Arno Benzler
Encyclopedia
Leutnant Arno Benzler was a First World War flying ace
and aerial commander credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.
Benzler served with Jasta 32 from 14 February to 22 December 1917; he then transferred to Jasta 45. On 7 March 1918, he was appointed to temporary command of Jasta 65. At some point prior, on a now unknown date, Benzler had had his first confirmed victory. On 13 March 1918, he scored his second. On 16 March, he scored again. On 18 March, he transferred back to Jasta 45. While with them, he shot down an enemy observation balloon
on 12 April 1918. On 27 May, he was appointed as Staffelführer
of Jasta 60. He scored three times in June, on the 2nd, 4th, and 23rd. He rounded out his list with triumphs on 4 and 7 August 1918. He was wounded in action on 5 October 1918, but remained in command until the 11 November 1918 Armistice
.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
and aerial commander credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.
Benzler served with Jasta 32 from 14 February to 22 December 1917; he then transferred to Jasta 45. On 7 March 1918, he was appointed to temporary command of Jasta 65. At some point prior, on a now unknown date, Benzler had had his first confirmed victory. On 13 March 1918, he scored his second. On 16 March, he scored again. On 18 March, he transferred back to Jasta 45. While with them, he shot down an enemy observation balloon
Observation balloon
Observation balloons are balloons that are employed as aerial platforms for intelligence gathering and artillery spotting. Their use began during the French Revolutionary Wars, reaching their zenith during World War I, and they continue in limited use today....
on 12 April 1918. On 27 May, he was appointed as Staffelführer
Staffelführer
Staffelführer was one of the first paramilitary ranks used by the German Schutzstaffel in the early years of that group’s existence...
of Jasta 60. He scored three times in June, on the 2nd, 4th, and 23rd. He rounded out his list with triumphs on 4 and 7 August 1918. He was wounded in action on 5 October 1918, but remained in command until the 11 November 1918 Armistice
Armistice
An armistice is a situation in a war where the warring parties agree to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, but may be just a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace...
.
Decorations
Benzler's exploits earned him the rarely awarded Cross of Distinction in War, First Class, from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, as well as the Iron Cross.Reference
- Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918. Norman L. R. Franks, Frank W. Bailey, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0948817739, 9780948817731.
External links
- http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/benzler.php contains a photo of Benzler, as well as a detailed list of his victories