Adolf Galland far left, Theo Osterkamp second from
the right, Werner Mölders on far right.
At the end of July, 1940 at age 48, later Generalleutnant
Theo Osterkamp was officially ordered to cease combat flying. Since the
formation of JG 51 in 1939 (which he commanded), he had flown constantly, and
added 6 more victories to his World War One score(32 WWI). He received the
Knight's Cross in August of 1940 to go along with his Pour le Mérite...
In World War II he led Jagdgeschwader 51 through the Battle
of Britain and claimed a further 6 victories, in the process becoming one of
only a few men to score victories in both World Wars!
On 19 September 1939 Oberst Osterkamp was appointed
Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51). During the Battle of France
he claimed four victories, the first on 12 May 1940. During the Kanalkampf
period of the Battle of Britain he claimed a further two victories, bringing
his total to six...
In the end, Theo Osterkamp was credited with 38 victories.
He recorded 32 victories during World War 1. He recorded two confirmed and at
least four unconfirmed victories in World War 2, all claimed over the Western
front...
Here is the data of his air victory in World War II :
1. 12 May 1940 against Fokker G-1 at Soesterburg : confirmed
2. 22 May 1940 against Hurricane at Roubaix : not confirmed
3. 31 May 1940 against Hurricane at Dunkirk : not confirmed
4. 1 June 1940 against Blenheim at Dunkirk : not confirmed
5. 13 July 1940 against Spitfire at Dover : not confirmed
6. 13 July 1940 against Spitfire at Dover : confirmed
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