Ltn Constantin Krefft

[tcrean7828]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to find out some more info on Ltn Constantin Krefft?

Here is what I have so far.
- Technical Officer of Jasta 11 and the entire Geschwader JG I

- In a letter addressed to Frau Max Voss dated 29 Dec 1917, three months after her son’s death, he writes that he is sorry that the wine chest arrived late for Christmas and that he will be probably in Germany by 1 January 1918 for 2 or 3 months and asks permission to vist at that time. He also indicates that he will meet Von Richthofen on 10 January in Berlin and asks if they may be allowed to call on her at that time. Kind regards to Herr Voss. Constantin Krefft” -‘LT. Werner Voss – Germany’s Greatest Teenage Ace’ by Walter A. Musciano – Pg 43.

- His 3 Victory List was:
1. unk
2. 02 Apr 1917 – Ltn K. Krefft – Aircraft Type: FE 2d – From: 57 Sqn – Location: Dignies – GS – Pilots total 2nd Victory.
3. 02 Apr 1917 – Ltn Krefft, successful, 09:50am – near Courcelles this side – F.E. D.D., Crew: Capt Tomlinson, Lieutenant Lenison, Both wounded – 3rd victory – I fight.

- Aircraft color scheme: Basically in an ex-works finish of plain varnished fuselage; CDL rudder (with Albatros logo); Although shown as mauve/green, Three color (Light green/dark green/ red-brown) upper wings are more likely; light blue lower wing surface; and light grey metal work. The pilot's marking of a wavy red stripe repeats on the turtle deck.

- Krefft was part of the ‘Schiedsgericht’ or arbitration committee, to settle those victory claims that had multiple victors. The German Air Serivce did not share victory claims, as did their British breveren. The committee was between himself and Oblts von Althaus and Dostler for the Jastas. The committee reviewed the various combat reports and the careful diplomacy and judgement was used to allow or disallow the claim. Only then could the claim be forwarded onto 4 Armee Headquarters for confirmation. ‘Richthofen’s Circus; Jagdgeschwader Nr I’ by Greg VanWyngarden – pg 23-24.

- Survived the War. Died in ???

Can anyone add some more info or direct/point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[Frank_Olynyk]

Tom,

As far as I am aware, Krefft had only two victories. The first was on March 11, 1917, and is the one you list as #2 above (but your date is wrong). The second was on April 2, your #3 above. Both are listed in the Nachrichtenblatt, Vol 1 #7 and #11 respectively, and are given the victory numbers 1 and 2. They also appear in the Kofl 6 Wochenbericht for the corresponding weeks. He made a further claim on April 24. 1917, but did not receive credit for it.

Frank.

[FliegerJG1]

Tom,

The subject of Krefft came up before on this forum and a link to that thread is here:
Krefft thread

As you'll see, his life after the war is a mystery. I inquired on that thread to see whether anyone had tried to contact his family. Someone had, but they received no response. To learn more, it probably would take more dedicated and determined searching.

Best Regards,

FliegerJG1

[Kilian]

There are various old threads about this man on the forums. Just search his name in your user CP

heres one from 2001 that may also be interesting.

2001

[tcrean7828]

Originally Posted by Frank_Olynyk

Tom,

As far as I am aware, Krefft had only two victories. The first was on March 11, 1917, and is the one you list as #2 above (but your date is wrong). The second was on April 2, your #3 above. Both are listed in the Nachrichtenblatt, Vol 1 #7 and #11 respectively, and are given the victory numbers 1 and 2. They also appear in the Kofl 6 Wochenbericht for the corresponding weeks. He made a further claim on April 24. 1917, but did not receive credit for it.

Frank.

Frank,
Are Nachrichtenblatt, Vol 1 #7 and #11 respectively, and Kofl 6 Wochenbericht: books, pamplets, or web sites and if web sites any www.addresses and if books any authors. I would like to acquire a copy of them and add them to my growing collection?

thanks in advance.

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[Bettors Pub]

Based on his two victories in a month, Krefft was obviously a fighter pilot of some ability and just coming into his own. Was the value of a top line Jasta "technical officer" such that it merited him being taken out of the fighting???

Later I think Theodor Dahlmann who was "technical officer/Adj" for Loerzer at JG III flew on a regular basis and had 7/8 victories.

[tcrean7828]

Originally Posted by Bettors Pub

Based on his two victories in a month, Krefft was obviously a fighter pilot of some ability and just coming into his own. Was the value of a top line Jasta "technical officer" such that it merited him being taken out of the fighting???

Later I think Theodor Dahlmann who was "technical officer/Adj" for Loerzer at JG III flew on a regular basis and had 7/8 victories.

Bettors Pub,

A very good possibility as MvR and Krefft were friends.

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[tcrean7828]

Here is another Pic of Krefft for those of you who do not have enough.

cul

tcrean7828

tom