Germany, Luftwaffe. A Collection Of Photos And Documents To Luftwaffe Squadron Leader Hauptmann Kahra (KIA)

The grouping includes: four period photos of Karl Kahra; a promotion certificate to Oberleutnant; a promotion letter to Leutnant; an official pilot evaluation; a newspaper obituary.

Three of the four photos show Kahra at an official function, in one of which he gives a speech. The fourth photo shows him surrounded by other Wehrmacht officers. Kahra wears Oberleutnant collar tabs, a Front Flying Clasp, presumably in Silver, the Iron Cross 1st Class, and the Pilot Badge. Photos measuring between 142 mm (w) x 98 mm (h) and 180 mm (w) x 131 mm (h), presenting light warping and minimal fraying of the edges, remaining extremely fine.

The promotion certificate to Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) is dated to Berlin on March 6, 1939. The promotion is backdated to February 1. The certificate carries a facsimile signature of Göring. Measuring 255 mm (w) x 355 mm (h), presenting a folding crease and minimal creasing of the edges, remains extremely fine.

The promotion letter to Leutnant of the Reserve is dated to Berlin on October 23, 1937. The promotion is backdated to October 1. It was sent by the Army District Command of Berlin. Kahra’s unit at the time was Fighter Wing Hindenburg No. 152 in Neubrandenburg. Measuring 208 mm (w) x 297 mm (h), presenting two folding creases and light creasing fo the edges, remains near extremely fine.

The pilot evaluation document is dated to Altenburg (Thuringia) on July 12, 1940. It states that Kahra had no trouble switching to C planes and has acquired his C licence. Measuring 210 mm (w) x 297 mm (h), presenting two folding creases and light creasing of the edges, remains near extremely fine.

Footnote: Karladolf “Karl” Kahra was born on September 29, 1909 in Windheim. According to his obituary, he died in the Battle against England on April 12, 1942 in the rank of Hauptmann (captain) as a squadron leader in a fighter wing. Among his decorations were both classes of the Iron Cross and a Front Flying Clasp in Silver.