28 October 2013

GERMAN WW2 ACE  Erich Hartmann

Reading all of the material available to me concerning Erich Hartmann and his mind-boggling 352 victories, evokes thoughts of what kind of conditions and circumstances they took place under. 

The great majority of Hartmann’s tour was in the Eastern front where the opponent’s prevailing aircraft and pilot skills were inferior to what Hartmann had to work with. Shooting birds in a cage could be viewed as a close analogy in this instance. Albeit, this is not diminishing Erich Hartmann’s aerial gifts, dedication, stamina, fortitude, and providence, which is an unfathomable element.

I can’t help wondering what Hartmann’s numbers would have been and how long he would have lasted if he had been battling with U.S, and British pilots in the Western front who had attained comparable skills and flew fighters that were equivalent to what Hartmann possessed. The contrast can be seen by the fierce attrition of German pilots in the Western front compared with the Eastern front.

I doubt that Hartmann was exposed to the combat skills the likes of Richard Bong, Francis Gabreski, Herschel Green [6 German kills in a day], George Welch [4 Zeros at Pearl Harbor], Pappy Boyington, Chuck Yeager, Bud Anderson, et al.

352 victories begs the question: Is more to be considered beyond what is seen or avowed ?