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Erich Rudorffer

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Erich Rudorffer
Erich Rudorffer in 1944
Nickname(s)Fighter of Libau
Born(1917-11-01)1 November 1917
Zwochau, Saxony, German Empire
Died8 April 2016(2016-04-08) (aged 98)
Bad Schwartau, Germany
Allegiance Nazi Germany
Service / branchLuftwaffe
Years of service1936–1945
RankMajor (major)
UnitJG 2, JG 7 and JG 54
Commands6./JG 2, II./JG 2, I./JG 7 and II./JG 54
Battles / wars
See battles

World War II

AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Other workairline pilot

Erich Rudorffer (1 November 1917 – 8 April 2016) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace who was one of a handful who served with the Luftwaffe through the whole of World War II. He was one of the most successful fighter pilots in the history of air warfare, with 222 victories claimed. Rudorffer fought in all the major German theaters of war, including the European and Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the Eastern Front. During the war he flew more than 1000 combat missions, engaging in aerial combat over 300 times. Rudorffer was shot down by flak and enemy fighters 16 times and had to take to his parachute nine times.

Early life

[edit]

Rudorffer was born on 1 November 1917 in Zwochau, at the time in the Kingdom of Saxony of the German Empire. After graduation from school, he received a vocational education as an automobile metalsmith specialized in coachbuilding. He joined the military service of the Luftwaffe with Flieger-Ersatz-Abteilung 61 (Flier Replacement Unit 61) in Oschatz on 16 April 1936. From 2 September to 15 October 1936, he served with Kampfgeschwader 253 (KG 253—253rd Bomber Wing) and from 16 October 1936 to 24 February 1937 was trained as an aircraft engine mechanic at the Technische Schule Adlershof, the technical school at Adlershof in Berlin.[Note 1] On 14 March 1937, Rudorffer was posted to Kampfgeschwader 153 (KG 153—153rd Bomber Wing), where he served as a mechanic until end October 1938. He was then transferred to Flieger-Ersatz-Abteilung 51 (Flier Replacement Unit 51) based at Liegnitz in Silesia, present-day Legnica in Poland, for flight training. There he was first trained as a bomber pilot and then as a Zerstörer, a heavy fighter or destroyer, pilot.[1] According to Berger, Rudorffer then worked as an airline pilot for the Deutsche Luft Hansa.[2]

On 1 October 1939, Rudorffer was transferred to the Jagdwaffe (fighter force) and was posted to the Jagdfliegerschule 2 (fighter pilot school) at Schleißheim. Following this conversion training, he was transferred to the Jagdergänzungsstaffel Döberitz, the supplementary fighter squadron based at Döberitz, on 6 December 1939.[1] On 28 December 1939, he was transferred to the Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Merseburg, another supplementary training unit stationed at Merseburg, where newly trained fighter pilots received instruction from pilots with combat experience. He stayed there until 7 January 1940, one day later, Rudorffer, now an Oberfeldwebel (staff sergeant), was posted to the 2. Staffel (2nd squadron) of Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing), named after the World War I fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen.[3] At the time, 2. Staffel was commanded by Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Greisert and subordinated to I. Gruppe of JG 2 based at Frankfurt-Rebstock Airfield.[4]

World War II

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On 10 May 1940, the first day of the Battle of France, I. Gruppe of JG 2 moved to an airfield at Kirchberg. Here, the Gruppe supported the advancing German armor of Army Group A crossing the Ardennes mountain range. On 14 May, I. Gruppe relocated to Bastogne, Belgium. That day, Rudorffer claimed his first aerial victory, a Curtiss Hawk 75 fighter.[5] Following two further aerial victories claimed, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz zweiter Klasse) on 22 May 1940.[6] In total, he claimed nine aerial victories before the Armistice of 22 June 1940. He flew throughout the Battle of Britain, and it is claimed he was pursued down Croydon High Street below rooftop level by a Hawker Hurricane fighter.[7] On 1 May 1941, Rudorffer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz of the Iron Cross). At the time, he had claimed nineteen aerial victories and had flown 145 combat missions.[3] On 19 May, Rudorffer and his wingman attacked a diving submarine off the Isle of Portland. It was observed that both bombs struck close and that the submarine went down vertically.[8]

On 18 June 1941, II. Gruppe moved from Beaumont-le-Roger to Abbeville-Drucat where it stayed for the next six months. From this point on, the Gruppe defended against the RAF Fighter Command "non-stop offensive" over France.[9] In July 1941, while flying with the Stab (headquarters unit) of JG 2, Rudorffer claimed six aerial victories. This figure includes two Spitfires on 7 July, a Spitfire and a Hurricane on 9 July, one Spitfire on 10 and 11 July each.[10] He then served with 6. Staffel of JG 2 and claimed fifteen further aerial victories by the end of 1941, taking his total to 41.[11] Rudorffer was appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 6. Staffel of JG 2 on 1 November 1941, thus succeeding Oberleutnant Frank Liesendahl who was transferred.[12] In March 1942, II. Gruppe began converting to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-2. Conversion training was done in a round-robin system, Staffel by Staffel, at the Le Bourget Airfield near Paris. The conversion completed by end-April. From then on, the Gruppe was equipped with the Fw 190 A-2 and A-3 variant.[13]

In 1942, Rudorffer participated in Operation Donnerkeil. The objective of this operation was to give the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen fighter protection in the breakout from Brest to Germany. The Channel Dash operation (11–13 February 1942) by the Kriegsmarine was codenamed Operation Cerberus by the Germans. In support of this, the Luftwaffe, formulated an air superiority plan dubbed Operation Donnerkeil for the protection of the three German capital ships.[6] During the Dieppe Raid on 19 August, Rudorffer claimed two Supermarine Spitfire fighters shot down north of Dieppe[14]

