Typhoon pilot Albie Götze

Albie Götze was a Typhoon and Spitfire pilot in WW2. He participated in D-Day and Market Garden operations.
Albie was one of only a few South Africans who flew operations with the rocket firing Hawker Typhoon aircraft.
I did this interview in June 2014 at his home in Natal.
Thanks to Albie for his kindness during my visit and for allowing the interview in front of the camera.

[@4vepvik781]

Such a brave/skilled and lucid pilot whose memory is still sharp after all those years. Clearly n objectively recounting the horrific war of attrition flying the Typhoon.

[@HermanLabuschagne]

I had the privilege of meeting his son recently. A gentleman of the highest order. You can see when a man has been raised well with a hero as a father.

[@2serveand2protect]

Thank You all South African Pilots. Poland never forgets. Pozdrowienia.

[@hazed1009]

North weald airfield is just up the road from me!! (Essex, UK) We go to airshows and fairs there all the time. No longer a military airfield , just a local for private pilots but at shows the spitfires often overfly it. What a great interview. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to document these stories from truly great men. It truly is a worthwhile pursuit, and you'll be thanked forever more by all who see these , now priceless , films. Salute you, sir , for your channel.😮

[@barnbersonol]

Already knowing that Tiff pilots were dying like flies .. he still volunteers to be one. One seriously brave dude.

[@kurthubbard-beale5003]

"666 pilots lost their lives from June 6th (6/6) onwards to operations ceased" War is really satanic sacrifice by the hidden in plain sight - Organisers of it. Ref. Professor Henry Makow Research what we're saying. Throw away all your conditioning and all cognitive dissonance open your mind to (just a bit-part) of the deception that keeps humanity trapped. The significance of numerology that they - the establishment Cabaal, practices and worships is real 😳🤔😎

[@PenzancePete]

What amazing word salad. What are you trying to say?

[@Farweasel]

@@PenzancePete I think what Kurt *really* wants to say, in fact in a very real but coded sense is cleearly saying is: 'I can't afford the penis enlarger I desperately need and I am so narcissistically hungry for attention I shall make childish comments in grossly inappropraite places'. Which he does because he is a pathetic turd of a person. He doesn't even utilise in their correct meaning the psychobable he spouts. Its parrot like - To him they must simply be sounds.

[@MarsFKA]

@@Farweasel I detect an array of copy/paste Kurt's post. He had my attention right up to the word "satanic".

[@mikeneill6813]

@@kurthubbard-beale5003 GO AWAY!!!!! You are now becoming a copy and paste BORE.

[@davidmackee8575]

Very brave man sir and thank you..

[@androidemulator6952]

Truly the greatest generation. Respect to you sir.

[@pierreschmit9148]

Many thanks to Albie It really took guts A great interview and video

[@stuartcampbell3861]

Thank you Tinus for highlighting South African involvement and contributions to winning the war as we seldom get any mention in historical documentaries about WWI, WWII and Korea

[@kurthubbard-beale5003]

"666 pilots lost their lives from June 6th (6/6) onwards to operations ceased" War is really satanic sacrifice by the hidden in plain sight - Organisers of it. Ref. Professor Henry Makow Research what we're saying. Throw away all your conditioning and all cognitive dissonance open your mind to (just a bit-part) of the deception that keeps humanity trapped. The significance of numerology that they - the establishment Cabaal, practices and worships is real 😳🤔😎

[@MrDaiseymay]

we can thank all those marxist commie gutless bastards, in positions of power in post-war Britain. Even now, they spread their poison about South African whites.

[@conradstauffer4088]

@@kurthubbard-beale5003 Agreed. And now the world is seeing that satanic power in American politics too. IN PLAIN SIGHT.

[@hazed1009]

You're not forgotten by those of us who take the time to learn about WW2. Be assured , not everyone is so ignorent of your countries monumental contributions. (Especially in North Africa, a favourite topic of mine, and the Battle of Britain too)

[@malcolmbrown153]

What a fantastic story and what a brave pilot he was,a true hero,

[@patrickmacconnell4364]

My father was a Spitfire pilot in the RCAF. He had the greatest respect for the Typhoon pilots flying into flak on purpose to identify the source and attack them. He never wanted to trade places with them

[@davidbarrett1487]

Sheer utter bravery of those warrior pilots WW2 no doubt on both sides. It won’t be forgotten by those that care.

[@davidbaker8957]

Chased a 1-90 into France and it’s a Oil spot on his wingsceen. 😂That made me chuckle. Great character as many of them were.

