1. Max Immelmann PLM was the first German World War I flying ace.
20 Facts About Max Immelmann
1. 2.
Max Immelmann was a pioneer in fighter aviation and is often mistakenly credited with the first aerial victory using a synchronized gun, which was in fact achieved on 1 July 1915 by the German ace Kurt Wintgens.
3.
Max Immelmann's name has become attached to a common flying tactic, the Immelmann turn, and remains a byword in aviation.
4.
Max Immelmann was born on 21 September 1890, in Dresden, to an industrialist father who died when Max was young.
5.
Max Immelmann left the army in March 1912 to study mechanical engineering in Dresden.
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Max Immelmann returned to service at the outbreak of war in 1914, as a reserve officer candidate.
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When World War I started, Immelmann was called to active service, transferred to the German Army's air arm, Die Fliegertruppe des Deutschen Kaiserreiches and was sent for pilot training at Johannisthal Air Field in November 1914.
8.
Max Immelmann served as a pilot with Feldflieger Abteilung 10 from February to April 1915, and then in FFA 62 by early May 1915.
9.
Max Immelmann was decorated with the Iron Cross, Second Class, for preserving his aircraft.
10.
The unarmed Max Immelmann landed nearby, and approached Reid; they shook hands and Max Immelmann said to the British pilot "You are my prisoner" and pulled Reid out of the wreckage and rendered first aid.
11.
Max Immelmann became one of the first German fighter pilots, quickly building an impressive score of air victories.
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Max Immelmann became known as The Eagle of Lille.
13.
Max Immelmann flirted with the position of Germany's leading ace, trading that spot off with Oswald Boelcke, another pioneer ace.
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Max Immelmann was the first pilot to be awarded the Pour le Merite, Germany's highest military honour, receiving it on the day of his eighth win, 12 January 1916.
15.
Max Immelmann's medal was presented by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 12 January 1916.
16.
The British flight had just crossed the lines near Arras, with the intent of photographing the German infantry and artillery positions within the area, when Max Immelmann's flight intercepted them.
17.
Max Immelmann's body was recovered by the German 6 Armee from the twisted wreckage, lying lifeless over what was left of the surprisingly intact Oberursel engine, sometimes cited as under it.
18.
Max Immelmann's body was identified by his initials embroidered on his handkerchief.
19.
Max Immelmann was given a state funeral and buried in his home city of Dresden.
20.
Max Immelmann's body was later exhumed and cremated in the Dresden-Tolkewitz Crematorium.