G93 question

[YavorD]

The Camel File by Sturtivant and Page (page 27) mentions "... Pfalz DIIIa D1116/17 white with yellow tail [numbered G93] of Jasta 10 shot down NE of Flesquières 15.10 30.11.17 ..." by Lt G. E. Thomson flying Camel B3814 from No.46 Squadron RFC.
According to other sources.

• D.1116/17 was an Albatros D.V.
• Jasta 10 was equipped with Alb. D.V in the summer of 1917.

Can somebody provide reference for G93?
Regards,
Yavor

[Froggy]

Hello Yavor

In The Jasta war chronology the pfalz DIII G93 is given for 4116/17 (and not 1116/17)
This plane was downed at 1600 over Flesquieres by lt GE Thomson N° 46 Sqn RFC (3rd victory) and was piloted by ltn Friedrich Demandt Jasta 10 killed in action

World War I Aircraft Serial Numbers - The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War I

and here another thread about the G93
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/pe...collision.html

Cordialement
Bruno

[YavorD]

Thank you, Bruno!

D.4116/17 was Pfalz D.III.
D.4117/17 was another D.III flown by Leutnant d.R. Aloys Heldmann of Jasta 10 at Marckebeeke in November 1917.

It makes sense now.
Regards,
Yavor

[Gregvan]

Hello Yavor,

Yes, Froggy has it right.

G93 was Pfalz D.III 4116/17. My info on the G numbered aircraft (provided by the generous Paul Leaman, from his personal research in the PRO files) says the works number of 4116/17 was 1166. It had 160 hp Mercedes No. 32928, and was described as "badly crashed. Silver overall, with yellow interplane struts, tail unit and wheel discs." Other sources stated that: "The main planes and fuselage were painted aluminum: the interplane struts, tail unit and wheels were yellow. Fuselage is oval and very light; it is built up of 3 ply with no internal bracing, covered with a thin fabric resembling butter muslin."

[YavorD]

Thank you, Gregvan!
I had much more than expected trying to clear and old typo.
The only open question now is the name of the unfortunate pilot:

• Leutnant Hans Hofacker, Jasta 33 (RussGannon's version, link provided by Froggy) or
• Leutnant Friedrich Demandt, Jasta 10 (Jasta War Chronology)

Regards,
Yavor

[Gregvan]

Hi Yavor,

Far be it from me to dispute Russ's learned conclusions. However, I've always believed that Pfalz D.III 4116/17 was flown by Ltn. Friedrich Demandt of Jasta 10. As we know, Jasta 10 was equipped mostly with the Pfalz D.III at this time (along with some Albatros D.V's). As you've noted D.III 4116/17 is just one number away from 4117/17, which we know was a Jasta 10 aircraft in November 1917. Jagdstaffeln frequently received batches of aircraft which were at least close in serial number sequence, if not sequential. The yellow struts and wheel covers noted in the reports are certainly part of Jasta 10's unit markings. I would imagine the yellow nose simply was not recorded because of the badly damaged nature of the a/c. The yellow tail would have been a personal marking perfectly in keeping with Jasta 10 practice.

Ltn. Hans Hofacker of Jasta 33 was WIA on 30 November at Havrincourt, and died on 1 December 1917 in Avend Dressing Station, according to COTGAS. I am unaware of any evidence that Jasta 33 had Pfalz D.III's at this time, but I suppose they could have.

More mysteries to investigate...

[YavorD]

Thank you very much, Greg and Bruno!
The error was found by accident during when browsing for information about Sopwith Camel opponents in an attempt to comprehend general picture about who were the victims and who the winners against Camel pilots.
Regards,
Yavor