| Jasta 6 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Fokker Dr.I of Jasta 6 | |
| Active | 1916–1918 |
| Country | German Empire |
| Branch | Luftstreitkräfte |
| Type | Fighter squadron |
| Engagements | World War I |
Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 6 was one of the original units of theLuftstreitkräfte, the air arm of theImperial German Army duringWorld War I.
TheJasta was founded on 25 August 1916 fromFokkerstaffel Sivry, itself an early attempt to use the new winged weapons of fighter aircraft. On 29 September, it was assigned to2 Armee and refurbished withAlbatros D.I fighters.[1]
WhenManfred von Richthofen formedJagdgeschwader 1 on 24 June 1917, Jasta 6 moved to Markebecke on 2 July to join them. The squadron would remain part of theFlying Circus for the rest of the war. In June, July, and August 1917, the jasta lost a commanding officer per month to enemy action, even as the unit moved from one hot spot to another. It also struggled with technological problems, as it needed genuine castor oil to lubricate the rotary engines of its aircraft.[2]
Jasta 6, at the end of the war, moved back into FEA 9, Darmstadt. On 16 November 1918, they disbanded and passed into history. They had been credited with 196 confirmed aerial victories, at the cost of ten pilotskilled in action, 9wounded in action, two killed in flying accidents, four injured in flying accidents, and two pilots takenprisoner of war.[2][3]
Although most notable aces in the squadron rose to command at one time or another,Franz Hemer andKurt Küppers served in its ranks and earned honors without succeeding to the helm.[4]
When the squadron was formed, it had eightFokker Eindeckers, mostlyFokker E.IVs, which it used for its first month of operations. It added Albatros D.Is on strength in September 1916, and had at least oneFokker D.V assigned.Albatros D.IIIs were put into service in March 1917. By June 1917,Albatros D.Vs had been added to the squadron's roster, as well asFokker Triplanes. Many of the aircraft wore a unit marking of black and white stripes on their elevators; personal insignia went on the fuselage. On the later triplanes, the engine cowling was painted scarlet and white in a petal pattern. By May 1918, the unit was re-equipped with someFokker D.VIIs. In August, it received someFokker D.VIIIs, but had to withdraw them from service due to lack of castor oil to lubricate their air-cooled rotary engines.[5]
