Hermann Dahlmann

Who was Hermann Dahlmann?

Generalleutnant Theodor Hermann Dahlmann was an influential aviation administrator during the Third Reich. His rise to power was linked to his World War I experience of knowing both Hermann Göring and Bruno Loerzer.

He began his military career prior to World War I, becoming an officer candidate in October 1913. He first met Göring during 1914. Dahlmann served with ground forces until 25 July 1915, when he transferred to aviation for aerial observer training. He would serve in aviation until war's end, being entrusted by Loerzer with the adjutant's duties for one of the world's first fighter wings, Jagdgeschwader III. Through Loerzer, Dahlmann would come to better know Göring, who was Loerzer's friend.

Dahlmann ended World War I as a decorated fighter ace credited with seven aerial victories. Nevertheless, he did not remain in German military aviation, which had been greatly restricted by the Treaty of Versailles. The decades between the World Wars were spent serving first in police duties, then as a civil servant. By 1 August 1939, when Dahlmann transferred back to aviation by joining the Luftwaffe, he was the civil service equivalent of a colonel.