Franz von Werra: The Escapiest German Ace ever

Often pictured with his pet lion Simba

Born into an impoverished Swiss family, Franz joined the Luftwaffe in 1936 and during the first year of WW2 shot down several planes. He was shot down over Britain in 1940 and was imprisoned: where he promptly escaped. He was recaptured in Britain and escaped again. Taking no more chances, the British sent him to a prison in Canada: where he promptly escaped again. This time he made his way to the US and was taken into custody for illegal entry. The German government at that time was not at war with the US and bailed him out. He quickly escaped to Brazil and from there made his way to Spain, Italy and then back to Germany. Once in Germany, he was awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross and was reunited with his pet lion named Simba. Simba the lion was also the mascot for the pilots at the base. Franz was given a new Bf-109 in 1941 which crashed due to engine failure and he was killed. He had shot down 21 Allied aircraft in the short year and a half of his fighting career but he is probably most remembered for his daring escapes and his pet lion.

Funny how sometimes we are remembered by things we don’t think are as important as our jobs. Valor is in you. Set it free.