KITS 01/2021

Fokker D.VII Late, mil. No unknown, Heinz Küstner, Jasta 18, Habsheim, Möntingen,

Metz, France, October/November 1918

Typical Jasta 18 marking of red and white colours was applied also to the Heinz Küstner´s mount, but according to some sources the paint

job was not finished on the bottom of the wings which therefore stayed in four colour „lozenge“ printed fabric. The black raven become

Jasta´s trademark after its leader August Raben (raven in German) made it famous on his plane. Küstner´s late variant of D.VII sported also

„Mercedes“ three-pointed black star behind the Raven. The tail unit has been mostly depicted with black stripes, but, according to the

newest findings they should be red as well as the wings and front fuselage. Previously, Küstner had flown a very similar-looking D.VII built by

Albatros.

Fokker D.VII Late, 4301/18, Vzfw. Otto Heinrich Baurose, Jasta 71, Habsheim, France,

November 1918

A little is known about Otto Heinrich Baurose, the fighter pilot with no official aerial victories. He served with Jasta 20 from April 16, 1917

till February 6, 1918, after that period he was moved to Jasta 71. He might be one of the victims of the famous Billy Bishop´s raid on June 2,

1917, when Canadian pilot destroyed several aircraft during his solo dawn patrol; some in the air, some on the ground when taxiing. If so,

Baurose survived… His aircraft was typical late production D.VII from Schwerin factory and is well known thanks to several photos, where the

inscription Otto and B/W tail stripes are clearly visible. Also removed top engine cowling is evident, either due to the maintenance or as the

means for better engine cooling during hot summer.

INFO Eduard - January 2021

eduard

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