Hptm Rudolf Von Moreau

[Kurt Braatz]

Rudolf Freiherr von Moreau, born Feb 8, 1910 in Munich. Studied History, Economics, Philosophy and Fine Arts in Germany, Ireland and Prague. Volunteered for the Reichswehr in 1931. Underwent secret aircrew training in Schleissheim and Brunswick at the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule as member of "K 31", the legendary crew that also comprised Wolfgang Falck, Guenther Lützow, Hannes Trautloft etc. Bomber pilot in the Spanish Civil War. Adjutant to Erhard Milch (1937). Posted to the Luftwaffe Test Centre in Rechlin (1938). Non stop world record flight Berlin-New York and back with Fw 200. World record flight Berlin-Tokyo and back with Fw 200(both in 1938). Crashed in April 1939 on a Ju 88 flight test.

Hope that helps!
Kurt

[Mikael Olrog]

He was more than bomber pilot in Spain since he at one time was in charge of VS 88, also refered to as Verscuchstaffel Moreau in documents and he led the infamous attack on Guernica.
/Mikael

[Chris Goss]

Kurt/Mikael: Many thanks for this. I have a photo of him after the flight to the USA and have been approached by his son wanting to know more about him. Did he plan as well as lead the Guernica attack and was he flying Ju 52s at the time?

[Kurt Braatz]

He did not plan the bombing of Guernica on April 16, 1937, and there is no evidence he personally took part in it. His unit, however, flew sorties over Guernica on that day. When Guernica was bombed, he was CO of VB/88 (Versuchsbomberstaffel 88), who were combat testing He 111B, Do 17E and Ju 86D in northern Spain.

Wolfgang Falck and Guenther Luetzow were his closest friends. I know from Wolf Falck that Moreau was not a Nazi at all. I'd be cautious to draw conclusions from the bombing of Guernica to the moral righteousness of those involved in the operation. For a number of yet undisputed reasons the bridge and railway station near Guernica were considered military targets. The Italian-German mission failed to destroy these targets accidently. All sources indicate there was no intention to bomb the city.

If Moreau's son wants to contact me directly, let me know.