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RAF Metheringham

@RafMetheringham

, 15 tweets, 9 min read

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Flight Lieutenant Otto #Altmann (later Wing Commander DSO, DFC)

A comparitive rarity - a German flying operationally for #BomberCommand!
(See photo - second right with, apparently, his Hampden aircrew.)
The story of Otto Altmann is interesting and yet frustrating.

@RAFConingsby

@RAFConingsby

He served as a pilot with #106Squadron when they flew Hampdens from @RAFConingsby and flew with distinction for the #RAF, rising to the rank of Wing Commander, but little detail is known of this extraordinary man.
This is an example of a research theme with which we'd be

...grateful for any further detail that could be provided by former comrades, family members or interested members of the public.
We know that Otto Altmann joined #106Sqn in March 1941 as a Flight Lieutenant and became considered as a senior pilot. He participated in the...

...1/2 March 1941 raid on #Cologne, the first operation in which 106 Squadron Hampdens had dropped bombs rather than mines.
What is not easily determined is his path to Great Britain and thence to the RAF. Online searches indicate that he may have been Jewish...

. .suggesting that he fled Germany during the Uprisings as war approached.
106 Sqn's Operational Record Books show that he was flying for the Squadron up until September 1941 and absent thereafter, suggesting that he had completed a tour of operations.

Research shows that he completed a second tour of operations with #BomberCommand, apparently serving with #83Squadron. He is also indicated as having flown with #144Sqadron, which was transferred to #CoastalCommand in April 1942.

He appears to have been appointed to the #Pathfinder Force Staff as Squadron Leader in January 1943.

What is beyond dispute is that he was serving with #31Squadron as an acting Wing Commander in November 1945, as the #LondonGazette confirms his award of the #DSO, adding...

...to his #DFC. His citation reads: "Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed a second tour of operational duty with Bomber Command.
He then commenced a third tour of duty with #TransportCommand, during which he flew on many day and night...

...sorties and participated in glider towns at #Arnhem and during the invasion of Europe. Since assuming command of his present squadron, Wing Commander Altmannhas flown many supply dropping operations in #Burma. Throughout a long and distinguished service career, this officer...

.. has consistently displayed exceptional keenness and enthusiasm for his work, courage and devotion to duty. Under his inspiring leadership his Squadron has accomplished some excellent work"

There is record of his serving with #271Squadron as a Squadron Leader,...

.. flying #Dakotas from #DownAmpney and towing #HorsaGliders to drop supplies at Arnhem on 18th September 1944.
After that, the trail frustratingly goes cold. Research so far has failed to identify Otto Altmann's subsequent service with the RAF, if any, or what happened...

...to him in civilian life. It would be satisfying to learn more about this extraordinary 106 Squadron veteran. What would his emotions must have been, dropping bombs on his homeland, can only be wondered.