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{{Short description|German World War I flying ace (1891–1916)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox military person
|name= Oswald Boelcke
|birth_date=19 May 1891
|death_date= {{Death date and age|df=y|1916|10|28|1891|05|19}}
|birth_place= Giebichenstein, Germany
|death_place= near [[Bapaume]], France
|image=Hauptmann Boelcke.jpg
|caption= Oswald Boelcke wearing his ''[[Pour le Mérite]]''
|alt=refer to caption
|allegiance= [[German Empire]]
|serviceyears= 1911–1916
|rank= {{lang|de|Hauptmann}} (Captain)
|branch= {{lang|de|Telegraphen-Bataillon Nr. 3}} (Telegraph Battalion No. 3); {{lang|de|Luftstreitkräfte}} (Air Force)
|unit= {{lang|de|Feldflieger Abteilung 13}} (Field Flyer Detachment 13)
|commands=''[[Jagdstaffel 2]]'' (Fighter Squadron 2)
|awards= [[Pour le Mérite]],<br />[[Royal House Order of Hohenzollern]], Knight's Cross with Swords,<br>[[Iron Cross]], First and Second Class,<br>[[Lifesaving Medal (Prussia)|Lifesaving Medal]],<br>Plus eight lesser decorations
}}

'''Oswald Boelcke''' ({{IPA|de|ˈbœlkə|lang}}; 19 May 1891&nbsp;– 28 October 1916) was a [[World War I]] German professional soldier and pioneering [[flying ace]] credited with 40 aerial victories. Boelcke is honored as the father of the German fighter air force, and of air combat as a whole. He was a highly influential mentor, patrol leader, and [[military tactics|tactician]] in the first years of air combat, 1915 and 1916.

Boelcke fulfilled his childhood dream of a military career by joining the [[Imperial German Army]] on 15 March 1911. He pursued an early interest in aviation, learning to fly as World War I began. After duty as an [[aerial observer]] during 1914, he became one of the [[Fokker Scourge|original fighter pilots]] during mid-1915. Flying the first [[Fokker Eindecker|true fighters]], Boelcke, [[Max Immelmann]], and several other early aces began shooting down enemy airplanes. Boelcke and Immelmann were the first German fighter pilots awarded Prussia's highest honor, the ''Pour le Mérite''. The German high command reassigned Boelcke after his 19th victory. During his forced grounding on staff duty, he helped transform Die {{lang|de|Fliegertruppe}} (Flying Troop) air arm into the [[Luftstreitkräfte]] (Air Force). His innovative turn of mind codified his combat experiences into the first manual of fighter tactics distributed to an air force, the ''[[Dicta Boelcke]]''. The ''Dicta'' promulgated axioms for individual pilot success, as well as a requirement for teamwork directed by a formation's leader. Modern aerial combat tactics manuals stem from the ''Dicta''.

After an enforced holiday leave spent on a military inspection tour of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] facilities, Boelcke was picked to lead one of Germany's first fighter squadrons, [[Jagdstaffel 2]] (Fighter Squadron 2). Its pilots were hand-picked by Boelcke and indoctrinated in his ''Dicta'' through extensive training. During September and October 1916, Boelcke scored 21 more victories while commanding {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}}, maintaining his position as the world's highest-scoring ace. He was killed in a mid-air collision with his best friend, [[Erwin Böhme]], on 28 October 1916. By the end of the war, {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} (renamed Jasta Boelcke) had 25 aces in its ranks; many of them were selected to lead other squadrons and four of its members became generals during [[World War II]]. Boelcke's influence extends to the present, with extensive tributes to him at the [[German Air Force]]'s [[Nörvenich Air Base]] and throughout Germany.

==Early years==

The son of a schoolmaster, Oswald Boelcke was born on 19 May 1891, in Giebichenstein (since 1900 a district of [[Halle (Saale)|Halle]]), [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussian]] [[Province of Saxony]]. The Boelcke family had returned to the [[German Empire]] from Argentina six months before Oswald's birth.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=10–11}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=38}} His family name was originally spelt Bölcke, but Oswald and his elder brother Wilhelm (1886–1954) dispensed with the [[umlaut (diacritic)|umlaut]] and adopted the [[Latin]] spelling in place of the [[German language|German]]. The pronunciation is the same for both spellings.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|p=10}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=38–39}}

Boelcke caught [[whooping cough]] aged three, resulting in lifelong [[asthma]]. When he was four, his father moved the family to [[Dessau]] near the [[Junkers]] factory in pursuit of professional advancement. The planes flying overhead were Boelcke's first exposure to aircraft.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=38-39}}

As Boelcke grew, he turned to athletics despite his asthma. In later life, he was described as being about {{convert|5|ft|7|in|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} tall, broad-shouldered and well proportioned, with great agility and strength.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=39}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=13–14}} He played [[soccer]] and [[tennis]], skated and danced, and was considered the best [[gymnast]] in his school. He was an [[rowing (sport)|oarsman]], and a prizewinning swimmer and diver. When he was 17, he became an [[alpinist]] capable of out-climbing his father and elder brother. His athletic prowess made him a popular leader on the school playing fields.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=39}}

He got along well in school with both his fellow students and the teachers. His frank and friendly demeanor, blond hair, and intense blue eyes made him memorable. One source says Oswald Boelcke was studious as well as athletic, excelling at mathematics and physics.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=39–40}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=11–12}}

Boelcke's family was a conservative one. They realized that a military career could move their son up the social ladder. Under this influence, while in the third or fourth form, ten-year-old Boelcke wrote a personal letter to [[Wilhelm II, German Emperor|Kaiser Wilhelm]] requesting an appointment to military school. His wish was granted when he was 13, but once his parents were apprised of the opportunity by the belated letter of reply, they objected and he did not attend Cadet School. He attended {{lang|de|Herzog Friedrichs-Gymnasium}} (Duke Frederick's High School) instead of interrupting his education.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=11, 15–16}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=39}}

