The Jagd-Staffel 11 ("Pursuit-Squadron 11"), also known as the Richthofen Squadron was founded in September 1916 ,as part of the German Air force's expansion programme, forming permanent specialised air fighting squadrons or 'Jastas'. Its first commander was Oberleutnant Rudolf Lang, although Jasta 11's first months of operations were very undistinguished. It was not until the appointment of Rittmeister Manfred von Richtofen in January 1917 as CO that the unit commenced its path to fame and immortality as the 'Richtofen squadron'. Manfred von Richtofen, otherwise known as the Red Baron, was already an able tactical pilot and ace following several months service in Jasta 2 and became a highly effective unit commander who led his pilots by example. Equipped with various models of the excellent Albratos biplane fighter, the first four months of 1917 (culminating in the decimation of the Royal Flying Corps- what became termed 'Bloody April') saw Jasta 11 become the highest scoring unit on the Western Front. 89 claims for aircraft destroyed were made in April (of a total of 298 made by all German fighter units for the month.) The Jasta's performance is all the more extraordinary as the unit usually flew in small flights of six or less. Significant 'scorers' in the unit that April were Manfred Von Richtofen (22 claims), Lt. Kurt Wolff (23) Lt. Karl Schaefer (21) and Manfred's brother Lt. Lothar Von Richtofen (15). By mid 1917 Jasta 11 had become part of Jagdgeschwader Nr 1- a collection of several Jastas into one administrative and highly mobile tactical unit ( the true 'Richtofen's Flying Circus'.) Jasta 11 eventually became the second highest scoring German fighter unit with 350 claims 1916-18. In return it suffered 17 pilots killed in action, 2 POW, and 2 killed in flying accidents. Baron Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen (May 2, 1892–April 21, 1918) was a German pilot and is still regarded today as the ace of aces. He was a very successful fighter pilot, military leader and flying ace who won 80 air combats during World War I. Richthofen was known as...
Es war Richthofens Anwesenheit was später der Jasta11 viel Ruhm und Erfolg brachte.
Während dieser Zeit wurde Jasta11 ein Teil des Jagdgeschwaders I, Richthofens Fliegender Zirkus (Jasta 4, 6, 10 und 11), und vom November 1917 bis zum Ende des Krieges wurde Sie konstant zu den heißesten Plätzen der Front verlegt und arbeitet erfolgreich mit der 4, 2, 7 und 5 Armee zusammen.
In der zweiten Woche des Novembers 1918 wurde Jasta11 in Tellancourt mitgeteilt, daß seine Auflösung für den 16.
In January of 1917 von Richthofen assumed command of Jasta11, which ultimately included some of the elite of Germany's pilots, many of whom the Red Baron trained himself.
Jasta 11's aircraft featured red markings, and some of Richthofen's planes were entirely red.
This head wound is thought to have caused lasting damage, as after the injury he suffered from post-flight nausea and headaches, a change in temperament, and his single minded pursuit that led to his death was uncharacteristic of his standard method of not becoming fixated on a single target to the exclusion of others.
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