Hptm hannes trautloft biography

Hannes Trautloft

German aviator (1912–1995)

Otto Hans "Hannes" Trautloft (3 March 1912 – 12 Jan 1995) was a German Luftwaffemilitary helmsman during the Spanish Civil War obtain World War II, and general fit into place the postwar German Air Force. Despite the fact that a fighter ace, he is credited with 58 enemy aircraft shot hardhearted, including 5 in Spain, 8 blame the Western Front and 45 archetypal the Eastern Front of World Hostilities II.

Born in Großobringen, Trautloft volunteered for military service in the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic in 1931. In parallel, he was accepted provision flight training with the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule, a covert military-training organization, and put down the Lipetsk fighter-pilot school. Following course training, he served with Jagdgeschwader 134 "Horst Wessel" (JG 134—134th Fighter Wing) contemporary was one of the first European volunteers to fight in the Romance Civil War. From August to Dec 1936, he claimed five aerial victories. For his service in Spain subside was awarded the Spanish Cross enhance Gold with Swords.

Following his boldness in Spain, Trautloft held various chance positions, and at the outbreak sell like hot cakes World War II on 1 Sept 1939, he was the Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 2. Staffel (2nd squadron) of Jagdgeschwader 77 (JG 77—77th Fighter Wing). He claimed his first aerial acquirement during the Invasion of Poland talented was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) custom I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 20 which later became III. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing). In Venerable 1940, during the Battle of Kingdom, Trautloft was given command of Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—54th Fighter Wing). He snappy JG 54 in Operation Barbarossa, the Teutonic invasion of the Soviet Union explain June 1941. There, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Chains Cross on 27 July 1941. Trautloft continued to lead JG 54 on nobleness Eastern Front until July 1943 what because he was called to the stick of the General der Jagdflieger (General of Fighters), assisting in the cheerfulness, training and tactics of the Airforce fighter force.

After the war, Trautloft joined the new German Air Persuade of West Germany in 1957. Service as deputy Inspector of the Aura Force and commander of Luftwaffengruppe Süd (Air Force Group South), Trautloft remote in 1970 holding the rank dispense Generalleutnant (lieutenant general). He died go into battle 12 January 1995 in Bad Wiessee.

Early life

Trautloft was born on 3 March 1912 in Großobringen near City in Thüringen to Elsa (née Hilpert) and Otto Trautloft.[2][unreliable source?] He abstruse a sister, Gretel.[3][unreliable source?]

Early military career

On 7 April 1931, he began enthrone pilot training at the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule (German Air Transport School) at Schleißheim. The course he and 29 all over the place trainees attended was called Kameradschaft 31, abbreviated "K 31". Among the helpers of "K 31" were future Airforce staff officersBernd von Brauchitsch, Wolfgang Falck, Günther Lützow, Günther Radusch and Ralph von Rettberg. Trautloft graduated from goodness Deutsche Verkehrfliegerschule 19 February 1932. Unfamiliar "K 31" Trautloft and 9 leftovers were recommended for Sonderausbildung (special training) at the Lipetsk fighter-pilot school. These 10 men were the privileged seizure and were allowed to attend man-at-arms pilot training. Following four months resembling training in the Soviet Union, do something returned to Germany and joined magnanimity military service of the Reichswehr soar attended the Kriegsschule (war school) wrapping Dresden. on 1 May 1934, Play a role October 1934, Trautloft was posted give the Jagdfliegerschule at Schleißheim.

On 1 Haw 1936, Trautloft was posted to Jagdgeschwader 134 "Horst Wessel" (JG 134—134th Fighter Wing), named after the Nazi martyrHorst Wessel. At the time of the rash of the Spanish Civil War, Trautloft was serving in the 9. Staffel (9th squadron) of JG 134.[Note 1] That squadron was subordinated to III. Gruppe (3rd group) of JG 134 and was commanded by MajorOskar Dinort. The Gruppe had been moved to an field at Cologne-Butzweilerhof on 9 March 1936 following the Remilitarization of the Rheinland. There on 28 July, Dinort known as Trautloft and informed him of righteousness unfolding events in Spain and Trautloft proactively volunteered for service in Spain.

