100 years ago today (catching up ) - 19 September 1917
 

WEDNESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1917

General Headquarters, September 20th.

“During the morning the weather cleared, and our aeroplanes were able to take a more active part in the battle, indicating the position of our troops, and reporting hostile concentration to our artillery. In this way a number of German counter-attacks were broken up, while others were repulsed by rifle and machine-gun fire of our infantry.

“On the 19th inst. the enemy's aircraft took advantage of the exceptionally strong west wind to make repeated attacks upon our artillery machines, turning East at once when approached by our scouts. Nevertheless, considerable artillery work was done with aeroplane observation, and many photographs were taken by us.

“Parties of hostile troops and transport were engaged with machine-gun fire during the day, and over 1½ tons of bombs were dropped on various targets. Another ton of bombs was dropped during the night on the enemy's billets and hutments, in spite of most unfavourable weather.

“Six German machines were brought down in fighting and four were driven down out of control. Seven of our aeroplanes are missing.”

Strong wind and low clouds again interfered with work.

Artillery Co-operation — 78 hostile batteries were successfully engaged from aeroplane observation. During 65 photographic flights, 958 plates were exposed.

Miscellaneous — A patrol of four Camels of 70 Squadron went out in the morning to attack ground targets with machine gun fire and bombs. 2nd Lt O Stuart attacked a column of about 600 infantry and later dropped two 20-lb bombs on targets in Houthulst Forest; 2nd Lt F Quigley attacked several strong points and dropped two 20-lb bombs on two of them, and on his way home fired at troops from 200 feet and also shot into communication trenches; 2nd Lt A H Dalton attacked a column of infantry from 1,000 feet and then dispersed a second body of troops from low altitude near Merckem; 2nd Lt J S Michie dropped one 20-lb bomb near Stadenreke and one into Clerekem [Clercken] village.

Pilots of 10 Squadron RNAS also did similar work. Flight Cdr H J T Saint dropped two 20-lb bombs in Houthulst Forest, then fired 350 rounds into enemy transport on the Staden Road; Flight Sub-Lt N M MacGregor dropped two 20-lb bombs in the same locality, then attacked a battery in the forest; Flight Sub-Lt H S Broughall dropped two 20-lb bombs on the crossroads south of Houthulst Forest which disorganised MT transport, then fired 380 rounds at various bodies of troops; Flight Sub-Lt G L Trapp fired 400 rounds from 500 feet at a battery in the south-east corner of Houthulst Wood.

The RNAS reported no flying owing to unfavourable weather.

Enemy Aircraft –

Flt Sub-Lt H B Maund, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Hooge at 10:00/10:00
Flt Sub-Lt R E Carroll, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Hooge at 10:00/10:00

Eight Albatros scouts were met near Hooge by eight Triplanes of 10 Squadron RNAS. Flight Sub-Lt H B Maund opened fire at one EA which was coming straight at him and shot it down out of control. A second scout attacked by Flight Lt R E Carroll went down with engine full on and was also out of control. Ground observers report that one of these EA crashed

Flt Sub-Lt N M MacGregor, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Hooge at 10:00/10:00 - driven down?

Lt A G V Taylor & 2nd Lt H Dandy, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames Becelaere - Polygon Wood at 10:00/10:00
Lt A G V Taylor & 2nd Lt H Dandy, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Becelaere - Polygon Wood at 10:00/10:00
Lt A G V Taylor & 2nd Lt H Dandy, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Becelaere - Polygon Wood at 10:00/10:00

While taking photographs, 2nd Lts A G V Taylor & H Dandy, 20 Squadron, were suddenly attacked by eight EA. The Observer was badly hit in the leg by one of the first bursts from an EA but kept up a strong fire at one adversary which fell in flames, and then shot down two more in succession out of control

Flt Sub-Lt J H Winn and Flt Sub-Lt E D G W Desbarats, 1N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Becelaere at 10:10/10:10 - three pilots of 1 Squadron RNAS encountered. An EA, attacked by Flight Sub-Lts J Winn and E Desparats, fell completely out of control and was last seen falling into mist near the ground

