Heinz “Pritzl” Bär was one of the “old hares” of the Luftwaffe, flying from the beginning of the war until the end. He fought in all the major battles of the Luftwaffe – France, the Battle of Britain, the invasion of the Soviet Union, North Africa, and the Defense of the Reich. He was credited with 220 victories (with several others going unrecognized). These included 124 victories against the Western Allies, and was the second-highest scoring jet Experten with 16. He flew more than 1,000 missions. He was himself shot down eighteen times and wounded three, but always made it back to German lines. He did have an insubordinate streak which sometimes put him in disfavor with his superiors, including Hermann Göring.
He favored the “unlucky” number 13 for his aircraft, “Red 13” was his mount while with III./EJG 2 at Lechfeld in March 1945.
This might be my favorite of all the 262’s you’ve posted if for no other reason that Heinz was such a neat pilot. and that scheme is so attractive.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree about the paint sheme!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Warren! Bär flew just about every major fighter type in the Luftwaffe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it possible that the ‘Yellow 13’ Bf 109 E-4 (Airfix) I recently made was Bär’s during the Battle of Britain?
LikeLiked by 2 people
He flew a white 13 with 1.JG51 during the BoB. Bär would be an interesting theme if you modeled examples of his aircraft through the war.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great model Jeff. Seemed a lucky pilot to have survived all that.
Cheers,
Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s surprising how many times you see similar stories with these guys.
LikeLiked by 2 people