|
Werner Voss was Germany’s fourth highest ranking ace
of World War 1. With 48 kills to his credit he is still considered
by many to be the greatest pilot of that war, having skills that
even surpassed Manfred von Richthofen, the “Red Baron”.
On September 23, 1917 he became involved in what is known to
be one of the greatest dogfights of World War 1. While out on
patrol he came across a flight of six British SE5’s from
56 Squadron, each flown by a famous ace. For over ten minutes
Voss singlehandedly fought the aces without retreating. He inflicted
considerable damage on all five aircraft before his own engine
finally seized and he was sent plummeting to the ground by Lt.
Arthur Rhys-Davids. Major James McCudden, who was also involved
in the fight, said of him later, “His flying was wonderful,
his courage magnificent and in my own opinion he is the bravest
German airman whom it has been my privilege to see fight.”
Leutnant Werner Voss was just 20 years old.
Signed by the artist. |
|