[@conradstauffer4088]

wow... just the INTEGRITY to admit that mistake gains my resect.

[@georgepenn8922]

My Uncle flew those, 183 Squadron - very proud of him. 97 this year.

[@peterm2340]

Hi George. My uncle flew typhoons too I trying to find more about his ops but he died in the 70s.

[@georgepenn8922]

@@peterm2340 Get in touch with RAF or the RAF museum and ask IF they have his War records, it's all recorded what he did. Good Luck.

[@Henryk516]

Thank you Sir for recalling your action in WWII, you are a true hero who survived and lived to tell the tale. God bless you Mr. Allbie Gøtze.

[@veo1960]

What a story you've preserved for coming generations! And Albie: What a treat!

[@lohikarhu734]

Thanks for supporting those young (and older) Canadians landing into the hell of Juno ! Albie really brought home the terrible nature of his war, and seemed to often feel for the people on "the other end" of his guns and rockets...These stories help us remember the horrible costs to all concerned in these wars. I knew something of how bad it was, on the ground, by how *little* he had to say about it. Thanks for bringing these very personal stories to light!

[@arrowbflight5082]

An excellent video/interview on a Typhooner whom relates his experience's. Interestingly, Albie speaks of a fellow pilot Johnny Colton. Johnny was one of eight Canadian's who served with RAF No.137 Sdqn and was one five who made it back home to Canada. Prior to his passing, Johnny was presented with a special citation at N.D. HQ in Ottawa. He spoke of his time on " Tiffies " and noted " that every night we would gather in the mess. Whether no pilots returned or one returned, we respected them and toasted to lost friends." One of those five was Martin Pederson. Martin's 93rd and last operational sortie was a recce from the Netherlands to ( Happy Valley ) the Ruhr. Upon returning, he was given an aircrew medical and was grounded by the M.O. His nick name was " old Pete", he was 23 and was the oldest pilot in No.137 at the time. Martin noted some 50 odd years later that prior to his grounding, only two pilots had completed an operational tour. One had lost an eye, the other, his mind. He further noted that in one year of operation's on Typhoon's No. 137 lost 71 pilots, either killed or missing. Very sobering, isn't it. They were giants among men. Thank You Albie, Johnny and Martin. " SIC ITUR AD ASTRA ". Update: thus far, eleven Canadian's are known to have flown " Tiffies " in service with No. 137. Of those eleven pilots, six returned home.

[@kurthubbard-beale5003]

"666 pilots lost their lives from June 6th (6/6) onwards to operations ceased" War is really satanic sacrifice by the hidden in plain sight - Organisers of it. Ref. Professor Henry Makow Research what we're saying. Throw away all your conditioning and all cognitive dissonance open your mind to (just a bit-part) of the deception that keeps humanity trapped. The significance of numerology that they - the establishment Cabaal, practices and worships is real 😳🤔😎

[@MarsFKA]

@@kurthubbard-beale5003 You have already posted this gibberish in reply to another comment. No need to repeat yourself.

[@jasonjohnstone686]

Thanks for sharing your memories Albie, indeed the bravest generation.

[@craigpennington1251]

Thank you Mr. Gotze for your service. Thanks for posting another great part of history. Excellent video.

[@chriswilde7246]

We had a teacher at our school back in the 70's who was a Typhoon pilot in WW2, Mr Harris, sadly I think he's gone now, but some of the stories he told us.

[@MrDaiseymay]

WONDERFUL STORY---WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO BE REMINDED WHAT A HELL OF A PRICE, THIS GENERATION PAID, FOR OUR FREEDOM--NEVER--LET IT GO.!!!

[@j1bc]

Thank you on Armistice Day Albie. A pity so many brave young men lost there life`s during that terrible conflict but you were on the right side Sir,fighting against tyranny.

[@weneedtermlimits]

"You got hit so many times, I did 3crash landings," Wow. Amazing.

[@sydsacks9097]

Brave, compassionate and self effacing man; he flew a phenomenal plane that considerably shortened the war and saved thousands of Allied lives on the ground but at a heavy cost to him and his comrades. Thank you for bringing us this video!

[@tomato6999]

God bless you Albie i thank god for you and all the others like you

[@j1bc]

Thank you Albie

[@billywindsock9597]

Typhoon RB396 is being rebuilt to honour men like Albie. The pilots and crews that made the Typhoon such a tough weapon.

