OEFFAG D.III ? THE STARS OF THE WORKSHOP
The time has come to introduce the key subject of this workshop ? the aircraft.Both miniatures being built will represent the Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III Oeffag, known in Poland simply as the Oeffag D.III. This was a licensed version of the German Albatros D.III, manufactured in Austria. The two models I am working on correspond to the final production version of this fighter, designated as series 253.
Development of the Oeffag D.IIIThe origins of this aircraft trace back to the Albatros D.II, which was the first to be produced in the Austro-Hungarian Empire by the Oeffag company. From that point on, the two allied powers took slightly different paths in fighter development. The Germans, maintaining similar engine power, focused on reducing the aircraft?s weight. Meanwhile, the Austrians continuously reinforced the airframe while also developing their own Austro-Daimler engines. As a result, the final version of the Oeffag D.III, the series 253, achieved an impressive 225 hp.
In this way, the "student" surpassed the "master" ? the Austrian Oeffag D.III outperformed the German Albatros, even its later D.Va variant. It quickly became the Austro-Hungarian Empire?s best fighter, proving its effectiveness in combat. During the Great War, it was flown by the monarchy?s top aces, such as
Godwin Brumowski (35 victories),
Benno Fiala (26 victories), and
Frank Linke-Crawford (27 victories).
Polish Pilots on the Oeffag D.IIIMany Polish pilots served in the Austro-Hungarian Air Service, flying the Oeffag D.III:
Flik 3/J: Stefan Stec (7 victories, though only 3 confirmed), Stanisław Tomicki (killed in combat against Camels of No. 45 Squadron), Michał Solski, Franciszek Peter (6 victories, an Austrian who considered himself Polish).
Flik 61/J: Antoni Skiślewicz, Henryk Skoczdopole (shot down in combat against Spads), Eugeniusz Roland (an important figure in Polish interwar aviation).
Flik 9/J: Stanisław Bogusz.
Flik 41/J: Maryan Gaweł, Henryk Szeliga.
Flik 42/J: Zygmunt Kostrzewski, Jan Ryba.
Flik 68/J: Kajetan Kosiński (shot down by Canadian ace Gerald Alfred Birks).
Flik 48: Wiktor Zimmerman, likely the first Polish pilot to fly the Oeffag.
The Oeffag D.III in Poland
After regaining independence, Poland inherited a substantial amount of aircraft from its former occupiers. However, most of these planes were outdated or in poor condition. The urgent shortage of fighters forced Poland to seek aircraft from various sources. One such source was the former Austro-Hungarian aviation industry, where Poland had established contacts. The collapsed monarchy was in desperate need of funds, which enabled the signing of a contract for
38 Oeffag D.III series 253 fighters and 67 spare engines.
The main beneficiary of this transaction was the
7th Fighter Squadron "Tadeusz Kościuszko", followed later by the
13th Fighter Squadron. The first fighters arrived in the 7th Squadron in July 1919. From autumn 1919 to spring 1920, the squadron was entirely equipped with
Oeffag D.III fighters, a rare feat among Polish units. The availability of serviceable aircraft allowed the squadron to conduct combat operations for over six months without significant interruptions.
Starting in April 1920, the unit began receiving Italian
Ansaldo A.1 Balilla fighters, which gradually replaced the worn-out Oeffags. However, both aircraft types remained in service until the ceasefire in October 1920.
Squadron Colors and MarkingsThe squadron was divided into two flights:
"Pułaski" Flight ? aircraft with red-painted noses.
"Kościuszko" Flight ? aircraft with blue-painted noses.
However, photos suggest that some Oeffags flew without painted engine covers.
The Stars of My Workshop ? Oeffag D.III "5" and "2"➡ Oeffag D.III 253.218, fuselage number "5"Flown by Capt.
Merian C. Cooper.This was Cooper?s second Oeffag, as his first was destroyed during an airshow celebrating the anniversary of Lw?w?s liberation.
Green fuselage, wings covered in Austrian "swirl" camouflage, red nose ("Pułaski" Flight), later with a white chevron for better visibility.
Underside of the wings in natural fabric color, squadron emblem on the fuselage, and the number "5" repeated on the upper and lower wings.
Initially had uncovered wheels, later fitted with wheel covers.
➡
Oeffag D.III 253, fuselage number "2"Flown by Capt.
Edmund C. Corsi, leader of the "Kościuszko" Flight.
Fuselage left in natural plywood color, wings identical to "5".
Number "2" repeated on the wings, squadron emblem on the fuselage, wheels without covers.
Metallic engine covers and reinforcements.
What Period Am I Representing?The models I am building depict these aircraft as they appeared in
May and June 1920, when they were deployed to Kyiv as part of a detached flight tasked with covering air raids on Dnieper River crossings. Soon after, both aircraft met their fate ? but that is a story for future workshop updates.
During the hot summer days, pilots removed the engine covers, altering the appearance of the aircraft ? a detail I will include in my models.
Historical SourcesProfiles and information are drawn from:
Tomasz J. Kopański, "7 Eskadra Myśliwska im. Tadeusza Kościuszki 1918-1921"
Tomasz J. Kopański, "Ostatni lot bojowy kapitana Coopera"
Peter Schiemer, "Die Albatros (Oeffag) ? Jagdflugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppen"
Tomasz Goworek, "Pierwsze samoloty myśliwskie lotnictwa polskiego"
In the upcoming parts of this workshop, we will take a closer look at the fate of these aircraft and their pilots.
That?s all for today ? until next time!Best regards,
Lukasz
