Tunic Belonging to Luftwaffe Knights Cross Ace Oberleutnant Otto Schulz in Uniforms

A historic and quite superb Luftwaffe Tunic belonging to Luftwaffe Ace Oberleutnant Otto Schulz, a Me109 Pilot and Knights Cross winner with JG 27 who was credited with 51 confirmed victories and who, at the time of his death, was only four behind the leading Ace in North Africa, Hans-Joachim Marseille. Both had been awarded the Knights Cross on the same day. Otto Schulz is perhaps most notably remembered as having shot down 5, P40s over the desert in 10 minutes! In March 1942 Schulz, then an Oberfeldwebel, flew to Germany to attend an officer course and it was during his time that he had this Tunic made, the tailor’s label dated April 1942. Originally tailored to his NCO rank he then had his officer’s insignia added on completion of his course and promotion to Oberleutnant. A picture is shown on the internet and repeated here of him wearing this Tunic prior to completing his course, the medal loops on the left breast pocket flap clearly visible. It appears he then left the tunic behind in Germany before returning to Africa at the end of May 1942 and consequently it shows virtually no signs of wear and remains in excellent condition and completely free from damage of any kind. Originally sold at Andreas Thies Auctions in Germany and some years later at Ratisbon’s, it is tailored in the high quality ribbed tricot wool favoured by officer’s when privately purchasing uniforms. There are four pleated and flapped pockets each closed by a silvered pebbled button matching those that close the front. Each sleeve terminates in a deep French cuff, an Afrika Korps cuff band correctly positioned on the right sleeve. Above the right breast pocket, the silver wire eagle has been hand applied by the tailor, the collar tabs and shoulder boards appropriate to his rank. Below the right breast pocket are the loops for a German Cross in gold while there are loops for a Short Range Fighter Clasp in Gold, Medal Bar, Iron Cross First Class and Pilot’s Badge on the right side. PLEASE NOTE, none of these awards are included in the price however, included is the Bulgarian Pilot’s badge as this is a screw fitting. This is an original badge but was added for completeness since the fitting hole was obvious in the cloth, but this was not the one awarded to Schulz himself. PLEASE NOTE. The Knights Cross is also not included but the original and unissued officer’s belt is as it matches perfectly the condition of the Tunic. PLEASE NOTE The final image shows the Tunic displaying all the awards as it would have been worn. ONLY the Bulgarian Pilot’s Badge is included. Inside, the black lining is excellent and both tailor’s labels remain along with the internal waist belt and dagger hanger. Even the most cursory search of the internet will reveal an enormous amount of information on Otto Schulz, so famous was he that a toy figure of him was produced in the Elite Force WW11 series (Similar to the action man series) and a boxed example is included. In addition, a 1/32 second scale Me109 model of the aircraft he is famously pictured in, is also included, both be very collectable. Traces of war gives a good summary of the man which I have repeated here with credit to them. Wikipedia is one of several other accounts. Schulz, Otto Date of birth: February 11th, 1911 (Treptow, Germany) Date of death: June 7th, 1942 (Sidi Razegh, Libya) ‘One-two-three’ Schulz was born on 11 February 1911 at Treptow on the Riga in the Greifenberg region of Pommern. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1934 and served for many years as an instructor. On 3 January 1940, Schulz was transferred to 4./JG 27. He participated in the French campaign and the Battle of Britain. He recorded his first victory on 31 August 1940, when he shot down a RAF Spitfire fighter near Dover. By the end of 1940, he had four victories to his credit. In April 1941, Schulz participated in the Balkans invasion. He recorded two victories over Greece, including a Greek PZL fighter shot down over the airfield at Larissa on 15 April and a RAF Hurricane fighter shot down near Megara on 20 April. Schulz participated in the invasion of Russia. He claimed three victories during June 1941, before the unit was transferred to the Mediterranean theatre in September. Operating over the deserts of North Africa, Schulz was to be particularly successful. On each of the days 6 October 1941, 20 October and 28 November, he recorded three victories. Schulz shot down two RAF P-40 fighters on 30 November to record his 23rd and 24th victories. Both were piloted by notable Allied pilots: Australian, Sergeant Alan ‘Tiny’ Cameron (6.5 confirmed, 1 probable and 7 damaged victories) of 3 Sqn, RAAF, who crash-landed and British pilot, Pilot Officer Neville Duke (26.833 confirmed, 1 probable and 6 damaged victories) of 112 Sqn, RAF. He claimed another notable RAF pilot on 15 December (30), when he shot down and killed Pilot Officer Geoffrey Ranger (5.3 confirmed, 1 probable and 1 damaged victories) of 250 Sqn, RAF. It is also thought that Schulz was the victor, when he shot down a Curtiss P-40 flown by the Australian ace, Flying Officer Andrew ‘Nicky’ Barr (11 confirmed, 3 probable and 8 damaged victories) of 3 Sqn, RAAF , who crash-landed in the Agedabia-El Brega area, wounded on 11 January. He shot down five Curtiss P-40 fighters in 10 minutes on 15 February 1942 (40-44), including another British ace, S/L Ernest ‘Imshi’ Mason (15.4 confirmed and 3.6 damaged victories) of 94 Sqn, RAF, who was killed in this engagement. Oberfeldwebel Schulz was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 22 February and was promoted to the rank of Leutnant in April. On 31 May, Schulz recorded another Curtiss P-40 victory (49), flown by yet another notable Allied ace, South African Major Andrew Duncan (5.5 confirmed and 1 probable victories) of 5 Sqn, SAAF, who was killed in the engagement. On 17 June 1942, Schulz was shot down and killed in aerial combat. He had shot down an RAF Hurricane fighter, flown by Canadian ace Flight Lieutenant Walter ‘Wally’ Conrad (6.5 confirmed, 3 probable and 11 damaged victories) of 274 Sqn, RAF, who suffered wounds in the engagement, for his 51st, and last, victory. However, Schulz was then shot down in Bf 109 F-4 (W.Nr. 102 71) by a RAF Curtiss P-40 in the Sidi Rezegh area. It is thought his victor was Canadian ace Flight Sergeant James ‘Eddie’ Edwards (16 confirmed, 8.5 probable and 13 damaged victories) of 260 Sqn, RAF. Otto Schulz was credited with 51 victories in approximately 400 missions. He recorded three victories over the Eastern front and 48 victories over the Western front. This put him on 44 victories, just behind the 48 of the then top-scorer in the Desert, Hans-Joachim Marseille. In recognition of this success, they were both awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on the same day – 22 February – the first such awards for JG 27 since arriving in North Africa. A unique item having belonged to famous Luftwaffe Ace. PAYMENT OPTIONS. I am unable to accept payment by PayPal for this item and the buyer is asked to arrange their own insurance if needed. If you wish to pay by PayPal please contact me in advance. All other options are available through the website.