Hello all!
As I've mentioned in the title, my command of the German language is nearly nonexistent... and it's one factor limiting my research what follows (from a thread posted on the WGF Historical Discussion Board):
It's just come to my attention (literally, just this evening) that a relation of mine served in the Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte during the First World War.
I've been able to find little information beyond the basics, and would appreciate sincerely any help anyone can provide.
Here's what I have (and I'm fully cognizant of the fact that my German is nearly non-existent) so far:
Ltn.d.R. Ferdinand Islaub was born on 4 April 1895 in Friedrichsdorf, some 20 km (12 mi) north of Frankfurt am Main in Hesse, Germany. He died due to illness (infolge Krankheit) on 12 August 1918 in Frankfurt a.M.
After a little more research, and in my copy of Casualties of the German Air Service: 1914-1918 (Franks, Bailey, and Duiven), I discovered that Ltn.d.R. Islaub was a pilot flying for (or training with?) FEA 9 (an aviator replacement battalion stationed in Hesse). He was, however, listed as a Pilot.
Additionally, I've found this... Leutnant Islaub / 14.07.1916 / 6.Garde-Inf.Reg.I.Btl. --> not sure how to read that unit info, however, it appears as though he lost his wage book on that date. Sounds a lot like me.
The following site is in German, and has some info about the unit: http://www.sammlung-merschroth.de/ht...griesheim.html
Apparently, the Aviator Replacement Division 9 (FEA 9) was established on 3 March 1915, and remained until the war ended in Griesheim. The focus was on the training of air crew after the training of the observers was transferred to separate observer-schools. I have yet to discover much about his original unit (6.Garde-Inf.Reg.I.Btl.).
That's it. No specific service information of any kind, just that he was serving in some capacity at the time of his death (perhaps due to influenza?). I know it's not a lot, but I'm hoping one of the scholars here can help me dig up something and shed some light on what has become something of a personal quest.
Thank you, to any who have the opportunity, means, and/or intent to look into this.
Regards,
Chris
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