Photo DFW Mars

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of a DFW Mars biplane with the Nnumber N 59 at:


https://www.ebay.de/itm/FOTO-FLUGZEU...4AAOSwZbJe2RNd


This photo is fairly well known though the quality is better than usual.


The N 59 marking is noteworthy. Is it a serial of a civilian operated flying school. Are any other early war German aircraft known with this sytyle of N.** marking?


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Clint

I think the answer is more simple than that.
There is a photo of N.59 before any German crosses were applied, and thus I believe it is WNr 59 we are looking at. The Mars also looks brand new!

In either late 1913 or early 1914 it was decided by the German authorities to get some control over civil flying and a decision was taken that aircraft should carry some kind of markings. I have seen far too few photos to be able to prove my point, but none of those I have seen correspond to anything like this.

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Stig,


Sounds admirably reasonable and I find the work number idea convincing. Suppose I should take a look in Aeronaut's DFW Aircraft of WWI actually and see if that has anything further.


Still wonder a bit about the flying school possibility though. A lot of military personnel in the photo, although admittedly that could just be a coincidence.


Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of a DFW Mars Monoplane at:


https://www.ebay.de/itm/Leutnant-Fer...YAAOSwbBRfKpP2


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Since the Germans claim von Hiddessen was the first to bomb Paris (spelling as per that postcard), I would be interested to know if he spellt his name with a single or double D

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hi Stig,


Definitely two Ds, unlike the post card. I in turn would be interested to know if you have more details about the plane involved at Paris, type of Taube, serial, unit?


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Clint

I am just quoting what the other postcard says, with added details by Kees Kort.
It is actually a close up of "our" Hiddessen sitting in a Mars Doppeldecker, no serial visible.

However in the Great War's Finest by Matt Bowden he claims this raid was performed by an Albatros B.I B.180/xx (year not listed, so you have to look it up) and flown by Ltn Wentscher with observer Ltn Böhmer

That's it I'm afraid
Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hi Stig,


Very interesting information.Thank you. B.180/13 is an LVG B.I, so given that the aircraft is an Albatros B.I, it should be B.180/14. this ties in with a mixed batch of Albatros B.I & B.II I have between B.174/14 and B.179/14, though the batch may well start earlier and finish later. Great to have an addition to my list and with the Aviatik B.I that's two new B type 1914 serial numbers in a week.


Regards,


Clint