Johannes Jacobus le Roux

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

Johannes Jacobus le Roux
Born(1920-04-12)12 April 1920
Heilderg, Transvaal
Died19 September 1944(1944-09-19) (aged 24)
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Air Force
Years of service1939–1944
RankSquadron Leader
Commands heldNo. 602 Squadron RAF
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

He joined the RAF in 1939.[2]

Le Roux standing in front of his motorcycle at Souk el Khemis ('Waterloo'), Tunisia

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
  1. Tidy, D (June 1969). "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II". 1 (4). {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Price, Alfred (1995). Late Marque Spitfire Aces 1942–45. Osprey. p. 57. ISBN 1-85532-575-6.
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