[Serge Garces]

Rob:

Hpt Gerhard Wendt (known as "Kuno") was the Staffelkapitän of 8./JG 26 on the Western Front from 16 March 1940 until 7 August 1940, when he was transfered out. His replacement was Oblt Gustav Sprick.

He later served as Staffelkapitän of 4/JG 3 on the Eastern Front from 1 August 1942 until sometime in November 1942, when he was replaced by Hpt. Werner Lucas, who was a very successful fighter pilot. Wendt was transferred to a staff position. According to some sources, Wendt's lack of success in air fighting may have been partly responsible for him being relieved. According to contemporary guidelines, the successes of the staffelkapitäne in combat were supposed to provide an inspiration for their pilots and spur them to similar successes.

Known victories (4):
14.05.40 Oblt. Kuno Wendt: 1 8./JG 26 Morane 406 S.E. Mons 18.25
02.06.40 Oblt. Kuno Wendt: 2 8./JG 26 Battle N.W. Dünkirchen: 3.500 m. 15.25
02.07.42 Hptm. Kuno Wendt: 2 4./JG 3 MiG-1 Eastern Front 17.57
10.07.42 Hptm. Kuno Wendt: 3 4./JG 3 Boston III Eastern Front 04.36

Sources: Tony Wood (4 listed above), Caldwell JG 26 (1 with JG 26), Priller JG 26 (1), Prien JFB 3 (2 with JG 26) and Prien II/JG 3 (3, of which 2 with JG 3 listed). Prien II/JG 3 lists Wendt's victories of 2 July 1942 as his 2nd and 10 July 1942 as his 3rd, but does not list his 1st., which presumably he would have achieved with JG 26 (where he actually was credited with two as shown above).

Best regards,

Serge