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Herbert Bachnick

{{Short description|German World War II flying ace (1920–1944)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}

{{Infobox military person

|name=Herbert Bachnick

|birth_date={{birth date|df=yes|1920|02|09}}

|birth_place=Mannheim, Germany

|death_date={{death date and age|df=yes|1944|08|07|1920|02|09}}

|death_place=Myslowitz. Oberschlesien, Germany

|death_cause=Killed in action

|image=

|allegiance={{flag|Nazi Germany}}

|branch={{air force|Nazi Germany}}

|serviceyears=1938–1944

|rank=Leutnant (second lieutenant)

|commands=

|unit=JG 52, JGr Ost

|battles=World War II

|awards=Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

|laterwork=}}

Herbert Bachnick (9 February 1920 – 7 August 1944) was a World War II flying ace in the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) credited with 80 aerial victories—that is, 80 aerial combat encounters resulting in the destruction of the enemy aircraft, all but one over the Eastern Front. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career

Bachnick was born on 9 February 1920 in Mannheim in the Republic of Baden. On 1 October 1938, Bachnik who was a kaufmännischer Angestellter (merchant) in his civil life, joined the military service in Luftwaffe.{{sfn|MacLean|2007|p=39}} Following flight training,{{refn|Flight training in the Luftwaffe progressed through the levels A1, A2 and B1, B2, referred to as A/B flight training. A training included theoretical and practical training in aerobatics, navigation, long-distance flights and dead-stick landings. The B courses included high-altitude flights, instrument flights, night landings and training to handle the aircraft in difficult situations.{{sfn|Bergström|Antipov|Sundin|2003|p=17}}|group="Note"}} he was posted to 9. Staffel (9th squadron), also known as the Karaya-Staffel, of Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52–52nd Fighter Wing) on 5 December 1942 serving on the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=83}} At the time, 9. Staffel was commanded by Hauptmann Ernst Ehrenberg and was subordinated to III. Gruppe (3rd group) of JG 52 headed by Major Hubertus von Bonin.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=537}}

=War against the Soviet Union=

File:9-JG52-ins.svg

In preparation for Operation Citadel and the Battle of Kursk, III. Gruppe moved to the airfield Bessonovka at Ugrim, located south of Kursk, on 3 July. Here, Bachnick claimed his first three aerial victories on 5 July 1943 when he shot down a Petlyakov Pe-2 bomber, an Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft and a Lavochkin La-5 fighter.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=140, 361}} Following these events, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class ({{lang|de|Eisernes Kreuz zweiter Klasse}}) and promoted to Feldwebel (sergeant).{{sfn|Dixon|2023|p=133}} On 2 August, III. Gruppe moved to an airfield at Warwarowka, located south of Belgorod, where they stayed for three days. There, Bachnik claimed an Il-2 ground-attack aircraft and a Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3 fighter shot down on 4 August, and another LaGG-3 the following day.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=142, 363–364}}

On 14 August, the Gruppe relocated to Pereshchepyne where they stayed for four days. Here, Bachnik claimed another LaGG-3 destroyed on 17 August.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=143, 365}} Then flying from Mikhaylovka on 19 August, he again claimed a LaGG-3 fighter.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=144, 365}} On 23 August, III. Gruppe was ordered to an airfield at Makeyevka. Here, Bachnik increased his number of aerial victories claimed to 17 by end-August.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=144, 366}} On 9 September, III. Gruppe moved to an airfield at Dnipropetrovsk, present-day Dnipro, operating from this airfield until 24 September. Here, Bachnik claimed thirteen aerial victories, taking his total to 30 aerial victories.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=146, 367–368}} The Gruppe reached an airfield near Apostolovo on 1 November. With the exception of a brief period from 12 to 20 November when they also used an airfield at Kirovohrad, the Gruppe remained here until 7 January 1944. Here, Bachnik claimed further aerial victories, increasing his total 46 by end of 1943.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=148, 371–372}} Bachnick received the Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe ({{lang|de|Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe}}) on 13 December 1943.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=283}} On 7 January 1944, Bachnik became an "ace-in-a-day" for the first time when he claimed five Il-2 ground-attack aircraft shot down near Nova Praha and Kirovohrad.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}

