# Rudolf Frank

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**Rudolf Frank** (19 August 1920 – 27 April 1944) was a German [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe) [military aviator](/source/Military_aviation) during World War II, a [night fighter](/source/Night_fighter) [ace](/source/Fighter_ace) credited with 45 enemy aircraft shot down in 183 combat missions. All of his victories were claimed over the [Western Front](/source/Western_Front_(World_War_II)) in nocturnal [Defense of the Reich](/source/Defense_of_the_Reich) missions against the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force)'s [Bomber Command](/source/RAF_Bomber_Command).

Born in [Karlsruhe](/source/Karlsruhe)-Grünwinkel, Frank volunteered for military service in the Luftwaffe of [Nazi Germany](/source/Nazi_Germany) in 1939 after finishing school. Following flight training, he was posted to [*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 3](/source/Nachtjagdgeschwader_3) (NJG 3—3rd Night Fighter Wing) in 1941. He was awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross) on 6 April 1944 following his 42nd aerial victory. Three weeks later, on 27 April 1944, he and his crew attacked an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster), which exploded and fatally damaged their own aircraft. Frank ordered his crew to [bail out](/source/Parachute) but was unable to save himself. He received [posthumous](/source/Posthumous_recognition) promotion to *[Leutnant](/source/Leutnant)* (second lieutenant) and was awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_with_Oak_Leaves).

## Early life and career

Frank was born on 19 August 1920 in [Karlsruhe](/source/Karlsruhe)-Grünwinkel in what was the [Republic of Baden](/source/Republic_of_Baden) of the [Weimar Republic](/source/Weimar_Republic); Grünwinkel is now a borough located in the southwest suburbs of Karlsruhe. Frank was the older of two sons of a [shoemaker](/source/Shoemaking). He attended the *[Volksschule](/source/Volksschule)* ([elementary school](/source/Elementary_school)) in Grünwinkel from 1926 to 1930, when he was enrolled in the *Realgymnasium*—a secondary school built on the mid-level *[Realschule](/source/Realschule)*—where he attained his *[Mittlere Reife](/source/Mittlere_Reife)* (school leaving certificate) in 1939.[1]

Even as a boy, Frank had wanted to become a pilot. World War II had begun on 1 September 1939 and he volunteered for military service in the [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe). Following his basic military training, he took flying instruction at the pilot school in [Zeltweg](/source/Zeltweg_Air_Base). Here he qualified to fly the [Bücker Bü 131](/source/B%C3%BCcker_B%C3%BC_131), [Bü 133](/source/B%C3%BCcker_B%C3%BC_133) and [Bü 181](/source/B%C3%BCcker_B%C3%BC_181), the [Klemm Kl 35](/source/Klemm_Kl_35), the [Arado Ar 66](/source/Arado_Ar_66), [Ar 68](/source/Arado_Ar_68) and [Ar 96](/source/Arado_Ar_96), the [Focke-Wulf Fw 58](/source/Focke-Wulf_Fw_58), and the [Junkers W 34](/source/Junkers_W_34) and [Junkers Ju 52](/source/Junkers_Ju_52).["Note" 1] In October 1940 he transferred to *Nachtjagdschule* 1 (1st Night Fighter School) at [Schleißheim](/source/Schlei%C3%9Fheim) near [Munich](/source/Munich), formerly the *Zerstörerschule* 1 (ZS 1—1st Destroyer School). There he specialized as a night fighter pilot in the 2nd Squadron under the command of *[Staffelkapitän](/source/Staffelkapit%C3%A4n)* (squadron leader) *[Oberleutnant](/source/Oberleutnant)* (First Lieutenant) [Günther Specht](/source/G%C3%BCnther_Specht). [2]

## World War II

World War II in Europe began on Friday 1 September 1939 when German forces [invaded Poland](/source/Invasion_of_Poland). Following the 1939 aerial [Battle of the Heligoland Bight](/source/Battle_of_the_Heligoland_Bight_(1939)), [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force) (RAF) attacks shifted to the cover of darkness, initiating the [Defence of the Reich](/source/Defence_of_the_Reich) campaign.[3] By mid-1940, *[Generalmajor](/source/Generalmajor)* (Brigadier General) [Josef Kammhuber](/source/Josef_Kammhuber) had established a night [air defense](/source/Air_defense) system dubbed the [Kammhuber Line](/source/Kammhuber_Line). It consisted of a series of control sectors equipped with [radars](/source/Radar) and [searchlights](/source/Searchlight) and an associated night fighter. Each sector named a *Himmelbett* (canopy bed) would direct the night fighter into visual range with target bombers. In 1941, the Luftwaffe started equipping night fighters with airborne radar such as the [*Lichtenstein* radar](/source/Lichtenstein_radar). This airborne radar did not come into general use until early 1942.[4]

