On 1 November 1944, Semrau was appointed Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of NJG 2.
He was shot down on 8 February 1945 and killed in action on factory flight with his crew, Oberfeldwebel Hantusch and Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Behrens, of Junkers Ju 88 G-6 (Werknummer 620 562 — factory number) when he was intercepted during the landing approach at Fliegerhorst Twente by F/Lt K.S. Sleep of No.
402 Squadron RCAF on 8 February 1945.
The aircraft of Semrau came down between Fliegerhorst Twente and Oldenzaal.
He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub) on 17 April 1945.
He was the 841st member of the German armed forces to be so honored.
On 1 November 1944, Semrau was appointed Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of NJG 2. He was shot down on 8 February 1945 and killed in action on factory flight with his crew, Oberfeldwebel Hantusch and Fahnenjunker-Oberfeldwebel Behrens, of Junkers Ju 88 G-6 (Werknummer 620 562 — factory number) when he was intercepted during the landing approach at Fliegerhorst Twente by F/Lt K.S. Sleep of No. 402 Squadron RCAF on 8 February 1945. The aircraft of Semrau came down between Fliegerhorst Twente and Oldenzaal. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub) on 17 April 1945. He was the 841st member of the German armed forces to be so honored.
Paul Semrau