[Pete A]

fsbofk,
Thanks very much for the info but there's a bit more to it. The luftwaffe pilot, that I am seeking information on, flew them in an FW-190 two-seat trainer below treetop level from Rechlin to Gatow under the protection of escorting fighters. Hanna Reitsch's presence in the fuselage of the Focke-Wulf only became known to von Greim during the takeoff run. From Gatow, Ms Reitsch and the Field Marshall flew themselves in a Fieseler Storch to the makeshift runway near the Brandenburg Gate. The Fieseler had its fuel tanks punctured by enemy fire during this flight, while as you mentioned the Field Marshall was wounded. Consequently, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Three days later, the same pilot who flew the two individuals to Gatow managed to fly a two-seat Arado-96 through the Russian defences onto the East-West Axis to retrieve his passengers. This time Ms Reitsch was bundled behind the pilots seat while once again the Field Marshall took the second seat. To outsmart the Russian anti-aircraft artillery for a few moments during the takeoff run, the pilot lifted off with the wind directly towards the Brandenburg Gate, just clearing the Quadriga.

This same pilot had flown Albert Speer into and out of Berlin via the makeshift runway some days previously. The pilot was obviously a brave individual and undoubtedly very experienced. It would be a shame not to identify correctly who this dare-devil is.

I have been intrigued for ages on this matter and hope that the knowledge out there can resolve my quest.

Pete A.