On 5 February, Bachnick was awarded the German Cross in Gold ({{lang|de|Deutsches Kreuz in Gold}}) for 55 aerial victories claimed.{{sfn|Dixon|2023|p=133}} The Gruppe moved to an airfield at Proskurov, present-day Khmelnytskyi, on 12 March where they stayed until 23 March. Here, Bachnick became an "ace-in-a-day" again on 13 March, and a third time on 19 March.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=181, 374}} On 21 March, he was credited with III. Gruppe{{'}}s 3,500th aerial victory.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=265}} In April, Unteroffizier Bachnick was transferred to 2. Staffel of Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost as an instructor. He was promoted to Leutnant in May. Bachnick was wounded in combat with United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) bombers and fighters on 7 July force landing his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross ({{lang|de|Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes}}) on 27 July for 78 aerial victories.{{sfn|Weal|2007|p=79}}{{sfn|Schreier|1990|p=184}}

Bachnick returned to 9. Staffel of JG 52 following three months as an instructor. At the time, III. Gruppe was based at Kraków in Poland and defending against the Soviet Operation Bagration which defeated Army Group Center under command of Generalfeldmarschall Ernst Busch, retaking all of Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic and securing a foothold in Eastern Poland.{{sfn|Barbas|2010|pp=190–191}} On 7 August 1944, he engaged a USAAF formation and shot down a North American P-51 Mustang. However, his Bf 109 G-6 (Werknummer 166065—factory number) "Yellow 4" was damaged in the encounter. Bachnick attempted a forced landing near Myslowitz but crashed into a railroad embarkment, killing him.{{sfn|Page|2020|p=93}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=319}}{{sfn|Weal|2004|p=109}}

Summary of career

=Aerial victory claims=

According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Bachnik was credited with 80 aerial victories.{{sfn|Zabecki|2014|p=1615}} Spick also lists him with 80 aerial victories, including one four-engined bomber, claimed in 373 combat missions.{{sfn|Spick|1996|p=236}} Obermaier lists Bachnick with 80 aerial victories, 79 of which on the Eastern Front, claimed in 373 combat mission.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=83}} Mathews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and found records for 78 aerial victory claims, plus one further unconfirmed claim, all of which claimed on the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|pp=27–28}}

Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = Planquadrat), for example "PQ 35 Ost 62773". The Luftwaffe grid map ({{lang|de|Jägermeldenetz}}) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude, an area of about {{Convert|360|sqmi|sqkm}}. These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area {{Convert|3|x|4|km|mi|abbr=on|sp=us}} in size.{{sfn|Planquadrat}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders collapsible" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; text-align:right; width: 100%;"
colspan="10" | Chronicle of aerial victories
colspan="10" style="text-align: left;" |

{{legend|#fbec5d;|This and the ♠ (Ace of spades) indicates those aerial victories which made Bachnik an "ace-in-a-day", a term which designates a fighter pilot who has shot down five or more airplanes in a single day. |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|#e3d9ff|This and the – (dash) indicates unconfirmed aerial victory claims for which Bachnik did not receive credit.|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|#faecc8|This and the ? (exclamation mark) indicates information discrepancies listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike, Balke, Bock, Mathews, and Foreman.|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

scope="col" | Claim

!scope="col" | Date

!scope="col" | Time

!scope="col" width="100px" | Type

!scope="col" | Location

!scope="col" style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | Claim

!scope="col" | Date

!scope="col" | Time

!scope="col" width="100px" | Type

!scope="col" | Location

colspan="10" | – 9. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=27}}
Eastern Front — 4 February – 31 December 1943
1

| 5 July 1943

| 12:51

| Pe-2

| PQ 35 Ost 62773{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=483}}
vicinity of {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Oboyan

