Luftwaffe ace flies in Spitfire - BBC News

One of Germany's most highly decorated World War Two pilots has achieved a long-held ambition - to fly in a Spitfire.
Hugo Broch, 95, took to the skies over Kent, where the RAF held the line during the Battle of Britain.
He was credited with 81 victories in 324 missions during the war.

[wizar]

It took seventy years, but we have successfully infiltrated the RAF. Now we have the schematics of the spitfire, and phase 2 of operation sea lion can commence

[KumaBean]

My Grandfather was responsible for the downing of over thirty enemy aircraft during WW2, and still to this day, the Luftwaffe consider him the worst mechanic they've ever had.

[MichaelMacAllister]

81 confirmed kills. Places him at 156 in the list of 885 German aces from WW2.

[vostok]

Ex RAF flier said when asked how he felt about the enemy fliers, "They're doing the same job as us, just working for a different firm" Bit understated but true.

[MarcG]

He survived 324 missions that alone not only a testament to his skill but also earns this warrior much respect

[MilitaryAviationHistory]

So nice that he was given this opportunity! There are not many of their generation left and it's now or never if we want to make sure that these men, regardless of whose side they fought on, are not forgotten.

[cowboy]

Guy looks like a healthy 70 year old. I can see why he’d be a good pilot.

[deeznuts-kwyv]

"Wait why is he going to France?"

[deagle.]

**looks up and sees Stuka coming in for Dive bomb**


“TEAMBESCHUSS TEAMBESCHUSS”

[SERGEANTDlCK]

Imagine how honored the pilot must have felt after being called a "good pilot" from an WW2-ace-veteran

[dplouro]

One of the most emotional moments in my life was when I met an old couple in the eighties in a small village near Barnsley. Noticing the accent I asked about him.
He said: I’m a gunned down german pilot. After the war I remained here because we were in love and married for life.

[britishhumour]

No hate, just respect.

So pleased he could get up in one, looks in bloody good shape for 90+ guy too.

👍

[OlafoWaffle]

The thing I love about pilots are the mutual respect they have for one another, and their shared dream of taking to the skies.

[davidbaron]

In the 90s, I once had the opportunity to ask Dieter Hrabak (125 victories) what his favorite aircraft to fly during the war was. He'd flew 109s, 190s, and 262s, and he told me of those he preferred the 109 -- but he said his favorite was the Spitfire. He had flown a captured one. "MARVELOUS aeroplane!" he said. Hrabak was a hilarious guy, and still quite a characters in his late 70s. Very popular among both German and Allied pilots.

[jiemingou]

Survived more than 300 missions, lived till age of 96, and is still able to fly a splitfire. Absolutely my utmost respect for him.

[handschuh-heini]

I am german and my grand-uncle is now 99 and still alive and he flew a Focke Wulf 190

[alanjones]

My dad is 95 and flew in bomber command, looks his age got dementia and would have utter respect for this guy, got captured when shot down said Luftwaffe treated him ok, fellow airmen though enemies, nice to see this old airman enjoying himself good on him!!

[ejreob]

I just love the way he disregards everything to look at a passing plane. He loves flying.

[Jake-xeeq]

Considering he probably lost friends to the spitfire he’s very chill

[gigiminiotti]

Once a pro always a pro: he kept his eyes glued on the instruments while taking off.