Walter Oesau

[Red Baroness]

Good evening, ladies and gents.

I'm looking for some information on Walter "Gulle" Oesau, specifically his personality and his life outside the Luftwaffe - family, siblings, wife, children.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[leonventer]

Originally Posted by Red Baroness

I'm looking for some information on Walter "Gulle" Oesau, specifically his personality and his life outside the Luftwaffe - family, siblings, wife, children.

Regarding Oesau's personality, the best resource is Paul Skawran's book, "Ikaros: Persönlichkeit und Wesen des deutschen Jagdfliegers im Zweiten Weltkrieg".

During the war, Skawran interviewed and spent time with many of the pilots he describes in the book. He divides them up into six broad categories, some of which have sub-categories. Oesau features prominently in the book because he epitomizes the "kraftvolle Kämpfer" (i.e. the vibrant/vigorous/powerful fighter) type.

In a nutshell, Oesau was physically strong, energetic, outspoken, aggressive, confident and proud, but also very protective and fatherly toward his wingmen. He was a master of his machine, sure and unhurried in his movements, fearless and nerveless, and he ate and slept well. It appears that he didn't have much regard for paperwork and formality, but he aspired to "Herrentum" (in Oesau's case, this meant a dedication to honor, duty, responsibility, discipline and comradeship.) No mention of his personal life or family, unfortunately.

Oesau apparently wrote an autobiography, but it was never published (Skawran lists it in his bibliography.)

The only other significant book on Oesau that I'm aware of is a wartime publication named "Oesau". It's a softcover book of about 50 pages, similar to one that was published about Mölders.

Lastly, there ought to be some information on Oesau in Jägerblatt, but I don't know which issues offhand. Others might know more...

Hope that helps a bit,
Leon Venter

[CJE]

There are also some interesting and sometimes funny stories about him written by a JG 2 mechanics in a few early issues of Luftwaffe Verband.

[sveahk]

You'll find more about his last fight here:
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=3168

Hans

[Red Baroness]

Thanks to all that replied. I was hoping to find some information on his personal life, and since my German is sadly very limited, as are my funds, internet research is about all I can afford to do at the moment.

I really appreciate your help, all of you. My first thought when I need good solid information on the Luftwaffe is coming here to ask questions. Perhaps one of these days, I can too be one that provides information!

Regards,

Cori