Franz Brandt
Leutnant Franz Brandt (13 February 1893 – 1954) was a German World War I flying ace credited with ten confirmed aerial victories, as well as three unconfirmed claims.[1][2]
Franz Brandt | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 February 1893 Minden, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | 1954 (aged 61) Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Allegiance | German Empire |
| Service/ | Artillery; aviation |
| Rank | Leutnant |
| Unit | Fusilier Artillery Regiment No. 58, Kasta 14, Schutzstaffel 2, Jasta 19, Jasta 27 |
| Commands held | Jasta 26 |
| Awards | Royal House Order of Hohenzollern, Iron Cross First and Second Class |
World War I service
Brandt entered the war an artilleryman. In July 1915 he transferred to aviation. His first assignment after training was Kampfstaffel (Tactical Bomber Squadron) 14, between July and September 1916. In December, he moved on to Schutzstaffel (Protection Squadron) 2; he saw some action there, but no results yet. On 2 February 1917, he was reassigned, to Jasta 19.[1] There he flew an Albatros D.II.[3] He scored his first victory on 4 May, downing a Spad VII. On 21 August 1917, he took out an enemy observation balloon for his second triumph.[2] On 31 December 1917, he changed squadrons again, to Jasta 27.[1] In his tenure there, he downed enemy fighter planes on 23 January, 7 April, and 17 June 1918.[2] On 27 June 1918, he was appointed to command of Jasta 26.[1] Between 7 July and 22 September, he shot down four enemy fighters and a two-seater.[2] Brandt ended the war still commanding Jasta 26.[1]
Decorations and awards
- Royal Order of the House of Hohenzollern
- Iron Cross of 1914, 1st and 2nd class
Sources of information
- Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps 1914 - 1918. p. 84.
- The Aerodrome website page on Brandt http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/brandt.php Retrieved on 20 April 2010.
- The Aerodrome website page on Jasta 19 http://www.theaerodrome.com/services/germany/jasta/jasta19.php Retrieved on 25 November 2017.
References
Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps 1914 - 1918 Norman L. R. Franks, et al. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.