Hartmann: claims vs. victories

[HGabor]

Hartmann's 352nd:

352. 8.5.1945 8:30-9:20 Yak-9 - OVERCLAIM - Stab I./JG 52 Brünn area: at 4000 m

Eric Hartmann's probably most symbolic, 352nd victory claim on May 8, 1945 was a soviet Yak-9 fighter in the Brünn (Brno) area at 4000 m. This area was taken by the 2nd Ukrainian Front, covered by their 5th Air Army. Checking all air activity of the 3 GvIAK (fighter command of the 5 VA: 6, 13, 14 GvIADs) we can conclude, that this claim was an overclaim.

The 3 GvIAK reported neither dogfights, nor losses on May 8, 1945. The only event was a brief encounter of recce. planes and 2 Bf 109s in the Znojmo (Brünn-SW) area. But no dogfight, no losses reported. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but Yak-3 fighter, S/N: 45(292)35 of 5 VA, 3 GvIAK, 6 GvIAD, 85 GvIAP, 1st Sq. was repaired after mission due to radiator damage. But 85 GvIAP report clearly states that they had no combat losses in the entire month of May, 1945, plus Yak-3 No.4529235 was repaired in only 40 minutes at the base.

2nd Ukr. Front, 5 VA (90 GvShAP) lost only 3 IL-2s this day (S/N: 9884, 12854, 12888)

4th Ukr. Front, 8 VA, 565 ShAP lost 2 IL-2 (S/N: 9816, 10529), 996 ShAP 1 IL-2 (S/N: 18845111), 571 ShAP 3 new IL-10s (S/N: 1892604, 1890604, 1893203) over Czech. (Not all combat losses.)

Gabor