WWII German Luftwaffe Soldbuch – Oberfeldwebel Stratmann – Kampfgeschwarder 77 – Bordfunker – Injured at Eben Emael by Infantry Fire – The Blitz England – Battle of the Atlantic – 110 Missions – Gold Front Flying Clasp – EK1 (Sold)

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Description

In Soldbuch issued in 1939, to Stratmann, born in 1918 in Oberhausen, Germany.

Stratmann would serve in the following units:

11.1939 – 2.1942 – II / Kampfgeschwarder 77 (6. Staffel)

According to further research: Stratmann was injured in a Do 17 Z – whilst on a combat mission at Eben Emael Fortifications. On the 10.05.1940.

In mid-July 1940 all three groups returned to Germany to convert to the Junkers Ju 88. When III./KG 77 returned to France in late August (it was still based at Regensburg on 26 August) it had 35 Ju 88s operational. These groups suffered losses of 9 Ju 88s on a single mission against Gravesend on 18 September, one of the highest losses of any gruppe in a single mission.[1] I./KG 77 in conjunction with II. and III. gruppe supported operations during the Blitz. On 27 September I./KG 77 lost six J 88s when raiding London, while II./KG 77 lost another six on the same night.During 1941 the Geschwader also took part in the Battle of the Atlantic. It attempted to support the German battleship Bismarck during her Atlantic operation during 26–28 May 1941. However, the unit was unable to intervene before she sank. The Geschwader sank the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Mashona on 28 May 1941, as the British forces withdrew to port.

2.1942 – 5.1943 – Transport vII Flieger Korps

06.1943 – Frontflieger Sammelgruppe – Lippstadt/Westfahlen.

10.1943 – Erprobungstelle der Luftwaffe Udetfeld – Technische Kompanie

An interesting group testing Luftwaffe equipment.

10.1944 – Frontflieger Sammelgruppe Quedlinburg

2.3.1945 – Flugzeugführerschule A10 – Warnemünde / Schülerkompanie

Medals / Qualifications

1. Radio Operator & Air Gunner’s Badge
2. Iron Cross Second Class – 13.5.1940 – Eben Emael
3. Wounds Badge in Black – 13.5.1940 – Eben Emael
4. Iron Cross First Class – 3.6.1941 – Battle of the Atlantic
5. Front Flying Clasp in Gold – 15.1.1942 – 110 Front Missions Completed

6. Qualifications – His Bordfunkerschein for radio operator was obtained in January 1940 with Kampfgeschwarder 77 in the field. Signature Major Krebs.

Comments:
It seems he was victim of his own trade, he was granted leave in November 1944, his home was hit by an allied bombing raid. What is really nice about this Soldbuch is the extras inside it, In the front of the Soldbuch is a very nice entry.