Heinrich Bär, German colonel and pilot (b. 1913)

Heinz "Pritzl" Bär, born on May 25, 1913, and passing away on April 28, 1957, was a highly distinguished German Luftwaffe flying ace whose combat career spanned the entirety of World War II in Europe. His rather unique nickname, "Pritzl," was often used by his comrades. Bär's operational footprint was extensive; he flew an astounding more than one thousand combat missions, engaging in aerial warfare across the crucial Western, Eastern, and Mediterranean theatres. A testament to his exceptional piloting skills and perhaps a touch of sheer luck, he remarkably survived being shot down on no fewer than 18 separate occasions during his demanding wartime service.

A Remarkable Combat Record and Conflicting Tallies

Bär's aerial victories place him among the most successful fighter pilots in history. According to meticulously kept records within the German Federal Archives, he personally claimed to have shot down 228 enemy aircraft. However, the official credit attributed to him stands at 208 aerial victories. This impressive tally includes 16 confirmed victories achieved while piloting the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, a formidable aircraft that represented the cutting edge of aviation technology towards the war's end. Other historical sources, acknowledging the inherent difficulties in precise record-keeping during wartime, suggest his total aerial victories could be as high as 220, with a breakdown of 96 on the Eastern Front and 124 on the Western Front. Some accounts even posit that a figure of up to 222 aerial victories might be possible, underscoring the dynamic and often debated nature of wartime statistics.

From Mechanic to Maverick Ace

Hailing from Saxony, a region in eastern Germany, Bär embarked on his military journey by joining the Reichswehr, Germany's armed forces, in 1934. With the establishment of the Luftwaffe in 1935, Germany's new air force, he transitioned to this burgeoning branch. His early career path was somewhat unconventional for a future ace; he initially served as an aircraft mechanic, gaining invaluable hands-on experience with the machines he would later master in the air. Following this, he became a pilot, first operating transport aircraft. It was through an informal training process, rather than a rigid official program, that he honed his skills and transitioned into the demanding role of a fighter pilot. His first taste of aerial victory came relatively early in the war, in September 1939, along the French border. As the Battle of Britain raged, a pivotal air campaign that defined the early war, Bär's tally of victories steadily climbed, reaching a significant 17 by its conclusion. His deployment to the Eastern Front, as part of the massive invasion of the Soviet Union known as Operation Barbarossa, saw an explosive increase in his combat successes. This rapid accumulation of victories quickly brought him high recognition, leading to him being awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords in February 1942, a prestigious decoration bestowed upon him for achieving 90 aerial victories.

Unbestowed Honors and a Fiercely Independent Spirit

Throughout the remainder of World War II, Bär continued to demonstrate his prowess, adding an impressive 130 additional aerial victories to his record. Such an extraordinary achievement would typically have merited the highest echelon of German military decorations: the coveted Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. However, despite his unparalleled combat performance, this ultimate honor eluded him. The primary reason behind this was a deeply rooted personal animosity from Hermann Göring, the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe. Göring's dislike for Bär, coupled with Bär's notoriously insubordinate character and a pronounced lack of rigid military discipline, created an insurmountable barrier to receiving the Diamonds. Bär was known for speaking his mind, often disregarding strict protocols, which, while perhaps endearing him to his squadron mates, certainly did not win him favor with the Luftwaffe's top brass.

Post-War Life and Tragic End

Following the conclusion of World War II, Heinz Bär, ever the aviator, continued his career in aviation. He dedicated himself to his passion for flying, transitioning into post-war aviation activities, which included test piloting for German aircraft manufacturers. Tragically, his life came to an untimely end on April 28, 1957, when he was killed in a flying accident near Braunschweig. The incident occurred during a routine test flight of a light sports aircraft, marking a somber close to the life of one of the most remarkable fighter pilots in history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heinz "Pritzl" Bär

How many enemy aircraft was Heinz Bär credited with shooting down?

While Heinz Bär claimed 228 aerial victories, official German Federal Archives credit him with 208 confirmed kills. Other historical sources suggest his total could be as high as 220 to 222, with a significant number achieved on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

What was special about some of his victories?

Notably, 16 of his aerial victories were achieved while flying the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter, highlighting his adaptability and skill with advanced aircraft.

Why did Heinz Bär not receive the Knight's Cross with Diamonds, despite his high number of victories?

Despite his exceptional combat record, Bär was denied the Knight's Cross with Diamonds due to the personal dislike of Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring, compounded by Bär's independent, insubordinate character and disregard for strict military discipline.

What was Heinz Bär's nickname?

He was widely known by his nickname, "Pritzl."

Where did Heinz Bär serve during World War II?

He served extensively across all major European theatres of war: the Western Front, the Eastern Front, and the Mediterranean theatre.

How did Heinz Bär die?

Heinz Bär was killed in a flying accident on April 28, 1957, near Braunschweig, while conducting a test flight in a light sports aircraft.