Hermann Habich

Leutnant Hermann Habich (15 August 1895 – unknown) was one of the original pilots in the Imperial German Air Service, having earned his brevet two months before World War I began. He is credited with having downed and killed French aviation pioneer Roland Garros. Habich scored seven victories in all, becoming a flying ace. He joined the Luftwaffe in the 1930s and served in World War II.

Early life Habich was born in Plättig, the Grand Duchy of Baden, the German Empire on 15 August 1895. He was a pioneer aviator, having gained his license, number 697, before the start of World War I, on 17 March 1914.

Aerial victories

No.Date @ timeAircraftFoeResultLocation (all in France) 1 27 March 1918 @ 1100 hours Albatros D.III orAlbatros D.V Airco DH.4 Ser. No. A7767 Destroyed Bapaume 2 2 September 1918 @ 1320 hours Albatros Breguet 14 Destroyed Between Châlons-en-Champagne and Suippes 3 7 September 1918 @ 1135 hours Albatros SPAD Destroyed Saint-Hilaire 4 26 September 1918 @ 1540 hours Albatros Observation balloon Destroyed Minaucourt-le-Mesnil-lès-Hurlus 5 30 September 1918 @ 1820 hours Albatros SPAD Destroyed Maure 6 5 October 1918 @ 1106 hours Albatros SPAD Destroyed Somme-Py 7 6 October 1918 @ 0830 hours Albatros Breguet 14 Destroyed Somme-Py Believed to be Roland Garros

World War II By the 1930s, Habich worked as a military pilot and flight instructor in the Luftwaffe. He served on the Eastern Front commanding a Nachtschlachtgruppe in 1944. Later information about Habich, including when he died, is lacking.

Honors and awards Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd Classes Knight of the Military Karl-Friedrich Merit Order