Boelcke's interest in a military career seemed undiminished. While in school, his favorite author was the [[nationalist]] writer [[Heinrich von Treitschke]]. Boelcke also read publications from the [[German General Staff]].{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=40}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=12–14}} At age 17, for an [[elocution]] class, he chose three subjects—General [[Gerhard von Scharnhorst]]'s military reforms, Count [[Ferdinand von Zeppelin]]'s life before his aeronautical experiments, and the first [[airship]] flights. Despite his principal's reservations about his scholarship, Boelcke was awarded his {{lang|de|[[Abitur]]}} honors degree on 11 February 1911.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=40}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|p=15}}

==Entry into military service==

After leaving school Boelcke joined a telegraph battalion in [[Koblenz]] as a {{lang|de|Fahnenjunker}} (cadet officer) on 15 March 1911. As he learned his general military duties, he saw more airplanes.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=42}}  In January 1912 he began attending the {{lang|de|[[Kriegsschule (Wehrmacht)|Kriegsschule]]}} (Military Academy) in [[Metz]]. As the advent of spring lengthened the days, he took advantage of his early class dismissal to spend the rest of his daylight hours watching airplanes at a nearby airfield. In June, he stood his final exams. His written tests were graded as only "fair"; his oral exams were "good" or "very good"; his leadership skills were considered "excellent".{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=42–43}}  

In July 1912, he graduated and was [[Commission (document)|commission]]ed as an [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]]. Since Boelcke had gained his {{lang|de|Abitur}}, his commission was back-dated to 23 August 1910, making him senior to the other new ensigns in his battalion. Promotion to lieutenant soon followed. He settled into a daily routine of training recruit telegraphers, and enjoyed an active social life.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=43}}

During 1913, Boelcke took advantage of a temporary posting to Metz to be taken on some flights with the 3rd Air Battalion. That October he was transferred to [[Darmstadt]]. On a visit to [[Frankfurt]], he witnessed an aerobatic performance by pioneer French aviator [[Adolphe Pégoud]]. In February 1914, he competed in the officer's [[pentathlon]], taking third place and qualifying for the [[1916 Olympics]] scheduled for Berlin.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=44}}

==World War I==

===1914===

[[File:Aviatik B.I.jpg|thumb|alt=refer to caption|Boelcke's instructional aircraft was an [[Aviatik B.I]]]]

Without informing his family, Boelcke applied for a transfer to aviation duty. On 29 May 1914, he was accepted for pilot's training. On 2 June, he began a six-week course of instruction at the {{lang|de|Halberstädter Fliegerschule}} (Halberstadt Flying School). He passed his final pilot's exam on 15 August. His first assignment was training 50 neophyte pilots on an [[Aviatik B.I]].{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=44–45, 48–49}} 

World War I having begun, Boelcke was anxious to see action. On 31 August, he connived his way into joining his older brother Wilhelm at {{lang|de|Feldflieger Abteilung 13}} (Field Flyer Detachment 13). On 1 September, the aircrew of Boelcke and Boelcke flew the first of many missions together. On 8 September, during [[reconnaissance]] of a French aerodrome, Wilhelm avoided a challenge by French aircraft because he feared they had machine guns aboard.{{efn|At this time, without quite realizing it, the French had achieved [[air superiority]] for the first time in history.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=58}}}} 

The brothers soon compiled a record of flying longer missions at more frequent intervals than the other aircrews, causing some resentment within the unit. The two Boelckes continued to fly as the weather worsened and the opposing armies' activities began to stagnate into [[trench warfare]].{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=51}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=75–77, 81–82, 85, 90, 99, 101}} By year's end, Oswald, who had been last to join the section, had flown 42 [[sortie]]s beyond the front line and Wilhelm had flown 61. The next most active airman had 27 sorties.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=90, 95}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=53}}

===1915===
====Catalyst for action====

There was little ground combat and little need for air support during early 1915. Oswald had a spell in hospital with asthma, and both brothers went on home leave.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=54}} The Boelckes' new commanding officer wished to separate them. In late March, matters came to a head when the brothers refused to fly separately and jumped the [[chain of command]] to complain but, in April, they were parted. As Wilhelm returned to Germany, Oswald was posted to {{lang|de|Feldflieger Abteilung 62}} (Field Flyer Detachment 62) in [[La Brayelle Airfield|La Brayelle]], [[Douai]], France on 25 April.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=60-62}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=101–103}}

He was quickly passed on to {{lang|de|Kampfeinsitzerkommando Douai}} (Combat Single-Seater Command Douai), arriving 19 May. He was the most experienced pilot in the unit. His new assignment brought him friendship with [[Max Immelmann]], a fellow citizen of the Prussian Province of Saxony serving in the unit.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=60-62}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=101–103}}
Boelcke's and Immelmann's posting to FFA 62 proved momentous, as they would fly the unit's [[Fokker Eindecker]]s during the [[Fokker Scourge]].{{cn|date=November 2022}}

====Advent of synchronized guns====

When [[Roland Garros (aviator)|Roland Garros]], [[Eugène Gilbert]] and Adolphe Pégoud managed to score the first aerial victories, they caught the public imagination. French newspapers hailed Pégoud as "l'as", or ace.{{efn|Russian flier [[Pyotr Nesterov]] had scored the first aerial victory in history in Russia on 25 August 1914, virtually unnoticed.{{sfnp|Kulikov|2013|pp=7–8}}}} To an audience overwhelmed by a war of enormous armies and geographic complexity, simple stories of lone heroes had great appeal. German propagandists took advantage of this by supplying press releases to newspapers and magazines, encouraging printing of [[Sanke card|postcards]], and filming of popular aviators.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=30, 60, 68}}{{sfnp|Robertson|2005|pp=100–103}}

After two unsuccessful combats in two-seated reconnaissance craft,{{cn|date=November 2022}} Boelcke scored his first accredited victory on 4 July 1915, after 30 minutes of angling about to afford his observer with fields of fire. Then Boelcke shifted from two-seaters to the world's original dedicated fighter plane.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=13-14}}
The [[Fokker E.I]] {{lang|de|Eindecker}} (monoplane) was a hasty German response to the first air-to-air victories achieved by French fliers. The airplane itself was unremarkable, with cranky controls and underpowered inefficient engine, but its weapon system was not.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=65}}

