Fraternal symbols

11 October 2002, 08:59 AM

I'm trying to follow up on a lead.
Has anyone ever heard of a WW-I aeroplane whose paint scheme was adorned with a fraternal symbol?

StephenLawson · 12 October 2002, 09:27 AM

Greetings Emmagee:

Several organizational symbols have been recorded by photograph. Check the current Volume 17 #2 front cover and several back issues of Over the Front, showing the Albatros D.V of Jasta 26 with the four opposing letter 'F' from a German health league. Also Rickenbacker carried what appears to be a Masonic symbol (metal disc) near the cockpit of his Nieuport 28.

GrzeM · 14 October 2002, 01:58 AM

There was a Dr.I with red wheel, which was sign of some organization, I don't remember what.
BTW, Linke-Crawford had a hand symbol and a sun symbol on his Brandenburg D.I - what could it mean?
G.

StephenLawson · 14 October 2002, 10:07 AM

GrzeM:
The Fokker Dr.I you mention is the one flown by Ltn. Hasso von Wedel when he was with Jasta 14. It was adorned with the von Wedel family crest the 'Richtrad', symbol of medieval punishment/torture. The von Wedel family had be judges in the middle courts in europe. *The Richtrad or 'Wheel' was used to punish middle court convictions. *The criminal was placed on the wheel and tied at the waste. His/her arms/legs were broken and the shattered members were wound in and out of the spokes and nailed inplace. *A pole was inserted into the hub of the wheel and lifted vertically, then dropped in to a hole and wedged in place. *The resultant drop of the assembly sent the pole sliding through the hub to rest on a flanged plate on the shaft of the pole. The pole was designed to extend approx 6 inches outside the hub. With the criminal firmly in place the pole snapped his or her back as it was dropped into the hole. *Ropes were attached to the rim of the wheel and hung so that local townsfolk could spin the wheel. Hence the judicial term 'to be broken on the wheel.' *In the spring festivals the whole assembly was repainted white and colored cloth was wound around the ropes. Hence the celebratory use of the 'May Pole.'

GrzeM · 14 October 2002, 12:33 PM

Thanks, Steve!
G.

StephenLawson · 15 October 2002, 01:08 PM

Correction on my part here. I wrote Hans and it should be Hasso von Wedel.

stringbags4ever2 · 15 October 2002, 05:12 PM

Question for you Steve: How do you get access to all this great information? Your knowledge approaches the encyclopedic.

StephenLawson · 16 October 2002, 06:34 PM

I cross referenced my collection of C&C USA, GB/Int. and OtF by starting with all the errata and addenda pieces in the back of the journals. These were corrections or additions to previous articles. I simply added the info by vol/issue #/ Page(s)/paragraph as a reference number. Hence when I came to an article and saw that I had already written 19/3/356/4 I knew exactly where to go for additions or corrections.

I was also able to add these to my files on the Jasta/ MFJ/ or Kest in reference to Pilot roster/ combat log or airfield. Thanks to the master Rick Duiven who granted me carte blanche.

Anyone can start a cross reference file on their favorite subjects by opening a 'file' and using the simple reference series spoken of above.

As archivist in the Lafayette Foundation I have hundreds of American sqdn files so it helps to keep certain subjects in certain files. It cuts down on the search time.

StephenLawson · 6 November 2002, 09:15 AM

Heres alittle something from the 'Aircraft" title

Masonic/other society's aircraft markings
« on: 9 September 2002, 1:38pm » Reply with quote Modify message

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Information is sought on possible Masonic or other society's markings on aircraft, mostly Central Powers aircraft, and in general on the possible influence of membership amongst units, services, and "the enemy".

This question is motivated by the examination of various German markings--was that Star of David (in particular, the Jasta 12-marked machine) really the Seal of Solomon, also a Masonic hexagram? Was Wilhelm Gu"rke's Jasta 5 machine, featuring a pentagram, indicative of membership in a secret society? No need to comment on the "eye in pyramid" symbology on another Jasta 5 aircraft....

I also hark back to the presence of society "lodges" in many military regiments throughout history, e.g. those found in British army units during the American Revolutionary War, the presence of "brother" on both sides, etc. Evidently this was a common occurrence.

Any information is appreciated!

Phillip

StephenLawson · 6 November 2002, 12:02 PM

While not entirely 'Fraternal' the Hakenkreuz or swastika was seen on many aircraft from both sides as a talisman for various reasons. Mostly for good luck like Klimke's Anchor. The webmaster may move this in the near future so just follow the prompt.

...broken YABB link...