A 1941 Luftwaffe Day-Order On Occasion Of The Death Of First War Ace Ernst Udet

Measuring 212x297mm, better than very fine condition with some fraying and discolouration. The double page was written by Göring on occasion of Colonel General Ernst Udet’s death on November 17, 1941. In his honour Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 3 is awarded the honour name “Jagdgeschwader Udet”. The death is officially attributed to an accident during the experimental testing of a new weapon. However, this was done for propaganda reasons to cover up that Udet had actually committed suicide. On the reverse is a picture of Udet wearing the Knight’s Cross, the Pour le Mérite, the Combined Pilot/Observer Badge in Gold with Diamonds, and the Iron Cross 1st Class with Clasp.

Footnote:

Ernst Udet (1896–1941) was a flying ace in the First War, claiming 62 victories, the most successful surviving pilot and a recipient of the Pour le Mérite. During the interwar period he was instrumental in the establishing of the Luftwaffe and its adoption of the dive bombing technique. He received the Knight’s Cross in July of 1940 and was promoted to Colonel General. However, the stressful life of Director-General of Equipment for the Luftwaffe and his inability to cope with administrative duties, for which he had received no education or training, led him to alcoholism and ultimately suicide.