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The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew




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V1.01 Data derived from many sources. Perfection is our goal: Corrections and Additions are encouraged and requested. Please Email us

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The only authorised publication of the Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: anything else has been stolen and infringes my copyright.

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In some cases you can see a pilot's extended record of victories in date order from our Luftwaffe Victories database
To see a list of German WW2 Aces consult German WW2 Aces Database
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There is a rogue group of copyright infringers who have stolen a much earlier version of my data - from at least 10 years ago - and have the affrontery to publish that, along with using my name, on their poorly researched website. They claim this is the 'original' Kracker Archive, a ridiculous claim since my Archive has been in a state of continuous development for over 30 years and nobody - NOBODY - has the original. They have no right to use my name or my data and readers who come across this nonsense should do nothing to encourage theft of this nature. I am outraged by this blatant theft and misrepresentation of my lifetime's work. The ONLY person I have ever authorized to publish my data and use my name is Kelvin Youngs, who earned my trust and respect many years ago and is authorized by me to publish my work on whichever website he organizes, currently this being its present home at the highly respected Aircrew Remembered.
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MAJOR SEARCH AND SORT ENHANCEMENTS: You can now search on Unit such as 3/SG-1, 5./JG 51. Note that some sources used to develop this Archive date back 3 decades and may not have been consistent: you should try various options. For example 5./JG 51 may have been encoded as 5/JG 51 or 5./JG-51. You can also search on aircraft types such as Me 109, P-47.

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You searched for: “"Rettberg"

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1 Rettberg, Ralph vonOberst3/1/1911Bad Homburg v.d. Höhe8




Courtesy Christian König

ZG-26 (37), Stafkpt 1/ZG-26, Kdr II/ZG-26 (8/40), Kdr ZG-2 (4/42-1/43), Stab/ZG-1, Kdr ZG-26Bf 110C RK(6/14/41)

Deutsches Kreuz - Gold(10/19/42)
EP(9/28/40)

EK 1 & 2
Destroyer Operational Clasp
Channel pilot. 150+ combat missions. 3 victories in the East. 12 AC destroyed on the ground. Kdr ZG-2 in April, 1942. Kdr ZG-1 November, 1942. Photo. Deceased 25 February, 2004 Haar/Munich (H. Breuer & P. Bastin).
Added by Stefan Pietrzak Youngs

The cover artwork by Brian Petch shows a Messerschmitt Bf 109 being chased by a Hawker Hurricane. The cover is hand signed by Oberst Ralph von Rettberg, Luftwaffe Knight's Cross Holder who flew Bf110s during the Battle of Britain while leading II./ZG26. Rettberg joined ZG 26 in 1937 and was promoted Squadron Commander of 1./ZG 26 on 1 April 1940. Shortly afterwards he was promoted Group Commander II./ZG26 and led it during the Blitzkrieg on France, the Battle of Britain, the Balkans, and in Russia. His Knight’s Cross was awarded on the 14 June 1941 while a Captain and four victories to his name. Early in 1942 with the rank of Wing Commander he was tasked to form the new ZG 2 in Russia. From 12 January 1942 he headed the new ZG 26 based in the Mediterranean area and carrying out home defence duties until late September 1943. After which he was posted to various staff positions within the German airline, and with the 4. Flying Training-Division. Alternate spelling: Rettburg. Total of around 200 missions, 8 aerial victories (3 East), 12 aircraft destroyed on the ground.



Courtesy Christian König

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Wer vor der Vergangenheit die Augen verschließt, wird blind für die Gegenwart. Richard von Weizsäcker

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