Urbanke, Axel/Mückler, Jörg/Absmeier, Rainer Jasta 14. The History of Fighter Squadron 14 - 1916-1918

This history of Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 14 (Jasta 14) is the first publication by this publisher covering a subject from the period of the First World War. In addition to detailed texts, the book contains more than 250 photos, 21 colour aircraft profiles and nine maps. Its layout and design clearly distinguish it from other books on this subject. This unit history is of particular interest, because until now Jasta 14s record has not been described in depth. Created in 1916, this Jagdstaffel was never among the foremost units of German fighter aviation in the First World War. Consequently, it was rarely mentioned in official reports. With just sixty confirmed victories by the end of the war in November 1918, it was below average with respect to the amount of time it spent in action. It must be taken into account, however, that Jasta 14 was deployed in the French sector of the Western Front until the beginning of 1918, where there was less aerial combat than in the British sector. In Hauptmann Rudolf Berthold the Staffel had a decidedly charismatic leader for ten months. This book also sheds light on this mans tragic after the conclusion of the First World War. In addition to Berthold, four other recipients of the Pour le Mérite flew in the Staffel at times. This is an extraordinary story that should inspire every aviation enthusiast.

Accordingly, the unit was rarely mentioned in official reports. With only 60 recognised aerial victories by the end of the war in November 1918, it was even below average in terms of its operational time. However, it should be noted that the Jasta 14 was deployed in the French sector of the Western Front until the beginning of 1918, where air combat activity was lower than in the British sector. With Captain Rudolf Berthold, the squadron had an extremely charismatic leader for ten months. The book also sheds light on the tragic end of this man after the end of the First World War. In addition to Berthold, four other recipients of the Order Pour le Mérite flew in the squadron at times. Incidentally, the Jasta 14 was the only squadron outside of a squadron formation to convert to the Fokker Dr.I triplane in autumn 1917. With the history of the Königlich-Preußische Jagdstaffel 14, Luftfahrt-Verlag is publishing a book from the period of the First World War for the first time. The history of the squadron is analysed just as extensively as in the books on the Second World War. In addition to detailed texts, the book contains over 250 photographs as well as 21 colour aircraft profiles and nine colour maps. The design and layout of the book clearly sets it apart from other books on this subject.