Full medal write up
WW1 German aviation photograph album Feldflieger Abteilung 23.
This hardbound album, measuring 33 x 25cm, contains approximately 128 photographs taken circa 1914-15. It mainly features aircrew and groundcrew at rest; in groups, scenic shots etc. Some good uniform shots with pilots and observer badges being worn, as well as FFA23 arm patches. Some flying kit shots, inspections, bomb damage etc.
Album does contain a particular fine portrait photograph of German Ace and Pour Le Merit winner Rudolf Berthold standing next to his observer, Friedrich Schuelar Van Krieken. Berthold joined Feldflieger Abteilung 23 in 1914 and originally flew as an observer before qualifying as a pilot in 1915. He joined Kek Vaux as a fighter pilot in early 1916 and went on to claim 44 aerial victories with this unit, Jasta’s 4, 14, 18 and as commander of JGII. He would be killed during riots in 1920.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Berthold
Berthold features in a t least one other group photograph within the album. Future Aces Hans-Joachim Buddecke and Freiherr Von Althaus also flew with the unit at this time and may feature in some of the group photographs.
Condition; the album is complete but the spine has come away and the pages are loose. Some very good photographs within.