Jagdgeschwader 71
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jagdgeschwader 71 (JG71) was the first West German jet fighter unit in operation. The unit was formed in June 1959, equipped with 50 Canadair Sabre Mk.6s and stationed at Ahlhorn. The highest-scoring fighter pilot of all time, Erich Hartmann, flew aircraft such as the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in the newly formed wing in the late 1950s.
On 21 April 1961, the 43rd anniversary of the death of “Red Baron” Rittmeister Manfred Von Richthofen, JG 71 was given the honour title of “Richthofen” by Federal President Lübke. In 1961, JG 71 transferred from Ahlhorn to Wittmund.
[edit] Jagdgeschwader 71 during World War II
There was also a Jagdgeschwader 71 serving in the Luftwaffe for a short while during World War II. It consisted of I. Gruppe, with a Gruppestab and two Staffeln. It was created on 16 July 1939 in Schleissheim, and served until redesignated II./JG 51 in October.
[edit] See also
 |
This German military article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
