Hello Doug,
Thank you for this most interesting data. However (just in an attempt of fine tuning all available info) the KTB II./NJG 1 (RL 10/540) mentions that Finster was joining the II./NJG 1 not earlier than 15th October 1943. Circumstancial evidence, Finster (2./NJG 1) claiming a Lancaster near Landau in the night of 23/24 September 1943, does support the thought that Finster stayed with the I./NJG 1 up to the end of September, perhaps then having a two week rest before he became Staffelkapitän of the 4./NJG 1 because Oblt. Walter Barte was promoted to Gruppenkommandeur III./NJG 3.
I will check the diary of Oblt. Paul Förster who succeeded Finster in Venlo.
All the best, it would be fun to check some guys of I./NJG 1 with your data, perhaps we both benefit from such comparisons?
Marcel Hogenhuis
www.fliegerhorst-venlo.net