Jasta 40s colours

[1Mark66]

Hi all,

Curious if someone (Dan-San?) has info on what Staffel markings were used by Jasta 40s prior to getting their Fokker DVIIs. The Osprey DVII (part 2) volume shows a black fuselage and white tail, but the Osprey Albatros aces shows the Albatros earlier CO Helmut Dilthey, with a green and white striped scheme (Saxon green and white). So my questions are:

Did Degelow introduce the black scheme when he took command after leaving the all black Jasta 7?

Was Dilthey's Albatros unique, or did the Staffel generally use a green and white livery prior to Degelow's arrival?

Mark66

[Gregvan]

Hi,

Well, I'm not Dan-San, but I'll try.

Yes, it's my belief that Degelow introduced the black fuselages and white tails when he took command of Jasta 40 (as you note, his prior service in Jasta 7 no doubt inspired this, at least in part). Later the white tails were modified by the addition of narrow chordwise pin stripes on the tailplanes, elevators and fuselage beneath the tailplane. I think these were black or a VERY dark blue.

As for Dilthey's well-known green and white Albatros, it's the only color scheme I know of prior to the advent of the black and white schemes. Whether it was unique to Dilthey's machine, or was a Staffel pattern, I cannot say for sure - since I simply do not know of any other photos of pertinent aircraft from Jasta 40 in this period. I suspect it was a Staffel marking but that is pure speculation.

Sorry I cannot be more definite.

Greg

[1Mark66]

Thank you! Love the books too.

Mark66

[Dan_San_Abbott]

1Mark66:
I totally agree with Greg. Jasta 40 colors were introduced by Ltn.Carl Degelow when he assumed command of Jasta 40s(saxon). He choose black fuselage and white empennage and personal markings. Carl Degelow in his biography, edited by Peter Kilduff, states black.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[1Mark66]

Thanks Dan-San.

So we don't have info "BD" (before Degelow)? Was Dilthey the only one to fly a green striped Albatros?

Mark66

[Dan_San_Abbott]

1Mark66:
I have nothing in my files from any source that defines Jasta 40s marking before Ltn.Carl degelow took command. Like Greg, I believe the Jasta 40s markings under Ltn. Helmuth Dilthey, were green and white bands on the fuselage and the tailplane. If that is so, the question then is, were there personal markings for the other pilots? This is and unanswered question, and until someone comes forward with additional information, it will remain a question.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[1Mark66]

Thank you Dan-San.

Thanks to people like yourself and Greg who have toiled to get the bits and pieces that are now on the record. Easy to forget how much has still to be found.

Mark66

[Dan_San_Abbott]

1Mark66:
Today while surfing the net, I found a new Fok.D.VII marking, I can match the nose and tail markings to a Rol.D.IVb with identical markings. the problem is, I don't know which Jasta these two machines belonged to.
Blue skies,
Dan-San