Schoenert's Schrage

Schrage musik (or Jazz Musik) was
a novel invention for attacking
British bombers from the point at
which they were most vulnerable -
from below. Schrage musik generally
consisted of 2-4 guns, usually 20mm
or 30mm weapons, mounted on the rear
fuselage of German night fighters
at angles normally near 70 degrees.
This allowed German nachtjagers to
approach from behind and below a
bomber and fire up into the belly
at distances of 200-500 feet. Since
the bombers had no ventral turret,
they could not return fire.
Credit for the invention of this
device goes to Hauptmann Rudolph
Schoenert of 4/NJG2, who suggested
to Generalmajor Kammhuber that guns
be mounted on a Do217 in this con-
figuration. Kammhuber had the air-
craft modified accordingly. 
Schoenert made the first kill with
Schrage Musik over Berlin in May of
1943. Thereafter, the Bf110s in his
new unit (II/NJG5) were converted
to accomodate Schrage Musik at the
behest of Oberfeldwebel Paul Mahle,
the staffel weapons officer. In 1
and a half months, the Bf110s claimed
18 victories as the result of Schrage
Musik.
ORDERS: Practice schrage musik runs
against the target bombers. Your
aircraft has unlimited ammo.

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