| Peter Ernst Riedel Grouping Glider Champion and WWII German Air Attache 8/24/1905 - 11/6/1998 |
Recently, I had the rare opportunity to obtain a grouping of items related to a true aviation
pioneer and personality in the soaring and gliding community. This page is dedicated to the
original owner of these items, soaring legend Peter Ernst Riedel. These items that once
belonged to Mr. Riedel are now cherished items in my collection and are NOT for sale. These
items will forever remain a permanent part of my collection and will be preserved for future
generations to enjoy and learn from. Pictured above is the five booklet grouping related to
Herr Riedel.
This page is dedicated to the memory of Herr Riedel and will include some items related to the
history of soaring. It can easily be said that Herr Riedel forever made a lasting impression on
the soaring community and history. Enjoy.
pioneer and personality in the soaring and gliding community. This page is dedicated to the
original owner of these items, soaring legend Peter Ernst Riedel. These items that once
belonged to Mr. Riedel are now cherished items in my collection and are NOT for sale. These
items will forever remain a permanent part of my collection and will be preserved for future
generations to enjoy and learn from. Pictured above is the five booklet grouping related to
Herr Riedel.
This page is dedicated to the memory of Herr Riedel and will include some items related to the
history of soaring. It can easily be said that Herr Riedel forever made a lasting impression on
the soaring community and history. Enjoy.
| Verboten! Bitte benutzen Sie Fotografien ohne Erlaubnis nicht. Wenn Sie irgendeine Fotografien oder andere Anteile von dieser Website benutzen wollen, kontaktieren Sie bitte mich. Vielen Dank. |
Luftfahrerfchein fur Segelflugzeugfuhrer
(Glider Pilots License). This particular license
was issued to Herr Riedel April 25, 1938 and is
#392. The license is well stamped and was
issued in Berlin. The booklet shows little wear
and is in excellent condition, apparently very
well taken care of. The third page of the book
appropriately shows an ID photograph of Herr
Riedel with his signature appearing neatly below
the photograph.
(Glider Pilots License). This particular license
was issued to Herr Riedel April 25, 1938 and is
#392. The license is well stamped and was
issued in Berlin. The booklet shows little wear
and is in excellent condition, apparently very
well taken care of. The third page of the book
appropriately shows an ID photograph of Herr
Riedel with his signature appearing neatly below
the photograph.
Above: Shown above is Herr Riedel's Kennkarte (Civilian Identification Card). This identification card was
issued to Herr Riedel on June 9, 1943. The Kennkarte is appropriately filled out with all of Herr Riedel's
identifying information. The one Reichsmark police administrative paper stamp is present on page 2 with an
identification photograph of Herr Riedel and his fingerprints on page 3. The bottom of page 3 clearly displays
the signature of the police official who verified all of the information contained in this identification card.
issued to Herr Riedel on June 9, 1943. The Kennkarte is appropriately filled out with all of Herr Riedel's
identifying information. The one Reichsmark police administrative paper stamp is present on page 2 with an
identification photograph of Herr Riedel and his fingerprints on page 3. The bottom of page 3 clearly displays
the signature of the police official who verified all of the information contained in this identification card.
Above and Left:
The numerous photographs above and to the left show the Deutsches Reich
Reisepass (German State Travel Passport) issued to Herr Riedel. The travel
passport is well filled out and complete with Herr Riedel's identification
photograph on page 2 of the document. The photograph is properly stapled in
place with the appropriate government stamps on both corners of the
photograph.
The passport appears to have been issued to Herr Riedel on January 26,
1938. This passport was carried by Herr Riedel for travel during the first
part of 1938. The passport shows travel starting in February of 1938 to
various parts of the world, including South America, specifically various
locations in Columbia. The last page of the passport shows Herr Riedel's
entry into the United States on February 10, 1938, as a "temporary visitor."
His entry into the United States is accompanied with the signature of James
H. Wright, Vice-Consul of the United States. (See photographs above for
views of various pages.)
The numerous photographs above and to the left show the Deutsches Reich
Reisepass (German State Travel Passport) issued to Herr Riedel. The travel
passport is well filled out and complete with Herr Riedel's identification
photograph on page 2 of the document. The photograph is properly stapled in
place with the appropriate government stamps on both corners of the
photograph.
The passport appears to have been issued to Herr Riedel on January 26,
1938. This passport was carried by Herr Riedel for travel during the first
part of 1938. The passport shows travel starting in February of 1938 to
various parts of the world, including South America, specifically various
locations in Columbia. The last page of the passport shows Herr Riedel's
entry into the United States on February 10, 1938, as a "temporary visitor."
His entry into the United States is accompanied with the signature of James
H. Wright, Vice-Consul of the United States. (See photographs above for
views of various pages.)
Above and Left:
Shown above and left is the Ahnennachweis (genealogical/
ancestor chart) booklet, issued to Herr and Frau Riedel on
April 8, 1943. Page 4 and 5 of the booklet shows the
identification photographs for both Herr and Frau Riedel, with
each of their names neatly signed under each photograph.
