A lineup of Albatros D.III fighters of Jagdstaffel 50 - mid to late 1917. The subdued staffel scheme of black and white stripes and chevrons can be seen on the fuselage and tailplanes of most machines, which are otherwise in factory finish.
Jasta 50 was founded at Flieger-Abteilung (Flier Detachment) 13, Bromberg, on 23 December 1917. It moved forward into action with 7 Armee on 11 January 1918. The squadron's initial commanding officer downed an enemy observation balloon for its first aerial victory on 25 January 1918. In September 1918, Jasta 50 was transferred to 3 Armee. On 21 October 1918, it was transferred again, to 18 Armee. The squadron was disbanded after Germany's defeat, being demobilized on 17 January 1919.[1]
Initially flying the Albatros D.III from January 1918, it was later upgraded with the Albatros D.V, and then re-equipped with Fokker D.VII fighters by 28 August 1918.[1]
Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank W. & Guest, Russell F. (1993). Above The Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service, and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN978-0-948817-73-1.