first group of 30 pilots arrived in the autumn and began training to fly the Messerschmitt Me 163, also known as The Komet.

The Me 163 was a significant technological accomplishment, being a small rocket powered fighter-intercepter. Flying the new aircraft was very hazardous, the fuel, C-Stoff, was highly volatile and it incorportated an unusal undercarriage, a wheeled trolley that was jettisoned after takeoff and an extendable skid for an unpowered glider style landing. The skid system was unreliable and many pilots were injured on landing.

Bad Zwischenahn was bombed on 15 August 1944 resulting in another move for EK16, to Brandis.

List of those who served in Erprobungskommando 16.

Lt. August Hachtel. armaments test pilot.
Rudolf Opitz. pilot.

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Recollections from members of the forces or civilians are welcome and will be treated with the utmost respect.