Jagdstaffel 57

Background
Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 57, commonly abbreviated to Jasta 57, was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, forerunner to the Luftwaffe. The squadron would score over 32 aerial victories during the war. The unit's victories came at the expense of four pilots killed in action, one injured in a flying accident, four wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.

History
Jasta 57 was founded at the pilots and observers training school at Königsberg on 6 January 1918. The new squadron began operations on 20 January 1918. Four days later, it was incorporated into Rudolf Berthold's Jagdgruppe Nord and tasked to support 6 Armee. On 26 February 1918, the unit flew its first combat missions. On 11 March, it scored its first aerial victories. On 23 April 1918, Jasta 57 was reassigned to 4 Army. It moved once again on 6 June, to join Jagdgruppe 7 under Emil Thuy in support of 2 Armee. Five days later, JG 7 was reassigned to support 18 Armee. On 8 July 1918, Jasta 57 was posted to 1 Armee.

Commanding officer (Staffelführer)

 * Paul Strähle: 6 January 1918

Duty stations

 * Wasquehal, France: 24 January 1918
 * Halluin: 23 April 1918
 * Ennemain: 6 June 1918
 * Neuflize: 8 July 1918
 * Aniche, France: 21 August 1918
 * Beuvry, France: 30 September 1918
 * Chièvres, Belgium: 12 October 1918
 * Champles: 4 November 1918

Notable personnel

 * Paul Strähle
 * Johannes Jensen