View source for Gerhard Homuth

{{Short description|World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox military person
|name=Gerhard Homuth
|birth_date={{Birth date|1914|9|20|df=y}}
|death_date={{death date and age|1943|8|2|1914|9|20|df=y}}
|image=Gerhard Homuth.jpg
|caption=Homuth as an officer
|nickname=
|birth_place=[[Kiel]], [[German Empire]]
|death_place= near [[Oryol]]
|death_cause=[[Killed in action]]
|allegiance={{flag|Nazi Germany}}
|branch={{air force|Nazi Germany}}
|serviceyears=1933–1943
|rank=''[[Major (Germany)|Major]]'' (major)
|commands=3./[[JG 27]], I./[[JG 27]], I./[[JG 54]]
|unit=[[LG 2]], [[JG 27]], [[JG 54]]
|battles=[[World War II]]
|awards=[[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] 
|laterwork=}}

'''Gerhard Homuth''' (20 September 1914 – 2 August 1943) was a [[World War II]] [[Luftwaffe]] fighter ace. He scored all but two of his 63 victories against the Western Allies whilst flying the [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]], and was one of the top scoring aces in the North African campaign.{{sfn|Spick|1996|p=240}}

Born in [[Kiel]], Homuth grew up in the [[Weimar Republic]]. He joined the military service in the ''[[Reichsmarine]]'' before transferring to the Luftwaffe in 1935. Trained as a fighter pilot, he was posted [[Lehrgeschwader 2|''Lehrgeschwader'' 2]] (LG&nbsp;2—2nd Demonstration Wing) where he flew with the aerobatics team. In October 1939, Homuth was posted [[Jagdgeschwader 27|''Jagdgeschwader'' 27]] (JG&nbsp;27—27th Fighter Wing). In February 1940, he was appointed squadron leader of 3. ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Staffel|Staffel]]'' (3rd squadron) of JG&nbsp;27. He claimed his first aerial victory on 11 May 1940 during the [[Battle of France]]. In early 1941, his unit was transferred to North Africa where he was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] on 14 June 1941 following his 22nd aerial victory. In June 1942, Homuth was appointed group commander of I. ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Gruppe|Gruppe]]'' (1st group) of JG&nbsp;27. In late 1942, Homuth fell ill and was taken off operational flying. Following his convalesance, he served as an instructor for Bulgarian fighter pilots. On 1 August 1943, Homuth was given command of I. ''Gruppe'' of [[Jagdgeschwader 54|''Jagdgeschwader'' 54]] (JG&nbsp;54—54th Fighter Wing) which was fighting on [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]]. The following day, he was posted as [[missing in action]] when he was shot down and likely [[killed in action]] near [[Kromy, Oryol Oblast|Kromy]].

==Early life and career==
Homuth was born 20 September 1914 in [[Kiel]], at the time in the [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], a [[Provinces of Prussia|province]] of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]].{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=136}}{{Refn|His older brother was killed in action in 1942 on the Eastern Front, his father was shot by looting soldiers on 23 April 1945.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=136}}|group="Note"}} He joined the ''[[Reichsmarine]]'' before transferring to the Luftwaffe in 1935. In late 1938, I. (''leichte Jagd'') ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Gruppe|Gruppe]]'', the light fighter group, of [[Lehrgeschwader 2|''Lehrgeschwader'' 2]] (LG&nbsp;2—2nd Demonstration Wing) was created at [[Graz Airport|Graz Airfield]]. With this ''Gruppe'', Homuth was appointed chief of the ''Stabskompanie'' (staff company).{{sfn|Prien|1992|p=54}} Homuth had been a member of LG&nbsp;2's aerobatics team which was equipped with the [[Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister]]. The team's first public appearance was on 10 May 1938 on account of a demonstration to the [[Belgian Air Component]] at [[Arlon]].{{sfn|Prien|1992|pp=54–55}}

==World War II==
World War II in Europe began on Friday, 1 September 1939, when German forces [[Invasion of Poland|invaded Poland]]. In preparation for the invasion, I.(J)/LG&nbsp;2 had deployed to an airfield at [[Malczkowo|Malzkow]], present-day Malczkowo.{{sfn|Prien|1992|p=67}} The ''Gruppe'' supported the [[4th Army (Wehrmacht)|4th Army]] as part of [[Army Group North]].{{sfn|Prien|1992|p=71}}

