Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk

Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk (25 August 1893 – 30 January 1946) was a German Generalmajor, he began his military career during World War I as a fighter ace credited with 26 victories. He survived the war, served in the post-war revolution, and eventually rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the Luftwaffe during World War II.

Early life and infantry service

Oskar von Boenigk was born on 25 August 1893 in Siegerdorf, Bunzlau, Silesia, the son of an army officer. He began his military career as an 11-year-old cadet, which led to his being commissioned into the 11th Grenadier Regiment on 22 March 1912.

When World War I began, he was immediately assigned as a platoon leader until suffering a severe chest wound in October 1914 during the Battle of Longwy.

On 24 October 1914, he was promoted to company commander while carrying the simultaneous position of Ordnance Officer. He remained in these posts until 19 December 1915, when he transferred to aviation training.

He scored win number six for his new squadron, on 25 November 1917, then lapsed for six months. When he resumed scoring on 1 June 1918, he began a steady trickle of triumphs, with six victims in June, four in July, and five in August. He notched number 21 on 11 August 1918.

Between the wars

Von Boenigk transferred to command of the 418th Volunteer Flying Battalion on 28 December 1918, operating in Border Protection East, until 17 September 1919. There was a short-lived assignment to lead the 202nd Fighter Wing, which ended after only twelve days. Then he returned to his original unit, the 11th Grenadiers, and was retired on 31 March 1920. He was promoted to Hauptmann (captain) just before his discharge.

From 1 July 1924 through 30 November 1933, he held executive office in the German Front-Line Soldiers Union. He then held a short appointment as director of the Voluntary Working Service, this ending on 30 June 1934.

He returned to aviation duty on 1 July 1934, being accepted as a Major in the Luftwaffe. His first assignment was as Commander of the German Transport Flying School in Cottbus. It was the first of several assignments to flying schools that ran through 29 December 1939.

Service in World War II

Von Boenigk served as a commandant of aerodromes and airports. He attained the rank of Generalmajor. He retired from the Luftwaffe on 31 May 1943. He was captured by the invading Russians in May 1945, and was imprisoned until his death in captivity on 30 January 1946.

Decorations and awards World War I Pour le Mérite - 25 October 1918 Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Knight's Cross Second Class with Swords - October 1918 Albert Order - October 1918 Iron Cross of 1914 1st class - 29 October 1916 2nd class - 23 September 1914