I only ever use 'Von' in WW1 Flight sims.

In other simulators I use Sven Hassel characters for when I'm playing as a German, Catch-22 and Dr Strangelove characters for when I'm American and Blackadder characters for my British alter ego's.

Indeed, i pose another question within title question:
"How many German members use von in your captain's name"?
I doubt very many :O:
We Germans (me at least) consider it sooo old hat :O:
Must be a "non-German" thingy. :salute:
Sorry for possibly hijacking...
carry on.

I suspect that you are right - it is a non German thing , and it's all to do with stereotypes.

You see (and I am a Brit) if I play a Brit during WW2 , I would probably call myself "Tommy Smith" :03:

I do, but thats cos my real name is Karl von Brockdorff :O:

Ich Bin Rudolf Claussen, Von Clausen, Shaken nicht stirred.

I don't do it. I'm no aristocrat.:shucks:

Also guilty as charged. Respect to JScones and it's interesting to hear from our German friends re cultural differences.

I am English and I agree with robbo it is a stereotypical name to use in the same way I think many people would use 'de' as part of their name if their character was French eg Charles de Gaulle.