Fighter strength on 1 January 1943

[CJE]

According to some sources, 1,671 single-engined fighters were in first-line units on 1 January 1943, of which about 700 were on the Western Front (Luftflotten 3 and 5 and LW-Befehlshaber Mitte) - ie 40%.
Is it correct?

Chris

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi.

I do not know what sources you are quoting, but I beliewe your numbers are too high. I will be using the data from 31.12.1942, as the 1.1.1943 was not a reporting date.

According to Gen.Qu.6.Abt(I), the Sollbestand (thus the number of aircraft the established fighter units at 31.12.1942 was 1592 aircraft.

The Istbestand (or number of aircraft actually present at the units were 1360 - 32 aircraft of the units retracted from service) = 1328 aircraft

Of these the ones that were Einsatzbereit (ready) was 908 - 28 for the units retracted from service = 880 aircraft in all.

I think the number you or someone else have been using is the number of pilots in the units in total. These were given as follows:

Sollbestand: 1592 Istbestand: 1671 (the number you quote) Einsatzbereit (voll): 916 Einsatbereit (bedingt): 631

I can have a look at the number of aircraft for the western front, but taking that the percentage is close to what you quote, a total number of ready aircraft in the west would be approx 350

Regards,
Andreas

[CJE]

Andreas,

My source is Prien Teil 10/I p. 490.
I guess I read too fast and, yes, you're right, he is talking of the number of pilots.
Thanks.