Erich Hartmann: 352 victories or... 80?

[Graham Boak]

Denes suggests a ratio of 2:1 for claims to kills: I believe that Chris Shores, with all his experience, has said the same. I would point out however, that this ratio is not an overall factor. In times of intense fighting this can rise dramatically, and 3:1 is certainly not unreasonable, having been seen in many occaisons. Using this might suggest a total of some 120 for Hartmann, but even if we assume that 80 is a "correct" figure, so what? Similar factors would apply to almost everyone on the Eastern front, and indeed elsewhere.

Only 80. Wow, what a poor result. No?

From what has been seen elsewhere when both sides records have been compared, I fully expect many of these Luftwaffe totals to reduce significantly. As will Soviet totals. As will Japanese and USN Pacific totals. As have RAF, USAAF and Luftwaffe totals where comparisons have been possible. I don't believe that it diminishes the individuals concerned.