Mediterranean Theater

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In early November 1942, the Western Allies launched Operation Torch, the Anglo–American invasion of French North Africa. On 17 November, II. Gruppe of JG 2 was withdrawn from the English Channel Front and ordered to San Pietro Clarenza, Sicily. At the time, the Gruppe was equipped with the Fw 190 A-3, some Fw 190 A-2s, and received the A-4 variant in early December. This made II. Gruppe of JG 2 the only Fw 190 equipped fighter unit in the Mediterranean Theater. The Gruppe flew its first missions on 19 November, securing German air and sea transportation to Tunis. That day, elements of II. Gruppe began relocating to Bizerte Airfield.[15] On 1 January 1943, Rudorffer was promoted to Hauptmann (captain).[3]

On 8 January 1943, II. Gruppe moved to an airfield at Kairouan.[16] On 9 February, Rudorffer claimed eight aerial victories during a 32-minute aerial battle, six Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and two Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters, and for the first time became an "ace-in-a-day".[17][18] On 15 February, he claimed seven aerial victories, four P-38s and three Spitfires.[19] On 4 March, II. Gruppe of JG 2 received orders to relocate to France.[20] On 17 April, Rudorffer was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II. Gruppe of JG 2. He replaced Hauptmann Adolf Dickfeld in this capacity who had been transferred to II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 11 (JG 11—11th Fighter Wing). Consequently, command of 6. Staffel was passed to Leutnant Fritz Karch.[21]

On the Eastern Front

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On 30 June, Rudorffer was transferred again, tasked with the creation of a newly formed IV. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—54th Fighter Wing) on the Eastern Front. Command of II. Gruppe of JG 2 was handed over to Hauptmann Kurt Bühligen.[21] The Gruppe was created at Jesau near Königsberg and planed for deployment in the combat area of Army Group North, roughly in the area south of Lake Ilmen, Leningrad and along the Volkhov.[22] When on 30 July Hauptmann Heinrich Jung, the commander of II. Gruppe of JG 54 was killed in action, Rudorffer was again transferred, taking command of II. Gruppe on 1 August.[23] Command of IV. Gruppe was temporarily assigned to Hauptmann Alfred Teumer before it officially was handed to Hauptmann Rudolf Sinner on 14 September.[24]

Rudorffer on 21 June 1944. In the background is his wingman, Unteroffizier Kurt Tangermann

In early August, II. Gruppe was based at an airfield near Siversky, located approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south-southwest of Leningrad.[25] He claimed his first victory in that theater on 7 August. Due to the experience gained in combat with the Royal Air Force (RAF) he achieved considerable success. During his first sortie on 24 August 1943, 5 Soviet aircraft were downed in 4 minutes. On 11 October 1943, Rudorffer was also credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 55th Luftwaffe pilot to achieve this.[26] In aerial combat near Teremky and Glychow, he claimed a Yak-7, his 100th victory, at 12:22, a LaGG-3 at 12:22, and three more Yak-7 shot down at 12:24, 12:25 and 12:27 respectively.[27]

On 3 November, Soviet forces launched the strategic operation leading to the Battle of Kiev. Three days later, Rudorffer was credited with 13 aerial victories, eight Yak-7s and five Yak-9s from 13:00 to 13:17, taking his total to 122 aerial victories.[28][29] On 1 January 1944, Rudorffer was promoted to Major (major), with a rank age dated 1 May 1944.[3]

Rudorffer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub) on 11 April 1944, the 447th soldier to receive this distinction. The presentation was made by Adolf Hitler at the Berghof, Hitler's residence in the Obersalzberg of the Bavarian Alps, on 5 May 1944. Also present at the ceremony were Anton Hafner, Otto Kittel, Günther Schack, Emil Lang, Alfred Grislawski, Martin Möbus, Wilhelm Herget, Hans-Karl Stepp, Rudolf Schoenert, Günther Radusch, Otto Pollmann and Fritz Breithaupt, who all received the Oak Leaves on this date.[30]

On 10 June, Soviet forces launched the Karelian offensive against Finland on the Karelian Isthmus as part of the Continuation War. In response to the Finnish ask for assistance, the Luftwaffe formed Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey (Detachment Kuhlmey) on 12 June, named after Oberstleutnant Kurt Kuhlmey, the commander of Schlachtgeschwader 3 (SG 3—3rd Combat Wing). Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey was made up of the Stab and I. Gruppe of SG 3, I. Gruppe of Schlachtgeschwader 5 (SG 5—5th Combat Wing), elements of Nahaufklärungsgruppe 5, a reconnaissance unit, and II. Gruppe of JG 54 under command of Rudorffer. Consequently, Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey moved to Immola Airfield on 17 June.[31]

On 19 September, II. Gruppe began its relocation to Libau, present-day Liepāja, where they were based at an airfield named Grobin.[32] During the Soviet Riga offensive, II. Gruppe moved to an airfield at Heiligenbeil, present-day Mamonovo, on 21 October.[33] Here on 28 October, Rudorffer claimed eleven aerial victories, including his 200th aerial victory in total.[34] On 26 January 1945, Rudorffer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern), the 126th presentation of the award, for 212 aerial victories claimed.[35][Note 2]

Flying the Messerschmitt Me 262

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JG 7 "Nowotny" was the first operational jet fighter wing in the world and was named after Walter Nowotny, who was killed in action on 8 November 1944. Nowotny, a fighter pilot credited with 258 aerial victories and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), had been assessing the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet aircraft under operational conditions.[37] JG 7 "Nowotny" was equipped with the Me 262, an aircraft which was heavily armed and faster than any Allied fighter. General der Jagdflieger (General of the Fighter Force) Adolf Galland hoped that the Me 262 would compensate for the Allies' numerical superiority. On 12 November 1944, the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL—Air Force High Command) ordered JG 7 "Nowotny" to be equipped with the Me 262. Galland appointed Oberst Johannes Steinhoff as its first Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander).[38]

