Jagdstaffel 78
| Jasta 78 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1917-1918 |
| Country | Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire |
| Branch | Luftstreitkräfte |
| Type | Fighter squadron |
| Engagements | World War I |
Background
Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 78, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 78, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over eight aerial victories during the war, including one observation balloon downed. The unit's victories came at the expense of two killed in action, one killed in flying accidents, and three wounded in action.[1]
History
Jasta 78 was founded at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung (Replacement Detachment) 1, Schleissheim, on 15 December 1917. Two days later, the new squadron was posted to Armee-Abteilung C. On 28 January 1918, it was transferred to Armee-Abteilung A. Jasta 79 scored its first accredited aerial victory on12 July 1918. [1] The squadron served through war's end.
Commanding officers (Staffelführers)
- Robert Dycke: 15 December 1917 - wounded in action 30 July 1918
- Reinhold Benz: 30 July 1918 - killed in action 13 August 1918
- Gerhard Ungewitter (acting)
- Hans Jungwirth
- Ludwig Schmid: 9 October 1918[1]
Duty stations
References
- Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918. Norman L. R. Franks, Frank W. Bailey, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.