First Allied descriptions of fights against the Fokker D.VII

[Volker_Nemsch]

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Hello!
During the Spring of 1918 the Allied pilots mostly were equipped with superior fighters (S.E.5a, Sopwith Camel, Spad XIII) and they certainly knew that the Albatros and Pfalz fighters were only equal or slightly superior if flown by an experienced German pilot. Maybe the Fokker Dr.I still was the only German aircraft that was considered to be a real thread – especially since only the most experienced Jastas were equipped with it.

So, when did the allied pilots noticed the appearance of the Fokker D.VII (early May or even late April 1918) and are there any reports existing? This aircraft was surely recognised as “something new”, because it looked so different when compared with the streamlined older fighters made by Albatros or Pfalz.

Thanks in advance for any hint.
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[Fill]

Hi
WFJ Harvey from 22 Squadron met some on May 28 ( from memory ). His crew in the Brisfit claimed 2 ( no losses I have found ) . At the time they were claimes as " new fast small 2-seaters " and where awarded as C types . Only after the fact he realised he had come across the DVII and what he thought was fire from the Observor's gun , was actually the sun glinting off the pilots goggles as he looked behind . From that it could be imagined that he wasn't as close to his opponent as perhaps Carl Degelow would have advised in his famous form of attack .

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Hi Volker:
The Fok.D.VII was issued to Jasta 10 in mid May 1918 also to Jasta 11in preparation for the Operation Blücher to commence on 27 May 1918. By 1 June 1918, a number of Jasta had been equipped with the Fok.D.VII I would surmise the first reports would have come from French Escadrilles. Jadgeschwader Nr.1 Richthofen was assigned to the German 7.Armee for Operation Blücher. I believe the first captured Fok.D.VII was Fok.D.VII(OAW) 2009/17, I think it was from Jasta24s. The second, was Fok.D.VII 368/18, Ltn. Hans Schultz of Jasta 18 was shot down and taken as a POW on 6 June 1918. The third machine was Fok.D.VII 382/18 flown by Ltn. Georg von Hantlemann of Jasta 15, but was borrowed by Ltn. Kurt Wüsthoff of Jasta 15, who was shot down on 17 June 1918 and taken POW. They were seen in late May and captured in early June 1918 on both the French and British Fronts. None were issued or seen in April 1918.
Blue skies Volker,
Dan-San