About Hans Imelmann
Lived 1897 – 1917 (aged 19). Hans Imelmann was a German fighter pilot and aircraft pilot.
Leutnant Hans Imelmann (14 May 1897 – 23 January 1917) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. As a founding member of one of Germany's original fighter squadrons, he was shot down and killed before he reached his twentieth birthday.
Biography Hans Imelmann was born in Hannover, the German Empire, on 14 May 1897.
His first known military service was as a Fokker Eindekker pilot for one of the early ad hoc fighter units, Kampfeinsitzerkommando (Combat Single-Seater Command) Metz, in 1916. He was selected by Oswald Boelcke as a pilot for Germany's new fighter squadron, Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 2, upon its formation. Between 10 October and 20 December 1916, he was credited with six confirmed victories.
On 23 January 1917, Imelmann became one of the first aces killed in action. Imelmann attacked a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c belonging to No. 4 Squadron RFC near Miraumont, France. A burst of machine gun fire through his fuel tank sent Imelmann down in flames.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Hans Imelmann?
German flying ace (1897-1917)
When was Hans Imelmann born?
Hans Imelmann was born on 14 May 1897 in Hanover.
When did Hans Imelmann die?
Hans Imelmann died on 23 January 1917 in Somme.
What was Hans Imelmann's occupation?
Hans Imelmann was a fighter pilot and aircraft pilot.
What nationality was Hans Imelmann?
Hans Imelmann was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hans Imelmann. https://biography.guide/hans-imelmann/
MLA: "Hans Imelmann." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hans-imelmann/.
Chicago: "Hans Imelmann." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hans-imelmann/.
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