Jagdstaffel 42

Jasta 42
Active	1917–1918
Country	German Empire
Branch	Luftstreitkräfte
Type	Fighter squadron
Engagements	World War I

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 42, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 42, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The unit would score over 30 aerial victories during the war. The squadron's victories came at the expense of four killed in action, one wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.

History

Jasta 42 was founded in September 1917 at Flieger-Abteilung (Flier Detachment) 3, Gotha, Germany. The squadron became operational on 18 December 1917. On 17 April 1918, it was consolidated into Jagdgruppe 12, which was commanded by Heinrich Kroll.

Commanding officer (Staffelführer)

• Karl Odebrett (on leave during July 1918)

Duty stations

• Gotha, Germany: September 1917
• Mars-la-Tour, France: 20 December 1917
• Froidmont: 26 March 1918
• Ercheu, France: 17 April 1918
• Grécourt, France: late May 1918
• Clastres, France: 15 August 1918
• Parpeville, France
• Le Brule
• Bois Saint Denis
• Thuilles

Operations

Beginning 20 December 1917, Jasta 42 flew aerial support for Armee-Abteilung B. On 26 March 1918, they moved to support 7 Armee. In late May 1918, they were reassigned to support of 18 Armee; they remained in this role until war's end.

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, Frank W. Bailey, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.