Frank was posted to the 1. *Ergänzungsstaffel*(1st Supplemental Training Squadron) of [*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 3](/source/Nachtjagdgeschwader_3) (NJG 3—3rd Night Fighter Wing) on 5 February 1941.[Note 1] The unit was stationed at [Stuttgart](/source/Stuttgart)-Echterdingen (now [Stuttgart Airport](/source/Stuttgart_Airport)). Initially he flew with radio operator (*Bordfunker*) *Gefreiter* (Private) Willimowski before [Hans-Georg Schierholz](/source/Hans-Georg_Schierholz) was assigned as his permanent radio operator. Frank and Schierholz had already formed a crew at the *Nachtjagdschule* 1 at Schleißheim. The two were then assigned to 1. *[Staffel](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945)#Staffel)* (1st Squadron) of NJG 3 stationed at [Vechta](/source/Vechta). 1. *Staffel* was under the command of *Staffelkapitän* *Oberleutnant* Walter Milius. This unit was equipped with the C-variant of the [Messerschmitt Bf 110](/source/Messerschmitt_Bf_110) [heavy fighter](/source/Heavy_fighter). [5] Both Frank and Schierholz were promoted to the rank of *Gefreiter* on 1 March 1941.[6]

### Night fighter pilot

Frank and Schierholz flew Bf 110 C-4 "L1+GH" on their first operational combat mission on 9 May 1941, without success. They flew their second mission on 12 May and another nine missions before claiming their first aerial victory during the night of 3/4 July. The mission started at 22:45 from [Oldenburg](/source/Oldenburg_(city)) and intercepted a [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force) (RAF) [Vickers Wellington](/source/Vickers_Wellington) at 00:54, which crashed 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of [Grafeld](/source/Berge_(Lower_Saxony))/Oldenburg. For this achievement, Frank and Schierholz were awarded the [Iron Cross](/source/Iron_Cross) 2nd Class (*Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse*). On 15 July, they claimed their second victory, a [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) that they shot down at 01:05 northwest of [Meppen](/source/Meppen). The victory was, however, credited to the [anti-aircraft artillery](/source/Anti-aircraft_warfare). [7]

By 13 August 1941, Frank had flown 20 night fighter missions. For this achievement, he was awarded the [Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe](/source/Front_Flying_Clasp_of_the_Luftwaffe) for Night Fighters in Bronze (*Frontflugspange für Nachtjäger in Bronze*) and was promoted to *[Unteroffizier](/source/Unteroffizier)* (sergeant). He was credited with his second victory on 15 September 1941, a Wellington shot down at 23:30 northwest of Meppen. This was also his last claim in 1941. He achieved his third victory, a [Handley Page Hampden](/source/Handley_Page_Hampden) he shot down at 21:03 on 21 January 1942 near Berge in northeast [Lingen](/source/Lingen,_Germany). Five days later he claimed an [Armstrong Whitworth Whitley](/source/Armstrong_Whitworth_Whitley) Mk V, shot down at 20:36 west of [Quakenbrück](/source/Quakenbr%C3%BCck). [7]

Frank was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class (*Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse*) on 15 April 1942 and two months later, on 18 June 1942, the Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for Night Fighters in Silver (*Frontflugspange für Nachtjäger in Silber*). On 30 June 1942 at 01:29, he and Schierholz took off from Vechta on their 64th combat mission. While attacking a British bomber, either a Wellington or Halifax, their aircraft was hit by the defensive fire from the [tail gun](/source/Tail_gunner) position at 02:40. With both radiators destroyed, they [bailed out](/source/Parachute) from their aircraft.[8]

Frank's *[Gruppe](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945)#Gruppe)* (group) relocated to [Rheine](/source/Rheine) in [Westphalia](/source/Westphalia) on 28 July 1942, when he flew further missions with [Dornier Do 217](/source/Dornier_Do_217) J "D5+G5", a night fighter variant of the Do 217. He claimed a Wellington shot down at 02:05 on 14 September 1942; it crashed in the vicinity of [Osnabrück](/source/Osnabr%C3%BCck), and was his only victory while flying a Do 217. On this mission, the Dornier suffered engine problems and Frank made a [forced landing](/source/Forced_landing) at [Bad Zwischenahn](/source/Bad_Zwischenahn), damaging the aircraft. He ended the year 1942 with seven confirmed victories to his credit.[9]

