Fritz Höhn

Fritz Höhn
Born 31 May 1896
Wiesbaden, Germany
Died 3 October 1918
St. Martin l'Heureux, France
Allegiance German Empire
Service/branch Infantry, then flying service
Rank Leutnant
Unit 7th Guards Infantry Regiment, FA(A) 227, Jasta 60, Jasta 21, Jasta 81
Commands held Jasta 41
Awards Royal House Order of Hohenzollern, Iron Cross

Leutnant Fritz Höhn (31 May 1896 - 3 October 1918) was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 21 victories.[1]

Contents

Early life and service

Fritz Höhn began his military service in the elite 7th Guards Infantry Regiment.

Aerial service

Höhn began aerial duty as an artillery spotter in two-seated reconnaissance planes, flying for FA(A) 227. He was seconded to Jastaschule II and graduated as a fighter pilot. He joined Royal Saxon Jasta 21 on 15 November 1917, just as they received new Pfalz D.IIIs.[2] He shot down a Brequet 14 bomber on 1 December 1917 for his first victory.[1]

He then had Pfalz no. 4011/17 painted with diagonal stripes to deceive the aim of anyone shooting at him. However, it is unknown if Höhn and his teddy bear mascot were successful with this particular plane.[3] He did become a balloon buster for his next win, shooting down a French kite balloon from 33e Compagnie de Aerostiers on 11 April 1918. The next day, he downed a Spad and a balloon. On 20 April, he shot a double on balloons—one each from the 45e and 75e Compagnies—making him an ace. In the process, he was severely wounded in the knee.[1][4]

Upon his return in August, he added two more enemy aircraft and two more observation balloons to his tally. That made him a double ace, with ten triumphs, and a balloon ace, with six wins.[1]

Towards the end of the month, he had a fleeting assignment as commander of Jasta 60 that lasted until 3 September.[4] For the rest of the month of September 1918, Höhn was the acting commander of Jasta 81. While with them, he scored four Spads and four more balloons.[1][5]

He then was given command of Jasta 41. He scored each of the first three days of October 1918, running his total to 21. He was killed in action on 3 October 1918. His Fokker D.VII was downed by a member of French squadron Spa67.[1][4] Neither his dual rear view mirrors nor his teddy bear wired to the top of the fuselage looking rearwards saved him.[6]

Höhn's final victory total was ten balloons and eleven airplanes.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Fritz Höhn". The Aerodrome. www.theaerodrome.com. http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/hohn.php. Retrieved 2009-09-03. 
  2. ^ Pfalz Scout Aces of World War I. p. 75. 
  3. ^ Pfalz Scout Aces of World War I. pp. 75–76, 36. 
  4. ^ a b c Pfalz Scout Aces of World War I. p. 76. 
  5. ^ Fokker D.VII Aces of World War I Part 2. p. 49. 
  6. ^ Pfalz Scout Aces of World War I. p. 77. 

References

People and aircraft
Campaigns and battles
Entente Powers air services
Central Powers air services