MFJ Albatros scout with the check marking

MikeW · 20 January 2021, 05:55 AM

I have a Naval 9 report from 28th May, about 4.00am gmt over Nieuport, pilot reported:

"that the intruder was a single seat scout painted with a chequered design"

given the location and date, might that have been the Albatros from MFJ1 with the check band around the fuselage? Any other suggestions?

over to you Greg

Mike

AHC-ED · 20 January 2021, 12:18 PM

Possibly Ltn. zur See Gotthard Sachsenberg of MFJ1?

Barry Hickson · 20 January 2021, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHC-ED

Possibly Ltn. zur See Gotthard Sachsenberg of MFJ1?

I thought the same!

Gregvan · 20 January 2021, 10:39 PM

Hi Mike,
Once again you have posed a question for which there is no easy nor definitive answer. Since you're referencing Naval 9 (and not 209 Sqdn RAF), I presume you must mean that this report comes from 28 May 1917 (and not 1918).

The use of "checkerboard" or quartered markings was quite widespread and such markings are seen on many different fighters, and in many different patterns, etc. The coat of arms of the Hohenzollerns was quartered in black and white, and the Prussian Observer's Badge featured a black/white quartering or checkerboard; this inspired the use of such markings on many different aircraft.

Many years ago, Alex Imrie first stated the the Albatros D.Va 5426/17 seen in this take-off photo of MFJ I at Aertrycke was flown by Gotthard Sachsenberg.

However, that was a long time after 28 May 1917. The photos of Sachsenberg's D.Va all likely date from the Spring of 1918, such as this one, with Sachsenberg himself under the 'XX' mark.

And as here:

In May of 1917, Sachsenberg would have been flying an Albatros D.III, and I don't know if he used a similar checkerboard marking on any of his D.III's. I've only seen one rare photo of Sachsenberg posing with a D.III, and it seems to have been in a factory finish. Other Naval pilots in MFJ I and later MFJ II also used checkerboard markings.

This D.III in flight is said to be a Marine Feld Jasta aircraft, but that's all I know; I sincerely doubt that it was flown by Sachsenberg.

If I were you, I'd be very cautious about attributing the reported 'single seat scout with a chequered design' to any particular unit or pilot, beyond perhaps a cautious statement that it may have come from MFJ I - based on the location more than anything else.
Best regards,
Greg

MikeW · 21 January 2021, 04:09 AM

Thanks Greg, wonderfully detailed explanation as always! Very patient of you, thank you.

yes it was 1917, thought I'd put that in - doh!

I think I will refrain from asking the next stupid question, it will make me look even thicker if that is possible!!! (Hint - Black fuselage, white wings, on coast)

Cheers,

Mike

Gregvan · 21 January 2021, 11:48 AM

Mike,
Ask away!! It's always enlightening to see your posts!
Greg

MikeW · 21 January 2021, 12:26 PM

OK, you asked for it:

July 29th 1917, on coast, about 6 in the morning, Le Boutillier had an Albatros OOC. He said it had a black fuselage and white wings - does that mean anything?

August 8th 1917 on the coast, things are getting really hot, tripping over Albatros Scouts in large number. Seasoned hand FSL HE Mott get well and truly beaten up by an All Black scout, who appeared to allow him to glide to safety - machine badly shot about and Mott got away with a broken nose - Ltn H Stutz claimed a camel at 12.15 north of Nieuport, good time and place - he was J20 but was his ac black?

Mike