[@ronaldreid2185]

Thanks for sharing this. I was lucky enough to meet Topper Van der Spuy, a SAAF pilot who flew Spitfires in Italy and F51's in Korea. Topper was his WW2 callsign, a name that stuck. I think he holds the record for most active service missions of any wartime pilot. Topper was a colourful eccentric and anyone who has ever met him will never forget him. I spent an evening with Topper when he called a friend for a lift, and I tagged along for the ride. Topper spent the evening telling us stories of his wartime experience (a bottle of whisky may have been involved). I only wish I had a tape recorder with me. It was unique experience to listen to the memories of a very unique man.

[@ronaldreid2185]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Nope not related that I know.

[@j1bc]

Another excellent interview. What a pleasure it must have been meeting and listening to these guys stories though.

[@mrcarlo1966]

Could listen to him all day.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

mrcarlo I fell asleep in less than a minute !!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[@johnphillips519]

I have always loved the look of the Typhoon

[@Kingmick58]

And then the Tempest. Even better. My fave of all.

[@socratease1432]

I knew that the Typhoon pilots had a tough job to do, but Albie brings the reality of war to the forefront. ,

[@kevanmallison8610]

Jeweled Warrior of the Air, and a Gentleman.

[@lotnylotny671]

He flew and shot at the Germans? He's my Hero. Greetings from Poland.

[@robervin4384]

I know it's been posted a bit, just want to add my thanks. These interviews are dearly appreciated. I observe & listen to these young "adults" today and juxtapose with those of yesteryear (financial depression, war, sacrifices, etc.) and feel somewhat disconcerted.

[@agoetz64]

This man was a credit to his country and our war effort! One tough and well spoken guy! I am proud that I have a similar last name to his, which is Goetz, Americanized from the German G - umlaut O - T - Z. Our family came from about 35 miles south west of Mainz, in Framersheim, Germany, with our ancestor, Andreas G - (umlaut) o - t - z, being sent to America to avoid being drafted into the Prussian front lines in 1861. I wonder whether we are distantly related. What a terrific story!

[@lewistaylor1965]

Thank You Tinus...Your videos are so precious...~S~

[@dad2jmcnb]

Said it before but Tinus you're doing a fantastic thing here for posterity. Another great interview.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Never mind "the few" South Africans, they were all welcome and did their bloody job !!

[@gazzaboo8461]

RIP Albie. 🛩

[@ronaldweed6103]

Thx for your Service

[@mickyday2008]

He’s my favourite WW2 pilot. Balls of steel. Brilliant

[@neil03152]

Thank you Sir.

[@bobmcrae5751]

I love the part where he says he chased an FW 190 which turned out to be on oil spot on his wind screen.

[@BrianJ001]

What a Man!!!

[@patrickfreeman8816]

I've read several books about the Typhoon and the men who flew them. They were spit into the enemies face to allow large scale operations a better chance of success. Who would choose to fly INTO flak at low level? This rugged airplane and the men who flew them are absolute HEROES! The phrase "... so that others might live" certainly applies.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Amazing man and a pleasure to listen to!

[@brynvjones6679]

Thank you ever so much, Albie

[@darnhard]

thank you for your service sir , a true hero from the last great generation

[@brucemcnally3924]

Such a brave and modest man. incredible.

[@crafter170]

Balls of steel.

[@oscar35575]

A very brave veteran and hero. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

[@barryjeter]

Salute Sir. Thank you.

[@gileswhitehead7437]

An amazing account. 609 also used Typhies and is our local squadron hence my interest. An outstanding video.

[@ivorbiggun710]

Led by Roland 'Bee' Beaumont who was instrumental in introducing the Typhoon and Tempest in to service. I spoke to him once. A very interesting and nice man. Despite the losses Typhoons played a vital role in Allied victory in Europe. Flak was the killer but all aircraft suffered from that. Johnny Baldwin was the most successful ace on the type, destroying 15 enemy aircraft. Considering that for most of its career the type was used in the extremely hazardous ground attack and close support role this was quite an achievement. He flew F-86s in Korea with the USAF as an exchange officer. Sadly he went missing during the conflict and no trace of him has ever been found. There is a rumour that he was accidentally shot down by his wingman.

[@Vlerkies]

Fantastic interview, thank you both.

[@danhillman4523]

What a wonderful man! So very happy that you made it!

[@bongofrenzy303]

thank you.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you sir for your service

[@Calidore1]

Incredible bravery of those guys.

[@stately1967]

what an amazing man.

