Ltn. Josef Mueller, Jasta 23b

It appears that my father, Lt. L. C. Gilmour, 208 RFC, a Canadian, was shot down by Mueller at 1245, July 31, 1918. It's my understanding that 23b was at Epinoy on that date, but I would like to learn more about Mueller, his aircraft and his life after the war. I'm told he survived the war. Any data would be very helpful. Thanks

[Volker_Nemsch]

Hello Elsie!

I have found a website concerning Jasta 23b:

There Ltn. Josef Mueller is credited with only 1 confirmed victory (most probably the aircraft of your father). It seems that Ltn. Mueller survived the war.

The names "Josef" (or Joseph) and Mueller (or Müller) are very common in Germany, so that there is nearly no chance to find out about his life after WW1. But perhaps other Forumites know more details!?

As far as I know there were 3 different types of aircraft used during summer 1918 in Jasta 23b: Albatros D.V/D.Va, Roland D.VI and perhaps some early Pfalz D.XII.

Most probably the Pfalz D.XII fighters were flown by the more experienced pilots with a better victory score. The Roland D.VI was not in a very widespread use in the German airforce. So I can assume that Joseph Mueller maybe scored his only victory in an Albatros D.V/D.Va.

http://209.235.66.44/WW1/Germans/Jastas/Jasta_23.htm

Hope this helps!

[Rick]

Elsie,

* * I can supply his war service record, but I know nothing about his post-war record.

Ltn.d.R. Josef Müller, 1 v/c

FEA 1b * * * * * * * * * *9Oct17 *- *16Oct17
Flieger Schule * * * 16Oct17 *- * 9Feb18
FEA 1b * * * * * * * * * *9Feb18 *- *19Jun18
AFP 6 * * * * * * * * * * 19Jun18 *- *19Jun18
JsSch I * * * * * * * * * 19Jun18 *- *28Jun18
Jasta 23b * * * * * * * *28Jun18 *- * *EOW * * * * * R.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Elsie:
Jasta 23b was completely equipped with the Rol. D.VIa from 3 June 1918 to 22 July 1918 when they began to receive Fok. D.VII aircraft to complement the Rol. D.VIa machines. It is most likely that Ltn. Josef Mueller, being new to the Jasta, that he was flying a Rol. D.VIa.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Volker;
Jasta 23b, for 1918 was: Jan. Alb. D.V, Feb. Alb.D.V, Alb. D.Va to 21 April, then Alb. D.V/D.Va,
Pfal. D.IIIa to 3 June, Rol. D.VIa to 22 July and they received 7 Fok. D.VII to compliment the Rol. D.VIa.
On 16 September they received Pfalz D.XII in place of the Rol. D.VIa to compliment the Fok. D.VII to end of the war.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Hello Volker, Rick and Dan-San!
Thanks for your collected information. I am making further inquiries of the Bundesarchiv, and will report progress from time to time. Thanks again.