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Re: StG.77 losses in October 1942
Thank you all,
it seems October 29 was one of the worst days for 5 VA over the Caucasus as of 13 claims (5 "Me-109", 2 "Me-110" and 6 Ju.87) none can be found in german archives. In contrast it lost a total of 7 LaGG-3, 1 Il-1, 1 Jak-1b destroyed and 2 more aircraft severely damaged.
One can only wonder what the soviet pilots saw - maybe the their comrades going down? Or did they fear their regiment Komissars?
However during the research for Iwan´s new book I found that german documents seem to be far from complete i.e. Oblt. Walter Krupinski of JG.52 was shot down/ had to force-land five times between 17.09.42- 26.10.42.
Of 5 possible Bf.109 lost or damaged only 2 can be found in the documents. Krupinski survived the ordeal only slightly wounded and unbroken.
Cheers
Michael
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