History

Hauptmann Oswald Boelcke, in mid-1916 the leading ace of Germany in the First World War together with Max Immelmann, who shortly thereafter was killed in combat, inspired reorganization of the German air force into the Luftstreitkräfte. Returning from a tour of the Balkans, he was appointed to form and command Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 2, selecting his own pilots including Manfred von Richthofen and Erwin Böhme. Boelcke was appointed commander on the birth date of the Jagdstaffel, August 30th 1916 when taking over the aerodrome near the Vélu woods which was until then vacated by Feldfliegerabteilung 32.

By September, Jagdstaffel 2 became the first squadron to establish local air superiority, intercepting a British bombing raid. From then on, Boelcke's squadron rose to fame unknown before. Hauptmann Boelcke, focusing especially on discipline and sticking together in attacks as well as practice and shared his experience summarized in a set of rules now known to us as the 'Dicta Boelcke'. The first leader of Jagdstaffel 2, knight of the Ordre Pour Le Meríte, lost his life on 28th of October, 1916, in a mid-air collision while he and Erwin Böhme were attacking the same aeroplane.

By 1917 the unit could claim their 100th kill. In February 1918, Jagdstaffel 2 was integrated as part of the new Jagdgeschwader 3, commanded by Bruno Loerzer, and having 336 victories (with only 44 casualties) became the second highest scoring unit in the Great War, only Jagdstaffel 11 (Manfred von Richthofen's unit) achieving more kills.

For a complete history of Jasta Boelcke see
"Jagdstaffel 2 'Boelcke'", Greg VanWyngarden, 2007 -- Osprey Publications

The virtual Jasta 2 "Boelcke" was formed in late November 2009 and has been active since, showing continuous presence in the Rise of Flight multiplayer servers. The name of our unit is in honor and represents our respect to the pioneer of aerial combat, Oswald Boelcke. With our conduct and flying style we work on maintaining his legacy. Jasta 2 has participated in online flying events such as Bloody April 1 and 2 hosted by Jasta 5, played on April 2011 and April 2012 respectively and when our Jasta's members played the commanding role for the whole central side in the(CAI)Flaming Eagles Online War, played on March 2012, hosted by Corpo Aeronautico Italiano. Our goals as a unit are stated in our Jasta Boelcke Mission Statement.