Measuring 78x113mm, extremely fine condition with light scuffing. The picture shows Luftwaffe ace Franz-Josef Beerenbrock in uniform, wearing the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. He holds the rank of Lieutenant, which dates the picture to between September 1 and November 9, 1942. Beerenbrock’s name is misspelled on the reverse.
Footnote: Franz-Josef Beerenbrock was born on April 9, 1920 in Datteln (western Germany). He joined the Luftwaffe in 1938 and initially served in a Flak unit, before beginning his training to become a fighter pilot in 1939. In early 1941 he joined JG 51 (Jagdgeschwader, fighter wing), the most successful wing of the Second War. Beerenbrock had a seamless debut, claiming his first aerial victory on the very first day of the Russian campaign. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross 2nd Class on July 3, and the 1st Class on July 18. Just a few months later his tally had risen to 42 victories, a feat for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on October 6, 1941. Less than a year later, on August 1, 1942, Beerenbrock achieved his 100th victory with his ninth one on that day alone. He was the 15th Luftwaffe pilot to do so. Three days later, with his tally risen to 108 victories, he was awarded the Oak Leaves in the rank of Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant). A month later, on September 1, Beerenbrock was promoted to Lieutenant. On November 9 an incredibly successful career was cut short when he was shot down over Russian territory and taken P.O.W. In roughly 400 missions flown he had achieved 117 aerial victories, all on the Eastern Front. After being released in 1950, Beerenbrock joined the Bundeswehr. He died on December 13, 2004.