"The Eagle Of The Carpathians"

Gentlemen,

I forgot if a thread about Karl Nikitsch had been discussed or not. What he do to earn the title "The Eagle Of The Carpathians"? Titles like this had to be earned by doing well known and big exploits like Rudolf von Eschwege did. Von Eschwege was known as "The Eagle Of Aegean". What decorations did he earned during WWI?

Edward

[GrzeM]

I know that Banfield was "Eagle of Triest".
Cheers!
G.

[agblume]

Hello Edward, Austro-Hungarian pilot Hptm. Karl Nikitsch formed Flik 39 during February 1917 at Strasshof; in March the unit was sent to the Romanian Front, based at Czik Szereda, supporting the k.u.k.1.Armee; during early July Nikitsch was allowed to form a fighter unit with NCO pilots from Fliks 29, 31, 33 and 39 at airfield Kezdi Vasarhely; the unit was officially designated Fliegerdetachment Hauptmann Nikitisch; Nikitsch scored five victories before the unit was disbanded and Flik 39 was transferred to the Isonzo front; his first was scored on 19 July on a Farman; second on 23 July on a Spad; third on 9 August on a Nieuport; fourth on 11 August on a Nieuport; and fifth on 30August on a Farman; Nikitsch received the Prussian Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class and the k.u.k. Order of the Iron Crown 3rd Class with War Decoration and Swords. It should be mentioned that Zugsf. Wilhelm Haring, Zgsf. Hohann Hramann, Feldw. Karl Seltner, Zugsf. Andreas Ezekiel each scored one victory while with the unit. hope this helps you. august

Dear August,

This information sure does help me a lot to know about Karl Nikitsch. I think I remember reading about him in a book called "Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War I" by Martin O'Connor. His exploits sure did win his title all right!

Sincerely,

Edward

[spad]

I read that Johann Hramann shared his victory with Nikitsch (nIieuport 11/08/1917). Were any of the other victories shared between members of this unit? How many victories were scored in all? I am assuming a maximum of eight but...