Gunther Freiherr von Maltzahn

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi Folks,

I was reading the "Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe" by Toliver/Constable.There I knew that the German ace Gunther Freiheer von Maltzahn (Eichenlaubträger of the Jagdgeschwader 53 with 68 victories) died while working on the rebuild of the Luftwaffe in 1953. However, there is no clue why or how he passed away so young young (age 42).

I remember that he became sick while in Afrika (malaria), but if he was ill, I should assume that would be difficult to him keep working in the office.

I strongly regard him as one of most interesting persona of the Luftwaffe and one of the greatest combat leaders of WWII.

Anybody has the answer?

Many thanks in advance.

Douglas.

[wilhelm_jg53]

He died by an car accident.

Günther Freiherr von Maltzahn (* 20. Oktober 1910 in Wodarg, Pommern; † 24. Juni 1953 in Düsseldorf)

This picture was taken by my grandfather in 1942 in africa, he was in the III/JG53.

[Robert Shoaf]

I don't believe von Maltzahn died in a car accident, but of natural causes, perhaps complications from his old bout with malaria. I have yet to read a definitive account of his cause of death.
Gerd Barkhorn, the second highest scoring Luftwaffe " experten", did die in a car crash, along with his wife, in the 1980's, I believe.

Bob Shoaf

[wilhelm_jg53]

All sources I can read in german are speaking about a car accident
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...altzahnGFv.htm
and
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_von_Maltzahn

[Robert Shoaf]

All sources I can read in german are speaking about a car accident
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...altzahnGFv.htm
and
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_von_Maltzahn

It's been a while since I read the three volume "Jagdgeschwader 53" by Gunther Prien, but I believe he refers to Maltzahn's early death from natural causes.

Bob Shoaf

[Seiler]

As a matter of interest.I have the dagger,engraved blade motto,
crossguard named to G Fhr v Maltzahn.Nearly mint.Excellent piece,
Seiler

[Robert Shoaf]

All sources I can read in german are speaking about a car accident
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/...altzahnGFv.htm
and
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_von_Maltzahn

Strange, that Wikipedia in English states he died of disease, vs. Wikipedia in German, which says auto accident!

Bob Shoaf