He111 6/KG53 30-8-1940

[Chris Goss]

It would be awkward is the pilot was a Hauptmann and the Beobachter a Gefreiter! It was down to seniority & rank not position as far as I am aware

[drailton]

I am lost now! Not familiar with the German ranks and aircrew names. What would help me understand is for each man: name, German rank, UK equivalent rank and position in crew.

[Chris Goss]

Hauptmann=Flt Lt
Beobachter (B or BO)=Observer
Flugzeugführer (F or FF)=Pilot
Bordmechaniker (BM)=Flight Eng
Bordfunker (BF)=radio op

[drailton]

Thanks for that, Chris, I am slowly getting there. Just one remaining question - what was the function of BS Gefr. Friedrich Gluck?

[Chris Goss]

Bordschütze=gunner

[drailton]

Thanks Chris.

[drailton]

One more question please - what rank was the pilot Fritz Eckert?

[Chris Goss]

Feldwebel

[drailton]

Feldwebel - This: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militar...5%E2%80%931945) states that the RAF equivalent is Flight Sergeant and a Sergeant is an Unteroffizier. However this: http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ranks.html and other sources state that the equivalent of Feldwebel is Sergeant and a Flight Sergeant is an Oberfeldwebel.

Can anyone give a difinitive answer?

[Chris Goss]

Fw=roughly equivalent to Flt Sgt
Ofw/Stfw=roughly equivalent to WO