BACKGROUND: Development and production of German military aircraft was the responsibility of the Luftzeugmeister, (Air Inspector General), which was subordinate to the RLM, Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry). As early as 1938 development of a rocket powered aircraft was being undertaken by Professor Alexander M. Lippisch which eventually would become the first, and only operational rocket powered aircraft of WWII. The development of what was to become the Me 163 Komet was transferred from Lippisch to the Messerschmitt aircraft company and prototypes were being flown as early as 1941. Difficulties in production delayed the actual use of the Komet until it became operational in August 1944, being distributed to Jagdgeschwader 400, (Fighter Wing 400), the only unit to receive the aircraft. Development of the first operational jet powered fighter was also being undertaken as early as 1938 with the first prototypes being flown in early 1941, with the first, sole, jet powered flight being flown in July 1942. Developmental delays stalled production with the first fully operational Me262's being delivered to units in June 1944. Both of these aircraft were highly innovative and the first operational aircraft of their types although their effectiveness in combat was overall negligible due to their late introductions. The development of these aircraft was kept secret and few, if any, of the soldiers in the field would have had any idea about them. Even with German markings the possibility of the aircraft being unrecognizable by the soldiers had to be addressed which would have resulted in the issuance of this document. In May 1941 personnel from Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler’s Headquarters were recruited to form a special "Begleit-Bataillon Reichsführer-SS", (Escort-Battalion). In February 1943, after proving itself in battle in Corsica, the battalion was upgraded to brigade strength and re-titled, Sturmbrigade Reichsführer-SS, (Assault Brigade). In October 1943 the unit was expanded to divisional status and renamed, 16. SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS. The command structure of an SS-Division was a multi-tiered organization with the basic regimental sized units being subordinate to a District headquarters which in turn was subordinate to a Main District headquarters, all under the ultimate command of the SS-Reichsführung, (SS High Command). During WWII the German army and the Waffen-SS fielded a wide variety of different types of divisions generally designed and trained for specific tactical functions. Although the size, equipment and composition of the divisional units fluctuated greatly, the Divisional Headquarters staff remained quite consistent and was composed of three operational groups consisting of the Führungsabteilung, (Tactical Command Post HQ unit), the Adjutantur, (Personnel HQ Unit) and the Quartiermeister, (Supply HQ unit/Quartermaster). The Führungsabteilung was under command of the units Chief of Operations, referred to as the, "Ia", who was responsible for issuing all orders, directives and information to the troops. This example was issued by the "Ia", of the 16^TH SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS to inform the troops under his command of the newly developed Me163 "Komet" and the Me262 aircraft.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 5 7/8" x 8 1/8", period photostated, typed, information document regarding the newly developed Me163 "Komet" and the Me262 aircraft. The document has the issuing unit heading and date, "16. SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS Ia Ko. Div. Gef. Std., den 25. 9. 1944", (16. SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS Chief of Operations Command, Divisional Command Post September 25^TH 1944). The heading is followed by the reason for the message, "Betr: Jagdflugzeuge Me 262 und Komet {Me163}. Bezug: 16. SS.-Pz. Gren. Div. RF Ia Nr. 3511/44 geh. v. 23. 9. 44 Verteiler: bis Kpn.", (Reference: Fighter Aircraft Me 262 and Komet {Me163}. Regarding: 16. SS.-Pz. Gren. Div. RF Chief of Operations Number 3511/44 Secret as of September 23^RD 1944 Distribution: To Companies.) The main message consists of, "Um Eigenbeschuß unter allen Umständen zu vermeiden, ist die Truppe über die neuen deutsch Flugzeugmuster "Blitzbomber" {Me262} Schnellkampf und Jagdflugzeug und Komet {Me 163} Jagdflugzeug, eingehend zu belehren. Dabei ist insbesondere darauf hinzuweisen, daß Blitzbomber zur Landung Bugradfahrwerk, Komet Gleitkufen ausfährt. Für das Divisionskommando: Der 1. Generstabsoffizier Albert". (In order to avoid friendly fire under all circumstances, the troops have to be urgently informed about the new German aircraft types the Blitzbomber {Me262} fast combat and fighter plane and the Comet {Me 163} fighter plane. Therefore it is particular to point out, that for landing, the Blitzbomber lowers a nose wheel, while the Comet uses skids. For the Divisional Command 1^ST General Staff Officer Albert). The document shows light age yellowing and some heavy fold creases resulting in a tear. Of Note: The Photostatted, authorizing signature, "Albert", refers to the German Cross in Gold winner, SS-Obersturmbannführer Albert Ekkhard who was the "Ia", for the 16^TH SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS from October 1943 to December 1944. Scarce, later war, information document.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $250.00