Katschmarek - roots of the expression
 

Gentlemen, I guess, an interesting question.

I know two variants:

according to the first, the Katscmarek had Polish roots and means friend, buddy


accordoing to the other variant, this word is a medieval German and was used originally on the executioner's assistant (maybe my English is not 100% correct but I hope, you understand, what I am trying to say:)


So, which is the better, why started to use the Luftwaffe slang this expression on the wingman?

Thanks in advance,