Germany, Luftwaffe. A 1942 Hand-Signed Report On The Downing Of An Allied Bomber By Fighter Ace Gordon Gollob

(Gefechtsbericht). A unique and fascinating combat report compiled by noted fighter Ace Major (later Oberst) Gordon Gollob, consisting of two wax paper pages bearing typewritten inscriptions featuring Gollob’s description of an engagement on the Eastern Front in which he and his presumed wingman Unteroffizier Petermann downed one Douglas A-20 Havoc (also known as a Boston Bomber) and another plane at a height of 2,000 meters, closing with Gollob’s handwritten signatures, both measuring 21 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (h), both demonstrating minor discolouration and fatigue, an historically-important document in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Gordon Gollob was born on 16 June 1912 in Vienna, Austria (then the Austro-Hungarian Empire), the son of Heinrich and Johanna (née Reininghaus). After partially completing university, he volunteered for service in the Austrian Armed Forces, initially rising to the rank of Leutnant in artillery service, before transferring to the Air Force. Following the Anschluss of 13 March 1938, Gollob joined the Luftwaffe and was posted to Zerstörergeschwader 76 at the outbreak of World War II, initially flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter. He claimed his first victory on 5 September 1939, when he downed a Polish aircraft. Transferred back to Germany to defend domestic airspace, Gollob recorded his first victory over the Western Allies by downing a Royal Air Force (RAF) Vickers Wellington on 18 December. This began a distinguished career of aerial combat in earnest, with Gollob ultimately claiming 150 aerial victories, with all but six coming on the Eastern Front. For his actions, he was the recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (18 September 1941), with Oak Leaves (26 October 1941), Swords (23 June 1942), and Diamonds (20 August 1942). Notably, having held several commands, Gollob was criticized by other Luftwaffe Officer’s for the high rate of casualties of personnel under his authority, with blame being placed on his tendencies to favour Officers considered ideologically loyal to the NSDAP. Forcibly retired from combat duty for propaganda purposes in 1942, Gollob survived that war and, after brief Allied internment, became involved in right-wing politics in postwar Austria, earning a living as a salesman and lecturer. He died on 7 September 1987 in Sulingen, Germany.