Jagdstaffel 66

Jasta 66
Active 1918
Country Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Branch Luftstreitkräfte
Type Fighter squadron
Engagements World War I

Background

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 66, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 66, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over 97 aerial victories during the war, including seven observation balloons downed. The unit's victories came at the expense of five pilots killed in action, one who died in captivity, and two taken prisoner of war.[1]

History

Jasta 66 was founded on 27 January 1918 at Hannover, Germany, at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung (Replacement Detachment) 5. The new squadron became operational on 5 February. On 12 February 1918, it was attached to 7 Armee. Rudolf Windisch scored the unit's first victory on 15 March 1918. Jasta 66 would serve 7 Armee until war's end.[1]

Commanding officers (Staffelführers)

Duty stations

References

Endnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, p. 51.