Leutnant Franz Brandt (13 February 1893 – 1954) was a German World War I flying ace credited with ten confirmed aerial victories, as well as three unconfirmed claims.[1][2]
Franz Brandt | |
---|---|
Born | Minden, Kingdom of Prussia | 13 February 1893
Died | 1954 Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany | (aged 61)
Allegiance | German Empire |
Service/ | Artillery; aviation |
Rank | Leutnant |
Unit | Fusilier Artillery Regiment No. 58; Kampfstaffel 14; Schutzstaffel 2; Jagdstaffel 19; Jagdstaffel 27 |
Commands held | Jagdstaffel 26 |
Awards | Royal House Order of Hohenzollern; Iron Cross First and Second Class |
Brandt entered the war an artilleryman. In July 1915 he transferred to aviation. His first assignment after training was Kampfstaffel (Tactical Bomber Squadron) 14, between July and September 1916. In December, he moved on to Schutzstaffel (Protection Squadron) 2; he saw some action there, but no results yet. On 2 February 1917, he was reassigned, to Jagdstaffel 19.[1] There he flew an Albatros D.II.[3] He scored his first victory on 4 May, downing a Spad VII. On 21 August 1917, he took out an enemy observation balloon for his second triumph.[2] On 31 December 1917, he changed squadrons again, to Jagdstaffel 27.[1] In his tenure there, he downed enemy fighter planes on 23 January, 7 April, and 17 June 1918.[2] On 27 June 1918, he was appointed to command of Jagdstaffel 26.[1] Between 7 July and 22 September, he shot down four enemy fighters and a two-seater.[2] Brandt ended the war still commanding Jagdstaffel 26.[1]