Lt. HG von der Osten - CO Jasta 4 (1918)

[Jonathan Saunders]

Does anyone have any information on the life of the above named?

Many thanks in advance?

Jon

[Dolphin]

Jon

Part 1 of an outline of the man's career, from the excellent Above the Lines by Franks, Bailey and Guest is below. More to follow.

Gareth

[Dolphin]

Jon

Herewith Part 2.

Gareth

[Dolphin]

Jon

To end it off, here's a photograph from the same source.

Gareth

[Jonathan Saunders]

Gareth, excellent stuff. Many thanks for your trouble.

Jon

[Dolphin]

Jon

My pleasure.

Gareth

[Regulus 1]

Hi,

Actually vd Osten arrived at Jasta 11 on the 11th August 1917 (Kogenluft 65069) and was assigned to JG 1 in which they placed him into Jasta 11.

Curious thing, although he scored the unit's 200th victory he is not to be found on the photo of the unit remembering this fact !

He came in command of Jasta 4 as von Richtofen had to replace the former commander, Kurt Wusthoff, who was not liked by his men, much younger then most of them, not very sympathetic at all, and reported unchecked victories - all reasons why von Richthofen had to look for another commanding officer.

It remains uncertain if vd Osten was actually shot down. The Pfalz DIII had the nasty habbit of slipping in a turn, and it could be that this is what actually happened. It has to be said also that vd Osten did not recall what actually happened just before and on the moment of the crash.

Best from Johan

[Jonathan Saunders]

Johan - many thanks for the additional info.