In short. – Night Fighter Helmuth Lent fallen.
Oberleutnant Helmuth Lent, recipient of the Diamonds, has met his fate in aviation. With him, the air force loses its most successful night fighter, who achieved 102 victories in the battle against the nocturnal terror attacks of the British. – 12-10-44
Night Fighter Helmuth Lent
Was widely known
As the best hunter,
He was the wearer of Diamonds
And with his Messerschmitt
He conquered many a Brit
In numerous aerial battles,
About a hundred Brits fell
By the hand of Helmuth Lent,
It was simply absurd,
When Helmuth Lent appeared,
There was no need to ask
Who was the victor,
He triumphed en masse.
The British flyers fell,
Lent was right on their heels.
Often it seemed like sport,
So many flying fortresses
Shot down by Helmuth,
The Führer was content,
Because Lent dared so much,
And he fastened to his chest
The Knight’s Cross with Diamonds,
It was published in all the newspapers.
People had become accustomed to it,
Constantly reading about Lent,
Constantly impressive victories,
Conquering every Brit.
But now this guy,
This heroic Lent,
Finally went to his creator,
And laid down his life himself.
This Lent has ended his hunting,
And Adolf Hitler complains,
Because nothing will avail him anymore,
Even Lent has abandoned him.
It’s moving very fast now,
And Hitler surely feels it:
He will receive the interest from what he has done
Before spring [lente] arrives.
Post-Editing: Sylvia Stawski, Ernst Sittig
Did you notice an error in this transcription or translation, and would you like to send us a corrected version? Or have you created a lyrical translation that captures rhyme and rhythm of the original? Please feel free to send us your version. We appreciate voluntary support for this memorial project, and we regularly review the messages we receive.