One Loss at Eastern Front Werknummer 10438

[Jim P.]

First off, I agree with Rabe as to the use of blue codes on 7./JG 54 machines - in fact, if I recall correctly, there is at least one color photograph of a 7./JG 54 machine in winter camo with a blue code in the Schiffer reprint of the Barbas' 'Aircraft of the LW Aces' volumes - though as I'm currently rearranging my home office/library I have no bloody idea where those books are located at the moment to exactly quote the source.

As to WNr. 10438, this machine was listed in the GQM reports at least 3 times:

Bf 109G-2 10434 OSTERMANN, Oblt. Max-Hellmuth 102 8. JG 54 09-Aug-42 Stkp. KIA in Luftkampf. S; Original entry says 10434 -replaced by 10438, is this correct? Ostfront Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #6)-Vol.10; Obermaier p 31 Pl.Qu. 29523 - Ammosovo (150km S of Lake Ilmen) 100% F

(the published loss of Ostermann in Obermaier shows WNr. 10438 - given its subsequent showings the original 10434 is probably correct!)

Bf 109G-2 10438 Wübke, Oblt. Waldemar 15~ 7. JG 54 09-Sep-42 Stkp. WIA due to enemy fighters. Ostfront Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #9)-Vol.16 Fl.Pl. Mga 15% F

And of course:

Bf 109G-2 10438 Stöber, Fw. Kurt 36 7. JG 54 blaue 1 + ^^ blue nos. used at this time by 7./JG 54. 15-Jan-43 POW, cause unknown. FSA. DK Ostfront Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #8)-Vol.13; Rosipal JG 54 loss list (Welikije-Luki) 100% F

Which is now apparent was the machine flown by Doege. The recorded loss is:
Bf 109G-2 10423 Doege, Ltn. Alfred 7. JG 54 blaue 10 + ^^ 15-Jan-43 MIA after Luftkampf. Ostfront Gen.Qu.6.Abt. (mfm #8)-Vol.13; Rosipal JG 54 loss list (Welikije-Luki) 100% F

So were the Doege/Stober losses reversed??