The first of our Jagdgeschwader 2 ace biographies is now available for purchase and download from this location. Featured is Kurt Bühligen, perhaps the most important figure in the history of the famous German fighter unit, who rose from lowly mechanic to become the final Kommodore of the Richthofen Geschwader.

Using a large variety of primary and secondary sources, including interview material with the man himself, logbooks, German wartime documents, and snippets from Allied intelligence material, the article tells the story of Kurt Bühligen’s life and Luftwaffe career. We were even able to contact some of his relatives from central eastern Germany.

He joined Jagdgeschwader 2 in July 1940, just in time for the Battle of Britain, and claimed his first aerial victory on 4 September 1940. Steadily climbing through the ranks, he quickly became an ace, and was awarded the Ritterkreuz in September 1941. In the summer of the following year he assumed a leadership role, reflecting his thoroughly professional attitude and the respect with which he was held by his comrades.

Never as flamboyant as some of his contemporaries, Kurt Bühligen nevertheless went on to claim more than 100 aerial victories, all against the Western Allies, and in April 1944 became the final Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 2.

Our 6,000 word article provides many details and interesting tidbits about a highly respected Luftwaffe ace, and the text is accompanied by 27 photographs, three maps, tables, and a list of his aerial victories (often matched up with known losses from the Allied side). Colour profiles of some of his Focke-Wulf 190s are also included.

So if you’re interested in the Jagdwaffe, the German aces, or the air war over Europe and North Africa, the Kurt Bühligen eArticle is a must.