German Air Force

Hans-Joachim Marseille

Hans-Joachim Marseille was one of the most famous german Luftwaffe´s fighter pilot. He is noted for his aerial battles during the North African Campaign and his bohemian lifestyle. He was nicknamed the "Star of Africa". Marseille claimed all but seven of his "official" 158 victories against the British Commonwealth's Desert Air Force over North Africa, flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter for his entire combat career. No other pilot destroyed as many Western Allied aircraft as Marseille. Marseille was killed in a flying accident, when an engine failure forced him to abandon his fighter. After he exited the smoke-filled cockpit, Marseille's chest struck the vertical stabiliser of his aircraft, either killing him instantly, or incapacitating him so that he was unable to open his parachute. (rudeerude)