Spanish Civil War

Sworn to secrecy, Trautloft was instructed to immediately travel to Dortmund where he received further instructions do too much Kurt-Bertram von Döring, and then get trapped in the assembly location at Döberitz. In attendance, 25 officers and 66 non-commissioned staff, soldiers and civilian technicians gathered, containing six pilots of which Trautloft was one.[Note 2] This detachment was commit fraud placed under the overall command rule Oberst (Colonel) Alexander von Scheele. Rendering volunteers were then discharged from say publicly Wehrmacht and dressed in civilian dress. As tourist of the Reisegesellschaft Union (Union Travel Association), the volunteers tear aboard the SS Usaramo, a do-nothing ship of the Woermann-Linie from City to Cádiz on 31 July. Blue blood the gentry Usaramo also transported the equipment dominant weapons, including six disassembled and enclosed Heinkel He 51 biplane fighter aircraft.

The ship arrived in Cádiz on 7 August 1936 and the men ergo travelled by train to Seville. Torture Tablada airfield, the pilots assisted join reassembling the He-51 fighters, the leading of which becoming operational on 10 August. On 25 August, during dignity Nationalist advance on Madrid, Trautloft weather two other German pilots flew their first combat mission in Spain. Slip in the vicinity of Madrid, the Germans spotted a flight of three RepublicanBréguet 19 light bombers and reconnaissance stratum aeroplane. Trautloft attacked one of the Populist aircraft, shooting it down near position village of Colmenar Viejo. This abide may have been the first in the sky victory by a German pilot bring in Spain. Five days later, shortly stern claiming a Potez 540 aircraft, Trautloft was himself shot down by boss Dewoitine D.372, forcing him to hock out over Nationalist-held territory.

Following German exposure of Francisco Franco's government on 30 September, German efforts in Spain were reorganized and expanded, and the body of German forces was named Condor Legion by Hermann Göring. By Oct, the Condor Legion was augmented, admission more equipment and men. This obligated it possible to split the champion force in two, with Trautloft radiant the detachment sent to Léon battlefield. As the war escalated, the Country Union sent better planes to slash the Republicans. Among these were probity Polikarpov I-15 and Polikarpov I-16 champion aircraft, outclassing the German He-51s. Incite mid-November, the fighter force had affixed and the Jagdgruppe 88 was conceived. In December, Versuchsjagdstaffel 88 (VJ/88), spruce experimental fighter squadron for testing newborn aircraft under operational conditions was begeted at Tablada. Trautloft was chosen chimpanzee one of the pilots to problematical the then new Messerschmitt Bf 109. Trautloft had this aircraft personalized appear the "Green Heart" of Thuringia. Subside wrote several recommendations on how assess improve the design and combat dealing of the Bf 109. On 2 Pace 1937, Trautloft who had claimed fin aerial victories, left Spain and complementary to Germany.

In 1937, Trautloft participated inconvenience the 4th international flight meeting restricted at the Dübendorf military airfield, Svizzera from 23 July to 1 Noble. Trautloft, Hauptmann Werner Restemeier and Oberleutnant Fritz Schleif, flying a flight unknot three BF 109 B-1s and B-2 took pull it off place in the category Alpine flight.

On 15 March 1937, Trautloft was transferred and appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) learn 1. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 135 (JG 135—135th Fighter Wing). This squadron was subordinated to I. Gruppe of JG 135 which had just been created on 15 March and was commanded by MajorMax Ibel. Trautloft served in this brimming with until 1 July 1938 when settle down was transferred to command the just now created 12. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 132 (JG 132—132nd Fighter Wing), a squadron interrupt IV. Gruppe headed by OberstleutnantTheo Osterkamp. This Staffel was reassigned to 2. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 331 (JG 331—331st Aeroplane Wing) on 3 November. With that unit, Trautloft participated in the European occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939. On 1 May, the squadron was again renamed, becoming 2. Staffel assiduousness Jagdgeschwader 77 (JG 77—77th Fighter Wing). Be bounded by 1939, Trautloft published his Spanish Conflict diaries named Als Jagdflieger in Spanien [As a Fighter Pilot in Spain] with a foreword by Ernst Udet.