The noses of {{lang|de|Eindeckers}} were fitted with a forward-firing air-cooled [[Parabellum MG14|Parabellum]] machine-gun connected to a [[synchronization gear|gun synchronizer]] that prevented bullets from being fired when the propeller blades were in the line of fire. Aiming the airplane aimed the gun, murderously simplifying the task of attacking other aircraft.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|pp=6–9}} The {{lang|de|Eindecker}} machine-guns carried hundreds of bullets in ammunition belts. The few British [[Lewis guns]] in use had to be aimed indirectly around the propeller, and awkwardly reloaded after the 47 rounds in its ammunition drum had been fired. Fokkers were issued singly or in pairs to operational detachments.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=70}} 

The {{lang|de|Eindeckers}} were to be flown when pilots were not on their assigned reconnaissance missions in their two-seaters. The German General Staff had settled on an aerial strategy of defensive "barrier" patrols over their own lines. The new aircraft were considered so revolutionary that they could not be risked over enemy lines for fear of capture. This restriction to defensive patrols was soon eroded by the insubordinate aggression of Boelcke and other Fokker fliers.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=111–115}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=63–66, 68}}

====Early fighter warfare====
{{See also|Aerial victory standards of World War I#Germany}}

On 17 June, on the French side of the lines, Gilbert shot down his fifth German aeroplane.{{efn|According to Smithsonian's Air & Space website, at this stage of the war the definition of an ace was not yet fixed at five victories. They state that Americans, afraid that their belated entry into the war would deny their fliers opportunity to become aces, lobbied the British to lower the requirement for becoming an ace from ten victories to five. Other sources say the French were already using the term as early as June 1916. The Germans originally attached significance to achieving four or ten victories.}} On 21 June, operating from the Allied side of the lines, British pilot [[Lanoe Hawker]] scored his first victory.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=30}}{{sfnp|Shores|Franks|Guest|1990|p=188}} In July 1915, Boelcke, Immelmann, Parschau, and Wintgens began to fly the {{lang|de|Eindecker}} aircraft in combat.{{sfnp|Franks|2004|p=11}} As the German single-seat pilots began waging war in the third dimension, they had no tactical knowledge for reference. Until Boelcke recorded his experiences in July 1916, there was no tactical guide.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=67–69, 97}}

On 1 July, Wintgens achieved the [[Kurt Wintgens#First victory using a synchronized gun|initial victory]] with the Fokker, but the French aircraft fell behind their own lines and went unverified—until after the war. On 4 July, Wintgens filed another victory claim—again only confirmed postwar. That day, Boelcke and his observer brought down an enemy two-seater in a prolonged engagement between reconnaissance machines. It was Boelcke's first victory, and the only one he scored in a two-seater, as he then switched to the {{lang|de|Eindecker}}.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=67–69}} By the end of July, Wintgens had two more victories, both verified.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=231–232}} On 1 August, Immelmann shot down his first aircraft.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=134–135}} By this time, the {{lang|de|Eindecker}} pilots were being mentioned in official dispatches and lionized in magazine and newspaper. In letters home, Boelcke was already counseling his father about modesty in dealing with journalists.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=67–69}}

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Boelckeo.JPG|thumb|A propaganda postcard portrait of Oswald Boelcke]] -->

Boelcke and Immelmann often flew together. Boelcke won his first individual aerial combat on 19 August 1915, forcing down a British plane.{{sfn|Head|2016|p=69}} On 31 August, Pégoud was shot down and killed after six victories.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|1993|p=202}} By then, Hawker had won six of his eventual seven victories, generally unnoticed.{{sfnp|Shores|Franks|Guest|1990|p=188}} In the glare of German publicity, Wintgens had claimed five victims, Boelcke two and Immelmann one.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=76, 134–135, 231–232}}

====The ace race begins====
September 1915 saw improved models of the {{lang|de|Eindecker}} delivered to the front. Engine power was increased and the [[Fokker E.IV]] carried a pair of guns over the engine.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|pp=21, 25}} That month Boelcke and Immelmann scored two victories apiece.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=76, 135}} On 22 September, Boelcke was moved to Metz, joining the secretive {{lang|de|Brieftauben-Abteilung-Metz}} (Carrier Pigeons Detachment Metz) to counter a French offensive.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=23}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=72}}{{efn|The unusual name was used to disguise its existence as a combat unit.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=72}}}} On 1 November, the day after his sixth victory, Boelcke was awarded the [[Royal House Order of Hohenzollern]]. Immelmann duplicated the feat six days later, reaching six victories and being awarded the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=78}} By now, the deadly effect of the new aircraft on aerial warfare was beginning to be referred to by the British and French public as the Fokker Scourge.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=24}}

Boelcke moved back to {{lang|de|Field Flieger Abteilung 62}} on 12 December.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=159–160}} When he arrived, he was awarded a [[Lifesaving Medal (Prussia)|Prussian Lifesaving Medal]] for an act of heroism in late August. While watching French locals fishing from a high pier jutting into a canal, Boelcke saw a teen boy topple in and sink. Boelcke plunged in and saved the child from drowning. When French bystanders applauded his heroism, Boelcke was embarrassed by his soggy public appearance in his dress uniform.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=71}} By the end of 1915, Immelmann had seven victories,{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=134–135}} Boelcke had six,{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|p=76}} Wintgens had five (including two unconfirmed) and [[Hans-Joachim Buddecke]] had four (one unconfirmed).{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=231–232}}{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=88–89}} There were 86 Fokker and 21 [[Pfalz Flugzeugwerke|Pfalz]] ''Eindeckers'' in service. Officially, the nine successful pilots of the Fokker Scourge had shot down 28 enemy aircraft.{{sfnp|Franks|2008|p=41}}