In the winter of 1944 Rudorffer was trained on the Me 262 jet fighter. On 14 January 1945, he was recalled to command I. Gruppe JG 7 "Nowotny" from Major Theodor Weissenberger who replaced Steinhoff as Geschwaderkommodore.[39] By 12 February, Rudorffer had twelve operational aircraft and every pilot had converted to the Me 262. Lacking was experience with close formation flying and low-level navigation using FuG 16 Z and FuG 25a.[40] In early March, I. Gruppe was still based at Brandenburg-Briest.[41] Rudorffer claimed ten heavy bombers flying the Me 262,[Note 3] seven of which were downed in April 1945.[42]

After the war

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Fw 190 A8/N reproduction by Flug Werk GmbH Germany in the colors (minus the Swastika) and markings of Major Erich Rudorffer's mount of JG 54 when stationed at Immola, Finland.

Rudorffer started out flying DC-2s and DC-3s in Australia. Later on he worked for Pan Am and the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, Germany's civil aviation authority. Rudorffer was one of the characters in the 2007 Finnish war movie Tali-Ihantala 1944. A Fw 190 participated, painted in the same markings as Rudorffer's aircraft in 1944.[43] The aircraft, now based at Omaka Aerodrome in New Zealand, still wears the colours of Rudorffer's machine. Rudorffer died on 8 April 2016 at the age of 98 in Bad Schwartau, Germany. At the time of his death, he was the last living recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.[19]

Summary of career

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Aerial victory claims

[edit]

According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Rudorffer was credited with 224 aerial victories.[44] Spick however lists him with 222 aerial victories, 136 of which claimed over the Eastern Front and 86 in the western theatre of operations, of which 26 were claimed over North Africa and 10 were heavy bombers, achieved in over 1,000 combat missions.[45] Morgan and Weal list Rudorffer with 220 aerial victories of which 12 were claimed flying the Me 262 jet fighter.[46] Mathews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and found records for 219 aerial victory claims, plus two further unconfirmed claims. This figure of confirmed claims includes 134 aerial victories on the Eastern Front and 85 on the Western Front, including 11 four-engined heavy bombers and 12 victories with the Me 262 jet fighter.[47]

Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = Planquadrat), for example "PQ 35 Ost 53224". The Luftwaffe grid map (Jägermeldenetz) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude, an area of about 360 square miles (930 km2). These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area 3 km × 4 km (1.9 mi × 2.5 mi) in size.[48]