On 1 October 1939, the new I. ''Gruppe'' (1st group) of [[Jagdgeschwader 27|''Jagdgeschwader'' 27]] (JG&nbsp;27—27th Fighter Wing) was created at [[Münster-Handorf Airfield]] and placed under command of ''Hauptmann'' Helmut Riegel. Homuth was transferred and served as ''Gruppen-Adjutant'', the [[adjutant]] to Riegel, supporting him in the creation of the ''Gruppe''.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=20}} On 22 January 1940, the ''Gruppe'' moved to [[Krefeld Airfield]] where they were tasked with flying fighter protection during the "[[Phoney War]]" along the German – Belgian border. During this period, the pilots had little to no enemy contact.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=23}} On 1 February, Homuth was appointed ''[[Staffelkapitän]]'' (squadron leader) of 3. ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Staffel|Staffel]]'' of JG&nbsp;27, replacing ''Oberleutnant'' Gerhard Rutsch in this capacity.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001a|p=238}} In consequence, ''Oberleutnant'' Günther Bode was appointed ''Gruppen-Adjutant''.{{sfn|Prien|1992|p=535}} In late March, I. ''Gruppe'' moved to an airfield at [[Mönchengladbach]]. In April, Homuth was briefly assigned to III. ''Gruppe'' of [[Jagdgeschwader 53|''Jagdgeschwader'' 53]] (JG&nbsp;53—53rd Fighter Wing) which was commanded by ''Hauptmann'' [[Werner Mölders]]. Mölders' III./JG&nbsp;53 was stationed further south on the German – French border and had already been engaged in aerial combat with [[French Air and Space Force|''Armée de l'air'']] (French Air Force) and the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]]. The idea behind this assignment was to provide Homuth, and other Luftwaffe pilots, some combat experience.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=23, 25}}

===Battle of France and Britain===
On 10 May 1940, German forces launched the [[Battle of France#Battle|invasion of France and the Low Countries]] (''Fall Gelb''). At the start of the invasion, I. ''Gruppe'' of JG&nbsp;27 was subordinated to the [[8th Air Corps (Germany)|VIII. ''Fliegerkorps'']] (8th Air Corps).{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=60}} The next day, Homuth claimed his first victory on 11 May, shooting down a [[Bristol Blenheim]] bomber in the late afternoon. That day, I. ''Gruppe'' operated in the area of [[Maastricht]]. The following day, 3. ''Staffel'' intercepted eight low flying Blenheim bombers on a mission to bomb the bridges crossing the [[Meuse]] and [[Albert Canal]] near [[Lanaken|Veldwezelt]]. Defending against this attack, Homuth shot down one of the Blenheim bombers.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=62–63}} His opponent likely belonged to the RAF [[No. 110 Squadron RAF|No. 110 Squadron]].{{sfn|Weal|2003|p=21}} On 18 May, I. ''Gruppe'' moved to [[Charleville-Mézières|Charleville]] located approximately {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} west-northwest of [[Sedan, Ardennes|Sedan]]. The next day, Homuth claimed a [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighter shot down.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=65, 561}} On 22 May, the ''Gruppe'' moved to [[Guise]]. Three days later, they were ordered to [[Saint-Omer]] for combat against the encircled [[Allies of World War II|Allied forces]] fighting in the [[Battle of Dunkirk]]. Prior to the relocation, Homuth shot down a Blenheim bomber, his fourth aerial victory. The ''Gruppe'' returned to Guise on 31 May.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=66–67}}