===1916===

====Ace race continues====

[[File:Kruis van de Orde Pour le Mérite 1914.gif|thumb|The ''Pour le Mérite'' was the [[Prussia]]n equivalent of the American [[Medal of Honor]] or the British [[Victoria Cross]].]]
On 5 January 1916, the winter weather improved enough for flying, and Boelcke shot down a British [[Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2|BE.2]]. Landing near the downed aircraft, he found that the German-speaking pilot knew of him. Boelcke later visited the observer in hospital, bringing him reading material.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=161–162}} By now, Boelcke was so well known that this incident was front-page news.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=81}} On 12 January, Buddecke submitted his ninth combat claim, but four had not been verified.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=88–89}}{{efn|Buddecke was flying with the [[Ottoman Aviation Squadrons]] during the [[Gallipoli Campaign]]; he would receive the third fighter pilot's award of the ''Pour le Merite'' on 14 April 1916 after seven of his victories were confirmed.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|p=88}}}} Boelcke and Immelmann shot down their eighth victims that day. These two were immediately presented the German Empire's most prestigious decoration, the ''[[Pour le Merite]]''. This award sparked articles in the American and British press, as well as the German news. Boelcke was internationally famous, and could not walk German streets or attend the opera without being lionized.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=82–83}} The young lieutenant also found that generals and nobility sought his company.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=168–171}}

On 21 January, Boelcke was again covertly posted to {{lang|de|Brieftauben-Abteilung-Metz}}, in anticipation of the [[Battle of Verdun]]. Bad weather limited his flying, and he complained he had little to do except reluctantly reply to [[fan mail]]. In late February, he was hospitalized with an intestinal ailment.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=171–172}} After about a week, he absconded from care to return to duty. He complained he was stationed too far from the front at [[Jametz]] and was given permission to use the forward airfield at [[Sivry-sur-Meuse|Sivry]] only {{cvt|12|km|mi}} behind the lines.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=34}}

On 11 March, he was given command of the new {{lang|de|Fliegerabteilung Sivry}} (Flying Detachment Sivry). This unit of six fighter pilots was the precursor of German fighter squadrons. Boelcke connected a front-line observation post to the Sivry airfield and established the first tactical air direction center.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=34}} The new fighter unit was stationed near [[Stenay]], which was the headquarters of Prussian [[Crown Prince Wilhelm]]. A friendship developed between the Crown Prince and the flier.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=88–89}}

On 3 March 1916, Boelcke was ordered to evaluate a new {{lang|de|Eindecker}} prototype: his report pointed out shortcomings like inaccurately mounted guns and the limitations of its rotary engine. He also submitted a [[memorandum]] that criticized German use of airpower as "wretched".{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=183–186}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=91}} Boelcke became the first aviator to score 10 victories on 12 March. The following day, as Boelcke scored another, Immelmann scored one of the first double victories of the war to tie it up at 11 all.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|pp=36–37}} The dead heat lasted for a week. On 19 March, Boelcke used his usual tactics of point-blank fire for his 12th victory.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=50}} 

By this time, the obsolescent [[Fokker E.III]] was being replaced by newer [[Halberstadt D.II]] single-gun and twin-gun [[Albatros D.I]] biplane fighters, both types fitted with synchronized guns. The French counter to the Fokker Scourge was the new [[Nieuport 11]]. The British counter was the [[Airco DH.2]] [[Pusher configuration|pusher biplane]] that could shoot without use of synchronizing gear. Boelcke concentrated on developing fighter tactics, massing fighters in formation and using accurate gunnery in combat.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=51}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=85–86}}

The ace race continued, although Buddecke lost ground and was no longer a contender due to problems verifying some of his victories in Turkey. Now it became more of an "ace chase", with Immelmann playing catchup to Boelcke as their scores rose into the teens.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=76–77, 88–89, 134–135}} When Boelcke shot down two enemy airplanes on 21 May 1916, the emperor disregarded army regulations prohibiting promotion to {{lang|de|Hauptmann}} until age 30. Boelcke was promoted to the rank ten days past his 25th birthday, making him the youngest captain in the German military.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=92–93}}
[[File:German Aircraft of the First World War Q66596.jpg|thumb|A [[Fokker E.III]] draws a crowd of curious soldiers.]]

====The ace race ends====
Immelmann was killed on 18 June 1916 after his 17th victory. Boelcke, who then had 18 victories, was left the preeminent ace of the war. Upon Boelcke's return from Immelmann's funeral, [[Kaiser Wilhelm II]] ordered Boelcke grounded for a month to avoid losing him in combat soon after Immelmann. He had become such an important hero to the German public, as well as such an authority on aerial warfare, that he could not be risked. Boelcke downed his 19th victim before reporting to headquarters on 27 June.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=63}}

There the disgruntled flier was detailed to share his expertise with the head of German military aviation, [[Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen]], who was planning the reorganization of the German air service from the {{lang|de|Fliegertruppe}} (Flying Troops) into the {{lang|de|Luftstreitkräfte}} (Air Force). The Prussian military believed that a combat officer knew best which tactics would succeed. In concordance with this belief, Boelcke codified his successful mission tactics into the ''[[Dicta Boelcke]]''. Its eight maxims seem self-evident, but Boelcke was the first to recognize them. His first six rules pointed out ways to gain an advantage in combat. The seventh counseled keeping a line of retreat, and the eighth mandated squadron teamwork. These rules were published in a pamphlet that was widely distributed throughout the {{lang|de|Luftstreitkräfte}} as the original training manual on fighter tactics.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=63}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=59, 97–98}}

The British launched their [[Battle of the Somme|Somme offensive]] on 1 July. Their air assets amounted to 185 aircraft. The French supplied 201 more. The opposing German force amounted to 129 aircraft, including 19 fighters. The British alone had 76 fighters in their force. Allied bombers began a campaign to destroy the German planes on their aerodromes.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=104–105}}

