PAUL-WERNER HOZZEL - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: KURT KUHLMEY - HFSID 74858

GERMAN STUKA PILOTS: WORLD WAR II
Two German Stuka pilots sign this British commemorative envelope honoring the 30th anniversary of the Inauguration of Coastal Command Air Sea Rescue Service
Commemorative Envelope Signed: "Paul-Werner Hozzel/ Kdre. Stuka Immelmann" and "Kurt Kuhlmey/ Oberst [difficult to decipher] Kdre. SG 3" 6½x4¼. Both signers are recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Royal Air Force cover commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Inauguration of Coastal Command Air Sea Rescue Service. Royal Air Force, Pitreavie Castle. Postmarked British Forces Postal Service. One British stamp affixed. Color illustration of a Supermarine Walrus cacheted on left-hand side. Several b/w photos of pilots included inside envelope. PAUL WERNER-HOZZEL (1910-1997) was a Luftwaffe Stuka pilot. A Stuka was a German dive bomber, originally designed by Hermann Pohlmann. Werner-Hozzel was, notably, the first Stuka pilot who received a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. He commanded the Gruppe of Sturzkampfgeschwaders 1 (StG 1-1st Dive Bomber Wing), which participated in the Battle of France. KURT KUHLMEY (1913-1993) was a Stuka pilot who flew for the Luftwaffe during World War II. He participated in over 500 combat missions; some of which included the attack on the HMS Illustrious, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier; invading the Soviet Union; and operations against Malta. In July 1942, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Identities and accomplishments of signers neatly stamped in German on verso. Lightly toned. Corners and edges gently worn. Stain toward lower right-hand corner resulting from previously adhered sticker (sticker included). Otherwise, fine condition.