How ONE German Pilot Became the Allies Worst Nightmare

TJ3 History・2 minutes read

Egon Meyer was a feared German Ace in World War II, known for his strategic dominance, especially against American B-17s and British Spitfires which earned him numerous victories and accolades. Meyer's successful tactics and adaptability in aerial combat came to an end in 1944 when he was shot down by an American P-47 pilot, marking a significant moment in the decline of German aces during World War II.

Insights

  • Egon Meyer was a highly successful German pilot during World War II, known for his exceptional skill in downing Allied aircraft, particularly Spitfires and American B-17s. His adaptability in shifting tactics from engaging Spitfires to head-on attacks against B-17s demonstrated his strategic prowess and effectiveness in combat.
  • Meyer's remarkable career culminated in achieving 100 victories, making him the first German pilot to reach this milestone on the Western Front. Despite his valor and skill, Meyer's eventual demise at the hands of Walt Gresham's P-47 marked a turning point in the decline of German aces, highlighting the evolving nature of aerial warfare during the war.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Egon Meyer?

    A German Ace pilot in World War II.

  • What aircraft did Egon Meyer fly?

    Messerschmitt Bf-109 and Focke-Wulf 190.

  • How did Egon Meyer achieve his first kill?

    During the Battle of Britain in June 1940.

  • What was Egon Meyer's highest number of victories in a single day?

    Five P-47s and a B-17 on December 1, 1943.

  • How did Egon Meyer meet his demise?

    Shot down by Walt Gresham's P-47 on March 2, 1944.

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Summary

00:00

German Ace Egon Meyer: WWII Fighter Tactics

  • Egon Meyer, a German pilot, was a feared Ace in World War II, known for his dominance against Allied fighters and the tactic that brought down American B-17s.
  • Meyer began his career in 1939, joining the Luftwaffe and training to become a fighter pilot.
  • Assigned to jg2, Meyer flew the Messerschmitt Bf-109, excelling under the guidance of experienced pilots.
  • During the Battle of Britain, Meyer scored his first kill in June 1940, marking the beginning of his rise as an ace.
  • Meyer's promotion to squadron commander in June 1941 increased his responsibilities and victories, facing the formidable Supermarine Spitfire.
  • Meyer's accuracy in claiming Spitfire kills was cross-referenced with RAF losses, showing a high level of accuracy in his victories.
  • In July 1941, Meyer's success peaked, downing 12 Spitfires, showcasing his skill and dominance in aerial combat.
  • Meyer's success continued into 1942, with a total of 51 victories, primarily against Spitfires, establishing him as a feared adversary.
  • The introduction of the Focke-Wulf 190 in 1942 shifted the battle to American heavy bombers, leading to Meyer's successful head-on attack tactic against them.
  • Meyer's strategic shift in attacking American bombers head-on proved successful, as documented in a U.S. defense report, showcasing his adaptability and tactical prowess.

17:07

Egon Meyer: German Ace's Aerial Battles

  • Meyer destroyed six more B-17s by June 1943, including a Spitfire, but a disputed event occurred on June 26, 1943, involving U.S. Air Force Ace Robert Johnson and a Fakovolf-190.
  • Johnson's P-47 withstood attacks from the Fakovolf-190, leading to the Germans saluting him after exhausting their ammunition, possibly involving Egon Meyer, as depicted in History Channel's Dogfights.
  • Meyer resumed attacking in July 1943, leading a mission on July 14th where his radio was out, resorting to aerobatics to signal his unit before downing a B-17.
  • The Eighth Air Force realized the need for a fighter like the P-47 Thunderbolt to counter German attacks, with the RAF providing Spitfire escorts, impacting Meyer's pace of victories in August to November 1943.
  • German pilots like Meyer faced challenges as American fighters gained experience, leading to a decline in German aviators, despite Meyer's notable success.
  • On December 1, 1943, Meyer achieved his greatest day by downing five P-47s and a B-17, raising his total kills to 89, showcasing his skill and valor.
  • Meyer continued his success in early 1944, becoming the first German pilot to reach 100 victories on the Western Front, receiving accolades and recognition for his prowess.
  • Meyer's demise came on March 2, 1944, when he was shot down by Walt Gresham's P-47, marking Gresham's first kill and the beginning of the end for German aces like Meyer.
  • The gun cam footage of Gresham's pursuit and takedown of Meyer on March 2, 1944, provides a detailed account of the engagement, leading to Meyer's fatal crash.
  • Meyer's legacy as a skilled and renowned Luftwaffe pilot lives on, with his final moments captured in history, showcasing the intense aerial battles of World War II.
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