Chronicle of aerial victories
  This and the ♠ (Ace of spades) indicates those aerial victories which made Rudorffer an "ace-in-a-day", a term which designates a fighter pilot who has shot down five or more airplanes in a single day.
  This and the – (dash) indicates unconfirmed aerial victory claims for which Rudorffer did not receive credit.
  This and the ! (exclamation mark) indicates those aerial victories listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike and Bock.
  This and the # (hash mark) indicates those aerial victories listed by Mathews and Foreman.
  This and the ? (question mark) indicates information discrepancies listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike, Balke, Bock, Mathews and Foreman.
Claim! Claim# Date Time Type Location Claim! Claim# Date Time Type Location
– 2. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 2 –[49]
1 1 14 May 1940 15:08?[Note 4] Curtiss southwest of Les Sees la Quesne[51] 11 11 11 August 1940 11:49 Spitfire southeast of the Isle of Portland[52]
2 2 17 May 1940 13:28 LeO 451 La Caponne[51] 12 12 31 August 1940 09:40 Hurricane Dover[53]
3 3 19 May 1940 12:30?[Note 5] Morane 406 east of Guise[51] 13 13 1 September 1940 12:45 Spitfire Dover[53]
4 4 25 May 1940 20:35 Blenheim Saint-Quentin[54] 14 14 2 September 1940 18:20 Hurricane Faversham[53]
5 5 26 May 1940 09:45?[Note 6] Spitfire northwest of Calais[55] 15 15 4 September 1940 09:58 Hurricane Dover[53]
6 6 26 May 1940 09:47?[Note 7] Spitfire northwest of Calais[55] 16 16 7 September 1940 18:30 Hurricane Thames Estuary[53]
7 7 6 June 1940 13:10 Curtiss north of Soissons[55] 17 17 7 September 1940 18:40 Spitfire Thames Estuary[53]
8 8 6 June 1940 20:45 Martin 167[55] Roye 18 18 7 September 1940 18:43 Spitfire Thames Estuary[53]
9 9 6 June 1940 20:50 LeO 451 north of Roye[55] 19
—
 10 October 1940 18:43?[Note 8] Spitfire Isle of Portland[53]
10 10 11 August 1940 11:38 Hurricane east of Weymouth[52] 20 19 21 April 1941 15:03 Blenheim 30 km (19 mi) north of Jersey[57]
– Stab II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 2 –[56]
21 20 7 July 1941 15:35 Spitfire east of Boulogne-sur-Mer[58] 24 23 9 July 1941 13:45 Hurricane northwest of Saint-Omer[59]
22 21 7 July 1941 15:40 Spitfire east of Boulogne-sur-Mer[58] 25 24 10 July 1941 12:30?[Note 9] Spitfire south of Desvres[59]
23 22 9 July 1941 13:40 Spitfire southwest of Saint-Omer[59] 26 25 11 July 1941 15:00 Spitfire north of Boulogne-sur-Mer[59]
– 6. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 2 –[60]
27 26 19 July 1941 14:25 Spitfire southeast of Calais[59] 51 49 8 January 1943 15:40 P-51 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Kairouan[17]
28 27 23 July 1941 13:18 Spitfire west of Calais[59] 52 50 18 January 1943 08:13?[Note 10] Spitfire 2 km (1.2 mi) southwest of Zeroud Estuary[17]
29
—
 5 August 1941 10:05 Spitfire north of Gravelines[59] 53 51 4 February 1943 16:19 Spitfire 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Ousseltia[17]
30 28 5 August 1941 19:05 Spitfire Dunkirk[59] 54 52 4 February 1943 16:22 Spitfire 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Kef el Abiod[17]
31 29 10 August 1941 14:15 Hurricane northeast of Calais[59] 55♠ 53 9 February 1943 13:59 P-40 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Ousseltia[17]
32 30 19 August 1941 11:59 Spitfire Dover[61] 56♠ 54 9 February 1943 14:00 P-40 south of Ousseltia[17]
33 31 19 August 1941 12:06 Spitfire Dover[61] 57♠ 55 9 February 1943 14:01 P-40 Djebel Ousseltia[17]
34 32 19 August 1941 12:15 Spitfire Dover[61] 58♠ 56 9 February 1943 14:02 P-40 12 km (7.5 mi) northwest of Pichon[17]
35 33 21 August 1941 15:10 Spitfire Calais[61] 59♠ 57 9 February 1943 14:05 P-40 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Besra[17]
36 34 20 September 1941 16:55 Spitfire northeast of Dieppe[61] 60♠ 58 9 February 1943 14:06 P-40 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of Besra[17]
37 35 21 September 1941 16:50 Spitfire English Channel[61] 61♠ 59 9 February 1943 14:21 P-38 5 km (3.1 mi) east Djebel Barbrou[17]
38 36 21 September 1941 16:55?[Note 11] Spitfire English Channel[61] 62♠ 60 9 February 1943 14:22 P-38 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Djebel Barbrou[17]
39 37 21 September 1941 17:05 Spitfire English Channel[61] 63 61 14 February 1943 16:18 Spitfire 10 km (6.2 mi) west of Pichon[62]
40 38 27 September 1941 15:40 Spitfire Le Touquet[61] 64♠ 15 February 1943 14:58 P-38 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Pichon[62]
41 39 8 December 1941 12:55 Hurricane west of Boulogne-sur-Mer[61] 65♠ 62 15 February 1943 15:03 P-38 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Hajeb El Ayoun[62]
42 40 3 June 1942 16:35 Spitfire north of Le Havre[63] 66♠ 63 15 February 1943 15:07 P-38 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Sbeitla[62]
43 41 3 June 1942 16:38 Spitfire north of Le Havre[63] 67♠ 64 15 February 1943 15:08 P-38 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of Sbeitla[62]
44 42 5 June 1942 15:46 Spitfire north of Le Havre[64] 68♠ 65 15 February 1943 15:15 Spitfire northern edge of Djebel Abiod[62]
45 43 19 August 1942 16:52 Spitfire north of Dieppe[64] 69♠ 66 15 February 1943 15:16 Spitfire northern edge of Djebel Abiod[62]
46 44 19 August 1942 16:53 Spitfire north of Dieppe[64] 70♠ 67 15 February 1943 15:18 Spitfire northern edge of Djebel Abiod[62]
47 45 18 December 1942 11:05 Spitfire west of Mateur[65] 68 15 February 1943 15:58 P-38 5 km (3.1 mi) northwest of Pichon
48 46 20 December 1942 16:48?[Note 12] Spitfire 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Béja[65] 71 69[Note 13] 11 March 1943 13:12 Spitfire east of Ousseltia[62]
49 47 8 January 1943 10:41 Boston 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Pichon[17] 72 70[Note 13] 11 March 1943 13:13 Spitfire east of Ousseltia[62]
