#7
Post
by Osman Levent » 09 Dec 2013, 17:55
Söderbaum,
Here's what I found in the book titled "First World War, IX. Volume, the Turkish Air Operations" prepared by the "War History Department of the Turkish Staff Major" published in 1969.
By January, 1918; the former German "Königl. Preuss. Flieger Abteilung 305" was sent to Der’a in Syria under the name of "Osman'lı Hava Bölüğü No.14" (i.e. the Ottoman Air Company Number 14) to be joined by the 4th Ottoman Air Company which until then was stationed in Silifke, Turkey. Soon transferred to Amman, Jordan on 31st of January, 1918; they were both to return to Der’a, Syria by 22nd of March 1918. To re-organize the Air Operations of the Ottoman Army where the number of planes was constantly dropping due to contnuous fighting; a new "4th Army Air Force Command" was created and Major Zellich was put in charge. By July, 1918; the only Air Force remaining in the theater of war was the 14th (i.e. the 305) Air Company since all other units were now without operable planes. Understandably, all pilots and auxilliary personnel were absconded to the latter. Soon after the major British offensive which began on the 19th of September, 1918; this final Air unit was first withdrawn to Rayak Station in Lebanon where they had one last duty to perform. After helping to secure the safe withdrawal of the 7th and 8th Ottoman Army units to the north of Halab, Syria; all remaining planes were destroyed whilst the personnel were sent to Istanbul by train following the signing of the Armistice on the 30th of October, 1918.
I hope this has been of some assistance, best regards.
Osman Levend
