Bruno Loerzer
| Bruno Loerzer | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
22 January 1891 Berlin |
| Died | 23 August 1960 (aged 69) Hamburg |
| Allegiance |
|
| Service/branch |
 Luftstreitkräfte Luftwaffe
|
| Years of service | 1911–20, 1935–45 |
| Rank | Generaloberst |
| Battles/wars |
World War II |
| Awards |
House Order of Hohenzollern Pour le Mérite Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Bruno Loerzer (22 January 1891 – 23 August 1960) was an officer in the German Luftstreitkräfte during World War I and Luftwaffe during World War II.
Born in Berlin, Loerzer was a prewar army officer who learned to fly in 1914. Hermann Göring flew as Loerzer's observer from 28 October 1914 until late June 1915. Transferring to fighters, Loerzer flew with two Jagdstaffeln in 1916 before joining Jagdstaffel 26 in January 1917. By then he had scored two victories over French aircraft. His tally reached 20 victories at the end of October and he received the Pour le Mérite in February 1918.
The same month, he took command of the newly formed Jagdgeschwader III, the third of Germany's famed "flying circuses." His aces included his brother Fritz, who claimed 11 victories. Leading Jasta 26 and three other squadrons, with Hermann Dahlmann's support as adjutant and wingman, Loerzer proved a successful wing commander. Equipped with the new BMW-engined Fokker D.VII, JG III cut a wide swath through Allied formations in the summer of 1918, and his own score mounted steadily. He achieved his last ten victories in September when he reached his final score of 44 victories. Shortly before the armistice, he was promoted to Hauptmann (captain).
Loerzer irregularly fought with Freikorps anti-communist paramilitary units from December 1918 until March 1920, helping to create an atmosphere of chaos and lawlessness in Germany. He commanded FA 427 in the Baltic area, supporting the Eiserne Division in the tactical air role. During the 1930s he was a leader in various civil aviation organizations (National Socialist Flying Corps: NSFK), and rejoined the Luftwaffe in 1935 with the rank of Oberst (colonel).
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