[JBL1177]

I'm researching Feldwebel Werner Seidel of the Stabstaffel, Stuka Geschwader 2, who crashed on takeoff and died at 0010 hours on 17 October 1942 at Karpowka near Stalingrad. His mechanic, Fw. Rudi Bogaschewsky, was also killed. I understand they were flying a Gotha Go-145 biplane WNr. 0229. I would be most grateful if this could be confirmed from Luftwaffe loss records.

The condolence letter from the Staffel leader to Seidel's widow described his last flight as a combat mission (Feindflug). He is also listed in his Wehrpass as Gefallen. Given the circumstances, I wonder if he was flying a night harassment bombing mission against Soviet positions at Stalingrad. I would be grateful to know when, or if, the Luftwaffe executed such missions before the formation of the Stoerkampfstaffeln later that year on the Eastern Front.

Thanks for your assistance.

John