Germany, Luftwaffe. A Letter To Father Of Luftwaffe Nco And Observer Hannes Humpe Gone Mia (Dkig)

The letter is a period transcript, sent by the squadron leader of the 14th squadron of Kampfgeschwader (bomber wing) 27 “Boelcke” (indicated by Feldpost number L 53667), Eduard Stripek. The 14th squadron was specially deployed to “hunt” Russian trains. The letter is dated to August 18, 1943 and sent to the father of Unteroffizier (NCO) and Observer Hannes Humpe, informing him that his son has been MIA since August 9. Humpe and the rest of his crew had been tasked with attacking Russian supply lines on the railway track between Belgorod and Kursk, yet the plane and its entire crew did not return from the mission. Stripek states that Humpe has already been approved for the German Cross in Gold. The letter carries a machine-written signature. Measuring 209x295mm, very fine condition with folding creases and light scuffing.

Footnote:

It was later confirmed that the plane had been shot down by anti-aircraft artillery. Two of the five men, Lieutenant Karl Schmid (pilot) and Sergeant Johann Hoffmann (radio operator) survived and were captured. Humpe, NCO Otto Derfert (onboard mechanic) and Lieutenant Schäfer (gunner/war correspondent) were killed in action.