Jagdgeschwader 2, commonly known as JG 2 Richthofen, was one of the most elite and successful fighter wings of the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Established in 1939 and named in honor of the legendary World War I ace Manfred von Richthofen, the unit first saw combat in the invasion of Poland before playing a prominent role in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, where it clashed fiercely with the Royal Air Force. Throughout the war, JG 2 operated primarily on the Western Front, defending occupied Europe against Allied bomber streams and fighter sweeps, and later participated in the Normandy campaign and the Defense of the Reich. The Geschwader produced numerous high-scoring Experten, including aces such as Helmut Wick, Walter Oesau, and Erich Rudorffer, many of whom were awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with various grades for their aerial victories. Despite suffering heavy losses in the later years of the conflict due to overwhelming Allied numerical superiority, JG 2 maintained a reputation for aggressive tactics and skilled piloting until the final days of the war in 1945.
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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER
Major Helmut Wick (1915-1940) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the leading aces of the Battle of Britain, serving with Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen." Born on 5 August 1915, Wick quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skill in aerial combat, claiming numerous victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1940 after achieving his 25th aerial victory, recognizing his outstanding bravery and leadership as a Staffelkapitän. Just weeks later, on 21 October 1940, following his 42nd victory, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, becoming the fourth Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious higher grade of the Knight's Cross. Wick's meteoric career ended tragically on 28 November 1940 when he was shot down over the English Channel after claiming his 56th victory, cementing his legacy as a fearless Jagdflieger whose rapid accumulation of kills exemplified the intense air war over Britain in 1940.
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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER
Major Helmut Wick (1915-1940) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the leading aces of the Battle of Britain, serving with Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen." Born on 5 August 1915, Wick quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skill in aerial combat, claiming numerous victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1940 after achieving his 25th aerial victory, recognizing his outstanding bravery and leadership as a Staffelkapitän. Just weeks later, on 21 October 1940, following his 42nd victory, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, becoming the fourth Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious higher grade of the Knight's Cross. Wick's meteoric career ended tragically on 28 November 1940 when he was shot down over the English Channel after claiming his 56th victory, cementing his legacy as a fearless Jagdflieger whose rapid accumulation of kills exemplified the intense air war over Britain in 1940.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_2
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