Squadron Leader Johannes Jacobus "Chris" le Roux, DFC & Two Bars (12 April 1920 – 19 September 1944) was a South African flying ace of the Second World War, who flew for the Royal Air Force (RAF).[1] He is credited with 23.5 kills
Johannes le Roux | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | Johannes Jacobus le Roux |
| Nickname(s) | "Chris" |
| Born | 12 April 1920 Heidelberg, Transvaal |
| 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 |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars |
Le Roux joined the RAF in 1939.[2] He 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-Montgommery 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 who fractured his skull. 602 Squadron comrade Jacques Remlinger and Canadian pilot Charley Fox also claimed responsibility for the attack.
Le Roux was reported missing after his aircraft failed to arrive back in England on 19 September 1944.
References edit
- ^ Tidy, D (June 1969). "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II". 1 (4).
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Price, Alfred (1995). Late Marque Spitfire Aces 1942–45. Osprey. p. 57. ISBN 1-85532-575-6.