Jagdstaffel 79

Jasta 79
Active 1917-1918
Country Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire
Branch Luftstreitkräfte
Type Fighter squadron
Engagements World War I

Background

Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 79, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 79, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over 28 aerial victories during the war, including three observation balloons downed. The unit's victories came at the expense of four killed in action, three killed in flying accidents, 13 wounded in action, two injured in aviation accidents, and three taken prisoner of war.[1]

History

Jasta 79 was founded on 7 November 1917 at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung (Replacement Detachment) 1, Schleißheim. It was activated on 28 January and posted to 3 Armee on 2 February 1918. The new squadron drew first blood on 22 March 1918. Also in March, they were reassigned to 18 Armee; they would remain in support of this army until war's end.[1]

Commanding officers (Staffelführers)

Duty stations

Notable personnel

Aircraft

Jasta 79 was initially equipped with Pfalz D.III fighters. They later re-equipped with Fokker D.VIIs. It also operated one or more Pfalz D.XII fighters.[1]

References

Endnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, p. 54.
  2. Franks, Bailey Guest 1993, pp. 95-96.