Immelman, der Adler von Lille (1934) (ebook)

Max Immelmann (21 September 1890 in Dresden – 18 June 1916, above Sallaumines) was a German flying ace during the First World War.

In 1913–1914, he studied mechanical engineering in Dresden. When war broke out, he became a reconnaissance pilot. In 1915, he was assigned to fighter duty and was nicknamed the "Eagle of Lille" (Der Adler von Lille).

An aerobatic manoeuvre consisting of a half-loop followed by a half-barrel at the top, used to quickly reverse the direction of flight, bears his name: the Immelmann.

He was the first pilot to receive the Pour le Mérite medal, nicknamed the Blue Max or Blauer Max among pilots. He was also awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

Immelmann was killed in combat over Sallaumines in northern France. Some claim that he was the victim of friendly fire, others that his propeller-through firing synchronisation system malfunctioned, and according to the Allies, he was shot down by an F.E.2b piloted by G. R. McCubbin and observer J. H. Waller of Royal Flying Corps Squadron 25.

The German pilot, credited with 17 victories, had reached the rank of Oberleutnant (lieutenant).

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