Jagdstaffel 59

Jasta 59
Active 1918
Country Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Branch Luftstreitkräfte
Type Fighter squadron
Engagements World War I

Background

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 59, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 59, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over 20 aerial victories during the war. The unit's victories came at the expense of four pilots killed in action and two wounded in action.[1]

History

On 6 January 1918, Jasta 59 was founded at the pilots and observers training school at Schwerin, Germany. The new unit became operational on 21 January. It was assigned to 2 Armee on the 24th. On 1 February 1918, Jasta 59 was posted to 17 Armee, to remain part of this army for the duration of the war. Jasta 59 was merged into Jagdgruppe Sud on 10 February 1918. A week later, the squadron flew its first combat missions. It drew its first blood on 10 March 1918.[1]

When Jagdgruppe 8 was founded by Eduard Ritter von Schleich on 15 March 1918, Jasta 59 was one of the squadrons included in the new fighter wing.[1]

Commanding officers (Staffelführers)

Duty stations

References

Endnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, pp. 49-50.