Flying Army Commander

[rammjaeger]

I was surprised to find today the following lines by Generaloberst von Einem (Commander of the 3rd German Army):
"25.7.17. Yesterday I have made a wounderful flight. I flew with Oblt. Student [the later General of the parachuters-HT] - a brilliant flier and fighter. At first we flew to the front, than over the Argonne Forrest, turned northward to Maison Rouge and flew over Vouziers back to the airfield. I did not feel something disturbing during the flight had a "high"-feeling. All officers of the General staff have to fly and as a Army commander I thought it is my duty to try it as well, despite of my age [von Einem was 64 - HT]."

Made other Army commanders - German or others - similar flights? Any examples or comments?

I have seen film footage at the Australian War Memorial taken in 1918 of General Birdwood commander of the Australian Corps later promoted to command of the British 5th Army going for a flight in an Avro 504. This footage was probably taken in the UK.

[leo]

I thought that the only Commander of Airforces who flew was General Emil Uzelac of the kuk LFT.

[rammjaeger]

Leo,

you are meaning he was the only real pilot among the commanders and not only a "passenger"?

I think to fly with an combat aircraft is also a good example of leading by example and there was in the case of von Einem also a little risk left - especially if Student was accidently meeting some Spads or Nieuports.

[Reinout]

Dear Hannes,

The king of Belgium and his wife both flew a few missions as observers. Of course the pilots were instructed to move away from any danger that would present itself, but still, as army commander, the king loved to go up.

Kind regards,

Reinout

[Vigilant]

The only Brit I've heard going up was Brigadier Shepherd and he was an RFC Brigadier anyway. Apparently when there was a "show" on he would cruise around the lines in his white Nieup. and pop in on his squadrons to see how they were doing.

I'm quite impressed that the whole German general staff had to fly in an aeroplane. Good idea.

[rammjaeger]

Many thanks. I am very impressed by the Royal Family of Belgium.