The ''Gruppe'' predominately patrolled the area along the [[Somme (river)|Somme]] on 1 and 2 June. On a [[combat air patrol]] to [[Dunkirk]] on 2 June, Homuth claimed two [[Supermarine Spitfire]] fighters shot down.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=68, 561}} On 5 June, German forces launched ''[[Fall Rot]]'' (Case Red), the second phase of the conquest of France. That day in the vicinity of [[Compiègne]], Homuth claimed two [[Morane-Saulnier M.S.406]] fighters shot down.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=68}} One of the M.S.406 fighters may have been piloted by ''[[Sous lieutenant]]'' [[:fr:René Pomier Layrargues|René Pomier Layrargues]] from ''Groupe de Chasse'' II/7, who was [[killed in action]]. Layrargues was the pilot who had shot down ''Hauptmann'' Werner Mölders from III. ''Gruppe'' of JG&nbsp;53 that day and who was captured and taken [[prisoner of war]].{{sfn|Goss|2017|pp=29–30}} The ''Gruppe'' relocated again on 11 June, this time to an airfield near [[Soisson]]-[[Saconin-et-Breuil]]. On 14 June, Homuth claimed his last and ninth aerial victory of the Battle of France when he shot down a [[Bloch MB.131]] bomber near [[Léchelle, Pas-de-Calais|Léchelle]].{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=70}} When the [[Armistice of 22 June 1940]] was signed, Homuth was one of the leading fighter pilots of I. ''Gruppe'' of JG&nbsp;27. On 28 June, the ''Gruppe'' was ordered to Neuenlander Feld in [[Bremen]] for a brief period of rest and replenishment.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=71}}

In preparation in what would become the [[Battle of Britain]], I. ''Gruppe'' was moved to the [[English Channel]] on 2 July where they were based at an airfield near [[Plumetot]].{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=81}} On 20 July, I. ''Gruppe'' escorted a number of [[Junkers Ju 87]] [[dive bomber]]s on a ''[[Kanalkampf]]'' mission against Convoy Bosom to the [[Isle of Purbeck]]. On this mission, Homuth claimed two Spitfire fighters shot down near [[Swanage]].{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=83}} On 12 August, JG&nbsp;27 escorted bombers to [[Portsmouth]], claiming two aerial victories, including a Spitfire fighter by Homuth near [[Bembridge]].{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=84, 562}} On 1 October, I. ''Gruppe'' was withdrawn from the English Channel and had relocated to an airfield at [[Stade]] in [[Northern Germany]]. Here the ''Gruppe'' was subordinated to the ''[[Stab (Luftwaffe designation)|Geschwaderstab]]'' (headquarters unit) of [[Jagdgeschwader 1 (World War II)|''Jagdgeschwader'' 1]] (JG&nbsp;1—1st Fighter Wing) and tasked with patrolling the [[German Bight]]. This assignment ended on 21 October, when the ''Gruppe'' was ordered to relocate to [[Dinan]] in northwestern France.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=88–89}}

===Invasion of Greece and North Africa===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-429-0646-31, Messerschmitt Me 109.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A Bf&nbsp;109&nbsp;E of I./JG&nbsp;27 similar to those flown by Homuth]]
On 3 December 1940, I. ''Gruppe'' was again withdrawn from the English Channel and relocated to [[Dallgow-Döberitz|Döberitz]] located approximately {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} west of [[Staaken]]. There, the pilots were sent on home leave, returning in January 1941. In February, the ''Gruppe'' began preparations for [[Operation Marita]], the German invasion of Greece while the ground elements of the ''Gruppe'' began their relocation to [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] in North Africa, arriving there on 18 March. There, the ground crew began preparations for the air elements to arrive at the designated airfield at [[Gazala|Ayn al-Ġazāla]]. In parallel, the air elements of I. ''Gruppe'' relocated to [[Munich-Riem Airport|Munich-Riem Airfield]] in early March.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=120–121}} Credited with fifteen aerial victories, Homuth was the leading fighter pilot of I. ''Gruppe'' at the time.{{sfn|Scutts|1994|p=8}} There, the ''Gruppe'' received refurbished [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]]&nbsp;E-7 fighter aircraft. The aircraft had been equipped with a sand-filter on the front of the supercharger intake which made the aircraft more suitable for deployment in North Africa. On 4 April, the ''Gruppe'' was ordered to move to Graz Airfield for Operation Marita. German forces launched the attack on 6 April. The orders for I. ''Gruppe'' that day were to attack and destroy the Yugoslavian air defenses in the area of [[Ljubljana|Laibach]], present-day Ljubljana in Slovenia. Leading 3. ''Staffel'', Homuth was given the order to attack the airfield at Laibach where they came under heavy [[anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft artillery]] fire. The ''Staffel'' attacked the hangars and inflicted damage on parked [[Potez 25]] aircraft.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=123–124}} Following Operation Marita, the air elements briefly returned to Munich-Riem before they transferred to North Africa, arriving in Ayn al-Ġazāla between 18 and 22 April 1941.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=138}}

