Germany, Luftwaffe. A Post War Signed Studio Portrait Of Long-Range Reconnaissance Pilot Hauptmann Ernst Sorge (KC)

The photo shows Sorge in uniform, ranked Hauptmann (Captain). He wears the Knight’s Cross, on the right side of the breast an Italian pilot’s badge, the German Cross in Gold, and a Spanish Cross in Silver with Swords, and on the left side of the breast a Front Flying Clasp for Reconnaissance Pilots in Gold with Pendant, the Iron Cross 1st Class, and the Pilot’s Badge. Sorge signed the picture in blue ink, giving his name and rank. Measuring 100x151mm, near mint condition.

Footnote:

Ernst Sorge was born on January 25, 1912 in Gieboldehausen (Lower Saxony). He joined the Reichswehr in 1935, namely the Infantry Regiment 16, but was quickly transferred to the Luftwaffe, receiving pilot training. In 1937 and 1938, Sorge flew 72 combat missions as a long-range reconnaissance pilot for the Condor Legion. For this, he was awarded the Spanish Cross in Silver with Swords on June 6, 1939. During the early stages of the Second War, Sorge flew long-range reconnaissance missions over France and England. He was promoted to Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) in 1941. That same year, he received the Luftwaffe Honour Goblet, on October 7. A few months later, on September 7, 1942 Sorge was awarded the German Cross in Gold. At the time, he was serving with A-Kette / Army Supreme Command Norway. In 1942, he Sorge was also promoted to Lieutenant, and later to Senior Lieutenant. In early 1944, he achieved the highest rank he would ever hold, that of Hauptmann. For flying 288 combat missions, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on March 26, 1944. At the time, he served in the 1st long-range company of Reconnaissance Group 124 (Kette Lappland), stationed in Finland. Towards the end of the war, Sorge served in „Sonderkommando Elbe" in April of 1945. This unit was tasked with destroying enemy heavy bombers by crashing into them mid-air. The pilots were supposed to parachute to safety right before or shortly after the crash, but chances of survival were slim. However, the unit ended up only flying a single mission. It is unknown if Sorge took part in it. He survived the war and joined the Bundeswehr in 1956, retiring in 1965 in the rank of Hauptmann. Sorge died on May 21, 1992.