The launch field from the Great War period in Jasień Brzeski was chosen due to its location and terrain features — it had already been leveled, three tent hangars stood there, and a “T” marking had been laid out. The airfield was located to the west of the town of Brzesko, on lowland meadows belonging to the village of Jasień Brzeski, called “Na Banioku” or “Na Baniocu.”
Over time, aviation companies 1st, 10th, and 15th began operating from there, maintaining postal communication with Przemyśl, which was besieged by the Russians, conducting reconnaissance flights, and correcting artillery fire directed with precision at Tarnów. On January 12, 1915, it was precisely Flik 1 that inaugurated a new era in the history of military aviation: on that day, the Albatros B.I “Muzzl” entered into action to direct heavy artillery fire against Tarnów by radio, crewed by Oblt. Max Hesse and Oblt. Ludwig Dumbacher.
This company, operating from the Jasień Brzeski airfield, conducted intensive reconnaissance flights, courier and postal flights to besieged Przemyśl, as well as bombing and strafing missions — particularly in the vicinity of Tarnów. All the most famous pilots of the Imperial and Royal aviation passed through the Brzesko airfields — including Lt. Benno Fiala Ritter von Fernbrugg, Max Hesse, and Rudolf Stanger. The crew consisting of Capt. Jan Wierzejski and Lt. Béla Losonczy von Losoncz — the one that shot down the first Russian airplane on the Eastern Front — also passed through this launch field.
The launch field near Jasień Brzeski, situated along the A4 motorway, looks today IDENTICAL to how it did during the Great War! Only the trees on the surrounding hills are slightly taller…
