Jasta 11

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Jagdstaffel 11 ("No 11 Fighter Squadron") was founded in September 1916, as part of the German Air force's expansion programme, forming permanent specialised fighter squadrons, or "Jastas". Its first commander was Oberleutnant Rudolf Lang, although Jasta 11's first months of operations were very undistinguished. It was not until the appointment of Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen in January 1917 as CO that the unit commenced its path to fame and immortality. Von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron (due to the practice of painting his aircraft red for easy identification during combat) was already an able tactical pilot and ace following several months of service in Jasta 2 and became a highly effective unit commander who led his pilots by example.

Equipped with various models of the excellent Albatros sesquiplane 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 Schäfer (21) and Manfred's brother Lothar (15).

By mid 1917 Jasta 11 had become part of Jagdgeschwader 1 - a collection of several Jastas into one administrative and highly mobile tactical force ('Richthofen's Flying Circus'.)

Jasta 11 eventually became the highest scoring German fighter unit with 350 claims 1916-18. In return it suffered 17 pilots killed and 19 wounded in action, 2 POW, and 2 killed in flying accidents.