The first victory Frank claimed in 1943 occurred on 3 March. Again flying a Bf 110, he shot down a [Short Stirling](/source/Short_Stirling) south of [Delmenhorst](/source/Delmenhorst). Contact with three other enemy bombers did not lead to any victories. Frank flew further missions in Do 217 "D5+LK" on a target practice mission on 9 April 1943. The right [landing gear](/source/Landing_gear) collapsed during the landing, causing 10% damage to the aircraft. Three days later he made an error during the landing approach, crashing Do 217 "D5+IK" and causing 30% damage. Frank avoided an official reprimand for either crash.[9]

On 1 April 1943, Frank and Schierholz were transferred to the 2. *Staffel* of NJG 3, which was located at [Wittmundhafen](/source/Wittmundhafen_Air_Base). Here they underwent conversion training to the [Junkers Ju 88](/source/Junkers_Ju_88) C-6, which was designed for long-distance night fighter operations.[10] While Frank was training, his old unit was relocated to [Gilze-Rijen](/source/Gilze-Rijen_Air_Base) in the Netherlands. His unit also received the newer G-version of the Bf 110; these were equipped with [SN-2 *Lichtenstein* radar](/source/Lichtenstein_radar). When Frank and Schierholz returned from conversion training, they were assigned Bf 110 G-4 "D5+CH" to fly as their personal aircraft. They claimed a Lancaster(ED810) near [Antwerp](/source/Antwerp) on 15 June 1943. Two days later, on 17 June, they intercepted and shot down three more Lancasters from a force returning from a mission against [Cologne](/source/Cologne). The three Lancasters came down within 41 minutes of each other over the [Scheldt Estuary](/source/Scheldt_Estuary).[11]

Frank claimed his 13th victory, a Wellington, on 22 June. While attempting another attack, both radiators were shot out and the crew was again forced to bail out. On 4 July they shot down a Halifax bomber north of Antwerp; this was his 14th victory overall.[12] The unit relocated to [Juvincourt](/source/Juvincourt_Airfield), France, on 16 July 1943, Frank was awarded the [Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe](/source/Ehrenpokal_der_Luftwaffe) (*Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe*) on 9 August 1943. Now flying Ju 88 C-6 "D5+EK", again from Wittmundhafen, he claimed three aircraft shot down on 24 August 1944, but only received credit for the Short Stirling shot down at 00:47 over [Berlin](/source/Berlin). Following his 110th operational mission, he was awarded the Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for Night Fighters in Gold (*Frontflugspange für Nachtjäger in Gold*) on 18 August 1943.[13]

Around this time in 1943, the two-man Bf 110 crew was augmented by a third member, sometimes referred to as *Bordmechaniker* ([air mechanic](/source/Flight_engineer)) or *Bordschütze* ([air gunner](/source/Air_gunner)). On 31 August, Frank shot down two British bombers, a Halifax northwest of [Venlo](/source/Venlo) and a Lancaster east of [Diepholz](/source/Diepholz), during separate combat missions. On 2 September, his aircraft was hit in the right engine by enemy fire and he was forced to belly-land the Ju 88 "D5+DK" at [Wilhelmshaven](/source/Wilhelmshaven), suffering 20% damage to the aircraft. He claimed his 20th victory on the night of 23/24 September 1943. He added two more victories and on 17 October 1943 received the [German Cross](/source/German_Cross) in Gold (*Deutsches Kreuz in Gold*).[14] The next day his aircraft was hit by German anti-aircraft artillery and Frank was forced to make a landing at Vechta on one engine. He was posted to the 3. *Staffel* on 14 December and ended the year with 26 aerial victories to his credit.[15] A British [intruder](/source/Intruder_(air_combat)) night-fighter shot Frank and his crew down over Berlin in a Junkers Ju 88 C-6, "D5+HP", on 24 December 1943, but they all managed to bail out unharmed.[16]

### Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Frank claimed his first victories of 1944, a Lancaster and a Wellington, on 21 January 1944 near [Magdeburg](/source/Magdeburg). Having been promoted to *[Feldwebel](/source/Feldwebel)* (staff sergeant), Frank was assigned to the *[Stab](/source/Stab_(Luftwaffe_designation))* (headquarters unit) of NJG 3, under the command of *[Geschwaderkommodore](/source/Geschwaderkommodore)* (Wing Commander) *[Oberstleutnant](/source/Oberstleutnant)* (Lieutenant Colonel) [Helmut Lent](/source/Helmut_Lent). Frank's previous 6. *Staffel* had been transferred to [*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 1](/source/Nachtjagdgeschwader_1) (NJG 1—1st Night Fighter Wing), where it continued operations under the designation of 12. *Staffel*.[16]

On 20 February 1944, between 01:53 to 05:04, Frank became an "[ace-in-a-day](/source/Aviators_who_became_ace_in_a_day)", shooting down five Lancaster bombers on their way to attack [Leipzig](/source/Leipzig). He was sent on a mission against intruding [de Havilland Mosquito](/source/De_Havilland_Mosquito) night-fighters on 7 March, but did not achieve any victories. He claimed his next victories on 22 March, a Lancaster shot down near Osnabrück and a Halifax near [Gütersloh](/source/G%C3%BCtersloh). On the same mission, while attacking a third bomber, his Messerschmitt Bf 110 "D5+BL" was damaged. An [incendiary bomb](/source/Incendiary_bomb), probably released by the bomber, penetrated the right wing and damaged the engine. Frank managed to bring the aircraft down at Gießen.[16]

Three more bombers shot down on 25 March took Frank's total to 39 aerial victories. The Luftwaffe had its most successful night of the war on 30 March 1944. The entire night-fighter force was credited with the destruction of 132 enemy aircraft that night; Frank, who was credited with a further three bombers, brought his total to 42.[17] For this achievement *[Oberfeldwebel](/source/Oberfeldwebel)* (Senior Staff Sergeant) Frank was awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross) (*Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes*) on 6 April 1944. The presentation was made by *Generalleutnant* [Joseph Schmid](/source/Joseph_Schmid), commander of the [I. Jagdkorps](/source/1st_Fighter_Corps_(Germany)), at his headquarters in [Braunschweig-Waggum](/source/Braunschweig_Airport) on 10 April 1944. Frank then went on a short vacation at home with his wife Lisa, a *[Luftwaffenhelferin](/source/Luftwaffenhelfer)* (female air force helper).[18]

Following his vacation, Frank claimed two victories on 23 April 1944, a Halifax shot down at 02:11 north of [Geldern](/source/Geldern) and, later that day, a Short Stirling at 23:47 over [Lolland](/source/Lolland). The Stirling was on a [minelaying](/source/Minelayer) operation.[19]["Note" 2]

### Death and posthumous honors

Frank was assigned Junkers Ju 88 (*Werknummer* 751 095—factory number) on 17 April 1944. He never flew this aircraft operationally. Ten days later, on the night of 26/27 April, he and his crew of radio operator *Oberfeldwebel* Schierholz and air mechanic *Feldwebel* Heinz Schneider took off in Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 "D5+CL" (*Werknummer* 720074) from Vechta. The mission was to intercept incoming bombers heading for the [Ruhr Area](/source/Ruhr_Area).[20]

The crew spotted and attacked an Avro Lancaster bomber over the vicinity of [Eindhoven](/source/Eindhoven) in the Netherlands. The bomber, severely hit by cannon fire at 01:58, exploded and became Frank's 45th and last aerial victory. [Pilot Officer](/source/Pilot_Officer) George Edwin Nicholls and his crew were killed. Debris from the Lancaster tore off the Messerschmitt's right wing and Frank lost control of the aircraft. He gave the order to bail out. Schierholz and Schneider parachuted to safety but Frank failed to get out in time. He was killed when the Bf 110 crashed at [Heeze](/source/Heeze), 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) southeast of Eindhoven.[20]

Frank was buried at the [German War Cemetery](/source/Ysselsteyn_German_war_cemetery) [Ysselsteyn](/source/Ysselsteyn) (Block Z—Row 6—Grave 149) at [Venray](/source/Venray).[21] The funeral was attended by his parents, his crew Schierholz and Schneider, his *[Gruppenkommandeur](/source/Gruppenkommandeur)* *Hauptmann* [Werner Husemann](/source/Werner_Husemann), the fighter operations leader for the Holland and Ruhr area *Generalleutnant* [Walter Grabmann](/source/Walter_Grabmann), and *Generalmajor* Ernst Exss, the airfield sector commander.[20]

