Over the past couple of weeks I've been revisiting some of my old archive material...and have been thinking about the introduction of the PKZ numbering on awards, and the date when this started.
I know Dietrich's opinion, based on Hartman's awards, is that it occured in the early part of 1944, and in fact states that Hartman's Oakleaves are the earliest proven example of a 900 21 being awarded (page 255).
However, this overlooks Rudels Sword's (these were 900/21 Godets) dated 25 Nov 1943 and also Nowotny's Oakleaves and Swords which were presented to him personally by Hilter on 22nd September 1943....both 900/21 pieces. Rudel's were still in his possession when examined by V E Bowen and Nowotny's were in the possession of his brother who photgraphed and described them for V E B. I've no reason to doubt the accuracy of the material...looking at photo's of Rudel's Swords they are clearly Godet second type.
Bearing in mind that the time from fabrication to reaching the PKZ would probably be no less than a month (maybe more ?), and assuming that the new batch were used immediatley it would put the start date latest at July or August 1943.
Revisiting Dietrich's book, the various documentation from regarding the PKZ and LDO numbering is confusing (confused ?) and contradictory...for me anyway.
Looking at my old notes I see that my view years ago was that for RK's the numbering was applied maybe as early as mid 1943, and certainly by no later than August 1943. It might well have been earlier.
Regarding RK's...I accept that their dstributioin was tightly controlled, at least until the later part of 1944 onwards. However, I wonder what system was in place for deciding which of the licenced suppliers got the order for the next batch ?.....These suppliers would surely have a stockpile so that they could be able to react quickly to an order (they wouldnt be made to order surely !). PKZ numbered RK might therefore date from at least mid 1943..including the famous K&Q flawed variety ?
I know Dietrich's opinion, based on Hartman's awards, is that it occured in the early part of 1944, and in fact states that Hartman's Oakleaves are the earliest proven example of a 900 21 being awarded (page 255).
However, this overlooks Rudels Sword's (these were 900/21 Godets) dated 25 Nov 1943 and also Nowotny's Oakleaves and Swords which were presented to him personally by Hilter on 22nd September 1943....both 900/21 pieces. Rudel's were still in his possession when examined by V E Bowen and Nowotny's were in the possession of his brother who photgraphed and described them for V E B. I've no reason to doubt the accuracy of the material...looking at photo's of Rudel's Swords they are clearly Godet second type.
Bearing in mind that the time from fabrication to reaching the PKZ would probably be no less than a month (maybe more ?), and assuming that the new batch were used immediatley it would put the start date latest at July or August 1943.
Revisiting Dietrich's book, the various documentation from regarding the PKZ and LDO numbering is confusing (confused ?) and contradictory...for me anyway.
Looking at my old notes I see that my view years ago was that for RK's the numbering was applied maybe as early as mid 1943, and certainly by no later than August 1943. It might well have been earlier.
Regarding RK's...I accept that their dstributioin was tightly controlled, at least until the later part of 1944 onwards. However, I wonder what system was in place for deciding which of the licenced suppliers got the order for the next batch ?.....These suppliers would surely have a stockpile so that they could be able to react quickly to an order (they wouldnt be made to order surely !). PKZ numbered RK might therefore date from at least mid 1943..including the famous K&Q flawed variety ?
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