KG 53 Staka March 1944 (Bautz?)

[Richard Mills]

I am trying to ascertain the identity of the signatory on the attached, signed as Staka 6./KG 53 in March-1944.

To my eyes the signatory is Wilhelm Bautz however.......

As you will see the date is March-44 although Larry de Zang has him down as appointed Staka 6./KG 53 in Nov-44 in the excellent Luftwaffe Officer Career Summaries, also also when he was awarded the Ehrenpokal on 08-May-1944 he is listed as being a Staffelkapitän however, the Staffel not listed.

BAUTZ, Wilhelm. (DOB: 27.09.14). (DKG). (W.B.K. Frankfurt/Oder). 10.10.40 trf to Fl.Ausb.Rgt. 41 as an instructor. 1941 assigned to Lg.Kdo. III. 24.11.42 trf to Blindflugschule 5 Belgrad-Zemun. 21.02.43 trf to IV./KG 53. 26.02.43 trf to 10./KG 53. 01.04.43 promo to Hptm. (Kr.O.). 15.06.43 trf to 4./KG 53 as a pilot. 08.05.44 Hptm., awarded Ehrenpokal. 15.11.44 Hptm., appt Staka 6./KG 53 (to 04.45). 01.01.45 Hptm., awarded DKG, (unspecified) KG.

In my mind the signatory is Bautz however, I would enjoy some input from the membership here to guage more opinion. Many thanks in advance.

Regards Richard.