Fokker DVII in Action

By February of 1917 The German Air Service had completely reorganized. The rule of the day had now become defense. Observation aircraft still flew the front lines, but fighters were restricted to operating behind German lines. The Air Command of the sixth German Army formed Kampf Einsitzer Kommando units (KEKs) whereby fighters were drawn from various Feldfliegerabteilungen to form groups in order to more effectively counter Allied aircraft incursions. Three KEKs were formed: The Nord (North), the Slid (South) and Drei (Three). Oswald Boeicke with only one other pilot formed the third KEK. Late in 1915 Boeicke had evolved the 'pair' concept, whereby pilots formed up in pairs to attack (Boelckes original Hy­ing partner had been Immelmann.) After two years in the air over the western front and with the advent of Immelmann's death-Oswald Boeicke was transferred to the Eastern front (the Balkans) for no other reason than to preserve his life. Immelmann's death had had a profound effect on the German public, he had been a well publicized war hero. Other German aces were coming to fore (Richthofen). but with a less than successful ongoing war in France, the German people needed heroes, "live' heroes. Boeicke was called back to the western front in July 1916 after the British offensive on the Somme River began, to further reorganize the German Air Service. Jagdstaffeln or Jastas (hunting groups or squadrons) were formed up by Boeicke and the Idflieg (Inspektion der Fliegertruppen - Inspectorate of Aviation Troops). Jasta I was a "paper" unii and Boeicke took command of Jasta 2. On 29 October 1916. Oherleutnant Oswald Boeicke was killed in a flying accident. One of his best friends and fellow pilot Erwin Boehme Hew into Boelckes Halberstadt II. damaging Boelcke's upper wing with his undercarriage. As Boeicke headed toward the safety of the ground the wing tore off of his Halberstadt and he crashed. Boeicke had achieved some forty victories in the air at the time of his death!

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