November 20, 1916

Victory 09 - Kirmaier or MvR?

Military Logs and Documents English

Event Summary

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Oberleutnant Stefan Kirmaier took command of Jasta 2 following Boelcke's loss. By special decree the Jasta then became known as Jasta Boelcke. He had earlier been a Fokker pilot with KEK Jametz, whit whom he scored three victories. He had brought his score to eleven by 22 November, the day he too fell in combat, with the DH.2s of 24 Squadron RFC.

Event Narrative

Evidence suggests Jasta 2 Staffelführer Stefan Kirmaier may have been the actual victor over 2767. He and Richthofen were each credited with a victory on this day but RFC records indicate only one machine was lost over the lines in the manner of 2767. Richthofen and Kirmaier's victories were claimed within ten minutes and two miles of each other - i.e. nearly simultaneously and collocated - and nine years after the war Clarke stated that he and Cunningham had been attacked by five German airplanes. It is unknown if Richthofen lost 2767 in the clouds and then presumed its crash, or if Kirmaier attacked 2767 after Richthofen and each had not seen or discounted the other's attack in the fog of war. In any event, it seems both men received credit for downing the same airplane.

Related Media

Oberleutnant Stefan Kirmaier took command of Jasta 2 following Boelcke's loss. By special decree the Jasta then became known as Jasta Boelcke. He had earlier been a Fokker pilot with KEK Jametz, whit whom he scored three victories. He had brought his score to eleven by 22 November, the day he too fell in combat, with the DH.2s of 24 Squadron RFC.

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