Hans Bethge (1890-1918) was a German First World War fighter ace credited with 20 confirmed aerial victories. He scored his first three aerial victories as a member of Germany's first dedicated fighter squadron, Jagdstaffel 1. On 14 January 1917, he was posted to command of a forming squadron, Jagdstaffel 30. He would score 17 more victories while in their lead. His 20th victory, a week before his death on 17 March 1918, qualified him for Germany's highest military honor, the Pour le Merite, or Blue Max, but his death in action scotched the award.[1][2]
Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank; Guest, Russell (1993). Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. London UK: Grub Street Publishing. ISBN978-0-948817-73-1.
Information related to List of aerial victories of Hans Bethge