| Jasta 11 |
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| world war i aviation | |
| luftwaffe squadrons | |
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Equipped with various models of the excellent Albatros biplane fighter, the first four months of 1917 (culminating in the decimation of the Royal Flying Corps- what became termed ' Bloody April ') saw Jasta 11 become the highest scoring unit on the Western Front. 89 claims for aircraft destroyed were made in April (of a total of 298 made by all German fighter units for the month.) The Jasta's performance is all the more extraordinary as the unit usually flew in small flights of six or less. Significant 'scorers' in the unit that April were Manfred Von Richthofen (22 claims), Lt. Kurt Wolff (23) Lt. Karl Schaefer (21) and Manfred's brother Lt. Lothar Von Richthofen (15). By mid 1917 Jasta 11 had become part of Jagdgeschwader Nr 1- a collection of several Jastas into one administrative and highly mobile tactical force (the true 'Richthofen's Flying Circus'.) Jasta 11 eventually became the second highest scoring German fighter unit with 350 claims 1916-18. In return it suffered 17 pilots killed in action, 2 POW, and 2 killed in flying accidents. |
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