This booklet is extremely well filled out and shows the family
history of Herr Riedel and Frau Rieidel back to the early
1700's! Each entry into the booklet shows the appropriate
government stamp, indicating that the family information had
been verified by the government official. The booklet is
extremely well taken care of and in wonderful condition.
Shown above and left is the Ahnennachweis (genealogical/
ancestor chart) booklet, issued to Herr and Frau Riedel on
April 8, 1943. Page 4 and 5 of the booklet shows the
identification photographs for both Herr and Frau Riedel, with
each of their names neatly signed under each photograph.
This booklet is extremely well filled out and shows the family
history of Herr Riedel and Frau Rieidel back to the early
1700's! Each entry into the booklet shows the appropriate
government stamp, indicating that the family information had
been verified by the government official. The booklet is
extremely well taken care of and in wonderful condition.
Above: Shown above is the Ahnen Paß, Riedel's "Certificate of Aryan
Descent" or "Proof of Ancestry". This particular booklet is named to Herr Riedel, but is
not as complete as the Ahnennachweis shown above. This booklet does contain numerous
entries related to the Riedel family history and shows Herr Riedel as the owner of the
booklet, along with his identifying information. This booklet is also in terrific condition
and was apparently well taken care of.
Descent" or "Proof of Ancestry". This particular booklet is named to Herr Riedel, but is
not as complete as the Ahnennachweis shown above. This booklet does contain numerous
entries related to the Riedel family history and shows Herr Riedel as the owner of the
booklet, along with his identifying information. This booklet is also in terrific condition
and was apparently well taken care of.
The history of Peter Ernst Riedel reads like a great adventure novel. Herr Riedel was born as the second
child of a Lutheran pastor in the small village of Dehlitz, Saxony. Along with two sisters, one older and
one younger than he, Herr Riedel lived a modest life. His grandfather was once a very wealthy
industrialist. However, the family lost most of its fortunes during World War One and the post economic
crisis in Germany following the war.
At the age of 13, Herr Riedel began building a flimsy, biplane glider made of a wood frame and covered
with parchment paper. He attempted to fly this home built creation, but was only able to get a few feet
off of the ground and the contraption only flew a very, very short distance. At the age of 14, having read
about an upcoming gliding meeting on the Wasserkuppe in the Rhoen mountains, Herr Riedel began building
his second glider, a biplane glider he called PR-2. Herr Riedel took the partially completed glider to the
first ever Wasserkuppe competition and with the help of some older and more experienced glider pilots,
completed the glider and competed in the competition. (At the tme of his death, he was the last living
competitor of the first ever Wasserkuppe competition.) At the same time, Herr Riedel also began to
formally learn to become a glider pilot. He would later build and fly his third glider creation, which he
appropriately named PR-3.
With the help of a very wealthy and generous benefactor, Karl Kotzenberg, Herr Riedel enrolled in the
Darmstadt Technical University, graduating in 1927. Following his graduation, Herr Riedel immediately
began his training to obtain his commercial pilot license at the Brunswick and Ober Schleissheim flying
schools. He completed his training in 1928 but was unable to find employment in the economic distressed
Germany.
Using his knowledge and experience, Herr Riedel went to work for Professor (Dr.) Georgii at the
Darmstadt Research Institute for Soaring Flight where he worked for six years. During this time, he
became one of the leading sailplane pilots of the time. In 1932, he became the 7th pilot to achieve the
Silver C certificate (badge) and the following year made the world's best long distance flight of 229
kilometers (just over 142 miles). During the same year he won the Wasserkuppe competition and the
Hindenburg Cup.
In 1934, Herr Riedel, along with several other companions, accompanied Professor Georgii on a now famous
expedition to Latin America where the sport of soaring was introduced to Brazil and Argentina. One of
the other companions in the group was Germany's famous female pilot, Hanna Reitsch. Herr Riedel and
Frau Reitsch would quickly become very close and became close friends.
In 1934, Herr Riedel also found employment as a pilot for Lufthansa, flying over 200,000 kilometers for
the airline. Not enjoying the political climate in Germany, Herr Riedel signed a two year contract to fly
for a Colombian airline and he left Germany, not intending to return. In 1937, Herr Riedel was invited by
the Soaring Society of America to participate in National Soaring Contest at Elmira, New York. Herr
Riedel scored more points that any other competitor but failed to be named as the winner of the
competition because he was not a United States citizen. At this competition, Herr Riedel was approached
by Luftwaffe General Botticher, the German Military Attache to Washington. Herr Riedel was offered a
job as the civilian assistant to the General in Washington, D.C., which he accepted.
Herr Riedel was installed into the German Embassy in Washington and began collecting information and
data on American air power by all legal means available. This information would be passed along to the
leaders of Germany to establish America's ability to make war and the strength of their air fleet. When
war in Europe erupted, Herr Riedel was given a commission in the Luftwaffe and became an officer. He
was then given the official title of German Air Attache. It was shortly after this time that he met and
eventually married an American, Helen Klug, an artist and teacher from Terre Haute, Indiana. Helen and
Peter were closely followed by the FBI during their honeymoon as a result of the war in Europe and his
position with the German government.
