Summary
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 | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 September 1891 Badingen |
| Allegiance | Germany |
| Service/ | Aviation |
| Rank | Oberleutnant |
| Unit | Jagdstaffel 43 |
| Commands held | Jagdstaffel 43 |
| Awards | Iron Cross |
Biography edit
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.[2]
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.[2]
Sources of information edit
References edit
- Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. Norman Franks, Frank W. Bailey, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.