Bf 109 pilot that attacked Galland - 1940

[DavidIsby]

In THE FIRST AND THE LAST, Galland mentions listening to the radio to a Bf 109 pilot attacking what he describes as a Hurricane, providing a running commentary to his wingmen. Of course, when the tracers go past his cockpit, Galland realizes that his Bf 109 is the "Hurricane" that is under attack.

Does anyone know a source for the identity of the Bf 109 pilot that attacked Galland on this occasion?

thanks,
David Isby

[Nick Hector]

Hi,
I think it actually says in the book that it was Balthasar, as in Wilhelm Balthasar.

[DavidIsby]

Thanks. Barker's biography also says Balthasar. But there have been other claimants. Like many of Galland's stories, it may have varied as he either wrote it down or told it many times. Unfortunately, Balthasar never got the chance to tell his side of the incident.