Björn Vrooman May 11, 2022:

Also, Schlosser: https://www.proz.com/kudoz/german-to-english/mechanics-mech-...

In any case, it should be maintenance (and repair), not motoris/zed mechanics... (unless someone can provide evidence to the contrary, but I'm pretty sure there isn't any): https://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Ranks/USA_Job_Areas_WW2.h...

Best

Björn Vrooman May 11, 2022:

@Phil We're talking past each other. I wasn't suggesting flight engineer as a translation for "...des Motorisierten Schlosserzugs."

I was responding to Timoshka's d-box posts, which seemed to imply that "1st aircraft mechanic" was the way to go.

But in *that* context, I'd vote for flight engineer over mechanic, for the reasons outlined at the Air Force Magazine link (maybe a smaller crew, but still).

"When the newly created Army Air Forces finally began to expand in 1941, growth was phenomenal...Flight schools sprouted all over the country, and technical training expanded to match. By now, the Army was training mechanics not only for ground crews but also as members of flight crews on its larger bombers. The B-24 had a flight engineer to troubleshoot fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems. He was the ranking enlisted man on the crew and, in addition to being a mechanic, served as a turret gunner." [Emphasis mine]
...

philgoddard Apr 26, 2022:

He was a mechanic The one in Timoshka's quote was a flight mechanic, but that doesn't mean this one was.

Björn Vrooman Apr 25, 2022:

Phil Timoshka's quote was: "Der 1. Wart (also der verantwortliche Flugzeugmechaniker) wurde hinter dem Piloten und vor dem Funker auf einem kleinen Behelfssitz mitgenommen..."

That's a match to the first link I posted. According to my search, at least, the person sitting in that seat was either a radar operator or a flight engineer.

Additionally, I'm not sure what you think a WWII flight engineer did? Example:
"The flight engineer on a B-17 was essentially a flying ground crewman. His job was to monitor mechanical operation of the aircraft. If fuel leaks occurred, landing gear were stuck, turrets were jammed, or other problems resulting from battle damage or flak, it was the responsibility of the engineer to recognize the problem and try to repair it. A flight engineer sometimes made the difference in whether or not a plane returned home. The engineer was also responsible for manning the top turret gun."
https://www.armyaircorpsmuseum.org/Aerial_Engineer.cfm

Seems like a good match to me, though I'm open to suggestions. See also p.4 on the right (mechanic ground > engineer plane): https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/19...

Best

philgoddard Apr 25, 2022:

Björn He's not a flight engineer, unless you know something we don't :-)

Björn Vrooman Apr 25, 2022:

PS "Wilfred served in the United States Air Corp during World War II from Jan. 8, 1943, to June 6, 1945. He was Staff Sergeant and flew with the 15th Air Force as a 1st Flight Engineer and Gunner in the Italian Campaign."
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/columbustelegram/name/w...

Maybe that helps.

Björn Vrooman Apr 25, 2022:

@Timoshka As for Wart: https://www.proz.com/kudoz/german-to-english/aerospace-aviat...

I'd suggest you search for flight engineer; here's an example:
"2. Flight Engineer

Seated next to the pilot on a folding seat called a dicky seat."
https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/news/si_role/wirel...

Best wishes

Timoshka (asker) Apr 25, 2022:

@ philgoddard With a little more digging, I found a tunic for sale online, with the description: "Luftwaffe Service tunic of Feldwebel Günther, 1st aircraft mechanic of Hans-Ulrich Rudel." Thus, I think 1. Wart = 1st Aircraft Mechanic. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

Timoshka (asker) Apr 25, 2022:

@ philgoddard Thank you! You're correct about the "1. Wart." I found this in an article about the Messerschmitt Bf 110: "Dem Grundsatz „sechs Augen sehen mehr als vier“ zufolge wurde ein drittes Besatzungsmitglied eingeführt: Der 1. Wart (also der verantwortliche Flugzeugmechaniker) wurde hinter dem Piloten und vor dem Funker auf einem kleinen Behelfssitz mitgenommen und hatte somit auch persönlich höchstes Interesse, dass die Maschine technisch in bestem Zustand war."

philgoddard Apr 25, 2022:

You've got your answer already, except I think a Wart is someone who maintains machinery rather than a guard.