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The process...
Although I don’t have any source which detail the process, I believe the process was:
After combat the pilot wrote a report, including an “Abschussmeldung” (Shoot-down report). This was a preprinted form which had spaces for date, time location, aircraft shot down, fate of crew, time and height of attack, victim identity, witnesses, and other relevant information. This form, along with a short report, witnesses statement and commanding officer’s endorsement was submitted up the chain to the RLM. Eventually the claim was confirmed or denied. The entire confirmation process could take months.
I have an original victory claim from NJG1 for Johannes Hager for the night of February14, 1943. It includes
The “Abschussmeldung” (including red pen notations from the RLM and hand marking that the victory was confirmed as the 181st (?) staffel victory.
Statement by Hager, pilot
Statement by Uffz. Lada, his observer
Statement by independent witness
Endorsement by Franz Buschmann, Staffelkapitan
Endorsement by Walter Ehle, Gruppenkommandeur
Here’s the rub: after fall of 1944 (October –November), the whole process fell apart. There were no more “confirmed” victories.
I’d be interested in corrections or additions to this process as I understand it.
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