As in the case of Werner Mölders, the circumstances during which "Jochen" Marseille died, have been the object of speculation. Marseille's willfulness and defective discipline are well-known. Having noted his 100th kill on June 17, 1942, he was supposed to take a five week's leave in Germany.
According to unconfirmed sources - which nevertheless laid the ground for a feature film - Marseille should have tried to "back out" in Italy, after having been detailed on the "final solution" intended for the Jewish people. According to this version, he was caught by the Gestapo and given the choice of returning to his unit and continue to play the role of Luftwaffe's war hero No 1 - or having himself and his whole family executed. What is known is that he didn't return to his unit in Africa until the end of August, with the explanation given that he had "disappeared with a woman in Italy".
The following month, Marseille did his utmost to live up to his role as "Hero No 1", setting the record of the war by shooting down 17 British fighters on September 1, 1942. During that month, which was to become the last of his life, he shot down the incredible amount of 57 British aircraft. On September 30, 1942, his Messerschmitt G-2 obtained engine trouble during a routine flight. He bailed out and was struck by the tailplane - but no parachute was opened and the formidable fighter fell to a certain death.