====Journey to the east====
[[Image:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-S60853, Buddecke, Liman von Sanders und Boelcke.jpg|thumb|
From left: ''Oberleutnant'' [[Hans Joachim Buddecke]], General [[Otto Liman von Sanders]], ''Hauptmann'' Oswald Boelcke.]]
On 10 July 1916, Boelcke left on a tour of the [[Balkans]]. He travelled through [[Austria-Hungary]] to visit the Ottoman Empire. From his diary notes, the journey seemed a combination of military facility inspections, a celebrity tour, and a holiday. He kept attendance at formal social obligations to a minimum, but had to oblige such important hosts as [[Enver Pasha]] and [[Otto Liman von Sanders]]. Making his rounds of the Turkish flying units supported by the German Military Mission, Boelcke again met his friend [[Hans Joachim Buddecke]]. After a three-day beach vacation at [[Smyrna]], Boelcke reached the quiescent [[Gallipoli Campaign|Gallipoli]] battlefield on 30 July. When he returned to [[Istanbul|Constantinople]], he learned that in his absence, the French and British airmen had taken [[air superiority]] from the Germans on the Western Front.{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=213–235}}

On his hastened return trip, Boelcke visited Bulgaria and the [[Eastern Front (World War I)|Russian Front]]. He was visiting his brother Wilhelm at his unit in [[Kovel]], a telegram arrived from Lieth-Thomsen:{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=69}}  "Return to west front as quickly as possible to organize and lead ''[[Jagdstaffel 2]]'' (Fighter Squadron 2) on the Somme front."{{sfnp|Werner|2009|p=228}}

====Creation of {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}}====

When the message from headquarters reached the Boelcke brothers, it was followed by an extraordinary authorization. Six {{lang|de|Kampfeinsitzerkommandos}} (Combat Single-Seater Commands) were expanded into {{lang|de|Jagdstaffeln}} (fighter squadrons), by orders issued on 10 August. The seventh planned squadron would be raised from scratch. This squadron, {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} (Fighter Squadron 2), was designated as Boelcke's to man and command. This authorization gave him a free hand to recruit fighter pilots for his new unit.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=109–111}}

[[File:Erwin Böhme.jpg|left|thumb|Boelcke's best friend, [[Erwin Böhme]]]]
[[File:Freiherr Rittmeister von Richthofen. Baron Captain Manfred von Richthofen, circa 1917 - 540163 restored.jpg|left|thumb|[[Manfred von Richthofen|The Red Baron]], Manfred von Richthofen, ca 1917.]]

Upon Wilhelm's recommendation, Oswald recruited a pair of pilots from Wilhelm's unit, both of whom he had previously met. One was a young cavalry officer, [[Manfred von Richthofen]]. The other was 37-year-old [[Erwin Böhme]], a [[civil engineer]] returned from six years in Africa to reenlist in the military. After choosing three other pilots, Boelcke returned to France to organize his squadron.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=111–112}}

Boelcke started with only four empty buildings vacated by {{lang|de|Feldflieger Abteilung 32}} (Field Flyer Detachment 32) in the [[Vélu]] Woods. His new squadron was authorized 14 aircraft, the pilots to fly them, and ground crew to support them. As of 27 August, the fledgling squadron had three officers and 64 other ranks on strength, but no aircraft. By 8 September, there were eight pilots on board, including Richthofen and Böhme. Three days later, Böhme was pushing for permission to use his castoff Halberstadt; there were four aircraft in the squadron by then.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2006|p=75}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=110–111}}

While his squadron struggled into existence, Boelcke flew solo combat sorties, to be eagerly greeted upon his return by his pilots. On 2 September, he shot down Captain R. E. Wilson for his 20th victory. The next day, Boelcke hosted Wilson in the squadron mess before returning the British flier to captivity.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=113–114}}

As new personnel continued to check in, facilities were built, and the squadron's pilots trained. They began with firing and troubleshooting machine guns on the ground. They also received extensive lectures from Boelcke on aircraft recognition and the strengths and flaws of opposing aircraft. They familiarized themselves with their Halberstadts before taking to the air.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=112–114}} Boelcke believed, "You can win the men's confidence if you associate with them naturally and do not try to play the high and mighty superior."{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=63}}

[[File:German Fokker D.III fighter at the Zueghaus museum Berlin.jpg|left|thumb|Boelcke's [[Fokker D.III]] fighter on display. He scored eight victories with this plane between 2 and 19 September 1916.]]

Boelcke drilled his pilots in his tactics as they flew. They learned to pair as leader and wingman, spaced 60 meters abreast to allow room for a U-turn without collision. They flew formation, massing their power for attacks. While attacking they split into pairs, although the ''Dicta Boelcke'' advised single assaults on the foe by flight leaders.{{efn|French squadrons had already pioneered flying formation into combat. When they attacked, every French pilot fought individually.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=88}}}} Meanwhile, Boelcke withheld the squadron from combat, and continued flying his solo sorties. Single victims fell to him on 8 and 9 September, and he scored double victories on the 14th and 15th.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=100}} When Boelcke returned to base with gunpowder soot on his chin, they knew he had shot down another enemy plane.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=114}} Boelcke told them, "I only open fire when I can see the goggle strap on my opponent's crash helmet."{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|p=60}}

====Into battle====

New fighters arrived on 16 September. There was a prototype [[Albatros D.II]] for Boelcke, and five Albatros D.Is to be shared by his pilots. The new aircraft outclassed previous German types, as well as those of their enemies. With more powerful engines, the new arrivals were faster, climbed more quickly to a higher ceiling, and carried two synchronized nose machine guns instead of one. With these new airplanes, {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} flew its first squadron missions on 17 September. Boelcke shot down his 27th victim, and his men shot down four more.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=121–124}}  Squadron training continued amid the initial successes. Boelcke now discussed flights beforehand and listened to his pilots' input, then issued orders for the mission. Post-flight, he debriefed his men.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=127}}

On 22 September, rainy weather had aggravated Boelcke's asthma to the point he could not fly. He refused to go to hospital, but devolved command on ''Oberleutnant'' Gunther Viehweger. That night, {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} transferred from [[Bertincourt]] to [[Lagnicourt]] because British artillery was beginning to shell its airfield. The next day, in a letter home, Boelcke noted he was still trying to impress his pilots that they should fight as a team instead of individually. Nevertheless, when the squadron flew six sorties that day without him, it shot down three enemy aircraft. Boelcke returned to flight status and command on the 27th.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=127}}{{sfnp|Werner|2009|pp=241–242}}  The squadron's September monthly activity report, written by Boelcke, reported 186 sorties flown, 69 of which resulted in combat. Ten victories were credited to him, and 15 more were shared among his men. {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} suffered four casualties.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=128}}