On 20 July 1944, Frank was posthumously awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_with_Oak_Leaves) (*Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub*), the 531st soldier or officer of the [Wehrmacht](/source/Wehrmacht) to receive this award. On 27 April Lent submitted a request to the I. Jagdkorps, recommending Frank for a promotion to *[Leutnant](/source/Leutnant)* (second lieutenant). The commander of the [2nd Fighter Division](/source/2nd_Fighter_Division_(Germany)) *Generalmajor* [Max Ibel](/source/Max_Ibel) as well as Schmid were supportive of the request. Frank was posthumously promoted *Leutnant*, backdated to 1 April 1944.[22][14]

## Summary of career

### Aerial victory claims

According to Spick, Frank was credited with 45 aerial victories claimed in 183 combat missions.[23] Aders and Obermaier also lists him with 45 aerial victories claimed in 183 combat missions.[24][25][Note 2] Mathews and Foreman, authors of *Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims*, researched the [German Federal Archives](/source/German_Federal_Archives) and found records for 43 aerial victories, plus two further unconfirmed claims. All of his aerial victories were claimed in nocturnal combat on the Western Front.[26]

Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = *Planquadrat*), for example "PQ GR-2". The Luftwaffe grid map (*Jägermeldenetz*) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 [minutes](/source/Minute_of_arc) of [latitude](/source/Latitude) by 30 minutes of [longitude](/source/Longitude), an area of about 360 square miles (930 km2). These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area 3 by 4 km (1.9 by 2.5 mi) in size.[27]

