 Nowotny was posted to the Ergänzungsstaffel ( Training / Supplement Squadron ) of Jagdgeschwader 54 ( JG 54 ) on 1 December 1940 . JG 54 at the time was under the command of Major Hannes Trautloft . Nowotny was transferred again , this time to the 9th Staffel of JG 54 ( 9 . / JG 54 ) , the so @-@ called Teufelsstaffel ( Devils ' Squadron ) where he was further trained by veterans from the front line ( 23 February 1941 – 25 March 1941 ) . From 25 March 1941 to 10 March 1942 , Notwotny flew with the Stabsstaffel of the Ergänzungs @-@ Jagdgruppe JG 54 where he was promoted to Leutnant on 1 April 1941 , effective as of 1 February 1941 . 
