BONGARTZ, Heinrich. (1892-1946). Leutnant. Victories = 33. Highest award = Pour le Merité/Blue Max. (December 1917).
He enlisted in 16th Infantry Regiment in August 1914 and fought at Verdun in1915.
Commissioned to Leutnant March 1916.
Transferred to the GAAS in early 1915.
He trained as a pilot in FA 5 and on graduation in October 1916 was posted to reconnaissance duties with KG 5.
In January 1916, he was posted to another bombing unit and in April 1917 to Jasta 36 becoming commander in September 1917.
His first confirmed victory was a Spad S VII shot down on the 6th April 1917.
Bongartz
was wounded four times in aerial combat and returned to duty each time.
However, the fifth wound in April 1918 included a severe facial/eye
injury and, although he successfully landed his aircraft on this
occasion, the loss of stereoscopic vision meant his days as a fighter
pilot were over.
His ultimate victory was a Sopwith Camel that he claimed on 27th March 1918.
Upon leaving hospital Bongartz became a Director of the German Aeroplane Inspectorate.
Bongartz survived the Great War.
Confirmed victories
| Observation balloons | 5 | |
| Aircraft manufacturing Co | Airco DH 4 | 6 |
| British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Ltd | Bristol F 2b | 2 |
| Caudron Fréres | Caudron ? | 2 |
| Royal Airforce Factory | RAF FE 2d | 1 |
| Royal Airforce Factory | RAF RE 8 | 4 |
| Royal Airforce Factory | RAF SE 5a | 1 |
| Société Anonyme des Etablissements, Nieuport | Nieuport Scout | 1 |
| Société S.P.A.D. | Spad ? | 1 |
| Société S.P.A.D. | Spad S VII | 1 |
| Sopwith Aviation Co | Sopwith ? | 1 |
| Sopwith Aviation Co | Sopwith Camel | 6 |
| Sopwith Aviation Co | Sopwith Triplane | 2 |
| Total | 33 |
