Ralph von Rettberg


Ralph von Rettberg was a World War II German Luftwaffe pilot and wing commander. As a fighter ace, he claimed eight enemy aircraft shot down.

Early life and career

On 7 April 1931, he began his pilot training at the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule at Schleißheim. He and 29 other trainees were part of Kameradschaft 31, abbreviated "K 31". Among the members of "K 31" were future Luftwaffe staff officers Bernd von Brauchitsch, Günther Radusch, Günther Lützow, Wolfgang Falck and Hannes Trautloft. von Rettberg graduated from the DVS on 19 February 1932.
On 1 March 1937, von Rettberg was appointed adjutant to Oberst Kurt-Bertram von Döring, the Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 134 "Horst Wessel". On 1 April 1938, he was appointed Staffelkapitän of 1. Staffel, a squadron of I. Gruppe of JG 134, which was based at Dortmund and commanded by Oberstleutnant Hermann Frommherz who was succeeded by Hauptmann Karl Kaschka on 1 February 1939. On 1 November 1938, I. Gruppe was renamed to I. Gruppe of Zerstörergeschwader 142, a unit which became the I. Gruppe of Zerstörergeschwader 26 on 1 May 1939. In consequence, von Rettberg commanded the 1. Staffel of ZG 142, and later the 1. Staffel of ZG 26. The Gruppe was equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 109 D-1 fighter. During the prelude of World War II in August 1939, I. Gruppe of ZG 26 deployed to an airfield at Varel.

World War II

On Friday 1 September 1939, German forces invaded Poland starting World War II in Europe. I. Gruppe of ZG 26 was tasked with patrolling the North Sea. In October, the Gruppe began equipping with the Messerschmitt Bf 110 C heavy fighter. In December, I. Gruppe was moved to Lippstadt. Von Rettberg was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of II. Gruppe of ZG 26 on 1 April 1940. He let this unit during the Battle of France, Battle of Britain and the Invasion of Yugoslavia.

Summary of career

Aerial victory claims

Mathews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and state that Rettberg is credited with approximately eight aerial victories. This number includes three claims on the Eastern Front and five on the Western Front.

Awards