In Memory Of

BRITZ, JOHANNES FREDERICK

Service Details
Age:
 26
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 P/102633V
Rank:
 Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
 21 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 South African Air Force
Date of Death:
 1943-11-03
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, collided in formation with AG951, spun in, at Alfedena, 67 miles NW of Naples, in Martin Baltimore Mk III #FA474
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 V. D. 30.
Cemetery:
 SANGRO RIVER WAR CEMETERY
Country:
 Italy
Additional Information
Decorations:
 D F C
Citations:
 LG Sup 12 December 1941 pg. 7052 - "This officer, who displayed brilliant leadership in the East African campaign, continues to show outstanding qualities both as a pilot and flight commander and has led several attacks on targets in the Bardia area with distinction. On one occasion when in formation with another aircraft, during a bombing attack on Bardia both were attacked by 2 Messerschmitt 109s. The attackers shot down one of our aircraft but Major Britz fearlessly closed with the enemy and shot one of them down and, skilfully manoeuvring his aircraft, enabled his rear gunner to shoot down the other one. Throughout, this officer has displayed great courage and initiative and set an inspiring example."
Son of Johannes Frederick and Gertruida Margaritha Britz, of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa; husband of Louise Joyce Mansfield Britz, of Johannesburg.