Who flew the most missions?

rammjaeger · 24 December 1998, 08:46 AM

Who flew the most combat missions in WWI on both sides?

Example: Immelmann had already ca 450 in April 1916 after 10 or 11 month of combat. I guess a lot of other pilots had higher numbers.

Barrett · 24 December 1998, 09:52 AM

I seriously doubt that the answer will ever be known--records weren't kept for "sortie count" purposes. There was no fixed number of missions for a "tour" but rather (for the RFC anyway) a period of months before rotation for leave or to Home Establishment.

24 December 1998, 10:51 AM

I guess it would be somebody who would have had the most active service. Udet was in the air for most of the war. I bet he accumulated quite a few sorties.

rammjaeger · 24 December 1998, 09:44 PM

At least the unit "Abteilung 62" (with Immelmann) kept such records because after one year of service the unit reported 1000 combat mission with 94000 km, 25 victories (20 over German-held area) and 2 losses. Strange enough Immelmann made more than 450 missions and counted for 14 of 25 victories in this time.

Darryl · 24 December 1998, 09:57 PM

Hi All and Merry Christmas.

The GAS did not have a "Tour" as such. The pilots fought from joining to the end (one way or another) with brief (1-2 week) leaves every so often. To be taken from the line and sent to training duties was considered a punishment or insult.Given this it would certainly be a German who flew the greatest number.
I seem to recall that the British used six months after which you had leave (2 weeks?) then were assigned to a training unit for another 6 months or more. I think that one combat stint was probably all you had to do if you wanted it that way. (anyone got records or remember?)

I am going completely from memory so feel free to correct my wicked ways*G*.

regards

Darryl

Vigilant · 25 December 1998, 12:43 PM

My God! The RFC with a more "enlightened" approach than the GAS? That's a first

Darryl, The 2 weeks leave came in the middle of the 6 month "tour". Otherwise I think you're spot-on.

Joyeux noel, everyone!

Darryl · 27 December 1998, 10:57 PM

Thanks Vigilant,
"Like I said, the old grey matter, she ain't what she used to be"

(as anyone old enough to get that pun will understand)

regards

Darryl

Michael Skeet · 29 December 1998, 02:43 AM

I've just finished reading "Barker VC" and suspect that

William Barker would have to be amongst the top Allied pilots in terms of missions flown. He was in the air, as either an observer or a pilot, for nearly three years. And since he hated not being at the front, Barker deliberately sabotaged all efforts to turn him into an instructor.