Peter Düttmann and his "wonderful bird" Bf 109 G-10 WNr 610533

[Kari Lumppio]

Salut!

Yesterday finished reading Dütmman's book - the Finnish translation - "Itärintaman hävittäjäsotaa" (German orginal "Wir käpften in einsamen Höhen").

First about the book. The book is written by Falk Klinnert based on taped interview of Düttmann. Apparently the story was told in one session while paging through Düttman's flight logbook. I must say that the book is refreshing among all the books based on documents mainly - a real Story with capital S.

Düttman seems to have been technically oriented and gives many interesting details. Amongst them reason and solution(!) for the 30 mm (MK 108) cannon jamming problem. Of interest are also his remarks about the tactical etc. codes of his and other JG 52 pilots' planes.

And my question. Düttman tells that on March 7th, 1945 he received a Bf 109 (G-10) number "610533" - a "wonderful bird" as he describes it. According the book he flew the plane up to the end of the war. Another pilot took it to the collection point München-Neubiberg in May (9th?) 1945, though. Düttmann wanted to be with his girlfriend and future wife, Anni.

But. According data in (JaPo) book "Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10/U4" WNr 610533 was lost (100%) March 8th, 1945 with Ofhr. Rudolf Plöderl from Stab/JG 76.

Which one is the true story? Does anyone know the tactical code of Düttman's last mount? Is there photo of it? Many of the JG 52 planes were photographed at Neubiberg so there is some hope of a photo.


All comments welcomed,
Kari