He was called diePechvogel, the unlucky bird. He was known more for the races that he lost than those that he had won, but to dismiss him as a journeyman driver would do him a great disservice. While not at the level of his teammates Caracciola, Fagioli and Lang he was an extremely fast and courageous driver. What he was lacking was the sensitivity for his car that would guide him in when to push and when to hold back.
Born in Hamburg on the 15th of August 1905, to a military family. His father had been a major in the German Army while his uncle was appointed Army Commander in Chief and promoted to Field Marshall by Hitler.
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