Following Pearl Harbor, Herr and Frau Riedel were held along with all other German embassy staff by the
United States government until being returned to Germany in a diplomatic exchange. At this time, despite
having never been to Germany and not knowing how to speak German, Helen accompanied Peter back to
Germany. Herr Riedel worked as an engineer for the Heinkel aircraft company. A short time later, he
moved Helen to Switzerland due to a medical condition she was suffering from. Herr Riedel secured
Helen's transfer to Switzerland by agreeing to work for the German Abwehr and he was also sent to
Switzerland as the German Air Attache where he remained for quite some time.
In 1944, Herr Riedel began to hear of the atrocities in the German concentration camps and voiced his
concerns to his close friend, Hanna Reitsch. Having become disillusioned with Germany and Nazism, Herr
Riedel began to deal with the American OSS. At one point, Herr Riedel was betrayed by a friend and was
recalled to Berlin. Fearing he would be arrested and killed, Herr Riedel went into hiding in Sweden and
moved Helen to a safer location to avoid her being arrested by the German government.
Following the end of the war, numerous arrests and numerous escapes from custody (he was arrested for
being an illegal immigrant), Herr Riedel and Helen spent several years attempting to make their way back
to the United States. Herr and Frau Riedel eventually returned to the United States where Peter found
employment with TWA and later, with Pan American Airways. Herr and Frau Riedel eventually retired
and settled down in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Herr Riedel's book, German Air Attache, was published in 1998,
the same year he passed away.
child of a Lutheran pastor in the small village of Dehlitz, Saxony. Along with two sisters, one older and
one younger than he, Herr Riedel lived a modest life. His grandfather was once a very wealthy
industrialist. However, the family lost most of its fortunes during World War One and the post economic
crisis in Germany following the war.
At the age of 13, Herr Riedel began building a flimsy, biplane glider made of a wood frame and covered
with parchment paper. He attempted to fly this home built creation, but was only able to get a few feet
off of the ground and the contraption only flew a very, very short distance. At the age of 14, having read
about an upcoming gliding meeting on the Wasserkuppe in the Rhoen mountains, Herr Riedel began building
his second glider, a biplane glider he called PR-2. Herr Riedel took the partially completed glider to the
first ever Wasserkuppe competition and with the help of some older and more experienced glider pilots,
completed the glider and competed in the competition. (At the tme of his death, he was the last living
competitor of the first ever Wasserkuppe competition.) At the same time, Herr Riedel also began to
formally learn to become a glider pilot. He would later build and fly his third glider creation, which he
appropriately named PR-3.
With the help of a very wealthy and generous benefactor, Karl Kotzenberg, Herr Riedel enrolled in the
Darmstadt Technical University, graduating in 1927. Following his graduation, Herr Riedel immediately
began his training to obtain his commercial pilot license at the Brunswick and Ober Schleissheim flying
schools. He completed his training in 1928 but was unable to find employment in the economic distressed
Germany.
Using his knowledge and experience, Herr Riedel went to work for Professor (Dr.) Georgii at the
Darmstadt Research Institute for Soaring Flight where he worked for six years. During this time, he
became one of the leading sailplane pilots of the time. In 1932, he became the 7th pilot to achieve the
Silver C certificate (badge) and the following year made the world's best long distance flight of 229
kilometers (just over 142 miles). During the same year he won the Wasserkuppe competition and the
Hindenburg Cup.
In 1934, Herr Riedel, along with several other companions, accompanied Professor Georgii on a now famous
expedition to Latin America where the sport of soaring was introduced to Brazil and Argentina. One of
the other companions in the group was Germany's famous female pilot, Hanna Reitsch. Herr Riedel and
Frau Reitsch would quickly become very close and became close friends.
In 1934, Herr Riedel also found employment as a pilot for Lufthansa, flying over 200,000 kilometers for
the airline. Not enjoying the political climate in Germany, Herr Riedel signed a two year contract to fly
for a Colombian airline and he left Germany, not intending to return. In 1937, Herr Riedel was invited by
the Soaring Society of America to participate in National Soaring Contest at Elmira, New York. Herr
Riedel scored more points that any other competitor but failed to be named as the winner of the
competition because he was not a United States citizen. At this competition, Herr Riedel was approached
by Luftwaffe General Botticher, the German Military Attache to Washington. Herr Riedel was offered a
job as the civilian assistant to the General in Washington, D.C., which he accepted.
Herr Riedel was installed into the German Embassy in Washington and began collecting information and
data on American air power by all legal means available. This information would be passed along to the
leaders of Germany to establish America's ability to make war and the strength of their air fleet. When
war in Europe erupted, Herr Riedel was given a commission in the Luftwaffe and became an officer. He
was then given the official title of German Air Attache. It was shortly after this time that he met and
eventually married an American, Helen Klug, an artist and teacher from Terre Haute, Indiana. Helen and
Peter were closely followed by the FBI during their honeymoon as a result of the war in Europe and his
position with the German government.
