Demise of the Albatros

[Shredward]

Were there any front-line units still partially or exclusively using the Albatros D at the EoW? Was it completely replaced by Pfalz DXII's and Fokker DVIIls by November 11? I am curious about some of the high-numbered Amerika Programme units in quiet places along the line ie Ja 71, Ja 75, Ja76b, and any others that never received the DVII.
Hope you can help,
shredward

[totoroman]

I don't believe, based on my rather limited readings thus far, that there were ANY front line Jasta that were using the Albatros scouts exclusively at war's end. they might be supplemented with the Fokker D.VII, the Pfalz D.XII, or perhaps the Fokker D.VIII, Roland D.VI or a host of other odd little fighters that rarely get mentioned... but there were probably lots of units that were using at least part (or mostly) Albatros scouts.

it'd probably be better to take an example from British claims, lol. I just tried looking through the French Air Service War Chronology and it seems like over 90 percent of the victories are in one of three categories "two-seater" "scout" or (my personal favorite) "EA"!!!

heh, to go off topic, maybe the reason there's so little scholarly work on French victory claims is because the average French pilot doesn't make it worth our effort to verify his claims!!!

[Gregvan]

Dear Shredward,

At the end of August 1918, according to the Frontbestand listings, there were still 307 Albatros D.Va at the front, 20 Albatros D.V and 52 Albatros D.III. Of course, the Frontbestand lists included aircraft at the AFP's and even (I believe) the forward area training centers like Valenciennes. Thus, on 31 August there were still three Albatros D.I and two D.II's listed!! This is the last date we have for any surviving listings.

Anyway, I'm certain it's still safe to say that some of the lower-priority units, and probably some of the Kests, still had some Albatros D.Va and maybe others on hand when the guns stopped firing. Of course, some of these were probably "reserve" or back-up aircraft. Jasta 75 recorded two Albatros D.Va on active strength as late as September; 7359/17 was flown by Ltn. Schwartz and 7475 was assigned to Uffz. Haut. The unit also recorded 14 D.VIIs, three Roland D.VIb , one DFW C.V "hack" and even a Spad! At least one of the Albatros D.Va's was delivered to the French at Neubreisach after the Armistice

Also, on 13 November 1918, six aircraft from Jasta 63 landed near Stein and Limburg in Holland; supposedly they were reported to have mistaken the Meuse River for the Rhine River, and landed in Holland to be interned. Five of these a/c were D.VIIs but one was an Albatros D.V.

There is quite a bit of photographic evidence for Albatros D.Va's being handed over to the Allies after the war. Many of these were probably training school machines, but some may have been "front line" aircraft.

By the way, of the units you mentioned: Jasta 71 definitely received D.VIIs - a photo shows 14 on hand. Von Hippel received a new D.VII on 18 August, which he wrecked on the 27th. Then, for about a month he flew Albatros D.Va 7548/17 as well as a Pfalz D.XII - then he received a replacement D.VII ()AW) 6428/18 on 2 October and flew it to the end of the war.

Sadly, I have very little data and no photos of late-war equipment of Jasta 76b.

Hope that is of interest. I'm sure Dan-San will add more.

Greg

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Shredward:
In my unpublished listing of "Jagdstaffeln Equipment by Type for July-November 1918." I have Jasta 1 to Kest 9 equipped with Fok.D.VII and some with a mix of some combination of Fok.D.VII, Pfalz D.XII, Rol.D.VIa or b, SSW D.III, SSW D.IV and Fok.D.VI in service with some of the Kest.
My blanks are Jasta 38,39, 41,42,48 and 55. I am reasonable sure there were some Alb.D.V,D.Va, Pfalz D.IIIa still at the front in November 1918probably in Jasta 38,39 and 55. If any of you have information on Jasta 41,42 and 48, photos especially, I sure would appreciate the data.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[Shredward]

Thankyou Greg, Dan and Totoro,
I will put this info to good use in Over Flanders Fields, together with the earlier information on the Pfalz Jastas!
Again, many thanks,
regards,
shredward