Bill, Dean; In referencing the book "Handbook of German Military and Naval Aviation (War) 1914-1918 originally published in 1918 and reprinted by The Imperial War Museum, London (whew!)....there are references to Feldfliegerabteilungen on pages 31-34. These units were the basic aviation units whose primary responsibilities were reconnaissance, photography and occasional bombing. They consisted of 6 observation machines and 2 machines for protection or escorts of these planes. These evolved through time to split out guidance of artillery from general recon. They are distinctively different than fighter units. Therefore, it is my conjecture that the word Feldflieger more relates to a recon flyer (does not fly fighter planes but rather Rumplers and Halberstadts as opposed to a fighter pilots belonging to a Jagdstaffeln. My opinion only. Good luck. Rick
Wanted: German Naval Edged Weapons and Related Accouterments
