Adolf Gutknecht was born in
Badingen, Germany, on 12 September 1891. In the years before World War I, he joined the army as a cadet. In the beginning of the war, he campaigned in France, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. He transferred to aviation as an
aerial observer, and scored a victory in June 1916. He subsequently became a pilot, having won both classes of the
Iron Cross. On 1 June 1918, he became
Staffelführer of
Jagdstaffel 43. The squadron was mounted on
Albatros D.III and
Albatros D.Va fighters. It would remain at
Haubourdin Aerodrome until 22 August, by which time Gutknecht would have run his victory string to five confirmed and one unconfirmed. He was also promoted to
Oberleutnant. Gutknecht won three more victories while remaining in command of Jasta 43 until 2 November 1918. He was in hospital from 25 October onwards to war's end, however. ==Sources of information==