From The Battle Of Britain To The Augsburg Raid: The Story Of A German Luftwaffe Night Fighter Ace

During the Second World War, the German Luftwaffe fielded a number of highly skilled and successful night fighter pilots. One of the most successful of these was Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, who flew over 500 missions and achieved 121 victories. This article will tell the story of Schnaufer's life and career, from his early days as a pilot to his postwar years.

Bomber Command Pilot: From the Battle of Britain to the Augsburg Raid: The Unique Story of Wing Commander J S Sherwood DSO, DFC*

by Gerald Sherwood

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21986 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages

FREE

Early Life and Training

Schnaufer was born in Calw, Germany, on 16 February 1922. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1940 and began training as a fighter pilot. After completing his training, he was assigned to Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (NJG 1),a night fighter wing.

Combat Experiences

Schnaufer flew his first combat mission in September 1940. He quickly proved to be a skilled and effective night fighter pilot, and he soon began to rack up victories. By the end of the war, he had achieved 121 victories, making him one of the most successful night fighter pilots in the world.

Schnaufer's combat experiences were varied and often dangerous. He flew over 500 missions, and he was involved in many intense air battles. He was also shot down several times, but he always managed to survive.

The Augsburg Raid

One of the most famous of Schnaufer's combat missions was the Augsburg Raid. On the night of 25/26 February 1944, Schnaufer and his wingman, Oblt. Helmut Lent, were tasked with intercepting a formation of Allied bombers that were attacking Augsburg, Germany.

Schnaufer and Lent managed to intercept the bombers and shoot down several of them. However, Lent's aircraft was hit by enemy fire and he was forced to bail out. Schnaufer continued to fight, and he eventually shot down four more bombers before returning to his base.

The Augsburg Raid was a major success for the Luftwaffe, and it helped to boost morale among the German people. Schnaufer's role in the raid was particularly impressive, and it further cemented his reputation as one of the best night fighter pilots in the world.

Postwar Life

After the war, Schnaufer remained in the Luftwaffe. He served as a test pilot and as a commander of a night fighter wing. He also helped to develop new night fighting tactics and technologies.

Schnaufer retired from the Luftwaffe in 1970. He died in Stuttgart, Germany, on 15 July 1990.

Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer was one of the most successful night fighter pilots in the world. He flew over 500 missions and achieved 121 victories. His combat experiences were varied and often dangerous, but he always managed to survive. After the war, he remained in the Luftwaffe and helped to develop new night fighting tactics and technologies.

Schnaufer's story is a testament to the skill and bravery of the German night fighter pilots. He was a true ace, and his achievements will never be forgotten.

Bomber Command Pilot: From the Battle of Britain to the Augsburg Raid: The Unique Story of Wing Commander J S Sherwood DSO, DFC*

by Gerald Sherwood

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21986 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages

FREE