50 48 8 January 1943 15:35 P-38 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Kairouan[17] 73 71[Note 13] 12 March 1943 14:25?[Note 14] B-17 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Makatar[62]
– Stab II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 2 –[66]
74 72 15 May 1943 17:00 Spitfire?[Note 15] 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Poix[67]
south of Senarpont 		75 73 15 May 1943 17:10 Spitfire 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Dieppe[67]
west of Conterville
– Stab II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 54 –[68]
76 7 August 1943 14:38 Il-2 north of Karachev[69] 145♠ 140 3 July 1944 07:07 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81297, north-northwest of Tali[70]
20 km (12 mi) northwest of Vyborg
77 7 August 1943 14:41 Il-2 north of Karachev[69] 146♠ 141 3 July 1944 07:08 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81298, northeast of Tali[70]
20 km (12 mi) northwest of Vyborg
78 74 9 August 1943 17:57 Yak-4 PQ 35 Ost 53224, southeast of Nartschina[71]
20 km (12 mi) west of Oryol 		147♠ 142 3 July 1944 07:09 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81433, southeast of Tali[70]
10 km (6.2 mi) east of Vyborg
79 75 13 August 1943 16:12 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 54781, southeast of Karachev[71] 148♠ 143 3 July 1944 07:10 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81434, east of Vyborg[70]
10 km (6.2 mi) east of Vyborg
80 76 13 August 1943 16:16 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 54751, southeast of Karachev[71] 149 144 25 July 1944 12:05 Yak-9 PQ 26 Ost 70696, east of Kärekonna[72]
15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Narva
81♠ 77 24 August 1943 07:08 DB-3 PQ 35 Ost 4447, south of Orgon[73] 150♠ 145 26 July 1944 16:42 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70631, north of Wusuowa[72]
20 km (12 mi) southwest of Narva
82♠ 78 24 August 1943 07:12 DB-3 PQ 35 Ost 44523, west of Stajki[73] 151♠ 146 26 July 1944 16:43 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70696, south-southwest of Wusuowa[72]
20 km (12 mi) southwest of Narva
83♠ 79 24 August 1943 07:15 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 4461, south of Lipowo[73] 152♠ 147 26 July 1944 16:48 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70689, north-northwest of Kriwasoo[72]
30 km (19 mi) southwest of Narva
84♠ 80 24 August 1943 14:40 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 4461, southeast of Djatkowo[73] 153♠ 148 26 July 1944 16:53 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70823, north-northwest of Wusuowa[72]
25 km (16 mi) southwest of Narva
85♠ 81 24 August 1943 14:41 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 4461, southeast of Djatkowo[73] 154♠ 149 26 July 1944 17:08 Pe-2 PQ 26 Ost 60624, south-southwest of Wusuowa[72]
Gulf of Finland
86♠ 82 24 August 1943 14:42 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 4461, southeast of Djatkowo[73] 155♠ 150 26 July 1944 17:10 Pe-2 PQ 26 Ost 60816, west of Liiwa[72]
Gulf of Finland
87♠ 83 24 August 1943 14:43 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 4462, southeast of Djatkowo[73] 156 151 27 July 1944 14:22 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 78565, northwest of Liepna[72]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Schwanenburg
88♠ 84 24 August 1943 14:44 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 4462, southeast of Djatkowo[73] 157 152 27 July 1944 14:25 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 78561, northwest of Liepna[72]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Schwanenburg
89 85 26 August 1943 08:10 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 4343, southeast of Lokot[73] 158 153 27 July 1944 14:28 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 78637, southwest of Eglitas[72]
25 km (16 mi) west-northwest of Ostrov
90 86 7 September 1943 17:35 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 4425, east of Ljudinowo[74] 159 154 30 July 1944 11:24 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70668, southeast of Waiwara[72]
10 km (6.2 mi) west-southwest of Hungerburg
91♠ 87 14 September 1943 16:41 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 35542, east of Berissowo[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		160 155 30 July 1944 20:12 La-5 PQ 26 Ost 60479[72]
vicinity of Kunda
92♠ 88 14 September 1943 16:42 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 35541, east of Berissowo[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		161 156 6 August 1944 13:24 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 79611, Lake Peipus[75]
93♠ 89 14 September 1943 16:44 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 35542, southeast of Schatkowo[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		162 157 6 August 1944 13:27 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 79614, Lake Peipus[75]
94♠ 90 14 September 1943 16:45 La-5 PQ 35 Ost 35542, southeast of Schatkowo[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		163 158 17 August 1944 13:09 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79819, north of Swabjuje[75]
Lake Peipus
95♠ 91 14 September 1943 16:46 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 35542, southwest of Schatkowo[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		164 159 17 August 1944 13:15 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79588, north of Luiskolln[75]
west of Lake Peipus
96 92 15 September 1943 13:22 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 25432, west-southwest of Yelnya[74]
20 km (12 mi) south-southwest of Yelnya 		165 160 17 August 1944 13:20 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79576, east-northeast of Fentute[75]
west of Lake Peipus
97 8 October 1943 08:30 Il-2 east of Borkij[27] 166 161 23 August 1944 09:50 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 57246, south of Ērgļi[75]
40 km (25 mi) southeast of Mālpils