By 1 October, the squadron had ten pilots; besides Boelcke, five of them had shot down enemy aircraft. Boelcke scored his 30th victory, but the squadron lost a pilot to antiaircraft fire. The next day began a stretch of rainy weather that prevented flying until the 7th. On 8 October, General [[Erich Ludendorff]] reorganized the makeshift {{lang|de|Fliegertruppe}} into the {{lang|de|Luftstreitkräfte}} and appointed [[Generalleutnant]] [[Ernst von Hoeppner]] to the new post of Chief of Field Aviation. Hoeppner immediately had the ''Dicta Boelcke'' distributed within the new air force.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=131}}

On 10 October, a clear day saw the resumption of flying. {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} flew 31 sorties, fought during 18 of them, and claimed five victories, including Boelcke's 33rd. More air battles came on the 16th; among the four victories for the squadron were two more by Boelcke. He achieved 11 victories in October, with his 40th coming on 26 October. This total easily made him the leading ace of the war; his score would hold until Richthofen surpassed it on 13 April 1917. At the time of his death he had 36 more victories than von Richthofen's 4. This demonstrated just how far ahead he was of the future 80 victory ace. By this time, it was becoming obvious that the [[Royal Flying Corps]] had lost its mastery of the air. {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} had 50 victories to its credit—26 in October alone—with only six casualties. The German air service had suffered only 39 casualties between mid-September and mid-October, and had shot down 211 enemy aircraft.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=132–136}}

====Last mission====

On the evening of 27 October, a depressed and tired Boelcke left the squadron mess early to return to his room. He complained of the racket in the mess to his [[Batman (military)|batman]], then sat staring into the fire. Böhme joined him, also stating the mess was too noisy. They shared a long talk, ending only when the orderly suggested bedtime.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=138}} The following day was misty with a cloud layer, but the squadron still flew four missions during the morning, as well as another later in the day.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=8, 22}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=139–140}}

On the sixth mission, Boelcke and five of his pilots attacked a pair of British airplanes from [[No. 24 Squadron RAF|24 Squadron RFC]]. Boelcke and Böhme chased the Airco DH.2 of Captain [[Arthur Gerald Knight|Arthur Knight]], while Richthofen pursued the other DH.2, flown by Captain [[Alfred Edwin McKay|Alfred McKay]]. McKay evaded Richthofen by crossing behind Knight, cutting off Boelcke and Böhme. Both of them jerked their planes upward to avoid colliding with McKay, each hidden from the other by their aircraft's wings. Neither was aware of the other's position.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=8, 22}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=139–140}}

Just as Böhme spotted the other plane bobbing up below him, Boelcke's upper left wing brushed the undercarriage of Böhme's airplane. The slight impact split the fabric on the wing of Boelcke's Albatros. As the fabric tore away, the wing lost lift, and the aircraft spiralled down to glide into an impact, near a German artillery battery near [[Bapaume]]. Although the crash seemed survivable, Boelcke was not wearing his crash helmet, nor was his safety belt fastened. He died of a fractured skull.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=8, 22}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=139–140}} Böhme returned to base and overturned while landing, blanking the accident from his mind in his distress. He lamented, "Destiny is generally cruelly stupid in her choices..." but he was exonerated by an enquiry.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=141}}{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|p=23}}

====In memoriam====

[[Image:Das Boelke-Grabmahl auf dem Dessauer Ehrenfriedhof.jpg|thumb|Boelcke's tomb in the memorial cemetery of Dessau]]
Pilots from {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel 2}} rushed forward to the artillery position where Boelcke had crashed, hoping he was still alive. The gunners handed over his body to them.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|p=22}} Despite Boelcke being Protestant, his memorial service was held in the Catholic [[Cambrai Cathedral]] on 31 October. Among the many wreaths, there was one from Captain Wilson and three of his fellow prisoners; its ribbon was addressed to "The opponent we admired and esteemed so highly". Another wreath of British origin had been air dropped by the Royal Flying Corps; it read "To the memory of Captain Boelcke, our brave and chivalrous opponent".{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=22-23}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=141–145}}

[[Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria]] attended the ceremony and two generals spoke at the service. Richthofen preceded the coffin from the cathedral, displaying Boelcke's decorations. The sun broke through the gloom as the coffin was placed on a [[Limbers and caissons|gun caisson]]. Idling aircraft criss-crossed overhead in tribute. The journey to a waiting train passed through an honor guard to the sound of rifle salutes, followed by a hymn. The train crept away through [[Magdeburg]] and [[Halberstadt]] to Dessau.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=141–145}} 

When the train arrived in Dessau the next day, Boelcke was taken to his home church, Saint John's and laid out before the altar, attended by an honor guard of decorated sergeant pilots. Condolences, decorations and honors arrived from the crowned heads of Europe. When the funeral service was held on the afternoon of 2 November, the crowd was packed with royalty, generals and nobility. General [[Moriz von Lyncker]] gave Boelcke's funeral oration, followed by a speech by Lieth-Thomsen. Boelcke was buried in the {{lang|de|Ehrenfriedhof}} (Cemetery of Honor).{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=142–143, 147}}

==Legacy==
According to his pre-eminent student, Manfred von Richthofen, "Boelcke had not a personal enemy. He was equally polite to everybody, making no differences."{{sfnp|Richthofen|2011|pp=116–118}}

