Did ANYTHING important happen on October 25, 1917?

I have a beautifully crafted, hand painted propeller tip that depicts a Dr 1 in combat, a painted Blue Max at the top, and a German cross with "Jasta 11" written on the bottom. Around the circular painted portion is the inscription, "Ich will ein Bolcke werden! 25, 10, 1917" I believe that the propeller is actually German, based on the alternating wood laminations used in its construction, and it certainly looks like something designed to be used as a presentation gift of some sort.
From what I can tell, Jasta 11 wasn't doing much that day, nor does it seem that much else was going on. It also doesn't seem to be anyone's birthday in particular, so I'm at a loss to explain what it signifies. Does anyone have any idea what it means? I'd be happy to email a picture of it. (If I were a lot smarter I would provide a direct link, but html eludes me so far.)

[Graeme]

101 Squadron bombed Rumbeke and Abeele aerodromes during the night of 25/26 October 1917 and lost FE2b A801 - 2nd Lt J A M Fleming and 2nd Lt E C S Ringer PoWs.

The RFC Communique for the day says that it rained and there was a violent gale. No service flying was done except by the 1st and 2nd Brigades.

My German's not up to much so perhaps someone could offer a translation of the inscription.

Graeme

Apparently it means something to the extent of "I want to be like Bolcke", and became something of a motto for flyers.

23-25 Oct- French offensive at Chemin des Dames, north of Soissons, gains 4 miles, 12,000 prisoners, and Fort de la Malmaison after six days of artillery bombardment. Germans retire behind the Ailette River north of the Chemin-des-Dames ridge.

24 Oct-12 Nov- Italian defeat at Caporetto causes retreat to the Piave River with 25,000 Italian dead and 275,000 prisoners taken in 15 days. Germans use tactic of short bombardment, with picked battalions to attack and reinforcements to consolidate. Ten British and French divisions move to Italy to reinforce Italians.

[Amy]

Dave:

I would be greatful if you would email me a picture of the item. The only thing I can think of (and sounds like this is stretching it a bit) and that is with the inscription of the Boelcke motto, that Boelcke himself died on 28.10.1916. Although Boelcke didn't fly a Dr. 1, could the "5" be an "8" and it's a memorial for the one-year anniversary of his death? You mentioned matching birthdays, have you matched any dates of death for 25.10.1917?

Amy

[stevedrew]

Dave,
Perhaps this is a tribute to a PLM recipient's family on the occasion of his death in combat. Check the records of Jasta 11 to see who was KIA on or about this date.
Hope that helps a bit.

VBR

Steve Drew

I'm wondering if it doesn't represent the date of arrival of some new pilot at the Jasta, probably commemorated after the fact. Becoming part of any Jagdstaffel was an event, but joining Jasta 11 was quite an achievement for a young pilot. "I want to be like Boelcke" was the goal of all new German fighter pilots; the Pour le Merite may have both been recognition of Boelcke's as well as a wish for the future. Just a guess, though.

If you'd like to the the prop tip, the URL where the image of the prop is hosted is
http://images.honesty.com/imagedata/4/5/7/...BR> Sorry I don't how to make that a direct link.

Rosebud has kindly described how to link the url. See if it works by clicking here. I have a feeling that any time I try to type that many characters, something might not work. Go back to previous message if you're still interested, and I'll contact Rosebud. Dave

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Dave:
I have searched through a bunch of data, and I came blank! The literal translation is: "I will a Boelcke become." or " I will become like Boelcke."
Apparently JG Nr.1 stood down on 25 October 1917. I suspect with this free time someone in Jasta 11 decided to become a pilot and fashioned this momento to commenorate the event. There were no flights on this date no losses, nothing, but someone made a declaration."Ich will ein Boelcke werden."
Dan-San Abbott