Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules
Well, Rudel had a great "role model" to copy with "Fettig Bubi" Herman Goering-- Who often shot off his mouth without thinking of the consequences to follow- In "Fat Boy's" case, it might have been all the drugs he was hooked on by WW2--similar in scope to those other Nazis who were drug addicts-- Moving back to WW1- Ernest Udet was a dinner guest of Baron Von Blixen--sometime in the 1920's- in Africa. "Blix" was one of the first White Hunters to lead safari groups-- and he was once married to the Danish heiress who later wrote- "Out of Africa"-- At dinner, they were discussing driven bird shooting- and Dick Cooper, a guest and British Officer talked about that form of shooting flying, and compared it to the downing of 3 German aircraft in 1917 in France-- Unknown to Cooper or Von Blixen, the three Fokkers that went down to ground MG fire were part of Udet's squadron, and up until then, Udet had assumed that they were shot down by British aircraft, not ground fire. Needless to say, things became a tad chilly over the brandy and cigars conversation. According to the details provided by Col. Cooper, he was using a British double express rifle. not a Vickers MG-- Strange, hard to believe, but Hemingway, who was a friend and hunting companion with "Blix" and Dick Cooper in Africa, and other places as well, "Blix" could shoot driven partridge on the wing with a .450 No. 2 express rifle (shot load unknown)-- and some keen wingshots with shotguns we actually employed on both sides to bring down the m-carrying homing pigeons. Hard to believe, but I believe it.Many years ago, I had asked our family friend, a former Luftwaffe pilot, about his thoughts on Rudel and his opinion was not flattering at all.
He acknowledged Rudel's feats as being extraordinary but added that his political fanaticism tarnished those accomplishments and "the idiot should keep his mouth shut".
Wilhelm Reinhard took command following the barons death Goering took over following Reinhards death in july.. prior to that he had served with jastas 5 26 and 27 .Yes, it was argued at the time, and since proven, or at least accepted, that von Richtofen was brought down by a fatal shot from an Australian Lewis gun team. and not by Capt. Roy Brown in his Camel.
Goering did indeed take command of Jasta 2.
Here's a forum listing that nay be of help.At what altitude was the Baron flying? That would have been a hell of a slant range given that angle.
Thanks for the confirmation AFYes, it was argued at the time, and since proven, or at least accepted, that von Richtofen was brought down by a fatal shot from an Australian Lewis gun team. and not by Capt. Roy Brown in his Camel.
Goering did indeed take command of Jasta 2.