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 24

| 18 September 1943

| 15:29

| Il-2 m.H.{{refn|The "m.H." refers to an Ilyushin Il-2 with rear gunner ({{lang|de|mit Heckschütze}}).|group="Note"|name="Il-2 m.H."}}

| PQ 34 Ost 68572{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Pavlohrad

2

| 5 July 1943

| 16:42

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 35 Ost 61631{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=483}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Vovchansk

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 25

| 19 September 1943

| 10:15

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 59634{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Pavlohrad

3

| 5 July 1943

| 18:58

| La-5

| PQ 35 Ost 61661, {{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest of Vovchansk{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=483}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Vovchansk

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 26

| 19 September 1943

| 15:28

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 59612{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Pavlohrad

4

| 4 August 1943

| 09:46

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 35 Ost 61161{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=485}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Prokhorovka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 27

| 20 September 1943

| 13:35

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 59471{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Pavlohrad

5

| 4 August 1943

| 13:49

| LaGG-3

| PQ 35 Ost 61354{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=486}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Tomarovka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 28

| 20 September 1943

| 15:40

| P-39

| PQ 34 Ost 58824{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
vicinity of Bolschoj Tomak

6

| 5 August 1943

| 08:35

| LaGG-3

| PQ 35 Ost 61194{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=486}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Krasny Liman

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 29

| 23 September 1943

| 14:10

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 58194{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Zaporizhzhia

7

| 17 August 1943

| 05:20

| LaGG-3

| PQ 35 Ost 70733{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=487}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Izium

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 30

| 23 September 1943

| 14:15

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 58192{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Zaporizhzhia

8

| 19 August 1943

| 13:38

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 88283, southwest of Kuibyschewo{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=487}}
{{Convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Jalisawehino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 31

| 27 November 1943

| 09:07

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 49791{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|55|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Nikopol

9

| 20 August 1943

| 06:13

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88252, Marinowka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=487}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-northeast of Kuteinikovo

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 32

| 27 November 1943

| 14:23

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 48761, Pawlowka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-southwest of Bilozirka

10

| 20 August 1943

| 10:18

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88263{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Marinowka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 33

| 27 November 1943

| 14:26

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 48732{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Nikopol

11

| 21 August 1943

| 07:18

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88282, west of Kuibyschewo{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Jalisawehino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 34

| 27 November 1943

| 14:36

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 48723{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Nikopol

12

| 21 August 1943

| 07:24

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88291, west of Kuibyschewo{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Jalisawehino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 35

| 28 November 1943

| 12:05

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 49841{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Werchnedjeprowak

13

| 21 August 1943

| 11:50

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88432{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Marienkeim

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 36

| 28 November 1943

| 13:45

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 48481{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Nikopol

14

| 22 August 1943

| 16:21

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88284{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Jalisawehino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 37

| 28 November 1943

| 13:49

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 48671{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Nikopol

15

| 22 August 1943

| 16:25

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 88431{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
vicinity of Marienkeim

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 38

| 28 November 1943

| 13:53

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 48622{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Nikopol

16

| 24 August 1943

| 17:55

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 88332{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Kuteinikovo

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 39

| 7 December 1943

| 14:10

| LaGG-3

| north of Golovkovka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}

17

| 24 August 1943

| 17:59

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 88414{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=488}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Jalisawehino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 40

| 13 December 1943

| 12:28

| Il-2 m.H.

| northwest of Varvarovka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=493}}

18

| 11 September 1943

| 11:04

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 60691{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Grishino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 41

| 17 December 1943

| 14:16

| P-39

| PQ 34 Ost 29651{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Nova Praha

19

| 14 September 1943

| style="background:#faecc8" | 10:25?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 10:26.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=27}}|group="Note"}}

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 69652{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-northwest of Grishino

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 42

| 17 December 1943

| 14:19

| P-39

| PQ 34 Ost 29691{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}
{{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Nova Praha

