| Varsenare/Jabbeke |
An aerial view of the airfield of Varssenaere/Jabbeke (now spelled Varsenare) between Jabbeke and Brugge taken on 5 July 1917 by the crew Cpt. Jaumotte (pilot) and Lt. Wouters (Observer). On August 13th 1918 the American 17th Aero Squadron was involved in a raid on this German aerodrome. This mission, which involved Sopwith Camels coordinating a ground attack (bombing and strafing) with other RAF units, resulted in the squadron receiving credit for destroying 14 enemy aircraft on the ground as well as seriously damaging the airfield facilities.
Oberleutenant Zur See Gotthard Sachsenberg at Jabbeke airfield on 12 August 1918 in front of his flamboyant yellow and black chequered Fokker D.VII fighter. At that time Sachsenberg was Commanding Officer of Marine Feld Jasta 1 (MFJ 1). He was an ace with 31 victories and holder of the prestigious Order Pour le Mérite, better known as the Blue Max, which he received only a few days earlier on 5 august 1918.
Another picture taken at Jabbeke airfield on 12 August 1918, showing a Fokker E.V in front while Oberleutenant Zur See Gotthard Sachsenberg's Fokker D.VII is parked in the back.
Photo Greg Vanwyngarden Collection via Marinekorps Flandern Archive
Last updated 22/04/05 08:20 Daniel Brackx