Wilhelm Fahlbusch

For the German Major in the Luftwaffe, see Wilhelm Fahlbusch (Flak officer).

Wilhelm Fahlbusch
File:World War One German Aviator Lt. Fahlbosch Lt. Rosencratz.jpg Fahlbusch (on right) and Hans Rosencrantz
Nickname(s)	"Willi"
Born	8 February 1892 Hanover, Germany
Died	6 September 1916(1916-09-06) (aged 24) Malincourt, France
Allegiance	German Empire
Service/branch	Flying service
Rank	Leutnant
Unit	KG 1
Awards	Iron Cross

Leutnant Wilhelm Fahlbusch was an early World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories, shared with his observer Hans Rosencrantz.

Early life

Wilhelm Fahlbusch was born in Hanover on 8 February 1892.

Aerial service

Little is known of this pioneering ace's career. "Willi" Fahlbusch was that rarity in the Luftstreitkräfte, a reconnaissance pilot who became an ace. He flew as a member of Kasta 1, teamed with Hans Rosencrantz in a Roland Whale. They were credited with five aerial victories during 1916, with the last being scored on 31 August 1916 over a British Martinsyde Elephant two-seater craft. Fahlbusch was awarded the Iron Cross for his valor.

Death in action

On 6 September 1916, Fahlbusch and Rosencrantz clashed with Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters from No. 70 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. The German duo were shot down in flames over Malincourt, with three British air crews posting victory claims. Credit was granted to both Bernard Beanlands and his observer, and William Sanday and his observer.

References

• Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank W.; Guest, Russell. Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. Grub Street, 1993. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.