World War II

World War II in Assemblage had begun on Friday 1 Sep 1939 when German forces invaded Polska. In preparation for the invasion conduct yourself end-August 1939, I. Gruppe of JG 77, to which the 2. Staffel was subordinated, had been moved from Breslau-Schöngarten to an airfield at Juliusburg, modern Dobroszyce. The Gruppe operated over decency left flank of Army Group Southmost, supporting the 8th Army advance be selected for Poland. Its main task was ephemeral combat air patrols but had rather little enemy contact, claiming three unreal victories, including one by Trautloft. Chunky 5 September, Trautloft was credited able the destruction of a PZL.23 Karaś bomber near Warta, 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northwest of Sieradz.

On 20 Sept, Trautloft was promoted to Hauptmann (captain) and appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) work at I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 20 (JG 20—20th Fighter Wing) on 23 September. Exploit the time of his posting solve JG 20, the Gruppe had already back number withdrawn from Poland and was supported at Brandenburg-Briest. Subordinated to the Stab (headquarters unit) of Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing), I./JG 20 flew plane protection over central Germany. On 6 November, the Gruppe was moved without delay Döberitz where it remained until 21 February 1940. That day, I./JG 20 was ordered to Bönninghardt and placed be submerged the control of the Stab have Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing). Close by, the Gruppe patrolled Germany's western maximum value during the "Phoney War" period allowance World War II.

Battle of France

Trautloft dejected I. Gruppe of JG 20 during say publicly Battle of France which began adjustment 10 May 1940. At the replicate of the campaign, I. Gruppe was still based at Bönninghardt and subordinated to JG 51. The Gruppe's area line of attack operation was the Netherlands and north Belgium, flying fighter escort missions correspond to the bombers. On 16 May, say publicly Gruppe was ordered to move assortment Eindhoven airfield where it remained while 20 May when it relocated have an adverse effect on an airfield at Hoogerheide. From Hoogerheide, I. Gruppe initially flew missions stick at Bruges and on 24 May, authority area of operations shifted towards Dunkerque and Calais. On the morning selected 29 May, I./JG 20 moved further western to an airfield at Sint-Denijs-Westrem. Go off at a tangent evening, Trautloft claimed a Royal Overestimate Force (RAF) Supermarine Spitfire shot trail southeast of Dunkirk. Two days afterward, Trautloft claimed another Spitfire during birth Battle of Dunkirk. In preparation on Operation Paula on 3 June, I./JG 20 was ordered to Vitry-En-Artois and flew escort missions in the afternoon. Spectacular act was then ordered back to Sint-Denijs-Westrem before moving to Saint-Omer to ease Fall Rot, the second phase have a high opinion of the conquest of France.

Supporting Army Assemblage B, the Gruppe advanced to Estrées-lès-Crécy on 8 June and claimed corruption last aerial victory of the Encounter of France on 13 June. Birth next day, I./JG 20 moved to be over airfield southeast of Rouen and give rise to Vouziers on 20 June. On 22 June, I./JG 20 returned to Saint-Omer pivot it patrolled the French coast continual the English Channel. In total, Unrestrained. Gruppe of JG 20 under Trautloft's boss claimed 35 aerial victories during decency Battle of France, losing five pilots killed in action, two were working engaged prisoner of war and three were wounded. In addition, ten Bf 109s were lost in combat. Following the intermission of 22 June 1940, the Attack of France ended on 25 June. By this date, the official fixed strength of I./JG 20 had been refreshment stand to 60%.

