Eduard von Schleich Albatros DV 2034/17

[Askania]

Can somebody confirm that von Schleich painted his aircraft completely black after the death of his friend in Jasta 21, Lt Erich Limpert? Including the Bavarian Lion insignia? Confirm with photo?

I am not so sure now after been reading the exhibition catalogue for the Deutsche Luftkriegsbeute Ausstellung, from the summer of 1918 which was held in Dortmund showing many “Beute” airplanes taken during the last two years.

One other plane that was exhibited ( exhibit Nr 87b) was von Schleich Albatros DV 2034/17. On page 49 in the catalogue you can read:

“Albatros Kampfeinsizter D.5. 2034-17 Kampfflugzeug des bayerischen Oberleutnants Schleich, der als Führer einer bayerischen Jagdstaffel mit diesem Flugzeug in nicht ganz vier Monaten 25 gegner abgeschossen hat. Das Flugzeug ist auf beiden Seiten mit dem bayerischen Wappen bemalt und erhält die Siegestage des helden verzeichnet: 25.5 17.6 21.6 29.6 12.7 13.7 22.8 26.8 3.9 3.9 4.9 5.9 6.9 11.9 15.9 20.9 21.9 21.9 24.9 24.9 “

So the aircraft still had the Bavarian lion on both sides, containing the victory dates of von Schleich. It does not say anything about the color of fuselage or wings, but if he painted his aircraft black, and if this was the color it had at the exhibition, he left the Bavarian lion intact.

Greetings

Askania