How many Kests (home defence squadrons) were there? How many aircraft are in a Kest? I saw a picture of Kest 8w consisting of 2 Pfalz III's and 5 Albatros D.V or Va's.
Info needed on Kests.
How many Kests (home defence squadrons) were there? How many aircraft are in a Kest? I saw a picture of Kest 8w consisting of 2 Pfalz III's and 5 Albatros D.V or Va's.
The Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte ("German Air Force"), known before October 1916 as Die Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches ("Imperial German Flying Corps"), or simply Die Fliegertruppen, was the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I (1914–1918). In English language sources it is usually referred to as the "Imperial German Air Service", although that is not a literal translation of either name. German naval aviators remained an integral part of the Kaiserliche Marine. Both military branches, the army and navy, operated conventional aircraft, balloons and Zeppelins.
Founding
The first military aircraft to be acquired by the German Army entered service in 1910 - forming the nucleus of what was to become the Luftstreitkräfte in October 1916. The duties of such aircraft were initially intended to be reconnaissance and artillery spotting in support of armies on the ground, just as balloons had been used during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871 and even as far back as the Napoleonic Wars. For comparison, France's embryonic army air service (Aviation Militaire), which eventually became the Armée de l'Air, was instituted later in 1910 - the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers (later re-organised as the Royal Flying Corps) was not formed until November 1911.
Organisation
The initial units of the Luftstreitkräfte, dedicated to observation, were known as Feldflieger Abteilungen (Field Flier Detachments), and had an official establishment of six two-seat aircraft apiece, with each "FFA" unit assigned to an army unit in their local area.
The Luftstreitkräfte organisation changed during the war substantially to accommodate the new types of aircraft, doctrine, tactics and the needs of the ground troops, in particularly the artillery. During this time evolved the system of organisation and unit designations that would form the basis of those used in the Luftwaffe in 1933.
During 1916, the German High Command, in response to the then current Allied air superiority, reorganised their forces by creating several types of specialist units, most notably single seat fighter squadrons, or Jastas in order to counter the offensive operations of the Royal Flying Corps and the French Aviation Militaire.
Fighter unit organization
The Jagdstaffeln, or hunting squadrons, established by the reorganization were fielded by four kingdoms of the German Empire. The Kingdom of Prussia was predominant, with a force eventually comprising 67 Jastas. However, the Kingdoms of Bavaria, Saxony, and Württemberg had their own fighter squadrons: Bavaria had ten; Saxony, seven; and Württemburg, four.
On 24 June 1917, the Luftstreitkräfte formed its first fighter wing, Royal Prussian Jagdgeschwader I, incorporating Jastas 4, 6, 10, and 11, and set the pattern for using Roman numerals in the Luftstreitkräfte for designating such units. Manfred von Richthofen was moved up from command of Jasta 11 to command JG I. After his death in action, it would renamed for him by order of the Kaiser.
The Prussians would follow up by establishing three more Jagdgeschwaders. On 2 February 1918, JG II formed from Jastas 12, 13, 15, and 19, and placed Adolf Ritter von Tutschek in command. On the same day, JG III consolidated Jasta 2 Boelcke, and Jastas 26, 27, and 36 under Bruno Loerzer. Finally, on 2 September 1918, the Royal Prussian Marine Jagdgeschwader was formed from Marine Feld Jastas I through V, and placed in charge of Gotthard Sachsenberg.
Bavaria also established their own Royal Bavarian Jagdgeschwader IV on 3 October 1918. It consisted of Jastas 23, 32, 34, and 35 under Eduard Ritter von Schleich.
Kest - Kampfeinsitzerstaffel: Combat single-seater squadron, a predecessor to Jasta units.
KEK - Kampfeinsitzerkommando: Combat single-seater command, a predecessor to Jasta units
Very interesting and informative Neil
Great info thanks. What is throwing me off is Ospreys "Pfalz Scout Aces of WW1". Under Kest 8w paraphrasing "Some Pfalz D.III and IIIa were found in home defence fighter units". Then later in the chapter discusses pilot Carl Bucker who belongs to Kest 7 and shot down a DH.4 in Oct 1918. Well after Jastas were formed. It leads me to believe that there were Jastas and Kests at the same time and there were Kests in 1918.
After looking more in depth "There where units for the protection against strategical bombing. From memory I only remember that at one time they where called the Kesta (KampfEinsitzerStaffel). At the end of the war they got many of the planes with good climbing rate, eg. some of the new the Siemens Schuckert III and IV". from the Aerodrome.
Originally Posted by john snelling
Last edited by gully_raker; 02-14-2013 at 17:00. Reason: spelling correction
I believe this is the best picture ever taken of an early war squadron or kesta.
Very interesting and detailed history, Neil. Rep coming your way.
O... if only there was a picture like that from one of our Belgian squadrons...
Greatinfo and a marvellous picture! Thanks for sharing!
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