Original Kofl 17 documents found

Marco_Sommerau · 5 July 2004, 01:31 AM

This weekend I found part of the original annexes of Kofl 17 war diaries... in a militaria fair! These are two thick volumes, covering the period from July to September 1918. Volume one (marked “Anlage 1 zum Kriegstagebuch”) contains the weekly reports of the period, including losses of material and personnel, etc, targets, quantities of ammunition and fuel used, own and enemy aerodrome locations and strength, maps, statistics and aerial reconnaissance summaries. Volume 2 (marked “Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch”) contains annexes with different reports and maps concerning the enemy air forces in the sector of the 17th army (as well as aerial photos of large concentrations of enemy tanks in the sector, report on enemy aerodrome at La Capelette, enemy gas launchers location, camouflage of own 38,5 mm cannon in Bapaume, etc.)

I ignore if copies of these documents already exist in Freiburg or elsewhere, but if not, let me know to make diffusion of it.

Regards,

M.

Gregvan · 5 July 2004, 07:37 AM

Hi Marco,

By all means, do not '"ignore' this very significant find, but be so kind as to diffuse this precious information! What a find!

Thanks,

Greg VanWyngarden

Soderbaum · 5 July 2004, 08:48 AM

Hi Marco

This is "high" valuable material if you is researching WW1 aviation...

I have a rather long list of WW1 aviation material from the archive in Freiburg, which are free for researchers... In my list they dont have this material, and I would have made copies if they had them....!

One further note is that the archive in Freiburg have "tons" of WW1 aviation material which are unsorted since WW2, but all this material is still closed for researcher to my knowledge...

(Personally, I have only have copies of two weekly reports from Kofl 17 from the early spring of 1918..)

So, you are a lucky guy...!

Anyway, I am willing to pay for copies of this material, especially the weekly Kofl reports if you in the future have such plans...!?

Do knew if this material also includes daily "Tagesbefehle" from Kofl 17, which also are high valuable material if you have an interest in units...

Gunnar

Gregvan · 5 July 2004, 10:02 AM

Hi Marco,

Yes, I too would be willing to pay for copies of this valuable material.

Greg VanWyngarden

Marco_Sommerau · 5 July 2004, 11:46 AM

Thanks Greg and Gunnar. I will gladly send you copies, free of charge of course! I received on my side good help from some forum members concerning my own research in the past. Gunnar: I did not forget the AOK4 reports you sent me. Thanks again!

Send me both your addresses. My email is marco.sommerau@compaqnet.be

Regards,

M.

Dan_San_Abbott · 5 July 2004, 03:41 PM

Marco;
Iwould be most pleased to pay for a copy of the Kofl 17 reports.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Marco_Sommerau · 6 July 2004, 02:16 AM

Ok, I will prepare a few sets of copies. I will send you the weekly reports (8 in total, from July 10 to September 18 -unfortunately Bericht Nr 29 is missing-), as well as the air reconnaissance summaries (Lichtbilderkundungsergebnis, 40 reports, complete from 15 July to 18 September) which describe the enemy airfields, location and strength. I can not copy the maps, as some are more than 1 meter long, but they are not that useful as they show basically the data mentioned in the reports.

The reports are extremely detailed. Enjoy it.

Regards,

M.

Ps: By the way, I don't want money for the copies. But if any of you has any of the following items he would like to share in return it would be most appreciated: I am interested in:
1-Any WWI German a/c parts lists, handbooks or technical literature.
2-Anything about Rumpler C types, specially technical aspects
3-Other Kofl reports from other Armies.

Rick · 6 July 2004, 06:11 AM

Marco,

This is a great find, and like the others I would also like a copy. Despite your refusal, I, too, would be willing to pay. Seems only fair for this type of material.

Yours, Rick

Barrett · 7 July 2004, 10:33 AM

Congratulations, Marco. You've saved an irreplaceable piece of history!

This incident further emphasizes that history is where you find it. The number of treasures tossed in the garbage is of course unknowable but probably best left that way for our peace of mind. One small example: years ago a pilot friend showed me an envelope of 1940s snapshots that were found on the neighbor's trash can. Never-published pix of the B-19!

Keep lookin', gang. Sometimes it pays off.

Frank_Olynyk · 18 July 2004, 09:52 PM

Marco,

Having just returned from England (three weeks research at the PRO) I saw your notice about your find of 17. Armee records. I too would like to obtain copies of the Weekly reports for the period. I have a couple of reports for 17. Armee, and if they are not part of your findings I will (eventually -- but soon!) be glad to supply copies. Until my German WW1 Victory List is finished I need to hold on to the material I have been supplied.

Many thanks.

Frank.