German Air Force

Major HEINRICH EHRLER - a changeful career

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Major HEINRICH EHRLER (*September 14, 1917 in Oberbalbach/Germany; KIA April 6, 1945 near Stendal/Germany) started his military career as a Flak artilleryman and took part in the Spanish Civil War with the German "Legion Condor". In 1940 he became a fighter pilot. After having shot down 112 enemy aircrafts he was awarded the Knight's Cross with oak leaves in August 1943. In August 1944 he was announced commander of Jagd-Geschwader 5. On November 12, 1944 Ehrler's unit was ordered to attack an incoming formation of British Lancaster bombers. Due to radio miscommunication the bombers were not attacked and managed to sink the German battleship "Tirpitz". Ehrler lost his command and was condemned to death by court martial. The penalty however was changed into 3 years of forced labour (sentence to be served after the war). He was then transferred to JG 7 (equipped with Me-262). On April 6, 1945 Ehrler shot down two B-17 before he ran out of ammo and rammed a third one, exploding both planes. His last radio message to his friend and superior Theo Weißenberger was reported: "Theo, I just ran out of ammo. I will ram this one. Good bye. We'll meet in Valhalla." Altogether Heinrich Ehrler shot down between 204 and 220 enemy aircrafts.