Wilhelm Hobein,DKiG

[Kapper]

Doug,
I meant no offense when I raised these issues. I fully understand that such lists etc., are only as good as the information available at the time and I appreciate you putting the information out for everyone to see, so that those of us that are interested can make forward progress to clarifying issues like these. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Andrew,
Thanks, more interesting information. In the database, Schroeter is noted as being in Stab I./SG10 at that time and it would make sense that an experienced Kommandeur (previously Kommandeur I./SG5) would be made Kommandeur. However, if Thiem was Kommandeur before and after Schroeter, this raises the question of what happened to him during this period. Looking at the various options, I think the most likely scenario would be that Thiem was recovering from wounds or illness and Schroeter put in command until Thiem’s recovery as there was no suitable candidate within the unit for the job at the time. I think this because, 3 months would be too long to have a junior unproven commander acting in the role but not long enough to warrant replacing the wounded/ill commander permanently. Also, Schroeter then went on to command I./SG4 in January 45. So just one more question, Is there any evidence that Thiem was wounded/ill or was it some other reason for his absence?
Regards,

Craig…

[Doug Stankey]

Well gentlemen, I have been trying to sort this out. Insofar as an association of Hobein with I./St.G. 2, I have traced this back in our notes to at least 2009 so the origin of it is apparently lost. However, whatever the source, it seems apparent that this is due to a typo or mis-read and should have read I./Schl.G. 2. The command of III./ZG 1 was, I expect, an acting position, and initially at least, also an acting position as Kdr. I./Schl.G. 2. The following summary for Hobein seems to make the best sense of all this:

HOBEIN, Wilhelm. ("Fritz"). (DKG). 11.39 in 2./JGr. 176. 17.05.40 Oblt., with 5./ZG 76. Fall 1940 became Staka 5./ZG 76. 08.05.41 Oblt., Staka 4./ZG 76. 05/06.41 with Sd.Kdo. Junck, losing an eye around this date. 1942 Hptm., appt Kdr. I./NJ-Schule 1 (to 31.10.42). 09.42 Hptm., appt (acting?) Kdr. III./ZG 1 (to 15.02.43?). (n.d.) awarded the Ehrenpokal? 04.43 Hptm., appt (acting?) Kdr. I./Schl.G. 2 (to 23.09.43). 12.04.43 Hptm., awarded DKG, I./SG 2. 1943 in 2./Schl.G. 2. 31.12.43 Maj., Kdr. Stab I./SG 10 MIA - Fw 190 G-3 (Green K (or Green C?)) lost vic Koskov. Promo to Maj. (RDA not assigned). Credited with 10 victories.