20

| 14 September 1943

| 17:05

| style="background:#faecc8" | Yak-9?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Douglas A-20 Havoc.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=27}}|group="Note"}}

| PQ 34 Ost 69494{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
vicinity of Pavlohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 43

| 19 December 1943

| 12:09

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 48691{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Beloserka

21

| 15 September 1943

| 11:58

| La-5

| PQ 34 Ost 68624{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Polohy

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 44

| 19 December 1943

| 12:16

| Il-2

| PQ 34 Ost 48663{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Beloserka

22

| 18 September 1943

| 15:20

| LaGG-3

| PQ 34 Ost 68814{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Pavlohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 45

| 20 December 1943

| 08:56

| Il-2

| south of Bolshaya Belozerka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}

23

| 18 September 1943

| 15:24

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 59682{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=489}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Pavlohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 46

| 25 December 1943

| 11:12

| Il-2 m.H.

| north of Kamenka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=494}}

colspan="10" | – 9. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|pp=27–28}}
Eastern Front — 1 January – 7 August 1944
style="background:#fbec5d;" | 47♠

| 7 January 1944

| 11:22

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 29823{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Nova Praha

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 64♠

| 13 March 1944

| 16:19

| style="background:#faecc8" | Il-2 m.H.?{{Refn|According to both Barbas,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} and Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov aircraft.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=28}}|group="Note"}}

| PQ 25 Ost 60663{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Balakliia

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 48♠

| 7 January 1944

| 11:25

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 29822{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Nova Praha

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 65♠

| 13 March 1944

| 16:26

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 25 Ost 60063{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Balakliia

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 49♠

| 7 January 1944

| 11:28

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 29684{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Nova Praha

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 66♠

| 13 March 1944

| 16:29

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 60481{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Andreyevka

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 50♠

| 7 January 1944

| 11:45

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 19623{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}
PQ 19632{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-southwest of Kirovohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 67

| 14 March 1944

| 06:14

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70543{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Balakliia

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 51♠

| 7 January 1944

| 11:49

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 29373{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Kirovohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 68

| 14 March 1944

| style="background:#faecc8" | 16:29?{{Refn|According to both Barbas,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} and Mathews and Foreman claimed at 15:40.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=28}}|group="Note"}}

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 70512{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

52

| 8 January 1944

| 14:05

| P-39

| PQ 34 Ost 29392{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Kirovohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 69

| 15 March 1944

| style="background:#faecc8" | 06:48?{{Refn|According to both Barbas,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} and Mathews and Foreman claimed at 06:58.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=28}}|group="Note"}}

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70511{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

53

| 9 January 1944

| 14:05

| Il-2 m.H.

| PQ 34 Ost 29511{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
vicinity of Kirovohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 70

| 17 March 1944

| 10:20

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 60621{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Andreyevka

54

| 23 January 1944

| 13:27

| LaGG

| PQ 34 Ost 19292{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Alekandrovka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 71♠

| 19 March 1944

| 07:06

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 70523,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} east of Parchamowszy{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

55

| 30 January 1944

| 14:27

| LaGG

| PQ 34 Ost 19253{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=258}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=373}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Signajewka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 72♠

| 19 March 1944

| 07:08

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 70611{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of Izium

56

| 26 February 1944

| 14:36

| P-39

| PQ 34 Ost 29562{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Kirovohrad

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 73♠

| 19 March 1944

| 07:11

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70642{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Izium

57

| 7 March 1944

| 10:20

| Pe-2

| PQ 25 Ost 70321{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
vicinity of Shevchenkovo

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 74♠

| 19 March 1944

| 07:35

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70372{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
vicinity of Shevchenkovo

58

| 12 March 1944

| 11:58

| style="background:#faecc8" | LaGG?{{Refn|According to both Barbas,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} and Mathews and Foreman claimed as an Ilyushin Il-2.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=28}}|group="Note"|name="BMF Il-2"}}

| PQ 25 Ost 70512{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#fbec5d;" | 75♠

| 19 March 1944

| 16:33

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 60623{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=260}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Andreyevka

