Petra Genoveva, born 1889, East Silesia. Not much is known about her parentage or any other kin. Employed as an observation pilot during the war, Ms. Genoveva was involved in early photographic reconnaissance along the Austro-Russian front. During one photographic reconnaissance mission, Petra dumped her camera into the aircraft fuselage, grabbed the rear-facing Maxim and began firing at the attacking Russian aircraft. This sort of thing, while common for male recon personnel, was considered by many to be highly unusual behavior for a female photographer. Afraid of bad publicity; of a woman in a combat role, the theater commander removed Petra from her reconnaissance duties, restricting her service to ground-based photographic duties.
It was during this time that Petra caught the attention of Godwin Brumowski. It was Brumowski who had nicknamed Petra the 'Silesian Kitten', partially as a joke. During his last stint as an observation plane pilot, Godwin asked Petra to join him for a short flight. The observation mission was suppose to be a short recon flight. However, Godwin and his squadron was jumped by almost double the number of Italian aircraft. The Austro-Hungarian pilots were no match for the Italians, and lost a large number of aircraft. Godwin Blumowski owed his life to his observer/gunner, Petra Genoveva, and her skill in using the rear-mounted Maxims. Once again, it was the 'Silesian Kitten' who could "nibble at another pilot's ears, using her Maxim guns".
While the Austro-Hungarian Air Corp commander would not recognize her contributions, the German liaison officers, (who had also been supplying the Austrians with their aircraft), made it a point to press Berlin to grant Petra Genoveva the German Air Gunner badge, for her exploits.
After the war, Petra Genoveva moved to Friedrichshafen, to study veterinary science. Applying to the Zeppelin Company for a position to help pay for her studies, Ms. Genoveva was invited to an informal dinner with the soon-to-be crew of Der Fliegende Igel. Oberst Crist was very much taken by the young woman, and after inquiring into her flight background, discovered her Austro-Hungarian war record. He offered her a support position with the Zeppelin Security Service as a Zeppelin Aerial Gunner, with the rank of Oberleutnant.
Awards:
German Air Gunner badge - 1917
Zeppelin badge - 1919
Iron Cross, 2nd & 1st - 1919
