Jagdstaffel 13

Jasta 13
Active	1916–1918
Country	German Empire
Branch	Luftstreitkräfte
Type	Fighter squadron
Engagements	World War I

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 13 was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I. The unit would score 108 aerial victories during the war, at the expense of twelve killed in action, one killed in a flying accident, two wounded in action, and two taken prisoner of war.

Jasta 13 was formed on 16 September 1916. Its founding personnel came from the Fokkerstaffel attached to FFA 9, and from other aviation units in the area of Armee-Abteilung C. They were operational by 15 October 1916.

After extensive campaigning within France, including the German Spring Offensive 1918, the squadron became a sort of "fire brigade" on loan to various Armees and rotated frequently among airfields. It retreated with the German forces, eventually being stationed in Luxembourg, and finally back in Germany. They demobilized at FEA 14, Halle-an-der-Salle, Germany by the end of November 1918.

A number of notable aces flew with Jasta 13. Indeed, four of the Staffelnführer were renowned aces. Eduard Ritter von Dostler won a Pour le Mérite and a knighthood; Guttler, Thomas, and Buchner were all decorated for their services. The squadron also contained other decorated aces who did not succeed to its command, in Kurt Hetze, Reinhold Jörke and balloon buster Hans Martin Pippart.

Early aircraft assigned to Jasta 13 are unknown, though its foundation from a Fokkerstaffel strongly hint of Fokker Eindekkers. It later operated the Fokker Dr.I triplane, and ended the war using mostly Fokker D.VIIs.

Jasta 13 did not score its first victory until 22 January 1917. In Spring 1917, the squadron was assigned to support of 7th Armee. In September, it joined Jagdgruppe von Braun, along with Jasta 14, Jasta 16, Jasta 21, Jasta 22, Jasta 23, Jasta 32, and Jasta 34.

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