Joachim Schlichting
Introduction '''Joachim Schlichting''' (1 February 1914 – 7 July 1982) was a German aviator in the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany.
Career Joachim Schlichting joined the pre-war Luftwaffe, and served with the Condor Legion from 6 September 1937 to 28 May 1938 during the Spanish Civil War. He was awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds upon his return on 6 June 1938.Schlichting joined the Lehrgeschwader 2 in November 1938, with which he took part in the Invasion of Poland in September 1939.On 1 November 1939 he was transferred as ''Geschwader'' Adjutant of the newly formed ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 (JG 27—27th Fighter Wing) under ''Geschwaderkommodore'' Max Ibel. He was promoted again on 1 February 1940, to lead I./Jagdgeschwader 1 as ''Gruppenkommandeur''. In the campaign against France he shot down a Bristol Blenheim on 12 May and a LeO 45 on 6 June. At the end of the campaign (on 5 July) the unit was redesignated III./JG 27.In the Battle of Britain he claimed his 8th victory (a Spitfire of 152 Squadron ; S/L P. Devitt returned to base, damaged) over Portland on 25 July 1940.On 6 September 1940, Schlichting was shot down in his Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4 (''Werknummer'' 1380—factory number) near Shoeburyness. He was flying a bomber escort mission attacking Thameshaven when his aircraft experienced engine problems. Forced to turn back, he came under attack by Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters from either No. 41 or No. 222 Squadron. He baled out near the Shoeburyness artillery ranges and was taken prisoner by the British forces.The presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () was made over a year later on 31 October 1941 in British captivity. In late November, he was promoted to ''Major'' (major).His 8 victories came in over 100 combat missions. After World war II he joined the ''Bundeswehr'' of the Federal Republic of Germany and served as the Chief of Staff of the 5.Luftwaffendivision (5th Air Division of the Bundeswehr) in 1963.
Summary of career ===Aerial victory claims===According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Schlichting was credited with eight aerial victories, five of which during the Spanish Civil War. Chronicle of aerial victories Claim Date Time Type Location Claim Date Time Type Location Spanish Civil War – 2. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgruppe'' 88 –Spanish Civil War — September 1937 – March 1938 1 23 September 1937  I-16 4 21 February 1938  I-16 2 29 November 1937  I-16 5 10 March 1938  I-16 3 7 February 1938  I-16 World War II – I. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 1 –Battle of France — 10 May – 25 June 1940 1 12 May 1940  Blenheim vicinity of Maastricht 2 6 June 1940  LeO 451 Roye – III. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 –At the Channel and over England — 26 June 1940 – 6 September 1940 3 25 July 1940 13:20 Spitfire south of Portland===Awards===* Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds (6 June 1939)* Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class* Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 December 1940 ''Hauptmann'' and ''Gruppenkommandeur'' of the III./''Jagdgeschwader'' 27
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References ===Citations======Bibliography===* * * * * * * * * * Weal, John (1996). ''Bf109D/E Aces 1939-41''. Oxford: Osprey Publishing Limited. . *