Background
Walter Göttsch was born in Altour, Germany on 10 June 1896.
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Walter Gottsch
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Career
He volunteered for the German army on 1 July 1915. He was originally assigned to FA 33 to fly artillery cooperation missions in Flanders as a Vizefeldwebel. After training as a fighter pilot, Göttsch was assigned to Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 8 on 10 September 1916.
On 4 November 1916, he destroyed a Belgian observation balloon for his first victory.
Because of his wounding, he would not score again until 6 April 1917. By 5 May, he had doubled his victory total to twelve.
He was once again downed, probably by the observer of Harry G. East. Luchford"s Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d on 29 June. By 16 September, he had pushed his tally to 17, downing a Sopwith Camel that day.
On 25 September, he fell under the guns of a Bristol F.2 Fighter, wounded once again in the same combat that saw Rudolf Wendelmuth"s downing.
Göttsch returned to duty, but had no luck, being wounded for the fourth time on 25 November 1917 by James Dennis Payne. Göttsch would not return to action until January 1918. On 14 February, he was given command of Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 19.
The new Staffelführer would score only twice before his end, with back to back triumphs on 31 March and 1 April.
Göttsch was killed in action on 10 April 1918 over Gentelles, apparently by return fire from the observer of an Revue Economique-8 (his final victim), although German accounts also claim he was hit by ground fire. His Fokker Doctor.I triplane, marked with a swastika, fell behind British lines and was salvaged.
Walter Göttsch"s 20 victories included seven from 20 Squadron Royal Air Force. The score of victories would also have qualified him for a Blue Max had he survived.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
April 10, 1918 (aged 21) -
Nationality
Germany
Awards
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Victoria Cross; Iron Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.