Following Pearl Harbor, Herr and Frau Riedel were held along with all other German embassy staff by the
United States government until being returned to Germany in a diplomatic exchange. At this time, despite
having never been to Germany and not knowing how to speak German, Helen accompanied Peter back to
Germany. Herr Riedel worked as an engineer for the Heinkel aircraft company. A short time later, he
moved Helen to Switzerland due to a medical condition she was suffering from. Herr Riedel secured
Helen's transfer to Switzerland by agreeing to work for the German Abwehr and he was also sent to
Switzerland as the German Air Attache where he remained for quite some time.
In 1944, Herr Riedel began to hear of the atrocities in the German concentration camps and voiced his
concerns to his close friend, Hanna Reitsch. Having become disillusioned with Germany and Nazism, Herr
Riedel began to deal with the American OSS. At one point, Herr Riedel was betrayed by a friend and was
recalled to Berlin. Fearing he would be arrested and killed, Herr Riedel went into hiding in Sweden and
moved Helen to a safer location to avoid her being arrested by the German government.
Following the end of the war, numerous arrests and numerous escapes from custody (he was arrested for
being an illegal immigrant), Herr Riedel and Helen spent several years attempting to make their way back
to the United States. Herr and Frau Riedel eventually returned to the United States where Peter found
employment with TWA and later, with Pan American Airways. Herr and Frau Riedel eventually retired
and settled down in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Herr Riedel's book, German Air Attache, was published in 1998,
the same year he passed away.
Above: An original, postcard in my collection of Herr Ernst Peter
Riedel, showing him sitting in the cockpit of a glider.
Riedel, showing him sitting in the cockpit of a glider.
Shown below are the items that once were carried by and belonged to Peter Ernst
Riedel. For more detailed views, most of the photographs can be enlarged simply by
left clicking on them. This will give you a more detailed view of the photographs.
Again, these items are NOT for sale. Please do not reproduce any of the
photographs shown without permission. If you desire to use any of the photographs
shown on this webpage, please send me an email for permission. Thank you for
visiting the website and enjoy.
Riedel. For more detailed views, most of the photographs can be enlarged simply by
left clicking on them. This will give you a more detailed view of the photographs.
Again, these items are NOT for sale. Please do not reproduce any of the
photographs shown without permission. If you desire to use any of the photographs
shown on this webpage, please send me an email for permission. Thank you for
visiting the website and enjoy.
"German Air Attache" by author Martin Simons. This book can
easily be found on amazon.com and Ebay and is well worth the time
to read about the life of Herr Riedel. A spectacular read, Simons
puts together a rather hectic life into a clear and concise format.
The story reads like an old time adventure novel with travels around
the world and an intriguing look into wartime Germany and the sport
of soaring in its early years. A spectacular read.
easily be found on amazon.com and Ebay and is well worth the time
to read about the life of Herr Riedel. A spectacular read, Simons
puts together a rather hectic life into a clear and concise format.
The story reads like an old time adventure novel with travels around
the world and an intriguing look into wartime Germany and the sport
of soaring in its early years. A spectacular read.
Hanna Reitsch, Germany's most famous female pilot. Reitch was a close friend
of Riedel's both prior to and during the war. Their friendship extended back
into the 1930's when the two shared their love of soaring and eventually
partnered with Professor Georgii for their famous soaring trip to Brazil.
In 1937, Reitsch was posted to the Luftwaffe testing center at Rechlin by Ernst
Udet. While under direct command of Karl Franke she soon became a leading test
pilot on the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and Dornier Do 17 projects, as well as one of
the few to fly the new Focke-Achgelis Fa 61, the world's first fully controllable
helicopter. Her flying and her photogenic qualities made her a star of the Nazi
party, always looking for publicity, and in 1938 she flew the Fa 61 every night
inside the "Deutschlandhalle" at the Berlin Motor Show.
After hearing rumors about atrocities committed by the Nazis on the Jews,
confronted Reitsch who was a fanatical Nazi. Reitsch refused to believe the
rumors of war camps and concentration camps and their friendship went cold. It
was not until years later that Reitsch denounced the actions of the Nazis for
their atrocities after learning the full extent of the war crimes committed.
of Riedel's both prior to and during the war. Their friendship extended back
into the 1930's when the two shared their love of soaring and eventually
partnered with Professor Georgii for their famous soaring trip to Brazil.
In 1937, Reitsch was posted to the Luftwaffe testing center at Rechlin by Ernst
Udet. While under direct command of Karl Franke she soon became a leading test
pilot on the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and Dornier Do 17 projects, as well as one of
the few to fly the new Focke-Achgelis Fa 61, the world's first fully controllable
helicopter. Her flying and her photogenic qualities made her a star of the Nazi
party, always looking for publicity, and in 1938 she flew the Fa 61 every night
inside the "Deutschlandhalle" at the Berlin Motor Show.
