The Schlachtstaffeln (often abbreviated to Schlastas) were specialized fighter-bomber squadrons in the Luftstreitkräfte during World War I.

Contents 1 Background 2 Organisation and Tactics 3 History 4 References 5 Bibliography

[edit] Background

The Schlastas had their origins in the Schutzstaffeln (escort squadrons, often abbreviated to "Schusta") which had been formed to escort reconnaissance aircraft. However, during 1917 the Schustas were increasingly frequently employed for ground attack missions and along with regular reconnaissance aircraft for "contact-patrols" which were reconnaissance missions at low altitude over the front lines where the aircraft involved were often subjected to very heavy ground fire. It soon became clear to the German command that new specialised units and aircraft types were needed for these missions.

[edit] Organisation and Tactics

Their success in the CAS (close air support) and "contact-patrol" roles led to the Schustas being re-designated as "Schlachtstaffeln" (literally Battle Squadrons) who now specialised in CAS operations while the more reconnaissance intensive "contact-patrols" were taken over by the Flieger Abteilung (Infantrie) squadrons who specialised in very low altitude infantry co-operation, communication and reconnaissance. Schlastas would operate a mix of un-armoured but highly manoeuvrable two-seat fighters such as the Halberstadt CL.II and the Hannover_Cl.II as well as armored types such as the Albatros J.I and the AEG J.I. The Fl. Abt. (Inf.) units would, however, usually operate only the armoured aircraft types including the very successful Junkers J.I. A Schlasta operated according to a strict set of orders ^[1] that required it to stick to a pre-determined "sphere of action". The intention of this rule was to prevent the effectiveness of the Schlastas from being diluted by secondary tasks ^[2]. Schlastas were attached to field armies, corps and even individual divisions to ensure the closest possible co-operation with ground forces ^[3]. When attacking, Schlastas would try to stay in close contact with ground forces although this was difficult since aircraft were not universally equipped with radio at this time. Communication often had to be accomplished by means of message drops by the aircraft and signals that were laid out by ground forces in response. Radio communications were of course also used when such equipment was available. A Schlasta usually consisted of 4-6 aircraft which was the maximum formation size a leader could effectively command without voice radio ^[4]. The ability of a Schlasta leader to exercise control over his unit was important since concentrated low altitude mass attacks, preferably in formation, by multiple squadrons were at the heart of Schlasta tactics. The "spheres of action" assigned to different Schlasta units included attacking enemy infantry formations, airfields, artillery positions, unit headquarters, supply columns and even tanks with machine-gun fire, small fragmenting mortar bombs and hand grenades. The Fl. Abt. (Inf.) squadrons, however, concentrated on keeping track of and communicating with spearhead units during attacks and isolated units during defensive operations thus giving commanders a more up-to-date picture of what was happening at the front. Schlasta crews were also required to report any battlefield intelligence acquired during offensive operations without delay.

[edit] History

Traditionally some historians have considered the air forces of the First World War to have had relatively little direct effect on events on the ground with their CAS and tactical bombing efforts. It is certainly true that the effect of ground attack units during this period was not as great as it was during the Second World War where ground attack aircraft could have a devastating effect on ground forces such as was the case, for example, during the attacks launched by the air forces of the Second World War Allies on German troops in the Falaise pocket. The offensive power of the Schlastas should nevertheless not be underestimated, a mass ground attack operation conducted by several Schlastas could still have a very significant effect on ground forces. During the battle of Cambrai for example, one of the first battles where Schlastas (or Schustas as they were still designated at the time of Cambrai) were used in large numbers for ground-attack operations they plaid a key role in the success of the German counter attack by constantly harassing the defending British forces. They attacked British reinforcements on their way to the front, as well as attacking the retreating British forces with machine-gun fire and bombs. The morale of the hapless British soldiery suffered considerably as a result of these attacks^[5] . As the First World War dragged on the Schlastas began to suffer increasing losses both due to the fact that the numerical advantage of the Entente Powers air forces grew and because the Entente armies began to adapt their tactics and equipment to counter the threat posed by the Schlastas. After the initial shock of mass deployment of Schlastas during the battle of Cambrai the Entente armies began to enhance low level air defences in their rear areas using machine guns as well as shell firing Autocannon. Increased emphasis was also placed on low altitude fighter cover for ground forces. The Schlastas nevertheless remained a force to be reckoned with. The aircraft that equipped the Schlastas, highly agile two seat fighters fitted with rear firing gun turrets, were no easy target for an Entente fighter pilot nor were the armoured aircraft. The Junkers J.I in particular acquired a reputation for being almost impossible to shoot down. Schlastas made substantial contributions towards the success of the "Kaiserschlacht", the German Spring Offensive of 1918 and fought numerous defensive actions until the end of the war. The experience gained from the Schlasta operations of the First World War was an important reason why the Second World War German Luftwaffe placed such emphasis on close air support operations.

[edit] References

[edit] Bibliography

• Gray, Peter; Owen Thetford (1962). German Aircraft of the first World War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-809-7. 
• Duiven, Rick; Dan-San Abbot (2006). Sclachtflieger!. Atglen PA: Schiffer Military History. ISBN 0-7643-2441-1.