Boelcke was the progenitor of air-to-air combat tactics, fighter squadron organization, early-warning systems, and the German air force; he has been dubbed "the father of air combat".{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|p=76}}{{sfnp|Head|2016|loc=Cover, title page, 40, 186}} From his first victories, the news of his success instructed and motivated both his fellow fliers and the German public. It was at his instigation that the Imperial German Air Service founded its {{lang|de|Jastaschule}} (Fighter School) to teach his aerial tactics. The promulgation of his ''Dicta Boelcke'' set tactics for the German fighter force. The concentration of fighter airplanes into squadrons gained Germany air supremacy on the Western Front, and was the basis for their wartime successes.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=168–170}}  ''Jagdstaffel 2'' was renamed {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel Boelcke}} and remained one of Germany's premier fighter squadrons after Boelcke's death, outscoring all but one other {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel}}. The 336 victories the {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel Boelcke}} scored during the war came at the price of 44 casualties.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2007|pp=27, 118–119}}

[[File:TaktLwG 31.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the ''Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31'' ({{lang|de|Bomber Wing 31}})]]

Of the first 15 pilots chosen by Boelcke, eight became aces—seven of them within the squadron. Three of the 15, at various times, commanded the {{lang|de|Jagdstaffel}}. By war's end, 25 aces had served in the squadron and accounted for 90 per cent of its victories.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=167–168, 174, 198}} Four of its aces became generals during World War II{{snd}}[[Gerhard Bassenge]], [[Ernst Bormann]], [[Hermann Frommherz]], and [[Otto Höhne]].{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|pp=66, 83, 111}} The most notable of Boelcke's original roster of pilots was Richthofen.{{sfnp|Franks|Bailey|Guest|1993|p=188}} [[Manfred von Richthofen|The Red Baron]] acknowledged Boelcke's influence in the ''Richthofen Dicta''; the opening sentence of his tactical manual for wing operations refers to Boelcke. The ''Richthofen Dicta'' section entitled "The One to One Battle" quotes Boelcke. As was done with ''Dicta Boelcke'', ''the Richthofen Dicta'' was distributed service-wide by the German High Command.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=207–209}}

Boelcke was one of the few German heroes of World War I not tainted by association with the Nazi cause.{{sfnp|VanWyngarden|2016|pp=8, 15}} Nevertheless, [[Nazi Germany]] named {{lang|de|Kampfgeschwader 27}} (Bomber Wing 27) for Boelcke,{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=175–176}} and [[Boelcke's barracks]], a Luftwaffe barracks named after him, later became a [[Subcamps of Mittelbau|subcamp]] of the [[Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp]].{{sfnp|USHMM|2009|p=990}} There is a {{lang|de|Boelcke-Straße}} (Boelcke Street) in Berlin;<ref>Google map of Berlin [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Boelckestra%C3%9Fe,+Berlin,+Germany/@52.4771606,13.3753552,16z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sboelcke-strasse,+germany!3m5!1s0x47a850194ad7862b:0xf113b7d95aafecc1!8m2!3d52.4768699!4d13.3770718!15sChhib2VsY2tlLXN0cmFzc2UsIGdlcm1hbnmSAQVyb3V0ZQ]. Accessed 1 April 2022.</ref> a {{lang|de|Boelcke-Kaserne}} ({{Interlanguage link multi|Boelcke Barracks|de|Boelcke-Kaserne (Koblenz)}}) in Koblenz, located on another {{lang|de|Boelcke-Straße}};<ref>Google map of Koblenz [https://www.google.com/maps/search/boelcke,+germany/@50.3574965,7.5778087,17z] Accessed 1 April 2022.</ref> and still another {{lang|de|Boelcke-Straße}} extends northwest from [[Kerpen]], leading to two {{lang|de|Boelcke-Kaserne}} in separate locations.<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/search/boelcke,+germany/@50.8817544,6.6766132,16z First Google map of Kerpen]</ref> There is also an officers clubhouse named for Boelcke on a military installation, near the northern {{lang|de|Boelcke-Kaserne}} located on the base.<ref>Second Google map of Kerpen [https://www.google.com/maps/search/boelcke,+germany/@50.8851663,6.6728742,18z] Accessed 1 April 2022.</ref>

Boelcke's name appears on the coat of arms of the present-day [[German Air Force]] fighter-bomber wing {{lang|de|[[Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31]]}} (Tactical Air Force Wing 31). The wing conducts a pilgrimage to Boelcke's grave on the anniversary of his death. He is also extensively commemorated on the wing's home airfield at [[Norvenich Air Base]]. He is memorialized by murals on base buildings, portraits in their halls, and a bust in the headquarters entry. The base magazine is named for him. An aircraft tail section on static display is emblazoned with his name and a painting of his Fokker.{{sfnp|Head|2016|pp=175–176}}

==Awards and honors==

'''Prussian/Imperial German awards'''
* ''[[Pour le Mérite]]''{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}
* [[Royal House Order of Hohenzollern]], Knight's Cross with Swords{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}
* [[Iron Cross]]: First and Second Class{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}
* [[Lifesaving Medal (Prussia)|Lifesaving Medal]]{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

'''Other German awards'''

[[Duchy of Anhalt]]:
* [[House Order of Albert the Bear]], Knight's Cross, 1st and 2nd class{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}
* [[Friedrich Cross]], 2nd class{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

[[Kingdom of Bavaria]]:
* [[Military Merit Order (Bavaria)|Military Merit Order]], 4th class with Swords{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

Duchies of [[Saxe-Altenburg]], [[Saxe-Coburg-Gotha]], and [[Saxe-Meiningen]] joint award:
* [[Saxe-Ernestine House Order]]{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

[[Kingdom of Württemberg]]:
* Knight of the [[Military Merit Order (Württemberg)|Military Merit Order]]{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

'''Foreign awards'''

[[Ottoman Empire]]:
* [[Imtiyaz Medal]]{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

[[Austro-Hungary]]:
* [[Order of the Iron Crown]], 3rd class with war decoration{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

[[Kingdom of Bulgaria]]:
* [[Order of Bravery]], 3rd class{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=147}}

'''Honors'''
* By order of the Emperor, ''Jagdstaffel 2'' was renamed as ''Jagdstaffel Boelcke'' on 17 December 1916.{{sfnp|Head|2016|p=149}}