Homuth claimed his first aerial victory over North Africa on 1 May 1941. That day his ''Staffel'' escorted Ju&nbsp;87 dive bombers on a bombing mission to [[Tobruk]]. The Luftwaffe force was intercepted by six Hurricane fighters near Tobruk. In this aerial engagement, the Luftwaffe claimed four aerial victories, including two Hurricanes by Homuth shot down taking his total to 17 aerial victories. On 5 May, then again on 8 May, Homuth shot down a [[Martin Maryland]] bomber, the latter claimed as a Blenheim bomber.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=141}} On 15 May, British forces launched [[Operation Brevity]] aimed at the [[Axis powers|Axis]] front-line forces in the [[Sallum|Sollum]]–[[Fort Capuzzo|Capuzzo]]–[[Bardia, Libya|Bardia]] area of the border between Egypt and Libya. I. ''Gruppe'' was dispatched to the combat area near Sollum and the [[Halfaya Pass]] where Homuth claimed a Hurricane fighter shot down.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=141, 563}} Following two Blenheim bombers shot down near Fort Capuzzo on 21 May 1941, Homuth was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] ({{lang|de|Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes}}) on 14 June for 22 aerial victories in total.{{sfn|Weal|2003|p=18}} He was the first recipient of the Knight's Cross within I. ''Gruppe'' of JG&nbsp;27.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=144}} On 14 September, German forces sent an armored reconnaissance mission to [[Sidi Barrani]], approximately {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} into Egypt. The advance was repelled by British forces. Both sides committed aerial forces resulting in eight aerial victories claimed by I. ''Gruppe'', including a Maryland bomber and Hurricane fighter by Homuth.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|pp=144, 564}} On 9 February 1942, Homuth claimed his 40th aerial victory over a Hurricane fighter near [[Al Adm]].{{sfn|Shores|Massimello|Guest|2012|p=35}} Homuth was awarded the [[German Cross]] in Gold ({{Lang|de|Deutsches Kreuz in Gold}}) on 9 April.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=549}}

===Group commander and death===
On 10 June 1942, Homuth was appointed ''[[Gruppenkommandeur]]'' (group commander) of I. ''Gruppe'' of JG&nbsp;27. He replaced ''Major'' [[Eduard Neumann (fighter pilot)|Eduard Neumann]] who had taken command of JG&nbsp;27 as ''[[Geschwaderkommodore]]'' (wing commander). Command of 3. ''Staffel'' was then handed to ''Oberleutnant'' [[Hans-Joachim Marseille]].{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=170}} His 60th claim came on 27 October, when he shot down a Spitfire over Bi'r Mu'min Busak located approximately {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} west of [[Sidi Abdel Rahman]].{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=310}}{{sfn|Shores|Massimello|Guest|2012|p=408}}

On 11 November, I. ''Gruppe'' was detached from JG&nbsp;27 and ordered to return to Germany.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=313}} Coinciding with the withdrawal from North Africa, Homuth fell seriously ill and was on convalescence until February 1943.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=314}} Command of I. ''Gruppe'' then fell to ''Hauptmann'' [[Heinrich Setz]] who took command on 12 November.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=170}} In February 1943, Homuth was posted to the Luftwaffe Command in [[Sofia]] where he led the training Bulgarian fighter pilots.{{sfn|Prien|Rodeike|Stemmer|1998|p=314}}

