Johannes Jacobus le Roux
Johannes Jacobus le Roux | |
---|---|
Born | Heilderg, Transvaal | 12 April 1920
Died | 19 September 1944 | (aged 24)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | Royal Air Force |
Years of service | 1939–1944 |
Rank | Squadron Leader |
Commands held | No. 602 Squadron RAF |
Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Squadron Leader Johannes Jacobus le Roux DFC (12 April 1920 – 19 September 1944) was a South African World War II flying ace, who flew for the Royal Air Force.[1] He is credited with 23.5 kills
He joined the RAF in 1939.[2]
Le Roux is one of three pilots who claimed responsibility for attacking and seriously injuring General Erwin Rommel in his staff car on a road outside Sainte Foy de Montgomerie in Normandy. Rommel's vehicle was strafed and the driver lost control. The car then struck a tree and spun off the road, ejecting Rommel and fracturing his skull. 602 Squadron mate Jacques Remlinger and Canadian pilot Charley Fox also claimed responsibility for the attack.
Le Roux was reported missing after his aircraft failed to arrive in England on 19 September 1944.
References[]
- ^ Tidy, D (June 1969). "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II". 1 (4). Cite journal requires
|journal=
(help) - ^ Price, Alfred (1995). Late Marque Spitfire Aces 1942–45. Osprey. p. 57. ISBN 1-85532-575-6.
- 1920 births
- 1944 deaths
- Royal Air Force pilots of World War II
- South African World War II flying aces
- Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
- Royal Air Force personnel killed in World War II
- Royal Air Force squadron leaders
- People from Lesedi Local Municipality