GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
In a foreward combat area, where the fighters were running several sorties per day, for days on end, I suspect the maintenance to these (and other) components were a bit neglected.It may not get as dusty like the desert but you will pick up dust and dirt to some degree. Look at the diagram you posted - every one of those moving linkages and hinges will pick up dirt and wear out causing issues so keeping components like this lubricated and clean is a big part of keeping the aircraft and engine healthy.
Especially if the unit was under-strength and their fighters were in constant demand.