Chronicle of aerial victories[28] Claim Date Time Type Location Unit Serial No./Squadron No. – Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-4 L1+GH – 1? ?["Note" 3] 4 July 1941 00:36?["Note" 4] Vickers Wellington 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Grafeld/Oldenburg[29] 1./NJG 3 — ["Note" 5] 15 July 1941 01:05 Handley Page Halifax northwest of Meppen 1./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 D-3 L1+DH – 2?[Note 3] 15 September 1941 23:30 Vickers Wellington northwest of Meppen[30] 1./NJG 3 Wellington R1015/KX-L No. 311 Squadron RAF[31] – Messerschmitt Bf 110 E-2 D5+EH – 3 21 January 1942 21:03 Handley Page Hampden near Berge (northeast Lingen)[32] 1./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 E-2 D5+HH – 4 26 January 1942 20:36 Armstrong Whitworth Whitley west of Quakenbrück[32] 1./NJG 3 5 3 July 1942 01:26?["Note" 6] Vickers Wellington 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Cloppenburg[33] 1./NJG 3 Wellington R1617/ PM-T No. 103 Squadron RAF[34] 6 3 July 1942 02:31?["Note" 7] Vickers Wellington 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Vechta[33] 1./NJG 3 Wellington Z1381/UV-H No. 460 Squadron RAAF[35] – Dornier Do 217 J D5+GH – 7 14 September 1942 03:10?["Note" 8] Vickers Wellington 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Lingen 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Hardenberg[36] 1./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-2 D5+BH – 8 3 March 1943 22:10?["Note" 9] Short Stirling south of Delmenhorst[37] 1./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+CH – 9 15 June 1943 00:53?["Note" 10] Avro Lancaster III Antwerp 8 km (5.0 mi) north of Antwerp[38] 2./NJG 1 Lancaster ED810/VN-Z No. 50 Squadron RAF[39] 10 17 June 1943 00:45?["Note" 11] Avro Lancaster Scheldt Estuary Lier[38] 2./NJG 1 Lancaster ED840/GT- No. 156 Squadron RAF[40] 11 17 June 1943 01:00?["Note" 12] Avro Lancaster Scheldt Estuary Moorleghem[38] 2./NJG 1 Lancaster ED553/HW-R No. 100 Squadron RAF[41] 12 17 June 1943 01:46?["Note" 13] Avro Lancaster Scheldt Estuary northeast of Breskens[42] 2./NJG 1 13 22 June 1943 01:24 Vickers Wellington 20 km (12 mi) east of Antwerp Gramersweil[42] 2./NJG 1 Wellington HE347/SM-F No. 305 Polish Bomber Squadron[43] – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+BH – 14 4 July 1943 01:06 Handley Page Halifax north of Antwerp Huissen[44] 2./NJG 1 Halifax JD159/VR-Y No. 419 Bomber Squadron RCAF[45] – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+EK – 15 24 August 1943 01:05?["Note" 14] Short Stirling Berlin northwest of Berlin[46] 2./NJG 3 16 31 August 1943 03:43 Handley Page Halifax northwest of Venlo Mönchengladbach[47] 2./NJG 3 17 31 August 1943 23:28 Avro Lancaster east of Diepholz[48] 2./NJG 3 – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+DK – 18 6 September 1943 00:50?["Note" 15] Handley Page Halifax Saargebiet south-southeast of Mannheim[49] 2./NJG 3 Stirling EE964/ZO-F No. 196 Squadron RAF[50] – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+LK – 19 22 September 1943 22:39?["Note" 16] Handley Page Halifax Hanover[51] 2./NJG 3 – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+KK – 20 23 September 1943 23:42 Avro Lancaster Mannheim[51] 2./NJG 3 Lancaster JA977/SR-J No. 101 Squadron RAF[52] – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+LK – 21 3 October 1943 21:56 Handley Page Halifax northwest of Bad Zwischenahn 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Oldenburg[53] 2./NJG 3 22 8 October 1943 00:32?["Note" 17] Vickers Wellington 30 km (19 mi) north of Norderney[54] 2./NJG 3 – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+IK – 23 18 November 1943 23:11?["Note" 18] Avro Lancaster east of Lingen[55] 2./NJG 3 – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+AK – 24?[Note 4] 26 November 1943 22:22 Avro Lancaster west of Quakenbrück – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+IK – 25?[Note 4] 26 November 1943 23:30 Avro Lancaster east of Papenburg 26 16 December 1943 19:15?["Note" 19] Avro Lancaster east of Dümmer See[56] 6./NJG 3 Lancaster ED411/AS-H2 No. 166 Squadron RAF[57] – Junkers Ju 88 C-6 D5+IP – 27 21 January 1944 22:59?["Note" 20] Avro Lancaster Magdeburg[58] 6./NJG 3 Halifax LL176/ZL-Q No. 427 Squadron RCAF[59] 28 21 January 1944 23:04?["Note" 21] Vickers Wellington Magdeburg[58] 6./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+HL – 29 15 February 1944 20:40?["Note" 22] Four-engined bomber south of Wismar northeast of Lüneburg[58] 3./NJG 3 30♠ 20 February 1944 02:38?["Note" 23] Handley Page Halifax?[Note 5] northwest of Delmenhorst[60] 3./NJG 3 31♠ 20 February 1944 02:50?["Note" 24] Four-engined bomber?[Note 6] south of Bremen[60] 3./NJG 3 32♠ 20 February 1944 03:04?["Note" 25] Avro Lancaster east of Celle[61] 3./NJG 3 Lancaster JB745/PM-I No. 103 Squadron RAF[62] 33♠ 20 February 1944 04:33 Avro Lancaster west of Vechta[63] 3./NJG 3 Lancaster DV267/SR-K No. 101 Squadron RAF[64] 34♠ 20 February 1944 05:22?["Note" 26] Avro Lancaster north of Meppen[63] 3./NJG 3 Halifax LW367/EY-L No. 78 Squadron RAF[65] – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+BL – 35 22 March 1944 21:18?["Note" 27] Four-engined bomber?[Note 7] north of Osnabrück PQ GR-2[66] 3./NJG 3 36 22 March 1944 21:40?["Note" 28] Four-engined bomber?[Note 8] west of Gütersloh[66] 3./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+CL – 37 25 March 1944 00:19?["Note" 29] Four-engined bomber?[Note 9] northwest of Essen in Oldenburg south of Meppen[67] 3./NJG 3 38 25 March 1944 00:24?["Note" 30] Four-engined bomber?[Note 10] north of Quakenbrück 15 km (9.3 mi) from Meppen[67] 3./NJG 3 39 25 March 1944 00:42?["Note" 31] Four-engined bomber south of Papenburg 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Almelo[67] 3./NJG 3 40 31 March 1944 00:24?["Note" 32] Four-engined bomber?[Note 11] west of Vogelsberg Alsfeld[68] 3./NJG 3 41 31 March 1944 00:35?["Note" 33] Four-engined bomber?[Note 12] north of Fulda Vogelsberg[69] 3./NJG 3 42 31 March 1944 00:54?["Note" 34] Four-engined bomber?[69][Note 13] Rhön 3./NJG 3 – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+PL – 43 23 April 1944 01:55?["Note" 35] Avro Lancaster?[Note 14] north of Geldern 10–30 km (6.2–18.6 mi) northwest of Venlo[70] 3./NJG 3 Lancaster MZ578/MP-I No. 76 Squadron RAF[71] – Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 D5+CL – 44 23 April 1944 23:22?["Note" 36] Four-engined bomber?[Note 15] Isle Lolland[70] 3./NJG 3 45 27 April 1944 01:55?["Note" 37] Handley Page Halifax?[Note 16] east of Eindhoven PQ LM[72] 3./NJG 3

