Jasta 29 victories and loss 12 August 1917

[Regulus]

Hi

On 12 August 1917 the unit scored two victories, one by Vizefeldwebel Fritzsche, a Spad at 10.00 hours over Poelkapelle and another one at 10.20 hours in the area of the Stadenberg and Vijfwegen by Vizefeldwebel Misch over a Nieuport.

But there was also a loss that day, as Lt Erich Schlegelmilch was killed in combat over Staden, close to the Houthulst Wood at 10.55 hours.

I can't find any fitting claims on both sides, any ideas ?

Thanks,

Best regards,

Johan

[R Gannon]

Hi Johan

Not so clear cut, but I suspect the loss of Schlegelmilch and possibly the Nieup claim relate to a 7 strong 29 Sqn patrol led by Capt Oliver, which scrapped with 15 EA scouts starting over Roulers at 0840. In this Lt JD Payne crashed one to NE Houlthoulst at 0845BT. Now Schlegelmilch loss is given as 1055GT at Staden - however I suspect there may be a recording error here and that it should have read 0955GT, which would make it a fairly close time & loc match. A Lt Rose also drove an Alb scout down but then had to withdraw with a jammed gun. Possibly the Misch claim? But time. Agree the Fritsche SPAD claim presents difficulties - it was given as diesseits, but there was simply no RFC loss to match. Unless somehow the 23 Sqn SPAD of 2Lt CW Elliot (mia/kia) got into the confirmation mix? He was lost on an afternoon patol and matches well a diesseits claim by Ltn Scmidt of Js 3. The locations of both SPAD claims however being very close! Note, 23 Sqn claimed two Alb scouts as OOC in return.

[Regulus]

Russ,

Thanks, this is something I will take a closer look at and would like to get back on.

I still have a photographic job to do on the Hooglede German Military Cemetery this afternoon !

Best regards,

Johan