Defected Allied Pilots?

[robert_schulte]

It is well known, that several German pilots defected early or later in the war to Allied countries or occupied zones. I have now read about the sole US-pilot Martin Monti to defect to Germany (via Italy).

Were there any pilots from other Allied air forces who did the same? And if so, what was thir fate in or after the war?
Thanks in advance
Robert

[Michal]

One of them was Czechoslovak pilot Augustin Přeučil. As pre-war Czechoslovak military pilot he tried to go to Poland after occupation of rest of Czechoslovakia on March 15 1939, but he was captured by Gestapo and later say OK for collaboration. He managed to escape to Poland once again but this time with Gestapo assistance. He became part of Czechoslovakian exile unit in Poland, them France and finally at Great Britain. He became member of 310. Squadron and defected in 1941 with Spitfire by training flight as member of 55th OTU. His Poland pupil thought he had crashed in sea. But he flew to Belgium where landed nearby some farm. Farmer helped him but Přeučil later told his name to gestapo. Prague Gestapo used him as source of information about Czechoslovakian pilots in Great Britain. Traitor Přeučil was executed in 1947.

I know as well about some Romanian pilots which defected to Germans in 1945 when ARR pilots fought with Allies. Soviet pilots as well many times defected to Germans.

[Laurent Rizzotti]

There is at least one case of a Soviet pilot defecting in early 1942, detailled in Black Cross Red Star vol 2.

In January 1943, two French pilots deserted while their squadron was flying from Morroco to Tunisia to be engaged alongside the Allied forces. They left the formation together and flew to occupied France.

[robert_schulte]

Many thanks Michal and Laurent, interesting stories.

Does anybody know about RAF-pilots (or SAAF/RNZAF/RCAF) who defected to Germany?

[Fairlop]

Hi,

Sgt Preucil defected 18/09/41 in Hurricane Mk.I, W9147, PA-A of the 55 OTU. From Usworth to Bastogne. He was a member of the 43 Sqn in late 1940 and No.605 Sqn till 26/08/41.

Regards,
Michal

[Andy Mac]

Without checking my books there was a 234 sqn Spitfire pilot in 1940 who landed mysteriously in France . . .and a Spitfire pilot (Canadian??) who flew off a carrier to re-inforce malta and disappeared . . .will get back to you.