Ju88 822577

[RT]

This plane has crashed on 21/22.Jan 1944, according to an AI2g doc. wore the STKZ NI+RA who has more about it

??

Rémi

[Brian Bines]

Hi Remi,

F1+BL of 3/KG76 822577 hit by AA crashed Lower Chantry Lane Canterbury at 0450hrs. Ff Uffz Kurt Matchin, Bf Ogef. Bernard Lugering, Bd Ogef Werner Clauss baled out POWs, B Uffz Andreas Marliot baled out found dead,

Regards

Brian Bines

[RT]

Many thks Brian

Rémi

[thenelm]

What does Bd stand for? Don't recall seeing that crew designation before.

[Brian Bines]

The Bd ofton appears on NVMs in the crew position normally shown as Bs. As I understood things the Luftwaffe had formally trained air gunners designated Bs, and also air gunners who had weapons training but not the full air gunnery course (Bd possibly standing for Bord Dienst?). I believe there were variations on the air-gunners badge which indicated the difference. That is as I understand it, if that is not the case anymore information welcome.

[ju55dk]

Bd=Bordwart.

Junker

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Brian Bines

As I understood things the Luftwaffe had formally trained air gunners designated Bs, and also air gunners who had weapons training but not the full air gunnery course.

As well as wireless operators (Bordfunker) who also manned a gun, as in Ju 87 crewmen that I met. What I've never seen though is a dual designation like the RAF's WOp/AG.

[Marcel van Heijkop]

Originally Posted by ju55dk

Bd=Bordwart.

Junker

And is that the same as Bm = Bordmechaniker (Flight Engineer)?

Regards,

Marcel

[Brian Bines]

From what I have seen Bordwart is shown as Bw being a similar role to Bm or Bordmechaniker. As Nick says I think most Lufwaffe aircrew had a secondary role as a gunner but were only designated by their main role.

[thenelm]

Thanks Brian. I have seen Bw and Bm lord knows how many times in recording losses. I do not recall ever seeing Bd before. Interesting.