After hearing rumors about atrocities committed by the Nazis on the Jews,
confronted Reitsch who was a fanatical Nazi. Reitsch refused to believe the
rumors of war camps and concentration camps and their friendship went cold. It
was not until years later that Reitsch denounced the actions of the Nazis for
their atrocities after learning the full extent of the war crimes committed.
General Friedrich Von Boetticher. Boetticher was Reidel's commanding officer
while stationed at the Germany Embassy in Washington, prior to and after the
start of the war.
During this time, Riedel was tasked with legally compiling and obtaining
information and statistics on the air power capabilities of the United States
Army Air Corp. Riedel did not hold a high opinion of Boetticher, who refused
several requests from Riedel to marry his future wife, Helen. According to
Riedel in his book, Boetticher took great pains to suppress certain information
before it was sent back to Germany to the high command, to keep from
upsetting the Fuhrer and jeopardizing his post in Washington. Boetticher was
also known to frequent American Civil War battle fields in his leisure time.
while stationed at the Germany Embassy in Washington, prior to and after the
start of the war.
During this time, Riedel was tasked with legally compiling and obtaining
information and statistics on the air power capabilities of the United States
Army Air Corp. Riedel did not hold a high opinion of Boetticher, who refused
several requests from Riedel to marry his future wife, Helen. According to
Riedel in his book, Boetticher took great pains to suppress certain information
before it was sent back to Germany to the high command, to keep from
upsetting the Fuhrer and jeopardizing his post in Washington. Boetticher was
also known to frequent American Civil War battle fields in his leisure time.
General Ernst Udet (April 26, 1896 – November 17, 1941) was the second-highest
scoring German flying ace of World War I. He was one of the youngest aces and was
the highest scoring German ace to survive the war. He was 22 when the war ended.
His 62 victories were second only to Manfred von Richthofen, his commander in the
Flying Circus.
Udet was a close friend of Riedel's and Riedel held a very high opinion of Udet.
Their friendship started in the 1930's. During the 1936 Olympics, Udet, Riedel and
Hanna Reitsch banded together and flew a soaring exhibition during the Olympic
celebration. Riedel had returned to Germany shortly before Udet's death (he
comitted suicide in 1941). Riedel was suspicious of the initial story concerning
Udet's death. Out of embarrassment the Third Reich leadership issued a story
indicating Udet had been killed testing a new aircraft. Riedel always maintained
that Udet was an outstanding pilot.
scoring German flying ace of World War I. He was one of the youngest aces and was
the highest scoring German ace to survive the war. He was 22 when the war ended.
His 62 victories were second only to Manfred von Richthofen, his commander in the
Flying Circus.
Udet was a close friend of Riedel's and Riedel held a very high opinion of Udet.
Their friendship started in the 1930's. During the 1936 Olympics, Udet, Riedel and
Hanna Reitsch banded together and flew a soaring exhibition during the Olympic
celebration. Riedel had returned to Germany shortly before Udet's death (he
comitted suicide in 1941). Riedel was suspicious of the initial story concerning
Udet's death. Out of embarrassment the Third Reich leadership issued a story
indicating Udet had been killed testing a new aircraft. Riedel always maintained
that Udet was an outstanding pilot.
A Few Personalities from Riedel's Past:
A photograph of Ernst Peter Riedel in his later years.
Above: An original postcard in my collection showing Peter Riedel's
Motorglider, complete with German government markings on the tail. Like the
other items shown above, this also came from Herr Riedel's estate and was once
owned by Herr Riedel.
Motorglider, complete with German government markings on the tail. Like the
other items shown above, this also came from Herr Riedel's estate and was once
owned by Herr Riedel.
Left: This is an original, September 1935
magazine cover showing the "Three Kings of
the Air", from left to right, Heini Dittmar,
Peter Riedel and Ludwig Hoffman. This is an
original magazine cover which came from the
estate of Peter Riedel. I can't imagine too
many of these are floating around.
magazine cover showing the "Three Kings of
the Air", from left to right, Heini Dittmar,
Peter Riedel and Ludwig Hoffman. This is an
original magazine cover which came from the
estate of Peter Riedel. I can't imagine too
many of these are floating around.
Left: This is an original, pre-war
photograph of Peter Riedel. The engine
he is carrying is most likely from his
motorglider, as shown in the original
postcard above. This original photograph
came from the estate of Peter Riedel and
is approximately 11x14 inches in size.
photograph of Peter Riedel. The engine
he is carrying is most likely from his
motorglider, as shown in the original
postcard above. This original photograph
came from the estate of Peter Riedel and
is approximately 11x14 inches in size.
Right: An original, early 1900's photograph, dating most
likely from somewhere around 1912 or 1913, showing Peter
posing with his family. In the photograph, Peter is
standing on the far right side, wearing the visor cap.
Really a terrific item showing Peter in his younger years.
Most likely the photograph shows both of Peter's sisters,
his mother and grandfather. Of interest is the ornate
pipe being held by the older gentleman on the far left.
