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German pilot Alfred Bäder* from Jasta 65 posing next to his Fokker D.VII fighter. Leaning against the wing is either another pilot or one of Bäder’s fitters. August to November 1918.

Unfortunately somewhat degraded, this photo offers a clear view of what made this particular aircraft famous among modelers: a rendition of a scene taken from an old Medieval German fairy tale called “The Seven Swabians”.

In the tale, 7 Swabians decide to travel the world carrying with them a long spear for protection. Among other adventures, one day they meet a sleeping hare which they take for a monster. Mustering all their courage they charge the hare but the later easily escapes, whereupon they realize they were once again fooled. Apparently, the whole point of the tale is to make fun of the people from the old Duchy of Swabia.

The aircraft has two distinct scenes painted on each side of the fuselage, one showing the Swabians seeing the hare and the one in this photo showing them charging the escaping animal (see comments). Behind the cockpit is the House of Württemberg Coat of Arms.

Uffz Alfred Bäder joined Jasta 65 from Jastaschule 2, serving with the unit from 31 August 1918 to 11 November 1918. During this period he scored two victories, both over Salmson fighters, one on October 2 and another on November 8, 1918. He was wounded in combat on September 4.

*Originally, the pilot was thought to be Wilhelm Scheutzel but it is now known that it was Alfred Bäder.

Note: Although existing scale models are usually painted in bright new colours, when this photo was taken this aircraft was clearly worn out with the mottled pattern on the wings barely visible and even a flat tire. Given the choice, I always prefer, if possible, to keep true to the photo so I kept the colours faded.

Original’s source unknown

Источник:
www.facebook.com/ww1incolour/photos/a.450835521726972/2248479705295869/