Werknummer plate

[Henofred]

Hello,

I have in hands an identification plate (in very poor condition) found on a crash site 25 miles North of Châteauroux, Center France and I shall like to have some assistance from "experts" of this forum.

On the plate I have:
Baumuster: Ju 88 A-4
Werk-Nr: 0888650
Reg: 343

I have performed some researches in Freiburg im Breisgau Bundesarchiv and I shall like to know if the following loss can match with my plate.
23.09.1943 – IV./KG6 Bei Châteauroux – Abturz, Aufschlagbrand – Ju 88 A-4 Werknr. 8650
My only problem is that the serial number doesn't exactly match. It is possible that 088 on the beginning of the serial number of my plate points out the type of plane?
Last but not least, who knows more about this loss of Ju-88 with the Werknr. 8650?

Best regards,
Fred

[edNorth]

Hi Henofred,

Not a problem! - All Ju 88´s main W.Nr´s. plates had 088 added as ´designator´ (except the first eight JFM prototypes and most of the six-figure ´Secret Code´ numbers from mid 1943 onwards), so you have the correct W.Nr. - except the last line - could it be Rep 3.43 (meaning ´Repair Date´ March 1943)? This one does not have another accident listed, but that is no concrete evedence, it could have had major overhaul performed as REP. This one originally came from Siebel at Halle, in about April/May 1942, having ATG fuselage (and most likely also tail group). It was then more than one year old and likely been once (or twice) to overhaul.

8650 Ju 88 A-4 IV/KG 6 (Luftflotte 3)
Non-OPS (H) crashed and burned (90%) near Chateauroux 23.09.1943 (F Lt. Horst Höhner, B Gefr. Max Schwarze, BF Uffz. Helmuth Habicht and BS Obgefr. Heinz Blinkensieb killed)

cheers
ed

[Henofred]

Hello Ed,

Thanks a lot for these explanations. The plate is in poor condition and it is perhaps Rep 343...
A last question: Is “Staffel” known? The document which I found in Bundesarchiv doesn't mention it.

Best regards,
Fred

[edNorth]

No, I do not have Staffeln, just IV/KG 6. Likely the NWM records say which, I do not have this period. Sorry.

[Henofred]

Hello Ed,

I asked today for the NVM to the Wast archives in Berlin.
There will be perhaps this information.

Greetings from France,
Fred

[Chris Goss]

You will be lucky to get NVMs from WASt!

[Henofred]

Bonjour Chris,

I saw your trials with the WASt, so I shall have tried at least!
The source of problem is known?

Regards,
Fred

[Chris Goss]

Fred: No problem just a change in policy!

[Henofred]

Hello Chris,

In spite of this change of policy I have the hope to have something? (Even if I wait an answer from WASt's a couple of month.) Since five years I am looking for the identity of this plane then I have a little bit of time for their answer! ;o)

All the best,
Fred

[Chris Goss]

Fred: They no longer supply NVMs unless in exceptional circumstances, just a precis of what the NVM says. You might be luck but I would prepare to be disappointed!