Also interesting is to see Peter playfully wearing an
Imperial German visor cap and military like jacket, just
prior to the start of the war to end all wars, WWI.
likely from somewhere around 1912 or 1913, showing Peter
posing with his family. In the photograph, Peter is
standing on the far right side, wearing the visor cap.
Really a terrific item showing Peter in his younger years.
Most likely the photograph shows both of Peter's sisters,
his mother and grandfather. Of interest is the ornate
pipe being held by the older gentleman on the far left.
Also interesting is to see Peter playfully wearing an
Imperial German visor cap and military like jacket, just
prior to the start of the war to end all wars, WWI.
Left and Above: A letter that was hand written by
Helen Riedel to Peter, dated March 3, 1945. The letter
is actually addressed to Herr P. Sefeldt, who was a
Captain in the Swedish military, and who was assigned to
the Swedish Air Ministry. Peter encountered Capt.
Sefeldt during a mission he was sent on to recover a piece
of secret Lichtenstein Radar equipment that was on a
crashed Ju-88 in Swedish territory. Capt. Sefeldt had
been assigned as Peter's escort on his trip to the downed
aircraft. The letter is addressed to Capt. Sefeldt in care
of the Hans Ostermann Company, which was a chain of car
repair garages. After going into hiding to avoid the
Gestapo, Peter worked for one of the Ostermann garages,
renting an apartment above the garage and getting his
letters and other mail from Helen via Capt. Sefeldt. The
"Geoffnet" stamp indicates the letters arrived to Peter
in an "open" condition. They most likely were read and
scanned by a censor before being delivered to Peter.
Helen Riedel to Peter, dated March 3, 1945. The letter
is actually addressed to Herr P. Sefeldt, who was a
Captain in the Swedish military, and who was assigned to
the Swedish Air Ministry. Peter encountered Capt.
Sefeldt during a mission he was sent on to recover a piece
of secret Lichtenstein Radar equipment that was on a
crashed Ju-88 in Swedish territory. Capt. Sefeldt had
been assigned as Peter's escort on his trip to the downed
aircraft. The letter is addressed to Capt. Sefeldt in care
of the Hans Ostermann Company, which was a chain of car
repair garages. After going into hiding to avoid the
Gestapo, Peter worked for one of the Ostermann garages,
renting an apartment above the garage and getting his
letters and other mail from Helen via Capt. Sefeldt. The
"Geoffnet" stamp indicates the letters arrived to Peter
in an "open" condition. They most likely were read and
scanned by a censor before being delivered to Peter.
Above and Right: Memorial Service programs from Peter's
funeral. August 24, 1905 in Halle, Germany. He passed away on
November 6, 1998 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The services were
held at the Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home in Ardmore and were
overseen by Reverend Robert Hinckley of the Trinity Lutheran
Church. The eulogy was given by Paul Hannak, and Jim and
Simine Short of the Soaring Society of America. It no doubt
was a fitting tribute to Peter.
funeral. August 24, 1905 in Halle, Germany. He passed away on
November 6, 1998 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The services were
held at the Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home in Ardmore and were
overseen by Reverend Robert Hinckley of the Trinity Lutheran
Church. The eulogy was given by Paul Hannak, and Jim and
Simine Short of the Soaring Society of America. It no doubt
was a fitting tribute to Peter.
An early photograph of Peter at the age of 15, taken
as indicated in 1920.
as indicated in 1920.
A photograph showing Peter sitting in the
cockpit of the reconstructed Fafnir glider
in 1933 at Wasserkuppe.
cockpit of the reconstructed Fafnir glider
in 1933 at Wasserkuppe.
Peter sitting with numerous family members.
A special thank you to author Martin Simon for his time, help and assistance.
In addition, a special thank you to Peter Ocker and Bruce Stephenson, both
of which have contributed to the content and context of this page on my
website and have been invaluable.
In addition, a special thank you to Peter Ocker and Bruce Stephenson, both
of which have contributed to the content and context of this page on my
website and have been invaluable.
While doing some research on the above letter, I contacted the Swedish Air
Ministry and received some additional information about Captain Sefeldt,
including a photograph of his that is shown to the left. His full name is Captain
Nils Olof Sefeldt, born 2/18/1911. He graduated high school in 1933 and earned
his Swedish pilot wings on 3/21/1934.
During the war he served as a test and ferry pilot, often flying various types of
German aircraft from Germany to Sweden. He was later attached to the
Swedish Air Ministry technical branch, which provided the opportunity for him and
Riedel to encounter eachother.
Following the war, Sefeldt was assigned to the Swedish Embassy in Washington
where he remained until his retirement in 1968.
Ministry and received some additional information about Captain Sefeldt,
including a photograph of his that is shown to the left. His full name is Captain
Nils Olof Sefeldt, born 2/18/1911. He graduated high school in 1933 and earned
his Swedish pilot wings on 3/21/1934.
During the war he served as a test and ferry pilot, often flying various types of
German aircraft from Germany to Sweden. He was later attached to the
Swedish Air Ministry technical branch, which provided the opportunity for him and
Riedel to encounter eachother.