On 1 August 1943, Homuth was appointed ''Gruppenkommandeur'' of I. ''Gruppe'' of [[Jagdgeschwader 54|''Jagdgeschwader'' 54]] (JG&nbsp;54—54th Fighter Wing). He replaced ''Oberleutnant'' [[Hans Götz]] who had temporarily led the ''Gruppe'' after its former commander ''Major'' [[Reinhard Seiler]] had been wounded in combat on 6 July.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=165}} At the time, I. ''Gruppe'' was based at [[Karachev]] and was fighting in the [[Battle of Kursk]] on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]].{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=140}} The following day, the ''Gruppe'' flew multiple combat missions in support of German ground forces retreating in the area north and northwest of [[Oryol]]. In the early afternoon, the ''Gruppe'' escorted Ju&nbsp;87 dive bombers to the combat area near [[Kromy, Oryol Oblast|Kromy]]. Homuth failed to return from this mission and was posted [[missing in action]].{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=141}} Flying [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]]&nbsp;A-6 (''Werknummer'' 550436—factory number), he was shot down and likely killed in action {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} south of Kromy.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=192}} Command of the ''Gruppe'' was then again given to Götz who was killed in action two days later.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=165}}{{sfn|Weal|2001|p=100}}

==Summary of career==
===Aerial victory claims===
According to Obermaier, Homuth was credited with 63 victories claimed in approximately 450 missions, 47 in Africa. He recorded two victories over the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=136}} Mathews and Foreman, authors of ''Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims'', researched the [[German Federal Archives]] and found records for 62 aerial victory claims, all of which claimed over the Western Allies on the Western Front or in North Africa.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|pp=549–550}}