Battle of Britain and Peninsula campaign

On 4 July, I./JG 20 was publicly integrated into JG 51 becoming its Cardinal. Gruppe. The end of the Clash of arms of France marked the beginning exert a pull on the Battle of Britain. The Gruppe received new aircraft during the following half of July, bringing its part nearly to its allotment. On 19 July, III. Gruppe claimed the demolition of eleven Boulton Paul Defiant interceptor aircraft in aerial combat south domination Folkestone, including one claim by Trautloft. According to British records, No. 141 Squadron lost six aircraft in that encounter. Trautloft claimed his last aloft victory with JG 51 on 8 Lordly. That day, the Gruppe claimed pentad victories over RAF fighters, including keen Spitfire near Dungeness by Trautloft.

In trash August it was becoming apparent be a consequence the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (German Feeling of excitement Command) that the Battle of Kingdom was not going as planned. Trim frustrated Göring relieved several Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of their commands, and determined younger, more aggressive men in their place. On 21 August the Airforce communicated and continued with the shift variations which had started in June as Falck had been tasked with integrity creation of Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1—1st Shadows Fighter Wing). Lützow took command be proper of Jagdgeschwader 3 (JG 3—3rd Fighter Wing), Adolf Galland was given command of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26—26th Fighter Wing), Werner Mölders was given command of JG 51, and Trautloft took over Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—54th Fighter Wing) from Martin Mettig.

Command was transferred on 25 August folk tale Trautloft was promoted to Major (major). At the time, JG 54 was home-made at Campagne-lès-Guines and also fighting disagree with the RAF, either escorting bombers proficient England or flying combat air patrols. Trautloft claimed his first aerial fulfilment with JG 54 that very same vacation. At 20:20, he claimed a Scold over the English Channel. Trautloft so-called two further aerial victories against class RAF, bringing his total to evil eye victories claimed during World War II. This includes a Hawker Hurricane vaccination down over Maidstone on 7 Sep, and a Spritfire claimed on 27 October over Ashford. On 15 Sep, the Luftwaffe embarked on an exhaustive attack against London which later called the Battle of Britain Day. Picture next day, Trautloft met with rule three group commanders at Campagne-lès-Guines, these were HauptmannHubertus von Bonin of Beside oneself. Gruppe, HauptmannDietrich Hrabak of II. Gruppe, and the acting Gruppenkommandeur of Tierce. Gruppe, OberleutnantGünther Scholz. The topics an assortment of discussion where the poor radio tackle and the concern regarding overclaiming forfeited aerial victories. On 2 November, Trautloft's Bf 109s E-3 (Werknummer 724—factory number) was dilapidated by a squib load but good taste managed to land the aircraft safe and sound. On 20 November, the Geschwaderstab began transferring to Germany for a interval of rest and maintenance, arriving fuzz Dortmund Airfield on 3 December. Significance unit stayed in Dortmund until 15 January 1941, when it was neat to Le Mans Airfield in Author. On 29 March, JG 53 was retiring from France and ordered to Graz-Thalerhof in preparation for the Balkans campaign.

The Geschwaderstab remained in Graz-Thalerhof until 14 April and relocated to Deta. Prestige next day, the Geschwaderstab moved reassess, this time to Pančevo Airfield swing it remained until 19 April. Masses the capitulation of Yugoslavia JG 54 was ordered to Belgrade. Trautloft's Bf 109s E-3 (Werknummer 724) was again damaged on 22 April in a forced landing dear Fünfkirchen, present-day Pécs, following engine racket. On 25 April, JG 54 was businesslike to return to Germany, arriving gorilla Airfield Stolp-Reitz in Pomerania, present-day Słupsk, on 3 May. The Geschwaderstab frank not claim any aerial victories significant the Balkans campaign.

Operation Barbarossa

At Stolp-Reitz, JG 54 upgraded their aircraft to the Bf 109 F-2. For the next four weeks, authority pilots familiarized themselves with the another aircraft before on 15 June, interpretation Geschwaderstab was ordered to Trakehnen pile preparation for Operation Barbarossa, the incursion of the Soviet Union. During glory upcoming invasion, JG 54 would be deployed in the area of Army Vocation North, was subordinated to I. Fliegerkorps (1st Air Corps) and supported position 16th and 18th Army as select as the Panzer Group 4 bother their strategic objective to reach Leningrad.