Following the war, Sefeldt was assigned to the Swedish Embassy in Washington
where he remained until his retirement in 1968.
WANTED:
1) Items related to Peter Riedel.
2) Early soaring items including gauges, glider parts, postcards and original photos.
3) Early, 1930 to 1945 items related to Wasserkuppe.
1) Items related to Peter Riedel.
2) Early soaring items including gauges, glider parts, postcards and original photos.
3) Early, 1930 to 1945 items related to Wasserkuppe.
| Newly Added Riedel Items: June 2008 |
In June of 2008, I was fortunate to receive a large amount of original material related to Peter Riedel and
the writing of his memoir, "German Air Attache", by author Martin Simons. This material is being added to
this page out of chronological order of the items above, in order to show what has been recently added. This
new material added a new dimension to the Riedel grouping already in my collection, and provides a more
in-depth look at the career of Peter Riedel, soaring legend and German state servant.
This material was obtained directly Ex Martin Simons' archives, and was a large portion of the research
material Mr. Simons used in writing his book, "German Air Attache." It was a tremendous pleasure to have
received these items from Mr. Simons' archives, and to have the opportunity to interact directly with Mr.
Simons. I most appreciate his advice, knowledge and assistance.
the writing of his memoir, "German Air Attache", by author Martin Simons. This material is being added to
this page out of chronological order of the items above, in order to show what has been recently added. This
new material added a new dimension to the Riedel grouping already in my collection, and provides a more
in-depth look at the career of Peter Riedel, soaring legend and German state servant.
This material was obtained directly Ex Martin Simons' archives, and was a large portion of the research
material Mr. Simons used in writing his book, "German Air Attache." It was a tremendous pleasure to have
received these items from Mr. Simons' archives, and to have the opportunity to interact directly with Mr.
Simons. I most appreciate his advice, knowledge and assistance.
Above: Peter Riedel's Diplomatic Visa, issued to him in 1938 and signed by the Reichsminister des
Auswartigen. As shown in the above photographs, the via clearly shows Herr Riedel's photograph, and
contains entries from the United States Embassy in Berlin, recognizing the Diplomatic visa and
authorizing its use. The visa also contains entries and stamps from Portugal and Mexico. This
Diplomatic visa was utilized by Herr Riedel when he was ordered back to Germany in 1942, traveling
through Portugal from the US.
Auswartigen. As shown in the above photographs, the via clearly shows Herr Riedel's photograph, and
contains entries from the United States Embassy in Berlin, recognizing the Diplomatic visa and
authorizing its use. The visa also contains entries and stamps from Portugal and Mexico. This
Diplomatic visa was utilized by Herr Riedel when he was ordered back to Germany in 1942, traveling
through Portugal from the US.
Above: Two original photographs showing Herr Riedel and his Kranich. The photograph on the left
shows the tail of the Kranich at Du Pont Airport in Wilmington, Delawre in 1938. The photograph on
the right shows the Kranich at Elmira, New York in 1937. This was the year Herr Riedel competed
in the National Soaring Contest which he won, but was not able to be declared the winner as he was
not a US citizen.
shows the tail of the Kranich at Du Pont Airport in Wilmington, Delawre in 1938. The photograph on
the right shows the Kranich at Elmira, New York in 1937. This was the year Herr Riedel competed
in the National Soaring Contest which he won, but was not able to be declared the winner as he was
not a US citizen.
1933, Herr Riedel at Darmstadt airfrield with an
unknown aviator. In the background is a Falke
sailplane and famed aviator Heini Dittmar.
unknown aviator. In the background is a Falke
sailplane and famed aviator Heini Dittmar.
Above: An original photograph taken in 1932, showing Herr Riedel (standing in doorway holding
the small dog) and numerous soaring pioneers at a make shift bar in the Rhön mountains. Among the
aviators shown in the photograph are Wilfried Teichmann, Heini Dittmar, Martha Mendel, Edgar
Dittmar, Erich Bachem, Wolf Hirth, Oskar Ursinus, Hasso Hemmer and Robert Kronfeld.
the small dog) and numerous soaring pioneers at a make shift bar in the Rhön mountains. Among the
aviators shown in the photograph are Wilfried Teichmann, Heini Dittmar, Martha Mendel, Edgar
Dittmar, Erich Bachem, Wolf Hirth, Oskar Ursinus, Hasso Hemmer and Robert Kronfeld.
Above: Two original photographs. The bottom photo shows from left to right: Mihm, Harth,
Wolf Hirth, Hanna Reitsch, Dr. Walter Georgii, Peter Riedel, Heini Dittmar and two unknown
South American fliers.
Wolf Hirth, Hanna Reitsch, Dr. Walter Georgii, Peter Riedel, Heini Dittmar and two unknown
South American fliers.
Above: Two original photographs showing Herr Riedel and Hanna Reitsch in 1934, on-bard the
oceanliner during their expedition to Latin America where the sport of soaring was introduced to South
America.
oceanliner during their expedition to Latin America where the sport of soaring was introduced to South
America.