==References==
===Footnotes===
{{notelist}}

===Notes===
{{Reflist|colwidth=20em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Franks
  |first=Norman
  |author-link=Norman Franks
  |year=2008
  |title=Sharks Among Minnows
  |location= London
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |isbn=978-1-902304-92-2
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Franks
  |first=Norman
  |author-link=Norman Franks
  |year=2004
  |title=Jasta Boelcke: The History of Jasta 2, 1916–18
  |location=London
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |isbn=978-1-904010-76-0
}}
* {{cite book
  |last1=Franks
  |first1=Norman
  |author-link1=Norman Franks
  |last2=Bailey
  |first2=Frank
  |year=1993
  |title=Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |location=London
  |isbn=978-0-948817-54-0
}}
* {{cite book
  |last1=Franks
  |first1=Norman
  |author-link1=Norman Franks
  |last2=Bailey
  |first2=Frank
  |last3=Guest
  |first3=Russell
  |year=1993
  |title=Above the Lines: A Complete Record of the Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps 1914–1918
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |location=London
  |isbn=978-0-948817-73-1
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Head
  |first=R. G.
  |year=2016
  |title=Oswald Boelcke: Germany's First Fighter Ace and Father of Air Combat
  |location=London
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |isbn=978-1-910690-23-9
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Kulikov
  |first=Victor
  |year=2013
  |title=Russian Aces of World War I
  |location=Oxford
  |publisher=Osprey
  |isbn=978-1-78096-059-3
}}
* {{cite book
  |first=Manfred, Captain
  |last=Richthofen
  |translator-first=T. Ellis
  |translator-last=Barker
  |location=New York
  |publisher=CruGuru
  |date=2011
  |title=The Red Battle Flyer
  |isbn=978-192041-463-4
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Robertson
  |first=Linda R.
  |year=2005
  |title=The Dream of Civilized Warfare: World War I Flying Aces and the American Imagination
  |publisher=University of Minnesota Press
  |isbn=978-0-8166-4271-7
}}
* {{cite book
  |last1=Shores
  |first1=Christopher
  |last2=Franks
  |first2=Norman
  |last3=Guest
  |first3=Russell
  |year=1990
  |title=Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces, 1915–1920
  |location=Oxford
  |publisher=Osprey
  |isbn=978-0-919195-11-0
}}
* {{cite book
  |author=USHMM
  |title=Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos, 1933–1945
  |volume=I
  |date=2009
  |publisher=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  |url=https://www.ushmm.org/research/publications/encyclopedia-camps-ghettos
  |language=en
  |isbn=978-0-253-35328-3
  }}
* {{cite book
  |last=VanWyngarden
  |first=Greg van
  |year=2006
  |title=Early German Aces of World War I
  |series=Aircraft of the Aces No. 73
  |location=Oxford
  |publisher=Osprey
  |isbn=978-1-84176-997-4
  }}
* {{cite book
  |last=VanWyngarden
  |first=Greg van
  |year=2007
  |title=Jagdstaffel 2 'Boelcke' Von Richthofen's Mentor
  |location=Oxford
  |publisher=Osprey
  |isbn=978-1-84603-203-5
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=VanWyngarden
  |first=Greg van
  |year=2016
  |title=Aces of Jagdgeschwader Nr III
  |location=Oxford
  |publisher=Osprey
  |isbn=978-1-47280-843-1
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Werner
  |first=Johannes
  |title=Boelcke der Mensch, der Flieger, der Führer der deutschen Jagdfliegerei
  |language=de
  |trans-title=Boelcke the Man, the Aviator, the Leader of German Fighter Aviation
  |year=1942
  |location=Leipzig
  |publisher=K.F. Koehler Verlag
  |oclc=315312363
  |ref={{sfnRef|Werner|2009}}
}} Translated and published in English as ''Knight of Germany: Oswald Boelcke, German Ace.'' Havertown, PA: Casemate (2009), first edition (1985) {{ISBN|978-1-935149-11-8}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Guttman
  |first=Jon
  |year=2009
  |title=Pusher Aces of World War 1
  |location=Oxford, UK
  |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]
  |isbn=978-1-84603-417-6
  |ref=none
}}
* {{cite book
  |last=Kilduff
  |first=Peter
  |year=2012
  |title=Iron Man Rudolf Berthold: Germany's Indomitable World War I Fighter Ace
  |location=London, UK
  |publisher=Grub Street
  |isbn=978-1-908117-37-3
  |ref=none
}}
* {{cite magazine |first=Joe |last=Pappalardo |date=23 June 2014 |title=The Texas Air Base Where NATO Fighter Pilots Are Forged |magazine=Popular Mechanics |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a10741/the-texas-air-base-where-nato-fighter-pilots-are-forged-16920796/ |access-date=24 August 2018 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Scott |first=Josef |date=2012 |title=Fokker Eindecker Compendium |volume=I |url=http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/fokker-eindecker-compendium-1-660-p.asp |location=Berkhampstead |publisher=Albatros Publications |isbn=978-1-906798-22-2 |access-date=11 April 2015 |ref=none}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Gutenberg author | id=34308| name=Oswald Boelcke}}
* {{Internet Archive author |sname=Oswald Boelcke}}
* {{PM20|FID=pe/002028}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-new|reason=squadron established}}
{{s-ttl|title=Commanding Officer of ''[[Jagdstaffel 2]]''|years=27 August to 22 September 1916}}
{{s-aft|after=Günther Viehweger<br><small>acting</small>}}
{{s-bef|before=Günther Viehweger<br><small>acting</small>}}
{{s-ttl|title=Commanding Officer of ''[[Jagdstaffel 2]]''|years=30 October to 22 November 1916}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Stefan Kirmaier]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boelcke, Oswald}}
[[Category:1891 births]]
[[Category:1916 deaths]]
[[Category:Military personnel from the Province of Saxony]]
[[Category:Aerial warfare pioneers]]
[[Category:Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in France]]
[[Category:German military personnel killed in World War I]]
[[Category:Prussian Army personnel]]
[[Category:German World War I flying aces]]
[[Category:Luftstreitkräfte personnel]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Pour le Mérite (military class)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Imtiyaz Medal]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Halle (Saale)]]
[[Category:Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1916]]