The Luftwaffe pilot credited with killing the greatest number of Allied bombers during World War II was Erich Hartmann, although he primarily targeted fighters rather than bombers. However, when specifically considering bombers, Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, another Luftwaffe ace, stands out for his remarkable success in attacking Allied bombers.
Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer: The Night Fighter Ace
Schnaufer was a night fighter ace and is recognized as the top German night fighter ace of the war, credited with shooting down 121 Allied bombers. He flew the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Ju 88, primarily in night operations. Schnaufer's skill and tactics made him particularly effective against British bombers during nighttime raids over Germany and occupied Europe, particularly during the latter years of the war.
Erich Hartmann: The Highest Scoring Fighter Ace
While Erich Hartmann is the most successful fighter pilot in terms of total kills (352 confirmed kills, primarily against Soviet aircraft), his focus was more on dogfighting with enemy fighters rather than bombers. However, his record included some bomber kills, and his prowess in aerial combat made him legendary. Hartmann’s tactics, persistence, and exceptional skill allowed him to achieve an unparalleled victory tally, although his primary role was engaging enemy aircraft in dogfights rather than targeting bombers.
Other Notable Luftwaffe Pilots Against Bombers
Walter Nowotny: A highly successful Luftwaffe pilot, Nowotny was credited with 258 kills, including some bombers, but he was more known for his dogfighting skills against enemy fighters.
Hans-Joachim Marseille: Although he is often remembered for his dogfights over North Africa and his impressive tally against Allied fighters, Marseille also targeted bombers during his service, though the majority of his kills were fighters.