Jasta 31

Jasta 31
Albatross of Jasta 31
Active	1916–1918
Country	German Empire
Branch	Luftstreitkräfte
Type	Fighter squadron
Engagements	World War I

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 31 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. As one of the original German fighter squadrons, the unit would score 35 verified aerial victories, including five wins over enemy observation balloons.

In turn, their casualties for the war would amount to nine pilots killed in action, two dead in aircraft accidents, six wounded in action, and two injured in accidents.

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 31 was formed on 14 December 1916 at Breslau, the site of the FEA II training unit. It was mobilized into action on 7 February 1917. Its first victory was scored on 3 March 1917 by Staffelführer Albert. On 11 September 1917, it left the Western Front for service in Italy. It returned from there toward the end of February 1918, and returned to the Western Front. It fought through to war's end, and was disbanded along with the rest of the Luftstreitkräfte.

One member of Jasta 31 was a recipient of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern and Iron Cross:

Two members were Iron Cross winners:

Two other aces served with the squadron:

Jasta 31 used the Albatros D.III, D.III (OAW), Albatros D.V and Roland D.II fighters.

Jasta 31 was formed in the 3rd Armee Sector on 14 December 1916. On 11 September 1917, it was shifted from the Western Front to Italy. Between 25 October 1917 and 20 February 1918, it racked up 14 victories in Italy. It was then shifted back to the Western Front on 7 March, and there completed its war.