Gruppenkommandeur II./JG 27 in January 1940, Erich von Selle was appointed to command II./JG 3 in February 1940. He fought in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, claiming a Spitfire over the Thames on 26 August 1940, two more Spitfires on 30 August over Dungeness and on 7 September over London as well as a Hurricane on 29 September south of London. On 1 October 1940, Hauptmann von Selle took up a staff position with Nachtjagddivison. In July 1941 he was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 54 on the Eastern Front, until December the same year. Promoted to Major, von Selle became Geschwaderkommodore JG 1 during the period January 1942 – August 1942. Oberstleutnant von Selle commanded JG 101 fighter training wing from December 1942 - April 1944. He then commanded Zerstörergeschwader 1 until July 1944. He is credited with 7 aerial victories.
Below; Hptm. Werner Machold's 7./JG 2 Bf 109 E-4. Note the 71/02 fuselage mottle, late September 1940.