[@vancetrigger]

wow...thank you sir

[@didierdenice7456]

Excellent interview again ! and nice work with the video ! Thanks !

[@mickyday2008]

Top bloke. Amazing

[@theoldfartschannel265]

What an honest account of war.

[@wistypoo1]

What a guy !!

[@cryptotharg7400]

Typhoons were serious ground-attack aircraft. God bless this old man!

[@philipjooste9075]

At 1:24 it is noticeable that Albie's cap badge is different to his fellow officers. Did seconded SAAF pilots continue to wear their SAAF uniforms and did they keep their SAAF rank (which was different to RAF)?

[@vipertwenty249]

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

[@kenreeve6549]

bless you , and thank you Sir

[@nickbreen287]

I miss these.

[@chrispza]

Amazing Tiffy pilots; sleeping on the ground, and flying just a few hundred feet of the deck on their missions.

[@arrowbflight5082]

The lads flew as low as 15 - 20 ft off the deck. There were instances in which pilots got a little to low and bent the tips of the props back 110 degrees and still, they came back.

[@nefty4247]

thanks for letting him telling his stories. great stuff

[@Erated78]

Amazing video, what stories. Thank you

[@nev7711]

Brilliant listening to a brave man.

[@johnseabrook1029]

Very brave man. Good on him.

[@TheRealHawkeye]

Thank you for doing these interview Tinus.

[@michaelmoore234]

So good to watch these heroes tell their stories... without them..

[@stewartw.9151]

All of these guys are so self-effacing. He mentions, as a throwaway line, that he "got four" V1s, nothing to make a fuss about!

[@kurthubbard-beale5003]

"666 pilots lost their lives from June 6th (6/6) onwards to operations ceased" War is really satanic sacrifice by the hidden in plain sight - Organisers of it. Ref. Professor Henry Makow Research what we're saying. Throw away all your conditioning and all cognitive dissonance open your mind to (just a bit-part) of the deception that keeps humanity trapped. The significance of numerology that they - the establishment Cabaal, practices and worships is real 😳🤔😎

[@pikeywyatt]

just thank you .

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Breathtaking vid...so evocative of these critical times. Hats off to him for his courage and the maker off this vid.👍🏻👏🏻

[@johncrispin2118]

Albie, thankyou so much not just for this valuable account, but all the exploits you describe and your comrades in arms. The tiffie was not perfect By any means but the nearest thing to a flying tank I guess and in your skilled hands formidable. Lets hope one of the Typhoons or a Tempest can be made airworthy soon, because because those brave 600 odd should be honoured in that way.

[@ivorbiggun710]

There are currently two Typhoons being restored to airworthiness. One in the UK and one in Canada. There are also plans in the UK to put at least one Tempest back in the air.

[@johnwayneisthisme3475]

Salute...

[@jengar6258]

Fantastic work, brave man that albie ;)

[@charliebryce3783]

Strong parallels to the story of pierre clostermann a free french fighter pilot who wrote 'the big show'. Really well written account of his exploits

[@TinusleRouxRSA]

fantastic book! he flew Tempest also a beast aircraft!

[@chrisbailey459]

Thankyou all for our liberty.

[@welshpete12]

I had a relative that was a instructor on Typhoons . He didn't say a lot . But one thing he did tell me was they would bust into flames on engine start up . If the Pilot didn't put one of the controls in just the right setting . Then pilot would be very lucky to get out before he was burnt to death . He never said what one , but I presume it was the engine richness control .

[@grahamtester749]

They're braver men than the likes of many a later gerneration could only ever whish to be like and to whom we of our time owe everything that we take for granted to

[@Phil-nz9ux]

Merci, Monsieur !

[@RobinMousley]

Respect! Great interview, thank you.

[@paultzacos7470]

Thank you ....very interesting

[@michaeldillon7826]

God bless you sir,

[@stephenizzy1]

Lympne, just down the road from me Ashford in Kent. 😊

[@beachboy0505]

Great warrior

[@lebaillidessavoies3889]

wahoo....awful this dakota crash with all the guys still inside but one parachut.....crazy...

[@emmascully9850]

Thank you Sir, Bravo Zulu.

[@paulchandler9646]

Thee was only 2 Tigers in France in June 44 the rest were Panthers.

[@nickjohnson710]

Trolling again 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 so wittman was in one who was in the other one 😉

[@thejollyfrog2791]

What an incredible fellow hip hip horah

[@martynjames5963]

And after 4 hours I was able to fly solo ...

[@Kitfoxmk1]

Remarkable courage