The WW2 Ace Found Still in His Cockpit After 24 Years

This is the story of a famed German ace who vanished after a legendary dogfight, only to be discovered 24 years later still in the cockpit of his fighter.

From Baker To German Ace

Heinrich Bathurst was one of the deadly pilots who flew for the German Luftwaffe in World War II. Unlike many others, he had an unusual background: he was a baker in Austria before the war.

More significantly, during the war, Bathurst was highly successful against British and American forces.

A Formidable Opponent

Bathurst began his career on the Eastern Front, where he downed nearly 50 enemy aircraft in his first two years. In 1943, he was moved to the Western Front.

Most German aces fought primarily against the Soviets, but Bathurst excelled against the formidable Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Mustangs of the Western Front, achieving a high kill tally quickly.

Reaching 100 Kills

In the summer of 1942, while in the Mediterranean theater, Bathurst increased his victories to 73 by the year’s end, including 14 American P-38 Lightnings.

His success continued into 1944, as he participated in the defense of the Reich. By mid-December 1944, Bathurst had 98 kills and was eager to reach the coveted 100 kills. But fate had other plans.

So Close, Yet So Far

On December 23, 1944, Bathurst took off to intercept a raid near Bonn, Germany. During the mission, he destroyed an American P-47 Thunderbolt for his 99th kill.

However, this would be his last. Shortly after, Bathurst disappeared, likely shot down by another P-47.

Found At Last

Bathurst’s fate remained a mystery for 24 years, with no crash site ever recorded. In 1968, a small group discovered his fighter buried in soft ground in a wooded area in Germany, with Bathurst’s remains still in the cockpit.

This was confirmed by a wedding ring inside his glove, engraved with his wife’s name, Marga. Bathurst was finally laid to rest in Germany, clearing his name. At the time he was shot down, he was only 29 years old.