Above: A series of four original photographs showing Dr. Walter Georgii and Hanna Reitsch with a two
seat sport/trainer.
The aircraft shown in the photographs, registration number D-2152, is a BFW (Bayerische
Flugzeugwerke) M23b, Werk-Nr. 559, driven by a Siemens-Halske 13a engine and was first registered
in august 1931 on the name of a Mr. M. Ostenrieder, then living at Lindenberg.
Thank you to Mr. Peter Ocker for supplying this information. He continues to be a wonderful source of
rare and hard to find information.
seat sport/trainer.
The aircraft shown in the photographs, registration number D-2152, is a BFW (Bayerische
Flugzeugwerke) M23b, Werk-Nr. 559, driven by a Siemens-Halske 13a engine and was first registered
in august 1931 on the name of a Mr. M. Ostenrieder, then living at Lindenberg.
Thank you to Mr. Peter Ocker for supplying this information. He continues to be a wonderful source of
rare and hard to find information.
Left: A Uniformed Services Identification
Card issued to Her Riedel by the US
Department of Defense on May 27, 1968, at
Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. It is not known why
this identification card was issued to Herr
Riedel.
Card issued to Her Riedel by the US
Department of Defense on May 27, 1968, at
Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. It is not known why
this identification card was issued to Herr
Riedel.
Above: Two original photographs of Dr. Walter Georgii. The photograph on the left is marked on
the reverse as "Dr. Georgii in Latin America 1934." THe other photographs, apparently taken
during the same time period shows Dr. Georgii conversing with an unknown aviator.
the reverse as "Dr. Georgii in Latin America 1934." THe other photographs, apparently taken
during the same time period shows Dr. Georgii conversing with an unknown aviator.
Left: Herr Riedel (far right) and two unknown men look
skyward.
skyward.
Above: Another original photograph showing several legends within the early soaring
community including Oskar Ursinus, Herr Riedel and Wolf Hirth.
community including Oskar Ursinus, Herr Riedel and Wolf Hirth.
Left: An identification sized, original photograph of
Luftwaffe pilot/test pilot Walter Flinsch. Flinsch was an
Olympic athlete, competing in the 1928 and 1932 Olympic
games. During the 1932 Olympic games, held in Los
Angeles, California, he won a silver medal as part of a four
man rowing team.
Flinsch later joined the Luftwaffe and became an
accomplished pilot, flying the FW-200 Condor on missions
over the Atlantic. Due to a large attrition of his
squadron, Flinsch was moved out of combat and given a
position as a production test pilot with the Heinkel
aircraft firm, conducting flight tests on the mammoth
HE-177. On February 3, 1943, while conducting stall
testing of the HE-177, Flinsch was killed when he lost
control of his HE-177 at an altitude of approximately
13,000 feet. Flinsch was able to bail out of the aircraft,
but never had a chance to open his parachute before
striking the ground.
Flinsch was born in the United States, spoke English and
like Herr Riedel, was a Lufthansa pilot prior to entering
into a career with the Luftwaffe.
Luftwaffe pilot/test pilot Walter Flinsch. Flinsch was an
Olympic athlete, competing in the 1928 and 1932 Olympic
games. During the 1932 Olympic games, held in Los
Angeles, California, he won a silver medal as part of a four
man rowing team.
Flinsch later joined the Luftwaffe and became an
accomplished pilot, flying the FW-200 Condor on missions
over the Atlantic. Due to a large attrition of his
squadron, Flinsch was moved out of combat and given a
position as a production test pilot with the Heinkel
aircraft firm, conducting flight tests on the mammoth
HE-177. On February 3, 1943, while conducting stall
testing of the HE-177, Flinsch was killed when he lost
control of his HE-177 at an altitude of approximately
13,000 feet. Flinsch was able to bail out of the aircraft,
but never had a chance to open his parachute before
striking the ground.
Flinsch was born in the United States, spoke English and
like Herr Riedel, was a Lufthansa pilot prior to entering
into a career with the Luftwaffe.
In the past, I have displayed other items on this page which related to Herr Riedel, including some of his
other identification booklets and awards which are now owned by other collectors. Given the amount of new
material that I've recently acquired, I've elected to remove those items to make room for more of the Riedel
items within my own collection, and maintain this page as I do the other pages on my website, only showing
items currently within my private collection. I sincerely thank those other collectors who were kind enough to
share photographs of the Riedel items in their collection.
other identification booklets and awards which are now owned by other collectors. Given the amount of new
material that I've recently acquired, I've elected to remove those items to make room for more of the Riedel
items within my own collection, and maintain this page as I do the other pages on my website, only showing
items currently within my private collection. I sincerely thank those other collectors who were kind enough to
share photographs of the Riedel items in their collection.
An original, early photograph of Oskar Ursinus.
Above: Four original photographs showing Herr Riedel experimenting with various aircraft for
the purpose of aero-towing gliders to assist in launching.
the purpose of aero-towing gliders to assist in launching.
The C.E. Daniel Collection
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