59

| 12 March 1944

| 12:01

| style="background:#faecc8" | LaGG?

| PQ 25 Ost 70374{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
vicinity of Shevchenkovo

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 76

| 21 March 1944

| 13:22

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 60624{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=260}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Andreyevka

60

| 12 March 1944

| 15:46

| style="background:#faecc8" | LaGG?

| PQ 25 Ost 70562{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Izium

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 77

| 21 March 1944

| 13:24

| Il-2

| PQ 25 Ost 60491{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=260}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Balakliia

61

| 12 March 1944

| 16:06

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70612{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of Izium

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 78

| 21 March 1944

| 16:16

| Pe-2

| PQ 25 Ost 70521{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=260}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 62♠

| 13 March 1944

| 16:05

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 70522{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Balakliia

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#e3d9ff;" | {{Center|—}}

| 7 August 1944

| {{Center|—}}

| P-51{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=264}}{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=379}}

| vicinity of Mysłowice

style="background:#fbec5d;" | 63♠

| 13 March 1944

| style="background:#faecc8" | 16:15?{{Refn|According to both Barbas,{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}} and Mathews and Foreman claimed at 16:30.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2014|p=28}}|group="Note"}}

| LaGG

| PQ 25 Ost 60631, south of Kalinowka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Balke|Bock|2022|p=259}}
PQ 60644{{sfn|Barbas|2010|p=374}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Andreyevka

| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |

|

|

|

|

=Awards=

Notes

{{Reflist|group="Note"}}

References

=Citations=

{{Reflist|25em}}

=Bibliography=

{{Refbegin|30em}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Barbas

|first=Bernd

|year=2010

|title=Die Geschichte der III. Gruppe des Jagdgeschwaders 52

|trans-title=The History of 3rd Group of Fighter Wing 52

|language=de

|location=Eutin, Germany

|publisher=Struve-Druck

|isbn=978-3-923457-94-6

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Bergström

|first1=Christer

|author-link1=:sv:Christer Bergström

|last2=Antipov

|first2=Vlad

|last3=Sundin

|first3=Claes

|year=2003

|title=Graf & Grislawski – A Pair of Aces

|location=Hamilton MT

|publisher=Eagle Editions

|isbn=978-0-9721060-4-7

}}

  • {{Cite web

|last=Bergström

|first=Christer

|author-link=:sv:Christer Bergström

|work=Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat

|title=Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website

|url=http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/bc-rs/planquadrat.htm

|access-date=21 March 2019

|ref={{sfnRef|Planquadrat}}

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222042030/http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/bc-rs/planquadrat.htm

|archive-date=22 December 2018

|url-status=dead

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Dixon

|first=Jeremy

|year=2023

|title=Day Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe: Knight's Cross Holders 1943–1945

|location=Barnsley

|publisher=Pen and Sword Books

|isbn=978-1-39903-073-1

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Fellgiebel

|first=Walther-Peer

|author-link=:de:Walther-Peer Fellgiebel

|year=2000

|orig-year=1986

|title=Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile

|trans-title=The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches

|language=German

|location=Friedberg, Germany

|publisher=Podzun-Pallas

|isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=MacLean

|first=French L

|year=2007

|title=Luftwaffe Efficiency & Promotion Reports: For the Knight's Cross Winners

|volume=One

|location=Atglen, Pennsylvania

|publisher=Schiffer Military History

|isbn=978-0-7643-2657-8

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Mathews

|first1=Andrew Johannes

|last2=Foreman

|first2=John

|year=2014

|title=Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 1 A–F

|location=Walton on Thames

|publisher=Red Kite

|isbn=978-1-906592-18-9

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Obermaier

|first=Ernst

|year=1989

|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945

|trans-title=The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Luftwaffe Fighter Force 1939 – 1945

|language=de

|location=Mainz, Germany

|publisher=Verlag Dieter Hoffmann

|isbn=978-3-87341-065-7

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Page

|first=Neil

|year=2020

|title=Day Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe 1943–45

|location=Philadelphia, PA

|publisher=Casemate Publishers

|isbn=978-1-61200-879-0

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Patzwall

|first1=Klaus D.

