Karl Allmenroder (1896-1917) achieved 30 victories as an air ace with the German Air Service during the First World War. Born in Wald, near Solingen on 3 May 1896 the son of a pastor, Allmenroder appeared destined for a career in medicine shortly before war broke out in August 1914. Instead he joined Field Regiment 62 before being posted to Field Regiment 20 following initial training, thereafter serving in Poland (out of which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in March 1915). Allmenroder was awarded his commission at the end of March 1915. Along with his brother Willi, Karl applied for a transfer to the Air Service a year later in March 1916; both were successful and were consequently sent for training at Halberstadt, followed by a posting to FA227 and then on to Jasta 11 in November that year, the latter commanded by Manfred von Richthofen. Allmenroder achieved his total of 30 aerial victories in the period from mid-February to the end of June 1917, including four 'kills' scored in just two days (24-25 May). Awards fell upon Allmenroder with regularity: the Iron Cross 1st Class in March, the Knight's Cross of the Hohenzollern Order in June, and - most prestigiously - the Pour le Merite (or Blue Max) on 7 June. Allmenroder's brief (if spectacularly successful) aerial career came to an end on 27 June 1917 - the day following his 30th and final victory (a Sopwith Triplane), all achieved with Jasta 11. Flying on patrol in the skies above Zillebeke his aircraft came under fire from Allied aircraft: he was killed when his 'plane crash-landed. A number of honours were conferred upon him posthumously. He was aged 21 at his death.
Some time ago I read that Karl Allmenroder shot down this young flyer .... who's memorial is at Anfield cemetery in Liverpool ...... does anybody know anything about him or have any information at all ?? In Memory of Second Lieutenant IORWERTH ROLAND OWEN 13th Sqdn., Royal Flying Corps who died age 20 on 07 May 1917 Son of Dr. Rowland and Margaret Owen, of Arley House, Seaforth, Lancs. Joined Mill Hill School O.T.C., 1915, and Inns of Court O.T.C., 1916 and 1917. Remembered with honour STE. CATHERINE BRITISH CEMETERY
2Lt Iowerth ap Roland Owen, aged 20 and from Seaforth in Lancashire, was flying BE 2c 4595 of No 13 Sqn RFC, with AMII Reginald Hickling (77687) as observer, having left Savy aerodrome at 10:45 on 7 May 1917 on a photographic mission along the XVII Corps front when he was shot down near Fresnoy at 11:45 by Ltn Karl Allmenröder of Jasta 11. Both British airmen died of wounds. It was the 10th of Allmenröder's eventual 30 victories. Gareth
I should have said thank you Gareth ! ... sorry to be so tardy !! Heres Hickling - the observer ........ In Memory of Airman 2nd Class R HICKLING 77687, 13th Sqdn., Royal Flying Corps who died on 07 May 1917 Remembered with honour ALBUERA CEMETERY, BAILLEUL-SIRE-BERTHOULT
