Martin Harlinghausen

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Martin Harlinghausen
17 January 1902(1902-01-17) — 22 March 1986 (aged 84)
Place of birth Rheda, Westphalia
Place of death Gütersloh
Allegiance Flag of Germany Weimar Republic (to 1933)
Flag of Nazi Germany Nazi Germany(to 1945)
Flag of West Germany West Germany
Service/branch Reichsmarine
Luftwaffe
Years of service 1923–1945
1957–1961
Rank Leutnant General
Commands held AS 88 (Condor Legion)
Fliegerführer Atlantik
Fliegerführer Tunesien
X. Fliegerkorps
Battles/wars Spanish Civil War
World War II
Awards Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
Great Cross of Merit

Martin Harlinghausen was a Luftwaffe Commander during World War Two.

Harlinghausen joined the Imperial German Navy on 1 April 1923. Staying in the military he transferred to the Luftwaffe in October 1933. In December 1937 he took Command of AS 88, a anti-shipping unit in the Condor Legion. During World War Two he operated as a pilot gaining the Knight's Cross on 5 May 1940 for sinking 100,000 tons of Allied shipping[1].

After sinking another 27,000 tons of shipping he was awarded the Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) 30 January 1941. In March 1941 he was appointed Fliegerführer Atlantik a post he held until July 1942. During his time as Fliegerführer Atlantik Harlinghasuen was held responsible for the Luftwaffe's failure to prevent the loss of the battleship Bismarck.

Harlinghausen was later appointed Fliegerführer Tunesien in July 1942. Harlinghausen remained in the Mediterranean theatre until 18 June 1943, when disagreements with his superiors led to his replacement.

In December 1944 Harlinghausen was appointed Chef des Luftwaffenkommandos "West", a position he held until the cession of hostilities.

[edit] Awards

[edit] References

  1. ^ Martin Harlinghausen

[edit] Bibliography

Robert Jackson. The Bismarck. Weapons of War: London, 2002. ISBN 1-86227-173-9

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