Hans von Keudell began his military career as a cadet in 1904 and joined the Kaiser Alexander II von Russland Uhlan Regiment #3 in 1911. After serving in combat in Poland and France, he transferred to the German Air Force on 7 June 1915 and received preliminary training as a two-seater pilot at Adlershof. Posted to Breiftauben Abteilung Ostende at Ghistelle on 13 December 1915, von Keudell took part in the Verdun offensive and flew missions over Dunkirk and Toul. After training on single-seat fighters in the summer of 1916, he was posted to KEK B on 4 August but was reassigned to Jasta 1 when it was formed on 22 August. Credited with 11 victories, von Keudell left Jasta 1 to form Jagdstaffel 27 on 5 February 1917. Killed in action just 10 days later, evidence suggests he scored Jasta 27's first victory before being shot down by members of 1 and 46 Squadrons.
