Pfalz Aces

Can someone tell me who were the most successful Pfalz aces were.

Apparently R. Berthold liked the D.III and claimed 20-22 victories in it. Don't think I've heard of any other Pfalz aces but there must've been some.

Why did Berthold like the Pfalz DIII so much? I understood that the Pfalz DIII was not as good as the Albatros fighters.

Enio

[Craig]

The list of Pfalz aces is considerably longer than just Berthold. Many, if not most, German pilots flew the D.III or D.IIIa at some point in their careers. Berthold preferred it over the Albatros because the engine controls were easier to operate, being on the control column rather than on the cockpit walls. He’s lost partial use of his left (?) arm due to a wound at that point.
While it is true that most German pilots preferred the Albatros, the performance differential between the Pfalz and Albatros was minimal. Climb and speed were comparable, and though the pilots thought that the Albatros was more maneuverable, a Pfalz could be counted on to keep its wings on during violent maneuvers and steep dives.
Further complicating this assessment are Allied test reports on a Pfalz D.IIIa, 4184/17, which state that maneuverabilty was generally good, and that the machine “answers well to all controls, much better than does the Albatros D.Va”. (PM Grosz, “German A/C of the First World War - 1966)
Back to the original question: some other high-scorers who used the D.III/IIIa successfully include Loewenhardt, Voss, Degelow, and Klein.
The Pfalz D.XII is a different story. While a good design and able to compete well with enemy counterparts, it was released well after the Fokker D.VII, which was markedly superior to the Pfalz in all repects except diving ability. Subsequently, it was allotted to novice pilots or second-string units.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Jeff Robertson:
Craig is right, ther were many pilots who were successful on the Pfalz D.III ans D.IIIa. Jasta 10 began to re-equip with the Pfalz D.III in September 1917 and began converting to the Pfalz D.IIIa in November 1917. Jasta 10 operated with the Pfalz until May 1918 when they were re-equipped with the Fok. D.VII. Ltn Erich Löwenhardt scored his 3rd through 24th victories while flying a Pfalz D.IIIand D.IIIa. Löwenhardt's 22 victories in Pfalz D.III machines probably makes him the leading Pfalz D.III ace. From my records, Hptm. Rudolf Berthold returned top the front on 18 March taking command of JG.II and began using a Pfalz D.IIIa which he flew until he aquired a Fok. D.VII in June 1918, During he scored his 29th through 37th victories, nine victories. Löwenhardt is the number 1 Pfalz pilot!
Blue skies,
Dan-San Abbott

You are also forgetting the Pfalz D VIII, and I rember seeing that one of the German Aces had his own P 8 with his own color schemes. I can't remember who exactly but I think it might have been Bäumer/Berthold/Rumey.

If anyone remembers let us know.

[Craig]

DSA:
Berthold scored a slew of victories in Sept. 1917, while with Jasta 18. Was he not in a Pfalz then, or was it after his arm wound that he switched from the Albatros?
Also, any ideas about Loewenhardt's Pfalz color scheme(s)?

John:
Bäumer and Auffart flew the Pfalz D.VIII in Spring 1918. One of them crashed his, broke his jaw, and was out of the game for awhile.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

John:
A few Pfalz D.III aircraft were issued to Jasta 18 on 14 October 1917. Jasta 18 was basically equipped with the Alb. D.V. Oblt. Berthold was wia on 10 October 1917 and was sent to the hospital. He returned to thje fron to command JG.II on 18 March 1918. No Pfalz D.III time prior to 18 March 1918 from data I have.
I have no data that Ltn. Rumey ever flew the Pfalz D.VIII. Ltn. Paul Bäumer of Jasta "B" flew one in May 1918 and crashed it on 29 May 1918. He apparently did not score any victories with this machine. Ltn Harald Auffahrt, Führer flew a Green /yellow Pfalz. D.VIII in August 1918 for short period in junction with a Fokker D.VII. He may have gotten his 21st,(8/10/18); 22cd,(8/23/18) and 23rd(9/2/18) victories on this machine.
Craig:
In regard to the Pfalz D.III and Oblt. Berthold see above. I don't have any information on Ltn. Erich Löwenhardt's markings on his Pfalz D.III. I wish I did.
Blue skies,
Dan-San Abbott

Craig, Voss flew a Pfalz DIII (or IIIa)? Tell me more.

[Craig]

Prior to receiving the Fokker F.1 in which he scored rapidly, and in which he was killed, Voss reportedly flew a Pfalz D.III, which may have been 1370/17. This is the well-known machine in which Vzw. Hecht was brought down, machine intact, in December 1917.
Some say Voss scored in the Pfalz, others say maybe.
How's Declan?