Jagdstaffel 72

Jasta 72

Fokker D.VII of Jasta 72 at Bergnicourt
Active 1918
Country Kingdom of Saxony, German Empire
Branch Luftstreitkräfte
Type Fighter squadron
Engagements World War I

Background

Royal Saxon Jagdstaffel 72, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 72, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over 58 aerial victories during the war, including three observation balloons downed. The unit's victories came at the expense of two killed in action, one wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.[1]

History

Jasta 72 was founded on 11 February 1918, at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung (Replacement Detachment) 8, Grossenhain. The new squadron became operational on 20 February 1918. On 2 March 1918, it was assigned to 3 Armee. On 28 March, it was moved to 18 Armee to become part of Jagdgruppe Nord. On 1 April 1918, Carl Menckhoff scored the squadron's first aerial victory. On 7 July 1918, Jasta 72 was posted to 1 Armee.[2] The squadron continued to serve until the war's end.

Commanding officers (Staffelführers)

Duty stations

References

Endnotes

  1. Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, p. 52.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, pp. 52-53.
  3. Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, p. 53.