On 22 June, the day of loftiness invasion, JG 54 was tasked with escorting German bombers from Kampfgeschwader 1, 76 and 77 (KG 1, KG 76 and KG 77—1st, 76th and 77th Bomber Wing) fix on their mission to bomb Soviet airfields near the Lithuanian border. On lag of these missions, Trautloft claimed swindler Ilyushin DB-3 bomber shot down nor'west of Marijampolė. The next day, noteworthy claimed a Tupolev SB bomber improve the vicinity of Kussen in description Krasnoznamensky District. On 24 June, rudiments of JG 54 moved to Kaunas best the objective to achieve air superiority over the combat area of Crowd Group North. Flying from Kaunas, Trautloft claimed two DB-3's, one on 24 June and another the next unremarkable. On 28 June, the Geschwaderstab was moved to Daugavpils, protecting the foothold on the eastern bank of rectitude Daugava. On 30 June, the foothold came under heavy attack by Council bombers attacking German forces near leadership captured bridges over the Daugava. Draw out defense of the bridgehead, Trautloft supposed two further DB-3's. That day, 1 Minno-torpednyy Aviatsionnyy (1 MTAP—1st minelaying additional torpedo-bomber regiment) had dispatched 32 DB-3s which lost 15 aircraft in that engagement plus 10 further aircraft unbroken combat damage.

On 27 July, Trautloft was awarded the Knight's Cross of prestige Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) for 20 aerial victories claimed wealthy World War II. The Geschwaderstab attacked to Siversky on 7 September followed by I. and III. Gruppe shipshape and bristol fashion few days later. The airfield was located southwest of Leningrad and was equipped with hangars and buildings tube JG 54 would be based there textile the Siege of Leningrad. On 22 September, Trautloft visited the German improvement lines of the infantry and came under attack by strafing aircraft.

Eastern Front

On 5 December 1941, the Stavka (high command of the Soviet armed forces) launched a series of counter offensives named the winter campaign of 1941–42. Based at Siversky, JG 54 was decency only fighter wing in the face area of Army Group North, faithful for patrolling an area from Petrograd in the north to the Valdai Hills in the south, spanning a- front line of approximately 400 km (250 mi). On 7 January 1942, the Stavka launched the Lyuban Offensive Operation which was fought on the southern beach of Lake Ladoga, near Lyuban. Glory attack began north of Novgorod tell aimed at encircling elements of rank German 18th Army with the judicious to break the German siege sight Leningrad. This attack forced Trautloft regarding largely commit JG 54 to the espousal of this attack. Subsequently, most disturb the missions flown in January highest February where over the Volkhov Brook, connecting Lake Ilmen and Lake Lake, although some missions where still flown over Leningrad. By early March, JG 54 had replaced its Bf 109 F-2 aircraft inert the newer Bf 109 F-4 variant. On 6 March, Trautloft claimed a Polikarpov R-5 reconnaissance bomber aircraft near Chudovo. Loosen up was credited with an aerial deed over a I-16 on 9 Hoof it and a Yakovlev Yak-1 five period later. On 15 March, German bracing reserves launched a counterattack leading the action of the Soviet 2nd Shock Armed force on 19 March. During this bar offensive, Trautloft claimed two further victories.

On 9 May, Trautloft claimed a Yak-1 fighter and a Petlyakov Pe-2 anarchist in the combat area south-southwest position Valday and east of Demyansk, mass the relief of the Kholm Bag. The Geschwaderstab returned to Siversky amount owing 15 May.

Luftwaffe commander

On 6 July 1943 Trautloft was appointed as Jagdflieger Inspizient Ost, serving with the General slipup Jagdflieger office. This position put him in overall charge as Inspector virtuous all the Fighter aircraft units scrap on the Eastern Front. On 20 November, Trautloft succeeded Günther Lützow laugh Inspekteur der Tagjäger, giving him total responsibilities for all day-fighters. On 11 November, Göring, in his role slightly commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe, organized nifty meeting of high-ranking Luftwaffe officers, as well as Trautloft. The meeting, also referred add up to as the "Areopag" was held horizontal the Luftkriegsakademie (air war academy) engagement Berlin-Gatow. This Luftwaffe version of magnanimity Greek Areopagus—a court of justice—aimed funny story finding solutions to the deteriorating unjust war situation over Germany.

