Could someone identify the German pilot?

[Ken S.]

I have been doing some research on the 19th Canadian Machine Gun Company. Shortly after they were first deployed on the front lines near Maroeuil, an incident in which a lone German flier downed four, possibly five, balloons was recorded in its War Diary. This incident took place on April 1, 1918. The 38th Battalion, CEF also recorded the incident, although somewhat differently, but probably more accurately. If anyone could identify the German pilot (who may have been shot down and hence not given credit for his effort) or provide me with some leads, this would be greatly appreciated.

The War Diary entries for the two units are:

38th Battalion, CEF

http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e040/e000977265.jpg

19th CMGC, CEF

http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e048/e001190924.jpg

Thanks,

Ken

[Guest Biplane pilot]

Your man was Ltn. Friedrich Roth (Roeth) of J.23 who flamed four balloons near Loos in eight minutes that afternoon. Victories 7-10 of an eventual 28 (20 balloons)

[Ken S.]

Excellent. Thanks kindly for the help.

Ken

[Dolphin]

Ken

A photograph of Ltn Friedrich, Ritter von Röth of Jasta 34, Jasta 23 and Jasta 16, is below.

He was a great multiple 'balloon buster' in 1918 and brought down two on 21 March, three on 25 January 1918, 13 August and 10 October, four on 1 April and five on 29 May. Unable to cope with Germany's defeat, he took his own life on 31 December 1918.

Gareth

[Ken S.]

Gareth,

Thanks for the additional information.

Another account of the incident was recorded in the War Diary of the 18th Canadian Machine Gun Company. This one provides more specific details on how Roth downed the balloons.

http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e048/e001190767.jpg

Ken