The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Luftwaffe
Ernst Udet (1896–1941): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 26 April 1896, Frankfurt am Main |
|---|---|
| Died | 17 November 1941, Berlin (suicide) |
| Key roles | 62 victories in the First World War; Pour le Mérite (1918); Luftwaffe (1935); Generalluftzeugmeister (1939) |
| Documents bearing his name | Wartime and inter-war documents, signed photographs and books |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Ernst Udet was the most successful German fighter pilot to survive the First World War, a celebrated stunt flyer and film star, and later the Luftwaffe officer responsible for aircraft procurement. His suicide in 1941 was disguised by the regime as an accident.
Who Was Ernst Udet?
Udet was born in Frankfurt in 1896. He scored 62 victories in the First World War and received the Pour le Mérite in 1918. He joined the Luftwaffe on 1 June 1935 and became Generalluftzeugmeister on 1 February 1939.
What Documents Bear Udet’s Signature?
His signature appears on documents, signed photographs and books from the 1920s to 1941. Inter-war signed photographs from his flying and film career are a distinct group. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Nothing can postdate 17 November 1941.
- Distinguish inter-war celebrity photographs from wartime documents.
- Check ranks against the date.
Death
After violent disputes with Göring, Udet took his own life on 17 November 1941. The regime announced that he had died in a flying accident.
Collector’s Note
Udet’s signed postcards and photographs from the 1920s and 30s are charming objects of aviation history, quite different from his Luftwaffe papers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many victories did Udet have in the First World War?
62.
How did Udet die?
He took his own life on 17 November 1941; the regime called it an accident.
What was a Generalluftzeugmeister?
The officer responsible for Luftwaffe equipment and aircraft procurement.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, LeMO – Lebendiges Museum Online, Ernst Udet 1896–1941 (A. Scriba; last updated 2014).