98♠ 93 11 October 1943 12:20 Yak-7 east of Teremky[27] 167 162 23 August 1944 09:51 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 57249, south of Ērgļi[75]
40 km (25 mi) southeast of Mālpils
99♠ 94 11 October 1943 12:21 Yak-7 west of Teremky[27] 168♠ 163 25 August 1944 13:45 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 57284, southeast of Indrau[75]
35 km (22 mi) north-northwest of Kreuzburg
100♠ 95 11 October 1943 12:22 Yak-7 south of Teremky[27] 169♠ 164 25 August 1944 13:46 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 57283, southeast of Indrau[75]
35 km (22 mi) north-northwest of Kreuzburg
101♠ 96 11 October 1943 12:22 LaGG-3 south of Teremky[27] 170♠ 165 25 August 1944 13:47 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 57282, north of Indrau[75]
35 km (22 mi) north-northwest of Kreuzburg
102♠ 97 11 October 1943 12:24 Yak-7 northwest of Glychow[27] 171♠ 166 25 August 1944 13:54 La-5 40 km (25 mi) north-northwest of Kreuzburg
103♠ 98 11 October 1943 12:25 Yak-7 northwest of Glychow[27] 172♠ 167 25 August 1944 13:56 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 57259, north of Indrau[75]
45 km (28 mi) east-southeast of Riga
104♠ 99 11 October 1943 12:27 Yak-7 northeast of Teremky[27] 173 168 5 September 1944 18:56 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 69616, south-southwest of Kärkne[76]
northwest of Dorpat
105 100 22 October 1943 06:35 La-5 west of Trachtemirow[77] 174 169 6 September 1944 12:59 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79555, south of Kastre[76]
west of Lake Peipus
106 101 22 October 1943 06:38 Yak-7 west of Trachtemirow[77] 175 170 6 September 1944 13:01 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79554, southeast of Kastre[76]
west of Lake Peipus
107 102 2 November 1943 15:16 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01414[77]
Lake Ladoga 		176 171 6 September 1944 13:03 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79554, southeast of Kastre[76]
west of Lake Peipus
108 103 2 November 1943 15:18 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01414[78]
Lake Ladoga 		177 172 6 September 1944 13:04 La-5 PQ 25 Ost 79554, southeast of Kastre[76]
west of Lake Peipus
109♠ 104 6 November 1943 07:18 Il-2 PQ 35 Ost 01811[78]
30 km (19 mi) northeast of Leningrad 		178 173 17 September 1944 13:51 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 69777, east-northeast of Tõrva[76]
25 km (16 mi) north of Walk
110♠ 105 6 November 1943 13:00 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01582[78]
40 km (25 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		179 174 17 September 1944 13:52 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 69775, southeast of Tõrva[76]
vicinitz of Lake Wirz
111♠ 106 6 November 1943 13:01 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01583[78]
40 km (25 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		180 175 17 September 1944 13:57 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 58333, northeast of Rencēni[79]
15 km (9.3 mi) north of Wolmar
112♠ 107 6 November 1943 13:03 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01583[78]
40 km (25 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		181 176 20 September 1944 11:39 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 69164, southeast of Kolnoere[79]
40 km (25 mi) east of Weissenstein
113♠ 108 6 November 1943 13:04 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01554[78]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Zelenogorsk 		182♠ 177 25 September 1944 10:21 Yak-3 PQ 25 Ost 37125, southeast of Tukkum[79]
vicinity of Tukkum
114♠ 109 6 November 1943 13:05 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01554[78]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Zelenogorsk 		183♠ 178 25 September 1944 10:23 Yak-3?[Note 16] PQ 25 Ost 37126, east-southeast of Tukkum[79]
vicinity of Tukkum
115♠ 110 6 November 1943 13:07 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01582[78]
40 km (25 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		184♠ 179 25 September 1944 10:31 Il-2?[Note 17] PQ 25 Ost 37137, south of Tukkum[79]
15 km (9.3 mi) east of Tukkum
116♠ 111 6 November 1943 13:08 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01554[78]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Zelenogorsk 		185♠ 180 25 September 1944 10:32 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 37128, south-southeast of Tukkum[79]
vicinity of Tukkum
117♠ 112 6 November 1943 13:09 Yak-9 PQ 35 Ost 01554[78]
40 km (25 mi) northeast of Zelenogorsk 		186♠ 181 25 September 1944 10:33?[Note 18] Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 37151, south of Saliniki[79]
15 km (9.3 mi) east of Tukkum
118♠ 113 6 November 1943 13:11 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01591[78]
45 km (28 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		187♠ 182 25 September 1944 10:35 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 37155, south of Saliniki[79]
15 km (9.3 mi) east of Tukkum
119♠ 114 6 November 1943 13:12 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01591[78]
45 km (28 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		188♠ 183 10 October 1944 10:12 P-39 PQ 25 Ost 17516, south of Otanki[82]
10 km (6.2 mi) south of Libau
120♠ 115 6 November 1943 13:13 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01594[83]
45 km (28 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		189♠ 184 10 October 1944 10:14 P-39 PQ 25 Ost 17524, southwest of Tilti[82]
15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of Libau
121♠ 116 6 November 1943 13:15 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01592[83]
45 km (28 mi) east-northeast of Zelenogorsk 		190♠ 185 10 October 1944 10:17 Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17553, northeast of Burgeli[82]
20 km (12 mi) southeast of Libau
122♠ 117 6 November 1943 13:17 Yak-7 PQ 35 Ost 01722[83]
