Osprey Aviation Elite 16 : 'Richthofen's Flying Circus' : Jagdgeschwader Nr I

Undoubtedly the most famous of any nation's aviation units in World War 1 was the legendary Jagdgeschwader Nr 1, or 'The Flying Circus' as its respectful foes labelled it. Germany's first true fighter wing, it would always be associated with its first commander, the charismatic and revered Manfred von Richthofen. JG 1 was formed in July 1917, and for sixteen months the unit's young pilots in their colourful aircraft battled for aerial dominance of the Western Front. From its ranks emerged many of Germany's most successful airmen, including the Red Baron's brother Lothar von Richthofen; Ernst Udet; Werner Voss; Erich Löwenhardt and Hermann Göring. This book charts the World War I experiences of JG 1. Text by Greg Van Wyngarden with illustrations by Harry Dempsey.

Contents

• Origins : The Early Careers of JG I's Jastas and Formation of the Geschwader
• Summer Successes : JG I's Operations in the 3rd Battle of Ypres, July - September 1917
• Triplane Trials : Operations Primarily with the Fokker Dr I Through the Battle of Cambrai, October 1917 - February 1918
• The 'Kaiser's Battle' : Operations During 'Operation Michael', the Last Great German Offensive of March - May 1918
• New Leaders, New Equipment
• Fighting Retreat
• Jagdstaffel and Geschwader Commanders of JG I
• Aces' Listing