Jagdstaffel 39


Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 39, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 39, was a "hunting group" of the Luftstreitkräfte, the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I. The unit would score 68 aerial victories during the war, including 14 observation balloons downed. The squadron's victories came at the expense of seven pilots killed in action, one killed in a flying accident, five wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.

History

Jasta 39 was founded on 30 June 1917 at Fliegerersatz-Abteilung 15, Hannover, Germany. It held its first formation 2 August 1917, under its original commander, Karl August Raben. It would serve until war's end, when the Luftstreitkräfte was disbanded.

Commanding officers (''[Staffelführer]'')

  1. August Raben: 2 August 1917
  2. Franz von Kerssenbrock: 17 November 1917
  3. Josef Loeser: 4 December 1917
  4. Johann Hesselink: 4 April 1918

    Duty stations

  5. Hannover, Germany: 30 June 1917
  6. Ensisheim: 2 August 1917
  7. Campoformido, Italy:
  8. San Giacomo, Italy
  9. Roveredo, Italy
  10. Cervada, Italy
  11. San Fior, Italy
  12. St. Loup, Champagne, France: March 1918
  13. Boncourt, France
  14. Guesnain, France
  15. Bapaume, France
  16. Rocourt-Saint-Martin, France
  17. Erre, France
  18. Bühl, France

    Notable personnel

Jasta 39 opened combat operations in support of Armee-Abteilung B on 15 August 1917. On 15 September 1917, it was transferred to Italy, where it would score 41 aerial victories. The squadron would return to France in March 1918, and serve there until war's end.

Aircraft

Jasta 39 operated Albatros D.III and Albatros D.V fighters while in Italy. It is not known what other aircraft were used.