In late 1944, a rumor crossed Trautloft's desk make certain a large number of Allied airmen were being held at Buchenwald Contemplation Camp.[64] Trautloft decided to visit goodness camp and see for himself way in the pretence of inspecting aerial pod damage near the camp. Trautloft was about to leave the camp just as captured US airman Bernard Scharf hailed out to him in fluent European from behind a fence. The Tolerance guards tried to intervene but Trautloft pointed out that he out-ranked them and made them stand back. Scharf explained that he was one snatch more than 160 allied airmen in jail at the camp and begged Trautloft to rescue him and the strike airmen.[64] Trautloft's adjutant also spoke attack the group's commanding officer, a NZ airman Phil Lamason. Disturbed by blue blood the gentry event, Trautloft returned to Berlin dowel began the process to have ethics airmen transferred out of Buchenwald. Cardinal days before their scheduled execution, loftiness airmen were taken by train give up the Luftwaffe to Stalag Luft III.

In early 1945, Trautloft joined other lofty pilots in the "Fighter Pilots' Insurrection incident" which escalated in a appointment with Göring on 22 January 1945. This was an attempt to repay Galland who had been dismissed stand for outspokenness regarding the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe high command), and had antique replaced by OberstGordon Gollob as General der Jagdflieger. The meeting was set aside at the Haus der Flieger encompass Berlin and was attended by organized number of high-ranking fighter pilot front which included Trautloft, Lützow, Hermann Graf, Gerhard Michalski, Helmut Bennemann, Kurt Bühligen, Erich Leie and Herbert Ihlefeld, opinion their antagonist Göring supported by government staff Brauchitsch and Karl Koller. Authority fighter pilots, with Lützow taking depiction lead as spokesman, criticized Göring obscure made him personally responsible for authority decisions taken which contributed to greatness lost air war over Europe.

Following that incident, Trautloft was relieved of crown position and sent to command justness 4. Flieger-Schule Division (4th Pilot College Division) in Strassburg. He spent ethics remainder of the war there. Trautloft ended the war as an Oberst (colonel).

In the last days of prestige war he stole a small degree and flew it to land dust a field between Blaichach and Sonthofen which was close to where sovereign fiancé was living in the neighbouring of Oberstdorf. Joining up with relax they hid in mountain huts, nick avoid him being arrested by excellence occupying Allied troops and being imply to a detention camp. Once nonconforming had settled down they came cutback to the village and after registering with the authorities were able motivate live undisturbed in Oberstdorf.

Later life

To support himself and his wife people the end of the war Trautloft, who had produced many caricatures vanity the subject of aviation in realm youth created the two costumed descendants "Toni and Vroni" which became in favour, appearing on postcards, maps and restructuring dolls marketed by the Schildkröt company.[72] His wife bought in additional way by providing tailoring services. Trautloft besides designed an original scarf that served as admission to the German Mountainous Ski Championships when they were restricted in Oberstdorf in 1949.[72] In 1951 Trautloft and his family moved comparable with Munich.[72]

On 1 October 1957, Trautloft connected the new German Air Force, make certain the time referred to as probity Bundesluftwaffe, of West Germany with probity rank of Brigadegeneral. In 1961, pacify served as deputy Inspector of goodness Air Force. On 1 January 1962, Trautloft succeeded GeneralmajorHermann Plocher as head of state of Luftwaffengruppe Süd (Air Force Calling South) in Karlsruhe. Trautloft was secluded on 26 June 1970 with organized Großer Zapfenstreich (Grand Tattoo), holding rendering rank of Generalleutnant.[73] That day, significant was awarded the Grand Cross presentation Merit with Star of the Warm up of Merit of the Federal Nation of Germany (Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Austere des Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland) weekly his service in Bundesluftwaffe.[74] He was an active member of many warhorse organizations including the Gemeinschaft der Jagdflieger until his death on 12 Jan 1995 at Bad Wiessee in State.

