Jagdgeschwader 1 (World War I) facts for kids
Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1) of World War I, was a fighter unit of the German Luftstreitkräfte, comprising four Jastas or 'fighter squadrons'. It was formed on 24 June 1917, with Manfred von Richthofen (better known as the “Red Baron.”) as commanding officer. JG 1 became known as "The Flying Circus" or "Richthofen's Circus" because of the bright colours of its aircraft, and perhaps also because of the way the unit was transferred from one area of allied air activity to another - moving like a travelling circus in trains, and frequently setting up in tents on improvised airfields.
Formation
During early 1917, it became apparent to the German High Command that they would always be outnumbered in air operations over the Western Front. The average Jasta could only muster some six or eight aircraft in total for a patrol, and would often face one Allied formation after another. In order to maintain some impact and local command of the air the Jastas began (unofficially) to fly in larger, composite groups.
By mid 1917 the first official grouping of Jastas saw JG 1 formed. Its role was simple; to achieve localized air superiority wherever it was sent and to deny Allied air operations over a specific location. The unit was thus highly mobile, and JG 1 and its supporting logistical infrastructure traveled to wherever local air superiority was needed, often at short notice.
From June 1917 until November 1918, JG 1 claimed 644 Allied aircraft destroyed, while losing 52 pilots killed in action and 67 wounded.
Images for kids
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Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen – German flying ace of WW I.
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Lothar von Richthofen
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Hermann Goering commander of Jagdgeschwader I (World War I) beside his Fokker DVII 5125/1918. He holds a walking stick "Geschwader Stock" that had been owned by The Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen.
See also
In Spanish: Jagdgeschwader I (Primera Guerra Mundial) para niños
