Jagdstaffel 42

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 42, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 42, was a "hunting group" of the Luftstreitkräfte, the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I. The unit would score over 30 aerial victories during the war. The squadron's victories came at the expense of four killed in action, one wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.

History

Jasta 42 was founded in September 1917 at Flieger-Abteilung 3, Gotha, Germany. The squadron became operational on 18 December 1917. On 17 April 1918, it was consolidated into Jagdgruppe 12, which was commanded by Heinrich Kroll.

Commanding officer (''[Staffelführer]'')

Karl Odebrett

Duty stations

Gotha, Germany: September 1917
Mars-la-Tour, France: 20 December 1917
Froidmont: 26 March 1918
Ercheu, France: 17 April 1918
Grécourt, France: late May 1918
Clastres, France: 15 August 1918
Parpeville, France
Le Brule
Bois Saint Denis
Thuilles

Operations

Beginning 20 December 1917, Jasta 42 flew aerial support for Armee-Abteilung B. On 26 March 1918, they moved to support 7 Armee. In late May 1918, they were reassigned to support of 18 Armee; they remained in this role until war's end.