Luftwaffe GQM loss list experiences

[ArtieBob]

First, there are two major loss lists. The combat unit loss KG, JG, ZG, etc. are in "Flugzeugunfälle und Verluste bei den Verbänden" originating from Genst.Gen.Qu.Abt. etc. The other major list is the "Tägliche Verlustmeldung Schulen usw." which cover school units and a wide variety, literally hundreds of non-combat LW aircraft operators. So, first you need to determine what kind of unit operated the aircraft or search both units. Since the losses are not listed in pure chronological sequence, but rather when the report was received at the compiling location, you may have to search a nunber of dates to ensure you have covered all the entries that might be related to your interest. Occasinally the reports may be months after the actual loss date, although this the exceptin, it is more likely days or weeks. Of course, there are also the losses that somehow fell in the cracks and were missed completely, but up to 1945, I think these were a small percentage. There is still another category and that is damage or loss at the factories before acceptance as a result of either accident , bombing or strafing damage. In addition to the major lists, there are lower level lists from individual units or at a luftflotte level or reports from salvage units of aircraft recovered. If all these are put together the loss information, even for 1944 can probably be constructed pretty well, although it certainly would be nice to find it all in one place.

Best regards,

Artie Bob