|last2=Scherzer

|first2=Veit

|year=2001

|title=Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II

|trans-title=The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2

|language=de

|location=Norderstedt, Germany

|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall

|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Patzwall

|first1=Klaus D.

|year=2008

|title=Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg

|trans-title=The Honor Goblet for Outstanding Achievement in the Air War

|language=de

|location=Norderstedt, Germany

|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall

|isbn=978-3-931533-08-3

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Prien

|first1=Jochen

|last2=Stemmer

|first2=Gerhard

|last3=Rodeike

|first3=Peter

|last4=Bock

|first4=Winfried

|year=2006

|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 9/II—Vom Sommerfeldzug 1942 bis zur Niederlage von Stalingrad—1.5.1942 bis 3.2.1943

|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 9/II—From the 1942 Summer Campaign to the Defeat at Stalingrad—1 May 1942 to 3 February 1943

|language=de

|location=Eutin, Germany

|publisher=Struve-Druck

|isbn=978-3-923457-77-9

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Prien

|first1=Jochen

|last2=Stemmer

|first2=Gerhard

|last3=Rodeike

|first3=Peter

|last4=Bock

|first4=Winfried

|year=2012

|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 12/II—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943

|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/II—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943

|language=de

|location=Eutin, Germany

|publisher=Buchverlag Rogge

|isbn=978-3-942943-05-5

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last1=Prien

|first1=Jochen

|last2=Stemmer

|first2=Gerhard

|last3=Balke

|first3=Ulf

|last4=Bock

|first4=Winfried

|year=2022

|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 15/II—Einsatz im Osten—1.1. bis 31.12.1944

|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 15/II—Action in the East—1 January to 31 December 1944

|language=de

|location=Eutin, Germany

|publisher=Buchverlag Rogge

|isbn=978-3-942943-28-4

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Scherzer

|first=Veit

|year=2007

|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives

|trans-title=The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives

|language=de

|location=Jena, Germany

|publisher=Scherzers Militaer-Verlag

|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Schreier

|first=Hans

|year=1990

|title=JG 52 Das erfolgreichste Jagdgeschwader des 2. Weltkriegs

|trans-title=JG 52 The Most Successful Fighter Wing of World War II

|language=de

|location=Berg am See

|publisher=K. Vowinckel

|isbn=978-3-921655-66-5

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Spick

|first=Mike

|year=1996

|title=Luftwaffe Fighter Aces: The Jadgflieger and their Combat Tactics and Techniques

|location=Barnsley

|publisher=Pen & Sword

|isbn=978-1-84832-627-9

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Weal

|first=John

|year=2004

|title=Jagdgeschwader 52: The Experten

|series=Aviation Elite Units

|volume=15

|location=Oxford, UK

|publisher=Osprey Publishing

|isbn=978-1-84176-786-4

}}

  • {{Cite book

|last=Weal

|first=John

|year=2007

|title=More Bf 109 Aces of the Russian Front

|series=Aircraft of the Aces

|volume=76

|location=Oxford, UK

|publisher=Osprey Publishing

|isbn=978-1-84603-177-9

}}

  • {{Cite book

|editor-last=Zabecki

|editor-first=David T.

|editor-link=David T. Zabecki

|title=Germany at War: 400 Years of Military History

|location=Santa Barbara, California

|publisher=ABC-Clio

|year=2014

|isbn=978-1-59884-981-3

}}

{{Refend}}

{{Knight's Cross recipients of JG 52}}

{{Subject bar

| portal1=Aviation

| portal2=Biography

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bachnick, Herbert}}

Category:German World War II flying aces

Category:Recipients of the Gold German Cross

Category:Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Category:Aviators killed by being shot down

Category:Luftwaffe personnel killed in World War II

Category:1944 deaths

Category:1920 births

Category:Military personnel from Mannheim