Jasta 16
The Pfalz D.IIIa of Vizefeldwebel Max Holtzem of Jasta 16
Active	1916–1918
Country	German Empire
Branch	Luftstreitkräfte
Type	Fighter squadron
Engagements	World War I

Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 16 was a "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I.

History[edit]

Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 16 was founded from two ad hoc predecessor units — a Bavarian reconnaissance unit, Flieger Abteilung 9, and Kampfeinsitzer-Kommando Ensisheim. These two units were amalgamated on 16 October 1916, while posted in Armee-Abteilung B Sector. Oberleutnant Otto Deßloch commanded this nascent squadron the few days it took to be designated Jagdstaffel 16, on 1 November. By the time it disbanded just two years later, it had established its credentials as a balloon buster squadron, with an even two dozen enemy observation balloons destroyed, as well as 58 victories over enemy aircraft.^[1]

Commanding officers (Staffelführer)[edit]

1. Paul Kremer: 1 November 1916 – 8 July 1917
2. Heinrich Geigl: 18 July 1917 – 20 August 1917
3. Robert Dycke: 20 August 1917 – 1 December 1917
4. Heinrich Geigl: 1 December 1917 – 4 April 1918
5. Friedrich Ritter von Röth: 8 April 1918 – 9 September 1918
6. Rudolf Eck: 9 September 1918 – October 1918
7. Friedrich Ritter von Röth: October 1918 – 11 November 1918^[2]
8. Albert Wilhelm Ferdinand Gröner, 1 November 1916 – 20 July 1917^[3]

Duty stations (airfields)[edit]

1. Ensisheim: 16 October 1916 – 13 April 1917
2. Habsheim: 13 April 1917 – 6 May 1917
3. Château-Porcien: 7 May 1917 – 4 June 1917
4. Spincourt: 6 June 1917 – 20 October 1917
5. Erlon: 21 October 1917 – 23 November 1917
6. Mercy-le-Haute: 24 November 1917 – 4 February 1918
7. Aertrycke: 7 February 1918 – 14 March 1918
8. Le Cateau: 15 March 1918 – 20 March 1918
9. Foucaucourt: 21 March 1918 – 6 April 1918
10. St. Marguerite: 13 April 1918 – October 1918
11. Scheldewindeke: October 1918 – 11 November 1918^[2]

Notable personnel[edit]

• Ludwig Hanstein
• Karl Odebrett
• Otto Kissenberth
• Theodor Rumpel^[2]

Aircraft operated[edit]

• Fokker E.III
• Fokker E.IV
• Fokker D.I
• Fokker D.II
• Pfalz D.II
• Albatros D.III
• Albatros D.V
• Fokker Dr.I
• Fokker D.VII^[1]

References[edit]

Bibliography

• Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank W. & Guest, Russell F. (1993). Above The Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service, and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.