{| 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;" |
{{legend2|#faecc8|This and the ? (question mark) indicates information discrepancies listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike, Bock, Mathews, and Foreman.|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
|-
!scope="col" width="100px"| Claim
!scope="col"| Date
!scope="col"| Time
!scope="col" width="100px"| Type
!scope="col"| Location
!scope="col" style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" width="100px" | Claim
!scope="col"| Date
!scope="col"| Time
!scope="col" width="100px"| Type
!scope="col"| Location
|-
! colspan="10" | – 3. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=549}}<br /><small>Battle of France — 10 May – 25 June 1940</small>
|-
| 1
| 11 May 1940
| 17:30
| [[Bristol Blenheim|Blenheim]]
| [[Diest]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 6
| 2 June 1940
| 09:25
| [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire]]
| southwest of [[Dunkirk]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
|-
| 2
| 12 May 1940
| 06:20
| Blenheim
| [[Liège]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 7
| 5 June 1940
| 18:15
| [[Morane-Saulnier M.S.406|M.S.406]]
| [[Beauvais]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
|-
| 3
| 19 May 1940
| 16:30
| [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane]]
| north of [[Albert, Somme|Albert]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 8
| 5 June 1940
| 18:20
| M.S.406
| {{Convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Troissy]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
|-
| 4
| 25 May 1940
| 12:30
| Blenheim
| west of Calais{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 9
| style="background:#faecc8" | 14 June 1940?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed on 13 June 1940.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=549}}|group="Note"}}
| 20:15
| [[Bloch MB.131|MB.131]]
| [[Léchelle, Pas-de-Calais|Léchelle]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
|-
| 5
| 2 June 1940
| 09:20
| Spitfire
| {{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Dunkirk{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001b|p=245}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |
|
|
|
|
|-
! colspan="10" | – 3. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=549}}<br /><small>Action at the Channel and over England — 26 June – 3 December 1940</small>
|-
| 10
| 20 July 1940
| 14:25
| Spitfire
| west of [[Swanage]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=376}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 13
| 3 September 1940
| 11:35
| Hurricane
| [[Burnham, Buckinghamshire|Burnham]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=376}}
|-
| 11
| 20 July 1940
| 14:28
| Spitfire
| west of Swanage{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=376}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 14
| 11 September 1940
| 18:10
| Hurricane
| {{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Selsey Bill]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=376}}
|-
| 12
| 12 August 1940
| 12:50
| Spitfire
| [[Bembridge]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=376}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 15
| 30 September 1940
| 18:10
| Spitfire
| south of [[Eastbourne]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=378}}
|-
! colspan="10" | – 3. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=549}}<br /><small>Sicily, Balkans and North Africa — 4 December 1940 – 31 May 1941</small>
|-
| 16
| 1 May 1941
| 09:15
| Hurricane
| {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Tobruk]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 23
| 30 August 1941
| 17:30
| Blenheim
| [[Sallum]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=371}}
|-
| 17
| 1 May 1941
| 09:20
| Hurricane
| Tobruk airfield{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 24
| 14 September 1941
| 17:45
| [[Martin Maryland|Martin 167]]
| south of El Sofafi{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=372}}
|-
| 18
| 5 May 1941
| 08:32
| Martin 167
| {{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Fort [[Acroma]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 25
| 14 September 1941
| 17:48
| Hurricane
| southeast of El Sofafi{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=372}}
|-
| 19
| 8 May 1941
| 10:10
| Blenheim
| {{Convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-northeast of Tobruk{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 26
| 24 September 1941
| 14:40
| [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|P-40]]
| Sidi Omar{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=372}}
|-
| 20
| 15 May 1941
| 12:15
| Hurricane
| Sallum{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 27
| 24 September 1941
| 16:47
| Hurricane
| Buq Buq{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=372}}
|-
| 21
| 21 May 1941
| 07:57
| Blenheim
| southeast of [[Fort Capuzzo]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 28
| 27 September 1941
| 10:10
| Hurricane
| {{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Ras Azaz{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=372}}
|-
| 22
| 21 May 1941
| 07:58
| Blenheim
| southeast of Fort Capuzzo{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=370}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |
|
|
|
|
|-
