Photos Freikorps Aircraft

[musec04]

Nick,


My attribution of the aircraft to Truppen-Fliegerstaffel 37 is not valid.There is information elsewhere in the book that the unit which was a succsessor to FA424 existed largely on paper. FA 424 was a unit operating in the Baltic,subsequently going on to serve with Bermondt-Awaloff's Westrussischen Befeiungsarmee and Truppen-Fliegerstaffel 37 was the German identity for the 'Russian' 3rd Plastun following the transfer of FA 424 to Bermondt-Awaloff's command.


Once again FA 424's Friedrichshafen is described as a G.IIIa.Unlike the machine in the photo. Also most of the machines flown by units in the Baltic appear to have worn standard Balkenkreuze until transferred to 'Russian' command.


If the machines are ex-FA 424,they only returned to Döberitz to disband,or so it appears at least.That is there are previous disbandments at earlier dates at other locations.


I am beginning to wonder if the machines in the photo did not belong to a police unit. Police aircraft did fly in support of the Kapp-Putsch and 20.03.1920 again ties in nicely with end of the Putsch following negotiations between goverment representatives and the remanants of the Putschists on 17.03.20. That is as you say,among others, in support of the Ehrhardt Brigade. Unfortunately it is not clear to me where the police units were bombing strikers. Berlin or elsewhere in the Reich?



Regards,


Clint