Kurt Wissemann

ottoman · 22 February 2015, 12:45 AM

Hello,

Kurt Wissemann (Jasta 3) crash landed in Wynghene on 5 august 1917. This was after he shot down a Sopwith Camel flew by 2/Lt. HJ Ellam, No ,70 Sqn, RFC at Terest (Houthulst) at 15h30.

Houthulst is about 21 miles from Wingene. At that moment Jasta 3 was based in Rumbeke, 15,5 miles from Wingene.
Jasta 3 moved to Wingene on 17 Oktober 1917.

What was Wisseman doing in Wingene at that time? There was also another plane that made a crash landing on that day, I think it was a Gotha bomber.

Do's anyone know more?

Best regards Otto

R Gannon · 22 February 2015, 02:41 PM

Hi Otto

It was also a contested victory - Js 4's Obln von Boegnicke also put in a claim - he gave the location as north of Staden - a little more to the east.

If anything I would be cautious the Jasta airfields listing as compiled by the venerable Dr Bock and as seen in The Jasta Pilots. On the whole I think his work is sound, but here and there, there are some inconsistent offerings.

Thanks to that insight.

Cheers Russ

R Gannon · 22 February 2015, 02:48 PM

Just a further thought. Maybe the German authorities had been panicked by the opening assault of the Third Ypres on 31 Jul 17, and pulled units back a little prematurely? Had the rain not set in, another blow between 1 and 4 Aug, might have really torn open the already ruptured German line.

Cheers Russ

ottoman · 23 February 2015, 09:48 AM

Hello Russ,

It's possible that they pulled back their planes to another " safer" aerodrome.
But would'nt this be written down in the Tagesbefehle?

Best regards Otto