Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann
Nickname(s)Lutz
Born26 October 1895
Died20 January 1965(1965-01-20) (aged 69)
Allegiance German Empire
 Nazi Germany
Service/branchPrussian Army
Luftstreitkräfte
Luftwaffe
Years of service1914–18
1930's–1945
RankOberst
UnitJasta 6
Commands heldKampfgruppe z.b.V. 500
Battles/warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann (26 October 1895 – 20 January 1965) was a German Luftstreitkräfte ace during World War I and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Ludwig Beckmann claimed eight aerial victories during World War I all on the Western Front.

Beckmann joined Jagdstaffel 6 in December 1917. On 21 February 1918, he transferred to Jagdstaffel 48. He transferred once again, to Jagdstaffel 56, on 11 March 1918. Two days later, he scored his first aerial victory. He would score eight confirmed victories before war's end.[1]

Beckmann commanded a special transport unit, IV/TG1, during World War II. He flew over 200 air bridge sorties into besieged Demjansk, Russia with this unit. He also commanded a Junkers Ju 52 unit, KGr zbV 500.[1]

Awards

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b Franks et al 1993, p. 69.
  2. ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 32.
  3. ^ Patwall 2008, p. 47.
  4. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 210.

Bibliography