[John Manrho]

Willi Elstermann has been the subject of my research for a long time. I think I know a lot about him but his Abschüsse are indeed difficult to determine....what is documented in my opinion....

First, a few days before his death he had 7 Abschüsse in 150 Feindflüge, don't think anything was "added" until he was killed on Feb. 2nd 1945. The document does not say if all these Abschüsse were confirmed.

Furthermore I have found no record and no indication at all that he scored any victories in the RVT or in the east. I believe all his victories must have been achieved before the fall of 1943.

His FB only goes until 14.08.1942. The following four are listed in his FB;

10/5/40 Morane
8/8/40 Blenheim
7/9/40 Spitfire
29/4/42 Stirling

The FB does not say if these were confirmed or not.

There is a slight chance that he claimed something on 30/9/39 when he was with 2./JGr 152 but it is unclear.

I do not believe the claim on 24.9.1942 exists.

We have the claim on 13.6.1943 which I consider his 5th claim (until corrected otherwise....)

I believe his 6th and 7th claim are most likely achieved somewhere in the period June 1943 - September 1943.

Hope this helps,

John