Helmut Wick

 

Helmut Wick was one of the first great German fighter Aces of the Second World War. Born in 1915 Wicks love of flying started early as he lived near an airport. On the news of a new Luftwaffe, Wick jumped at the chance to join. By November 1938,Wick was a Leutant. As the Battle of Britain entered its first stages, Wick could not wait to conquer the enemy and was promoted to the rank of Gruppenkommandeur of I/JG 2, by this time Wicks tally stood at 21. On the 19th of October 1940 Wick was promoted to a Major at just 25, he was the youngest in the Luftwaffe.  His tally now stood at 41. Spitfires and Hurricanes were to fall under Wicks guns at an incredible rate. Wick had scored his 55th victory by the 28th November 1940 making him the top scorer of the Second World War at that time. Flying towards the Isle Of Wight Wicks Schwarm spotted a formation of Spitfires - the Germans attacked at once and a fierce dogfight broke out, here Wick scored his 56th victory.  During the intense dogfight that followed Wick became separated  from his unit.

Rudolf Pflanz, a pilot from Wicks flight spotted two planes heading for France.  He took off  towards them, when he saw fire trailing from the lead plane he realised it was a  Messerschmitt being chased by a Spitfire. The Spitfire was scoring hits all over the ME 109 and it wasn't long before the Messerschmitt dived into the channel. It was here that Pflanz identified Wicks marking on the ME 109, Pflanz turned toward the Spitfire and hit him hard scoring many hits, he sent the Spitfire crashing into the water below. It is said that Pflanz circled the area until his fuel tanks were nearly dry, he even called in that  a Spitfire was downed knowing  that the British would send search and rescue. Helmut Wick was never found,  the British pilot who shot him down was the famous Battle Of Britain Ace John Dundas who made Wick his 13th and final victory..........