25 km (16 mi) north of Leningrad 		191♠ 186 10 October 1944 10:18 Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17563, north of Kalvini[82]
25 km (16 mi) southeast of Libau
123 118 10 December 1943 14:06 Il-2 northeast of Grebenki[83] 192♠ 187 10 October 1944 10:19 Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17645, southwest of Trekni[82]
30 km (19 mi) southeast of Libau
124 119 11 February 1944 14:30 Yak-7 PQ 36 Ost 10741, northwest of Tarassowka[84]
30 km (19 mi) south-southwest of Luban 		193♠ 188 10 October 1944 10:20?[Note 19] Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17658, west of Liepieni[82]
45 km (28 mi) southeast of Libau
125 120 19 March 1944 09:08 LaGG-3 PQ 25 Ost 88352, east of Priborok[85]
10 km (6.2 mi) south of Pskov 		194♠ 189 10 October 1944 10:24 P-39 PQ 25 Ost 17641, northeast of Purmati[82]
30 km (19 mi) southeast of Libau
126 121 29 March 1944 09:03 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 70691, north of Kärekonna[85]
15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Narva 		195 190 22 October 1944 14:20 Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17557, northeast of Kramenti[82]
20 km (12 mi) southeast of Libau
127 122 3 April 1944 08:32 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 88392, south of Jukanowo[86]
10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Selo 		196 191 22 October 1944 14:21 Pe-2 PQ 25 Ost 17852, north of Liepieni[87]
25 km (16 mi) south-southeast of Libau
128♠ 123 7 April 1944 07:42 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 88361, south of Sentowo[86]
20 km (12 mi) southwest of Selo 		197 192 22 October 1944 14:24 P-39 PQ 25 Ost 17559, northwest of Kasteri[87]
20 km (12 mi) southeast of Libau
129♠ 124 7 April 1944 07:48 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 88362, east of Kirjakowo[86]
20 km (12 mi) southwest of Selo 		198 193 22 October 1944 14:25 P-39 PQ 25 Ost 17564, west of Aorti[87]
20 km (12 mi) southeast of Libau
130♠ 125 7 April 1944 07:49 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 88392, south of Wessno[86]
10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Selo 		199♠ 194 28 October 1944 11:46 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07632, southwest of Libau[87]
131♠ 126 7 April 1944 07:52 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 88393, south of Walki[86]
20 km (12 mi) southwest of Selo 		200♠ 195 28 October 1944 11:47 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07635, southwest of Libau[87]
132♠ 127 7 April 1944 07:56 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 88363, north of Korsuli[86]
25 km (16 mi) southeast of Pskov 		201♠ 196 28 October 1944 11:48 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07661, southwest of Libau[87]
133♠ 128 7 April 1944 07:58 Yak-9 PQ 25 Ost 88442, south of Kokorina[86]
25 km (16 mi) southeast of Pskov 		202♠ 197 28 October 1944 11:49 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07662, southwest of Libau[87]
134 129 28 April 1944 17:55?[Note 20] Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 87836, northwest of Ozero Liva (Lake Liva)[86]
15 km (9.3 mi) south of Idritsa 		203♠ 198 28 October 1944 11:50 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07667, southwest of Libau[87]
135 130 28 April 1944 17:57 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 87839, northwest of Ozero Liva (Lake Liva)[86]
15 km (9.3 mi) south of Idritsa 		204♠ 199 28 October 1944 11:52 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07641, southwest of Libau[87]
136 131 28 April 1944 17:59 Yak-9?[Note 16] north-northeast of Ozero Liva (Lake Liva)[86] 205♠ 200 28 October 1944 11:53 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07668, south of Libau[87]
137 132 17 June 1944 11:25 Pe-2 PQ 26 Ost 81262, north-northeast of Vyborg[89]
30 km (19 mi) northwest of Vyborg 		206♠ 201 28 October 1944 11:54 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07683, southwest of Libau[87]
15 km (9.3 mi) east-southeast of Velikiye Luki
138 133 18 June 1944 08:35 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 91581, southeast of Kaukjärvi[89]
25 km (16 mi) northwest of Zelenogorsk 		207♠ 202 28 October 1944 11:56 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 07664, southwest of Libau[87]
15 km (9.3 mi) east-southeast of Velikiye Luki
139 134 18 June 1944 08:36 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 91557, southeast of Kaukjärvi[89]
25 km (16 mi) northwest of Zelenogorsk 		208♠ 203 28 October 1944 15:01 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 17619, southeast of Preekuln[87]
40 km (25 mi) east-southeast of Libau
140 135 19 June 1944 15:00 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 91176, south of Leipasseno[89]
30 km (19 mi) south-southeast of Vyborg 		209♠ 204 28 October 1944 15:03 Il-2 PQ 25 Ost 17624, Warki[87]
45 km (28 mi) east-southeast of Libau
141 136 20 June 1944 16:32 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81456, south of Vyborg[89]
10 km (6.2 mi) south of Vyborg 		210 205 30 October 1944 12:05 Boston PQ 25 Ost 07613, west of Libau[87]
142 137 20 June 1944 16:34 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81462, southeast of Sainio[89]
10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Vyborg 		211 206 30 October 1944 12:07 Boston PQ 25 Ost 07611, southwest of Libau[87]
143 138 20 June 1944 16:36 P-39 PQ 26 Ost 81466, southeast of Sainio[89]
10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Vyborg 		212 207 5 November 1944 09:51 Yak-11 Preekuln[90]
144♠ 139 3 July 1944 07:06 Il-2 PQ 26 Ost 81294, north of Tali[70]
20 km (12 mi) northwest of Vyborg
– Stab I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 7 –
According to Mathews and Foreman, Rudorffer had twelve confirmed victories flying the Me 262.[81]
? ? 24 March 1945
—
 Tempest[91] ? ? 30 March 1945
—
 P-51 vicinity of Hamburg
? ? 25 March 1945
—
 B-17 ? ? 30 March 1945
—
 P-51 vicinity of Hamburg

