Squadron Leader Squadron leader (Sqn Ldr in the RAF ; SQNLDR in the RAAF and RNZAF; formerly sometimes S/L in all services) is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is als ...

Johannes Jacobus le Roux, (12 April 1920 – 19 September 1944) was a South African

flying ace A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually co ...

of the Second World War, who flew for the

Royal Air Force The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's air and space force. It was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by regrouping the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) an ...

(RAF). He is credited with 23.5 kills Le Roux joined the RAF in 1939. He is one of three pilots who claimed responsibility for attacking and seriously injuring General Erwin Rommel in his staff car on a road outside Sainte Foy de Montgomerie in Normandy. Rommel's vehicle was strafed and the driver lost control. The car then struck a tree and spun off the road, ejecting Rommel and fracturing his skull. 602 Squadron mate Jacques Remlinger and Canadian pilot

Charley Fox Charles William Fox, DFC and Bar, CD (b. February 26, 1920, Guelph, Ontario; d.October 18, 2008, Tillsonburg, Ontario) was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. He attended Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute. ...

also claimed responsibility for the attack. Le Roux was reported missing after his aircraft failed to arrive back in England on 19 September 1944.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roux, Johannes le 1920 births 1944 deaths Royal Air Force pilots of World War II South African World War II flying aces Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Royal Air Force personnel killed in World War II Royal Air Force squadron leaders People from Lesedi Local Municipality Missing in action of World War II