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.
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