Heinrich Sterr

[knusel]

Good evening gentlemen,

When did Heinrich Sterr transition from Bf109 to Fw190 ?

Cheers,

Michael

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Michael

That will be a difficult question to answer since II./JG 54 continued to maintain Bf 109 G-2 fighters on strength through August 1943 and we have no way of knowing which type was he flying on the majority of the missions flown during this time. The only way of answering this would be his logbook but I have no idea if this exists and I doubt that it does. II./JG 54 began receiving Fw 190 fighters in December 1942 and completed conversion in August 1943 so it was during that time period that he transitioned from the one to the other.

Horrido!

Leo

[knusel]

Hello Leo,

as in Stotz's case, there is a convenient scoring gap in Mar-May43. Fw190 conversion training was quite meticulous in 1943 still, so I think this would fit in well.

Michael

[Jim P.]

But assuming the 'gap' is for transition training is still just that, an assumption. The gap could be attributed to other reasons as well - extended leave, temporary transition to other duties, illness. I doubt the transition of aircraft type for an experienced pilot would take 3 months.

[knusel]

Hello Leo and Jim,

yes it's an assumption, a theory. But have a look a the scoring gaps of Sterr and 4 other arbitrarily chosen aces from II./JG54:
- 24.3.-16.5. Sterr 6. Staffel
- 22.2.-20.5. Stotz 4./6. Staffel
- 24.3.-29.5. Lang 5. Staffel
- 24.3.-17.6. Wolf 6. Staffel
- 27.3.-26.5. Hannig 5. Staffel
They match and Fw190 transition training was really meticulous at that stage of the war. However, John Weal describes a Sterr Fw190 for March and a Beisswenger Fw190 for as early as February.

What's your opinion ?

Have a nice first Advent,

Michael

[knusel]

Hello there Gentlemen,

is there any photo that reveals when exactly Heinrich Sterr scored his 100. (or any other given) kill ?

Michael

[knusel]

...or is it known what was his first Fw190 kill ?

Michael