Hartmann: claims vs. victories

[Nick Hector]

Originally Posted by Graham Boak

Just to put a little perspective on this, the suggested ratio of about 1 genuine to 3 claims is reasonably close to the overall values quoted for different air forces at different times. The majority of which is simple confusion in the complexity and rush of battle, rather than any deliberate falsity. With, as suggested above several times, a good dash of wishful thinking.

Sorry Graham, but having compared losses to claims for a long time, 2 genuine to 3 claims seems more accurate. Two thirds instead of one third accuracy. Quite a lot of German pilots were even better than that, striking greater than 75% accuracy

[Stig1207]

Originally Posted by Nick Hector

Sorry Graham, but having compared losses to claims for a long time, 2 genuine to 3 claims seems more accurate. Two thirds instead of one third accuracy. Quite a lot of German pilots were even better than that, striking greater than 75% accuracy

I have to go with Graham here, 1genuine to 3 claims, as an overall average. With variations according to time period, theatre etc.

[Nick Hector]

Originally Posted by Stig1207

I have to go with Graham here, 1genuine to 3 claims, as an overall average. With variations according to time period, theatre etc.

And what do you actually base that on?
I've frequently shared my findings here on the forum. Happy to be corrected, happy to be updated.

...But let's see yours.

You're basically saying that only one in three Luftwaffe claims was a legitimate victory with the other two as overclaims. Let's see you and/or Graham actually back that up.