Erich Woitke
Erich Woitke (29 January 1912 – 24 December 1944) was a fighter pilot 'ace' serving in the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Early life Woitke was born 29 January 1912 in Mülheim, near Duisburg. Military career Leutnant Woitke served with the fighter unit 1./J 88 of the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. He recorded his first victory on 27 September 1937, claiming a Republican I-16 "Rata". He claimed 3 more victories, all "Ratas" before returning to Germany. From the early stages of his career until his death, Woitke was considered outspoken, and anti-authoritarian, and his attitude to authority would lead him into conflict with his superiors on numerous occasions. He is reputed to have received the German Cross in Gold from Hermann Göring in person, only to hurl the award on the floor while making disparaging remarks. World War II In February 1940, Oberleutnant Woitke was made Staffelkapitän, 6./JG 3, leading the unit through the Battle of France. On 31 May 1940, he shot down a Royal Air Force (RAF) Bristol Blenheim and then claimed a French Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 near Compigne on 3 June. Operating during the Battle of Britain, Woitke claimed 7 victories. On 1 October