### Awards and decorations

- [Aviator badge](/source/Aviator_badge)
- [Iron Cross](/source/Iron_Cross) (1939) - 2nd Class (4 July 1941)[73] - 1st Class (15 April 1942)[73]
- [Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe](/source/Ehrenpokal_der_Luftwaffe) on 9 August 1943 as *[Unteroffizier](/source/Unteroffizier)* and pilot[74]
- [Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe](/source/Front_Flying_Clasp_of_the_Luftwaffe) - in Silver (18 June 1942)[73] - in Gold (14 January 1944)[73]
- [German Cross](/source/German_Cross) in Gold on 17 October 1943 as *[Unteroffizier](/source/Unteroffizier)* in the 2./*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 3[75]
- [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_with_Oak_Leaves) - Knight's Cross on 6 April 1944 as *[Feldwebel](/source/Feldwebel)* and pilot in the 2./*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 3[76][77] - 531st Oak Leaves on 20 July 1944 as *[Oberfeldwebel](/source/Oberfeldwebel)* and pilot in the 2./*Nachtjagdgeschwader* 3[76][78]

## Notes

1. Flight training in the Luftwaffe progressed through the levels A1, A2 and B1, B2, referred to as A/B flight training. A training included theoretical and practical training in aerobatics, navigation, long-distance flights and [dead-stick landings](/source/Deadstick_landing). The B courses included high-altitude flights, instrument flights, night landings and training to handle the aircraft in difficult situations. For pilots destined to fly multi-engine aircraft, the training was completed with the Luftwaffe Advanced Pilot's Certificate (*Erweiterter Luftwaffen-Flugzeugführerschein*), also known as the C-Certificate.[79]

1. The story and fate of [No. 76 Squadron](/source/No._76_Squadron_RAF) Halifax *MZ578*/MP-I is described by the former crew-member, Tom Wingham, in his book "*Halifax Down!: On the Run from the Gestapo, 1944*".

1. According to Mathews and Foreman this claim is unconfirmed.[80]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 00:54.[28]

1. This claim is not listed by Foreman, Parry and Mathews.[81]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 01:45.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 02:13.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 03:42.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 22:22.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 01:24.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 00:58.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 01:18.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 01:39.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 00:47.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 00:14.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 23:35.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 00:16.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 23:12.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 21:49.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 22:57.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 23:19.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 19:58.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 01:53.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 02:21.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 02:48.[28]

1. According to Schumann at 05:04.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 21:38.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over a [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) at 21:54.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 00:22.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 00:39.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed at 01:04.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 00:01.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) at 00:18.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over a [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) at 00:57.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over a [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) III at 02:11.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over a [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) III at 23:30.[28]

1. According to Schumann claimed over an [Avro Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) III at 01:58.[28]

## References

### Citations

1. Schumann 2014, p. 2.

1. Schumann 2014, pp. 2–5.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 9.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 27.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 6.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 8.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 9.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 11.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 13.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 15.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 16.

1. Schumann 2014, pp. 16–17.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 17.

1. Stockert 2012, p. 111.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 18.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 19.

1. Schumann 2014, pp. 19, 21.

1. Schumann 2014, pp. 21–22.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 23.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 32.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 42.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 40.

1. Spick 1996, p. 244.

1. Obermaier 1989, p. 68.

1. Aders 1978, p. 234.

1. Mathews & Foreman 2014, pp. 330–331.

1. *Planquadrat*.

1. Schumann 2014, p. 43.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 24.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 30.

1. Wellington R1015.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 34.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 49.

1. Wellington R1617.

1. Wellington Z1381.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 58.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 68.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 86.

1. Chorley 1996, p. 186.

1. Lancaster ED840.

1. Lancaster ED553.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 87.

1. Wellington HE347.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 92.

1. Halifax JD159.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 106.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 108.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 109.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 111.

