In the first article about the Halberstadt CL.II, we presented the aircraft. Now, it's time to take a look to the versions presented in the three Airplane Packs. The Halberstard CL.II was largely deployed by the Luftstreitkräfte, and a large number of units and pilots proved their valor and abilities flying them, even if most didn't became famous aces. So, often it's difficult to recover info on the airmen who flew the Halberstadt CL.II models chosen for this series. That said, we present a bit more about these aircraft, their crews and units - Max Niemann/Rudolf Kolodzicj, Paul Schwarze/Franz Schum, and the Schlachstaffel 23b.
Max Niemann & Rudolf Kolodzicj
This Halberstadt CL.II model was part of Schlasta 21, and had standard squadron markings: yellow overall, with red stripes on the fuselage and tail. Schlasta 21 changed from its previous black-and-white striped markings to the new yellow and red scheme sometime in August or September 1918.
The miniature of the Halberstadt CL.II flown by Niemman & Kolodczijc
The aircraft was flown by Uffz. Niemann and Vzfw Rudolf Kolodzicj at Habay La Vielle aerodrome in October 1918. It displayed the names "Martha" and "Else" on each side of the nose and a black "3" on the white tail.
This aircraft, Serial Number 5720/17, was shot down on 2 October 1918 and the crew taken prisoner. The aircraft was later photographed in the hands of the USAS 22nd Aero Squadron.
Paul Schwarze & Franz Schumm
The crew formed by Pionier Paul Schwarze and Unteroffizer Franz Schumm served in Schlasta 26b, a Bavarian fighter-bomber squadron whose aircraft were recognized by the red and white flame pattern over the speckled fuselage.
Schalasta 26b served in the Western Front, near Courtray. On afternoon of May 2, 1918, their Halberstadt CL.II 14277/17 crashed during the takeoff of a training flight. Schwarze was serioulsly injured and Schumm died on the way to the field hospital.
Schlachstaffel 23b
The aircraft of Schlachstaffel 23b featured in the Airplane Pack was probably first flown by Vzfw. (Vizefeldwebel / Sergeant) Friedrich August Schönmann in late 1917, and displays his personal markings. As this information is not confirmed, we prefer to mark this model only with the Schlachstaffel number.
The aircraft displayed a “5” in a diamond on the fuselage sides and top, white stripes on the wings, and iron crosses typical of the period before April 1918. It also displayed the name “Marianne,” probably a wife or girlfriend, on the fuselage below the cockpit.
The Halberstadt CL.II and his rear observer/gunner position.
The airplane was transferred to Uffz. (Unteroffizier) Ludwig Thaufelder and Vzfw (Vizefeldwebel) Alois Köhler, who served in Bavarian Schutzstaffel 23 (or Schusta 23b, for short) in October 1917.
Thaufelder joined Schusta 23b from 4.Armee-Flieger Park (AFP.4) on 7 October 1917, and Köhler on 4 September 1917. The time period of this aircraft is roughly the month preceding the great Kaiserschlacht! or "Kaiser's Battle" launched on 21 March 1918.
This crew was credited with shooting down a British Bristol F.2b in March 1918. In August 1918, the aircraft crashed during take-off of a training flight.
Information sources: The Aerodrome, Frontflieger, Rise of Flight Forum, Airwar.ru, Yabs Halberstadt Fighter, Luftfahrt Archiv.
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