! colspan="10" | – 3. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|pp=549–550}}<br /><small>In North Africa — 18 November 1941 – 10 June 1942</small>
|-
| 29
| 5 December 1941
| 15:35
| Hurricane{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=176}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 40
| 9 February 1942
| 10:51
| Hurricane
| south of [[Al Adm]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}
|-
| 30
| 9 December 1941
| 14:15
| P-40
| south of [[Kambut]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=176}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 41
| 21 February 1942
| 12:11
| P-40
| {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Gazala|Ayn al-Ġazāla]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}
|-
| 31
| 13 December 1941
| 16:15
| P-40
| southwest of [[Timimi|Tmimi]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=176}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 42
| 27 February 1942
| 12:10
| P-40
| northeast of Fort Acroma{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}
|-
| 32
| 23 December 1941
| 14:00
| [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter]]
| southeast of [[Marble Arch (Libya)|Arco Philaenorum]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 43
| 2 March 1942
| 10:51
| P-40
| west of Tobruk{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}
|-
| 33
| 23 December 1941
| 14:10
| Beaufighter
| southeast of Arco Philaenorum{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 44
| 2 March 1942
| 10:52
| P-40
| southeast of Fort Acroma{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}
|-
| 34
| 3 January 1942
| 08:20
| P-40
| northeast of [[Ajdabiya]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey; background:#faecc8" | ?{{Refn|This claim is not listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike and Bock.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=178}}|group="Note"}}
| 2 March 1942
| 12:11
| P-40
| {{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Ayn al-Ġazāla
|-
| 35
| 7 January 1942
| 12:15
| P-40
| northeast of Ajdabiya{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 45
| 2 April 1942
| 18:07
| P-40
| {{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Fort Acroma{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=179}}
|-
| 36
| 7 January 1942
| 12:20
| P-40
| {{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Ajdabiya{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 46
| 6 April 1942
| 09:10
| Hurricane
| northwest of Tmimi{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=179}}
|-
| 37
| 9 January 1942
| 14:15
| P-40
| [[Brega|Marsa al-Brega]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 47
| 7 April 1942
| 08:37
| P-46
| southwest of Ayn al-Ġazāla{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=179}}
|-
| 38
| 9 January 1942
| 14:20
| P-40
| {{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Gadd el Ahmar{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 48
| 23 May 1942
| 11:18
| [[Douglas A-20 Havoc|Boston]]
| north of Fort Acroma{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=180}}
|-
| 39
| 8 February 1942
| 14:32
| P-40
| east of Bomba Bight{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=177}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |
|
|
|
|
|-
! colspan="10" | – ''Stab'' I. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=550}}<br /><small>In North Africa — 10 June – November 1942</small>
|-
| 49
| 25 July 1942
| 17:45
| Hurricane 
| west of [[El Dabaa]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 56
| 29 August 1942
| 08:55
| P-40
| {{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Abu Dweis{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=184}}
|-
| 50
| 27 July 1942
| 12:25
| Hurricane
| southeast of El Hammam{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 57
| 2 September 1942
| 16:10
| P-46 (P-40)
| southwest of El Hammam{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=185}}
|-
| 51
| 27 July 1942
| 12:27
| Hurricane
| southeast of El Hammam{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 58
| 7 September 1942
| 17:42
| P-40
| southeast of [[El Alamein]]{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=185}}
|-
| 52
| 27 July 1942
| 12:28
| Hurricane
| southeast of El Hammam{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}<br />{{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of El Alamein
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 59
| 15 September 1942
| 16:54
| P-40
| southwest of El Alamein{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=185}}
|-
| 53
| 7 August 1942
| 09:35
| Hurricane
| north-northwest of El Alamein{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 60
| 27 October 1942
| 15:15
| Spitfire
| south of Bi'r Mu'min Busak{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=186}}
|-
| 54
| 7 August 1942
| 09:37
| P-40
| north of El Alamein{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=183}}<br />north of El Hammam
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 61
| 2 November 1942
| 12:06
| P-46 (P-40)
| southeast of Bi'r Mu'min Busak{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=186}}
|-
| 55
| 18 August 1942
| 09:38
| P-40
| west of El Alamein{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2004|p=184}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |
|
|
|
|
|}