1. Stirling EE964.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 115.

1. Lancaster JA977.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 118.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 120.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 129.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 132.

1. Lancaster ED411.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 143.

1. Halifax LL176.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 148.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 149.

1. Lancaster JB745.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 150.

1. Lancaster DV267.

1. Halifax LW367.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 156.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 159.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 160.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 161.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 169.

1. Chorley 1997, p. 179.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, p. 170.

1. Schumann 2014, p. ii.

1. Patzwall 2008, p. 79.

1. Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 119.

1. Scherzer 2007, p. 315.

1. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 184.

1. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 85.

1. Bergström, Antipov & Sundin 2003, p. 17.

1. Mathews & Foreman 2014, p. 330.

1. Foreman, Parry & Mathews 2004, pp. 25, 130.

### Bibliography

- Aders, Gebhard (1978). *History of the German Night Fighter Force, 1917–1945*. London: Janes. ISBN 978-0-354-01247-8.
- Bergström, Christer; Antipov, Vlad; Sundin, Claes (2003). *Graf & Grislawski – A Pair of Aces*. Hamilton MT: Eagle Editions. ISBN 978-0-9721060-4-7.
- Bergström, Christer. ["Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website"](http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/bc-rs/planquadrat.htm). *Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat*. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
- Chorley, W. R. (1996). *Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: Aircraft and crew losses: 1943*. Leicester: Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 978-0-904597-90-5.
- Chorley, W. R. (1997). *Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: Aircraft and crew losses: 1944*. Leicester: Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 978-0-904597-91-2.
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000 [1986]). *Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile* [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
- Foreman, John; Parry, Simon; Mathews, Johannes (2004). *Luftwaffe Night Fighter Claims 1939–1945*. Walton on Thames: Red Kite. ISBN 978-0-9538061-4-0.
- Hinchliffe, Peter (1999). *Schnaufer: Ace of Diamonds*. Brimscombe Port, UK: Tempus. ISBN 978-0-7524-1690-8.
- Mathews, Andrew Johannes & Foreman, John (2014). *Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 1 A–F*. Walton on Thames: Red Kite. ISBN 978-1-906592-18-9.
- Obermaier, Ernst (1989). *Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945* [The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Luftwaffe Fighter Force 1939 – 1945] (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 978-3-87341-065-7.
- Patzwall, Klaus D. & Scherzer, Veit (2001). *Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II* [The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.
- Patzwall, Klaus D. (2008). *Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg* [The Honor Goblet for Outstanding Achievement in the Air War] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-08-3.
- Scherzer, Veit (2007). *Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives* [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
- Schumann, Ralf (2014). *Ritterkreuzträger Profile Nr. 13 Rudolf Frank — Eichenlaubträger der Nachtjagd* [Knight's Cross Profiles Nr. 13 Rudolf Frank — Oak Leaves Bearer of the Night Fighter Force] (in German). UNITEC-Medienvertrieb. [OCLC 883388135](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/883388135). ASIN B00JQ4TPDO.
- Spick, Mike (1996). [*Luftwaffe Fighter Aces*](https://archive.org/details/luftwaffefighter00mike). New York: [Ivy Books](/source/Ivy_Books). ISBN 978-0-8041-1696-1.
- Stockert, Peter (2012). *Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 6* [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 6] (in German). 3rd ed. Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. [OCLC 76072662](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/76072662)

### Further reading

- Cooper, Anthony (2016). *RAAF Bombers: Over Germany 1941–42*. Kenthurst, N.S.W: Rosenberg Publishing. ISBN 978-1-925078-93-0.
- Wingham, Tom (2009). *Halifax Down!: On the Run from the Gestapo, 1944*. London: Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-906502-39-3.

1. For an explanation of Luftwaffe unit designations, see [Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945)).

1. For a list of Luftwaffe night fighter aces see [List of German World War II night fighter aces](/source/List_of_German_World_War_II_night_fighter_aces).

1. unconfirmed

1. not listed

1. 20 February 1944@02:38

1. 20 February 1944@02:50

1. 22 March 1944@21:18

1. 22 March 1944@21:40

1. 25 March 1944@00:19

1. 25 March 1944@00:24

1. 31 March 1944@00:24

1. 31 March 1944@00:35

1. 31 March 1944@00:54

1. 23 April 1944@01:55

1. 23 April 1944@23:22

1. 27 April 1944@01:55

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rudolf Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Frank) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Frank?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.