Jagdstaffel 73

Jasta 73
Active 1918
Country Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Branch Luftstreitkräfte
Type Fighter squadron
Engagements World War I

Background

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 73, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 73, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score 29 aerial victories during the war, including seven night victories, and including an observation balloon downed. The unit's victories came at the expense of three killed in action.[1]

History

Jasta 73 was founded on 11 February 1918 at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung (Replacement Detachment) 14, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The new squadron was first assigned to 3 Armee. The new unit flew its first combat sorties on 17 March 1918. On 21 May 1918, the jasta moved to 1 Armee. It scored its first aerial victory while there, on 30 May 1918. On 11 July 1918, it was incorporated into Jagdgruppe 1. Jasta 73 is arguably the world's first night fighter squadron; its Staffelführer Fritz Anders was the first night fighter ace in history. [1]

Commanding officers (Staffelführers)

Duty stations

Notable personnel

Aircraft

References

Endnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, p. 53.