Adolf Gutknecht

Adolf Gutknecht
Born 12 September 1891
Badingen
Allegiance Germany
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Oberleutnant
Unit Jasta 43
Commands held Jasta 43
Awards Iron Cross

Oberleutnant Adolf Gutknecht (born 12 September 1891, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.[1]

Adolf Gutknecht was born in Badingen, Germany on 12 September 1891. In the years before World War I, he joined the army as a cadet. In the beginning of the war, he campaigned in France, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. He transferred to aviation as an aerial observer, and scored a victory in June 1916. He subsequently became a pilot, having won both classes of the Iron Cross.[2]

On 1 June 1918, he became Staffelführer of Jagdstaffel 43. The squadron was mounted on Albatros D.III and Albatros D.Va fighters. It would remain at Haubourdin Aerodrome until 22 August,[3] by which time Gutknecht would have run his victory string to five confirmed and one unconfirmed. He was also promoted to oberleutnant.[4]

Gutknecht won three more victories while remaining in command of Jasta 43 until 2 November 1918. He was in hospital from 25 October onwards to war's end, however.[5]

Sources of information

  1. http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/gutknecht.php
  2. Above the Lines, p. 121.
  3. http://www.aeroconservancy.com/sykes.htm Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  4. Above the Lines, p. 121.
  5. Above the Lines, p. 121.

References


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