===Awards===
* [[Iron Cross]] (1939) 2nd and 1st Class{{sfn|Dixon|2023|p=64}}
* [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] on 14 June 1941 ''[[Oberleutnant]]'' and ''[[Staffelkapitän]]'' of the 3./''Jagdgeschwader'' 27{{sfn|Fellgiebel|2000|p=234}}{{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=404}}
* [[German Cross|German Cross in Gold]] on 9 April 1942 as ''Oberleutnant'' in the I./''Jagdgeschwader'' 27{{sfn|Patzwall|Scherzer|2001|p=196}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="Note"}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|25em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Dixon
  |first=Jeremy
  |year=2023
  |title=Day Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe: Knight's Cross Holders 1939–1942
  |publisher=[[Pen and Sword Books]]
  |isbn=978-1-52677-864-2
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Fellgiebel
  |first=Walther-Peer
  |author-link=:de:Walther-Peer Fellgiebel
  |year=2000
  |origyear=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=de
  |location=Friedberg, Germany
  |publisher=Podzun-Pallas
  |isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Goss
  |first=Chris
  |year=2017
  |title=Jagdgeschwader 53 "Pik-As" Bf 109 Aces of 1940
  |series=Aircraft of the Aces
  |volume=132
  |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]
  |location=London, UK
  |isbn=978-1-4728-1873-7
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Mathews
  |first1=Andrew Johannes
  |last2=Foreman
  |first2=John
  |year=2015
  |title=Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 2 G–L
  |location=Walton on Thames
  |publisher=Red Kite
  |isbn=978-1-906592-19-6
}}
* {{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=German
  |location=Mainz, Germany
  |publisher=Verlag Dieter Hoffmann
  |isbn=978-3-87341-065-7
}}
* {{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=German
  |location=Norderstedt, Germany
  |publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall
  |isbn=978-3-931533-45-8
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Prien
  |first=Jochen
  |year=1992
  |title=Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 77—Teil 1—1934–1941
  |trans-title=History of Jagdgeschwader 77—Volume 1—1934–1941
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-19-9
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Rodeike
  |first2=Peter
  |last3=Stemmer
  |first3=Gerhard
  |year=1998
  |title=Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei Stab und I./Jagdgeschwader 27 1939 – 1945
  |trans-title=Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Action with the Headquarters Unit and I./Jagdgeschwader 27 in 1939 – 1945
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-46-5
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Stemmer
  |first2=Gerhard
  |last3=Rodeike
  |first3=Peter
  |last4=Bock
  |first4=Winfried
  |year=2001a
  |title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 2—Der "Sitzkrieg"—1.9.1939 bis 9.5.1941
  |trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 2—The "Phoney War"—1 September 1939 to 9 May 1940
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-59-5
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Stemmer
  |first2=Gerhard
  |last3=Rodeike
  |first3=Peter
  |last4=Bock
  |first4=Winfried
  |year=2001b
  |title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945 Teil 3—Einsatz in Dänemark und Norwegen 9.4. bis 30.11.1940—Der Feldzug im Westen 10.5. bis 25.6.1940
  |trans-title=Fighter Pilot Association of the German Luftwaffe 1934 to 1945 Part 3—Assignments in Denmark and Norway 9 April to 30 November 1940—The campaign in the West 10 May to 25 June 1940
  |language=de
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-61-8
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Stemmer
  |first2=Gerhard
  |last3=Rodeike
  |first3=Peter
  |last4=Bock
  |first4=Winfried
  |year=2002
  |title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 4/I—Einsatz am Kanal und über England—26.6.1940 bis 21.6.1941
  |trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 4/I—Action at the Channel and over England—26 June 1940 to 21 June 1941
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-63-2
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Stemmer
  |first2=Gerhard
  |last3=Rodeike
  |first3=Peter
  |last4=Bock
  |first4=Winfried
  |year=2003
  |title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 5—Heimatverteidigung—10. Mai 1940 bis 31 Dezember 1941—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—Oktober 1940 bis November 1941—Einsatz im Westen—22. Juni bis 31. Dezember 1941—Die Ergänzungsjagdgruppen—Einsatz 1941 bis zur Auflösung Anfang 1942
  |trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 5—Defense of the Reich—10 May 1940 to 31 December 1941—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—October 1940 to November 1941—Action in the West—22 June to 31 December 1941—The Supplementary Fighter Groups—Action from 1941 until their Breakup in Early 1942
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-68-7
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Prien
  |first1=Jochen
  |last2=Stemmer
  |first2=Gerhard
  |last3=Rodeike
  |first3=Peter
  |last4=Bock
  |first4=Winfried
  |year=2004
  |title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 8/I—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—November 1941 bis December 1942
  |trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 8/I—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—November 1941 to December 1942
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Struve-Druck
  |isbn=978-3-923457-74-8
}}
* {{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/III—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943
  |trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/III—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943
  |language=de
  |location=Eutin, Germany
  |publisher=Buchverlag Rogge
  |isbn=978-3-942943-07-9
}}
* {{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=German
  |location=Jena, Germany
  |publisher=Scherzers Militaer-Verlag
  |isbn=978-3-938845-17-2
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last1=Shores
  |first1=Christopher F.
  |last2=Massimello
  |first2=Giovanni
  |last3=Guest
  |first3=Russell
  |year=2012
  |title=A History of the Mediterranean Air War, 1940–1945, Volume Two: North African Desert, February 1942 – March 1943
  |location=London, UK
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |isbn=978-1-909166-12-7
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Scutts
  |first=Jerry
  |year=1994
  |title=Bf 109 Aces of North Africa and the Mediterranean
  |series=Aircraft of the Aces
  |volume=2
  |location=London, UK
  |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]
  |isbn=978-1-85532-448-0
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Spick
  |first=Mike
  |year=1996
  |title=Luftwaffe Fighter Aces
  |location=New York
  |publisher=[[Ivy Books]]
  |isbn=978-0-8041-1696-1
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Weal
  |first=John
  |year=2001
  |title=Jagdgeschwader 54 "Grünherz"
  |series=Aviation Elite Units
  |volume=6
  |location=Oxford, UK
  |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]
  |isbn=978-1-84176-286-9
}}
* {{Cite book
  |last=Weal
  |first=John
  |year=2003
  |title=Jagdgeschwader 27 "Afrika"
  |series=Aviation Elite Units
  |volume=12
  |location=London, UK
  |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]
  |isbn=978-1-84176-538-9
}}
{{Refend}}

{{Knight's Cross recipients of JG 27}}
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Aviation
| portal2=Biography
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Homuth, Gerhard}}
[[Category:1914 births]]
[[Category:1943 deaths]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Kiel]]
[[Category:Military personnel from the Province of Schleswig-Holstein]]
[[Category:German World War II flying aces]]
[[Category:Aerobatic pilots]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Gold German Cross]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]]
[[Category:Luftwaffe personnel killed in World War II]]
[[Category:Missing in action of World War II]]
[[Category:Aerial disappearances of military personnel in action]]