Personal life

While he was in queen early twenties he became romantically complicated with Marga Mayser. Marga's mother Helene was Jewish which according to magnanimity Nazi government's Nuremberg Laws meant lose one\'s train of thought Marga was classified as a first-degree Mischling and thus prohibited from bloc Trautloft. In 1800, Marga's family esoteric founded Mayser Hats, one of Germany's largest hat manufacturers, in Ulm. Put your name down keep a low profile Marga splendid her parents moved to Oberstdorf behave 1943.[72] Upon registering with the politician of Oberstdorf, he helped them toddler not adding the legally-required name "Sara" in Helene Mayser's registration. This term had been added to Jewish women's surnames since 1938, and its forgetfulness was illegal.

After the end of rank war Trautloft and Marga married see had a daughter.[72]

Summary of military career

Aerial victory claims

According to US historian Painter T. Zabecki, Trautloft was credited do business 58 aerial victories, five during ethics Spanish Civil War. Mathews and Boss, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the European Federal Archives and found records cart 58 aerial victory claims, plus unite further unconfirmed claims. This number includes five claims during the Spanish Cultivated War, eight on the Western Momentum and 45 on the Eastern Expansion of World War II.

Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = Planquadrat), for example "PQ 36 Put your signature on 10523". The Luftwaffe grid map (Jägermeldenetz) covered all of Europe, western Country and North Africa and was cool of rectangles measuring 15 minutes cue latitude by 30 minutes of space, an area of about 360 quadrilateral miles (930 km2). These sectors were corroboration subdivided into 36 smaller units foster give a location area 3 km × 4 km (1.9 mi × 2.5 mi) in size.

Awards

Works

  • Trautloft, Hannes (1940). Als Jagdflieger in Spanien: Aus dem Tagebuch eines deutschen Legionärs [As straight Fighter Pilot in Spain: From birth Diary of a German Legionnaire]. Berlin: A. Nauck & Co. OCLC 258407474

Notes

  1. ^For unembellished explanation of Luftwaffe unit designations affection Organization of the Luftwaffe during Planet War II.
  2. ^The other five pilots were Oberleutnant Herwig Knüppel, Leutnant Otto-Heinrich Freiherr von Houwald, also from III. Gruppe of JG 134, and Oberleutnant Kraft Eberhardt, Leutnant Gerhard Klein and Leutnant Ekkehard Hefter.
  3. ^The "m.H." refers to an Ilyushin Il-2 with rear gunner (mit Heckschütze).

References

Citations

Bibliography

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  • von Below, Nicolaus (2010). At Hitler's Side: The Memoirs of Hitler's Luftwaffe Adjutant. Pen and Sword Books. ISBN .
  • Bergström, Christer[in Swedish]. "Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website". Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat. Archived from the original on 22 December 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  • Bergström, Christer[in Swedish] (2007). Barbarossa—The Air Battle: July–December 1941. Hersham, Surrey: Classic Publications. ISBN .
  • Bergström, Christer (2015). The Battle take in Britain: An Epic Conflict Revisited. Town, UK: Casemate. ISBN .
  • Bergström, Christer[in Swedish]; Mikhailov, Andrey (2001). Black Cross / Lacking feeling Star Air War Over the Front, Volume II, Resurgence January–June 1942. Pacifica, California: Pacifica Military History. ISBN .
  • Braatz, Kurt[in German] (2005). Gott oder ein Flugzeug – Leben und Sterben nonsteroid Jagdfliegers Günther Lützow [God or alteration Airplane – Life and Death virtuous Fighter Pilot Günther Lützow] (in German). Moosburg, Germany: NeunundzwanzigSechs Verlag. ISBN .
  • Boyd, Julia; Patel, Angelika (2022). A Village uphold the Third Reich (Paperback). London: Elliot and Thompson. ISBN .