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Rick · 27 January 2003, 07:23 AM

Jan,

* *Note that these men did not have to be pilots. *Some were, some weren't. *The 'best' example (although fictional) is from "The Blue Max" where the OzbV was a former observer who had been WIA and whose flying days were over.

* * Within Jasta 35b, most if not all of the OzbV were pilots, chosen almost at random to serve for 3-6 months, then being replaced by another pilot. *For other units, the OzbV was very similar to the Blue Max fellow.

* * Further, note the the OzbV often served as acting C.O. (Stv. CO) when the C.O. was away (leave, unually). *Obviously, if the OzbV was a *former observer, he did not lead in the air - this task usually being handled by the senior man present (not necessarily even an officier). *(Senior in my meaning being the most experienced pilot in the unit).

* *This is probably more information than you wanted. *Sorry to ramble on so long. * * R.

27 January 2003, 07:23 AM	#4
Rick Rest in Peace Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cupertino, CA Posts: 2,843	Jan, * Note that these men did not have to be pilots. Some were, some weren't. The 'best' example (although fictional) is from "The Blue Max" where the OzbV was a former observer who had been WIA and whose flying days were over. * Within Jasta 35b, most if not all of the OzbV were pilots, chosen almost at random to serve for 3-6 months, then being replaced by another pilot. For other units, the OzbV was very similar to the Blue Max fellow. * Further, note the the OzbV often served as acting C.O. (Stv. CO) when the C.O. was away (leave, unually). Obviously, if the OzbV was a former observer, he did not lead in the air - this task usually being handled by the senior man present (not necessarily even an officier). (Senior in my meaning being the most experienced pilot in the unit). This is probably more information than you wanted. Sorry to ramble on so long. * * R.