Von Maltzhan was born 20 October 1910 in Wodarg, Pomerania. A member of the German aristocracy, Günther von Maltzhan could use the title of Freiherr (Baron). Von Matzahn entered the cavalry in 1931 although he had already undergone flight training at the commercial flying school in Schleissheim. In mid 1930s, von Maltzahn was joined the Luftwaffe as a flying instructor. In 1937 he was posted to 6./Jagdgeschwader 334 as a Staffelkapitän, the unit later renumbered 6./Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53).
By September 1939, von Maltzahn, as Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 53, led his unit through the Polish campaign, the Battle of France and the Low Countries and the Battle of Britain. On 9 October 1940 he was promoted Geschwaderkommodore of JG 53, and on 30 December was awarded the Knight's Cross, for 12 air victories, and also for his work organizing and leading the unit.
In 1941 JG 53 participated in the Invasion of the Soviet Union, achieving high numbers of air victories against the Soviet Air Force. Major Von Maltzahn reached 43 kills and on 24 July 1941 received the Oak Leaves. In September 1941 JG 53 was withdrawn from frontline duties to Holland for rest and refit. The Geschwader was then sent to Sicily in December and participated in the battles over Malta and the Mediterranean.
Von Maltzahn reached 68 victories before leaving JG 53 in October 1943, assuming various staff positions with the Luftwaffenbefehlshabers Mitte (Luftwaffe Command of the Mediterranean), and laterJagdfliegerführer Italien, (Chief of Operations in Italy). In February 1945 he was detached to 9 Fliegerdivision, until the end of the war.
Oberst Gunther Freiherr von Maltzahn flew 497 missions and claimed 68 victories, 67 of them in the west. He fought on the Western Front, Eastern Front and the Mediterranean.
The Model
I started the project from Hasegawa BF 109 F4 in 1/48 scale, a very old but reliable kit.
The kit itself doesent show any problem during costruction, I only detailed the cockpit, and reveted the surfaces.
The only aftermarkets added were the seat belts, from Eduard range.
here are the pics :-)
Some real thing pics :-)
Detailing the cockpit
Fuselage
Camo
Here an Historical profile
