In less than 4 years, while operating out of bases in Norway and Finland, Ehrler had shot down over 155 aircraft, mainly Russian.
But a raid by 617 and 9 Sqn RAF on the Tirpitz in November 1944, not only spelt the end for a thousand sailors of the Kreigsmarine, but Ehrler’s meteoric career as well.
Court Marshalled for failing to stop the raid which sank the Tirpitz , (the court determined he was more interested in his 200th kill) he was stripped of his rank, command and sentenced to death
This was later commuted to 3 years ‘festungshalft’ and he was transferred to JG 7 flying ME-262 jet fighters in defence of the Reich.
On the 4th April 1945 after shooting down 2 B-17’s taking his total to 208, he ran out of ammunition and rammed another B-17, destroying both aircraft on impact. His body was found the following day near Stendal. Ehrler died aged 27.
He is survived by Yellow 12 the 109 he flew to record his 200th kill. A G-2 model, Werke nr 13605, which was shot down in late 1944, on the Russian Finnish border and recovered in 2003. The wreck is currently for sale.
http://www.warbirdfinders.co.uk/aircraf ... n13605.htm
Yellow 12 as it was in winter camoflage late 1942 early 1943
