German Claims in Poland 1939

[G. Warrener]

Hello Andreas

I find that the matter is not so simple.

Marius's researches do present evidence (from German archival materials) that the Luftwaffe registered far fewer a/c lost during September 1939 over Poland - than Polish records give as being lost.

Given the extreme difficulties under which the Poilish military were subjected from 1939 - 1945 it was a matter of importance to them that events during 1939 were 'recorded' based on the evidence of those who were involved and who survived. They were not able to access German records during WW2.

So 60 years on - does one accept Marius's research results to immediately force a revision what has already passed into history - and so discrediting those who were involved on one side of the conflict?

Or does one let it trickle slowly into the accepted histories - as with the original RAF BoB Adlertag claims and the actual a/c which the LW lost on that day in 1940

Or does one fight it out ???????

Whatever Marius has done an awful lot of work - the essence of which should be acknowledged and not damned.

It is a very touchy subject. Marius says Skalski 'colorizes' - this in English does suggest an intention to mislead.

Franek tells Marius to f*ck off - hardly a rational response to archival & German eye-witness material presenting the opponents recorded losses.

That famous French ace threatens that 'negative' discussion of his war record on the internet can lead to legal prosecution. Not exactly an encouragement to ´simple historical analysis. Pilots actions were 'public' actions after all. They did not shoot at the enemy as an aspect of their private lives - beyond common scrutiny.

Overclaiming is not necessarily done with intent - more a human aspect - considering the conditions involved during air-combat.

Graham