Awards

[edit]

Dates of rank

[edit]
28 October 1940: Leutnant (Second Lieutenant), effective as of 1 November 1940[3]
20 November 1941: Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant), with a rank age dated 1 October 1941[3]
1 January 1943: Hauptmann (Captain)[3]
1 January 1944: Major (Major), with a rank age dated 1 May 1944[3]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ For an explanation of Luftwaffe unit designations, see Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II.
  2. ^ According to Weal on 25 January 1945.[36]
  3. ^ For a list of Luftwaffe Jet aces see List of German World War II jet aces
  4. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 20:00.[50]
  5. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 07:30.[50]
  6. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 09:47.[50]
  7. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 09:50.[50]
  8. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 16:20.[56]
  9. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 12:20.[56]
  10. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 08:15.[56]
  11. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 16:50.[56]
  12. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 16:40.[56]
  13. ^ a b c According to Mathews and Foreman, this victory was claimed with the Stab of II./Jagdgeschwader 2.[66]
  14. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 14:28.[66]
  15. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Hawker Typhoon.[66]
  16. ^ a b According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as an Ilyushin Il-2.[80]
  17. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Yakovlev Yak-3.[81]
  18. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 10:32.[81]
  19. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 10:30.[81]
  20. ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 17:56.[88]
  21. ^ According to Scherzer as Hauptmann (war officer) and not Major.[94]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Stockert 2007, p. 101.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Berger 1999, p. 301.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Stockert 2007, p. 102.
  4. ^ Prien et al. 2001a, pp. 57–58.
  5. ^ Prien et al. 2001b, pp. 92, 100.
  6. ^ a b Dixon 2023, p. 62.
  7. ^ Spick 1996, p. 221.
  8. ^ Goss, Cornwell & Rauchbach 2010, p. 64.
  9. ^ Prien et al. 2003, p. 429.
  10. ^ Prien et al. 2003, pp. 438–439.
  11. ^ Prien et al. 2003, pp. 439, 441.
  12. ^ Prien et al. 2003, p. 434.
  13. ^ Prien et al. 2004a, p. 245.
  14. ^ Prien et al. 2004a, pp. 250, 260.
  15. ^ Prien et al. 2004b, p. 45.
  16. ^ Prien et al. 2010b, p. 88.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Prien et al. 2010b, p. 102.
  18. ^ Shores & Massimello 2016, p. 311.
  19. ^ a b Dixon 2023, p. 63.
  20. ^ Prien et al. 2010b, p. 95.
  21. ^ a b Prien et al. 2010a, p. 466.
  22. ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 321.
  23. ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 264.
  24. ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 344.
  25. ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 265.
  26. ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 243.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i Prien et al. 2012, p. 278.
  28. ^ Prien et al. 2012, pp. 281–282.
  29. ^ Bergström 2008, pp. 29–30.
  30. ^ Stockert 2007, pp. 100, 102, 107, 109, 134.
  31. ^ Prien et al. 2022, p. 421.
  32. ^ Prien et al. 2022, p. 452.
  33. ^ Prien et al. 2022, p. 460.
  34. ^ Weal 2001, p. 114.
  35. ^ Stockert 2007, p. 103.
  36. ^ Weal 2001, p. 115.
  37. ^ Forsyth 2008, pp. 6–10.
  38. ^ Forsyth 2008, p. 15.
  39. ^ Heaton & Lewis 2012, p. 247.
  40. ^ Smith & Creek 2000, p. 567.
  41. ^ Forsyth 2008, p. 61.
  42. ^ Forsyth 2011, p. 89.
  43. ^ Flug Werk's homepage with replica Archived 3 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ Zabecki 2019, p. 328.
  45. ^ Spick 1996, p. 227.
  46. ^ Morgan & Weal 1998, p. 88.
  47. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 1065–1069.
  48. ^ Planquadrat.
  49. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 1065–1066.
  50. ^ a b c d Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 1065.
  51. ^ a b c Prien et al. 2001b, p. 100.
  52. ^ a b Prien et al. 2002, p. 101.
  53. ^ a b c d e f g h Prien et al. 2002, p. 102.
  54. ^ Prien et al. 2001b, p. 101.
  55. ^ a b c d e Prien et al. 2001b, p. 102.
  56. ^ a b c d e f Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 1066.
  57. ^ Prien et al. 2002, p. 104.
  58. ^ a b Prien et al. 2003, p. 438.
  59. ^ a b c d e f g h i Prien et al. 2003, p. 439.
  60. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 1066–1067.
  61. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Prien et al. 2003, p. 441.
  62. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Prien et al. 2010b, p. 103.
  63. ^ a b Prien et al. 2004a, p. 258.
  64. ^ a b c Prien et al. 2004a, p. 260.
  65. ^ a b Prien et al. 2004b, p. 51.
  66. ^ a b c d Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 1067.
  67. ^ a b Prien et al. 2010a, p. 474.
  68. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 1067–1069.
  69. ^ a b Prien et al. 2012, p. 274.
  70. ^ a b c d e Prien et al. 2022, p. 480.
  71. ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 275.
  72. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Prien et al. 2022, p. 481.
  73. ^ a b c d e f g h i Prien et al. 2012, p. 276.
  74. ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2012, p. 277.
  75. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Prien et al. 2022, p. 482.
  76. ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2022, p. 483.
  77. ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 280.
  78. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Prien et al. 2012, p. 281.
  79. ^ a b c d e f g h Prien et al. 2022, p. 484.
  80. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 1068–1069.
  81. ^ a b c d Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 1069.
  82. ^ a b c d e f g h Prien et al. 2022, p. 485.
  83. ^ a b c d Prien et al. 2012, p. 282.
  84. ^ Prien et al. 2022, p. 476.
  85. ^ a b Prien et al. 2022, p. 477.
  86. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Prien et al. 2022, p. 478.
  87. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Prien et al. 2022, p. 486.
  88. ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 1068.
  89. ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2022, p. 479.
  90. ^ Prien et al. 2022, p. 487.
  91. ^ Heaton & Lewis 2012, p. 271.
  92. ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 389.
  93. ^ a b Thomas 1998, p. 230.
  94. ^ a b c Scherzer 2007, p. 643.
  95. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 367.
  96. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 81.
  97. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 47.

Bibliography

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  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2003). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 5—Heimatverteidigung—10. Mai 1940 bis 31 Dezember 1941—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—Oktober 1940 bis November 1941—Einsatz im Westen—22. Juni bis 31. Dezember 1941—Die Ergänzungsjagdgruppen—Einsatz 1941 bis zur Auflösung Anfang 1942 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 5—Defense of the Reich—10 May 1940 to 31 December 1941—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—October 1940 to November 1941—Action in the West—22 June to 31 December 1941—The Supplementary Fighter Groups—Action from 1941 until their Breakup in Early 1942] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-68-7.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2004a). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 7—Heimatverteidigung—1. January bis 31 Dezember 1942—Einsatz im Westen—1. Januar bis 31. Dezember 1942 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 7—Defense of the Reich—1 January to 31 December 1942—Action in the West—1 January to 31 December 1942] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-73-1.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2004b). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 8/I—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—November 1941 bis December 1942 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 8/I—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—November 1941 to December 1942] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-74-8.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2010a). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 10/IV—Einsatz im Westen—1.1. bis 31.12.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 10/IV—Action in the West—1 January to 31 December 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-92-2.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2010b). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 11/I—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—1.1. bis 31.12.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 11/I—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—1 January to 31 December 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-95-3.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2012). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 12/III—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/III—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Buchverlag Rogge. ISBN 978-3-942943-07-9.
  • Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Balke, Ulf; Bock, Winfried (2022). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 15/II—Einsatz im Osten—1.1. bis 31.12.1944 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 15/II—Action in the East—1 January to 31 December 1944] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Buchverlag Rogge. ISBN 978-3-942943-28-4.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Militaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
  • Shores, Christopher; Massimello, Giovanni (2016). A History of the Mediterranean Air War, 1940–1945. Volume Three: Tunisia and the End in Africa, November 1942–1943. London, UK: Grub Street Publishing. ISBN 978-1-910690-67-3.
  • Smith, J. Richard; Creek, Edward J. (2000). Me 262. Vol. Three. Burgess Hill: Classic Publications. ISBN 978-1-903223-00-0.
  • Spick, Mike (1996). Luftwaffe Fighter Aces. New York: Ivy Books. ISBN 978-0-8041-1696-1.
  • Stockert, Peter (2007). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 5 [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 5] (in German). Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. OCLC 76072662.
  • Thomas, Franz (1998). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2: L–Z [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 2: L–Z] (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2300-9.
  • Weal, John (2001). Jagdgeschwader 54 "Grünherz". Aviation Elite Units. Vol. 6. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-286-9.
  • Zabecki, David T., ed. (2019). The German War Machine in World War II. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio. ISBN 978-1-44-086918-1.
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