Flt Sub-Lt S W Rosevear, 1N Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Zandvoorde - Becelaere at 10:10/10:10 - three pilots of 1 Squadron RNAS encountered EA and Flight Sub-Lt S W Rosevear attacked one into which he fired 100 rounds and destroyed it

Capt J T B McCudden, 56 Sqn, Rumpler C crashed Radinghem at 12:15/12:15 - Captain J T B McCudden, 56 Squadron, when at 18,000 feet over Bois de Biez, saw an EA crossing the lines at 14,000 feet and, taking advantage of the sun, obtained a favourable position and shot it down and it crashed just east of the lines

Lt H W Dawson, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Zillebeke at 15:30/15:30 - while searching for reported EA, four Spads of 19 Squadron attacked six Albatros scouts near Becelaere. Lt H Dawson observed one scout diving at his tail so stalled his machine with the result that the Albatros scout shot past below, and Lt Dawson immediately dived after him and got in a good burst at close range, and the EA went down and crashed

Capt J Leacroft and 2nd Lt F W Kirby, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control north of Roubaix at 15:35/15:35 - a patrol of 19 Squadron engaged ten Albatros scouts near Roulers and Capt J Leacroft drove one down out of control

Capt J Leacroft, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control west of Moorslede at 16:00/16:00 - later, nine Albatros scouts were met near Moorslede and Capt Leacroft again drove down one EA out of control

Flt Sub-Lt R E MacMillan, 1N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control south-west of Douai at 18:00/18:00 - Flight Sub-Lt R E McMillan shot down an Albatros scout which fell completely out of control

Flt Lt R P Minifie, 1N Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Westroosebeke at 18:00/18:00 - Flight Lt R P Minifie, when patrolling with other machines of 1 Squadron RNAS in the evening, dived at an Albatros scout which was diving at a Triplane. After he fired 30 rounds the EA turned over, fell and crashed

Capt W V T Rooper, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames east of Poelcapelle at 18:00/18:00 - Captain W Rooper, 1 Squadron, shot down an Albatros scout in flames

Casualties to follow

Graeme

WEDNESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 1917 - Ctd

Casualties –

2nd Lt M G M Oxley (Kia) & P11299 2/AM C A Blatherwick (Pow), 43 Sqn, Strutter B2571 – took off 06:40/06:40 and reported to have sustained direct hit from hostile AA east of Gavrelle at 07:25/07:25 and wing shot off on line patrol Wingles – Drocourt; apparently also credited to Oblt Hans Waldhausen, Js37, 1st victory [Fresnes at 07:30/07:30] (one of two claimed at the same time and location)

2nd Lt N J Taylor (Pow) & Lt G W Mumford (Pow), 11 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7130 - last seen west of Bullecourt at 08:45/08:45 on DOP; Vzfw Friedrich Gille, Js12, 6th victory [south of Sailly at 08:50/08:50]

Flt Sub-Lt E V J Grace (Pow), 10N Sqn, Camel N6374 - fell in in flames south-east of Houthulst Wood after combat east of Ypres at 10:00/10:00; Ltn d L Hans Adam, Js6, 17th victory [Houthulster Wood at 10:00/10:00] or Ltn d R Carl Galetschky, Js6, 1st victory [Houthulster Wood at 10:00/10:00] ?

2nd Lt A V G Taylor (Ok) & 2nd Lt H Dandy (Wia), 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7246 - landed 4 Sqn after being shot up by EA on photographic reconnaissance at 10:00/10:00

Flt Sub-Lt J H Winn (Kia), 1N Sqn, Triplane N6292 - last seen being chased down near Kruisher [Kruisiek?] after combat Becelaere at 10:10/10:10; Oblt Rudolf Berthold, Js18, 19th victory [Becelaere at 10:00/10:00]

Lt H L Devlin (Kia) & 2nd Lt F A Wright (Kia), 9 Sqn, RE8 B5012 – took off 09:45/09:45 then brought down in combat near Langemarck at 10:45/10:45 on artillery observation; Ltn d R Erwin Böhme, Js2, 14th victory [Boesinghe at 10:47/10:47]

Flt Sub-Lt R E McMillan (Pow), 1N Sqn, Triplane N5490 - last seen gliding down after combat south-west of Douai at 18:00/18:00, landed north-east of St Julien; often said to be Vzfw Fritz Kosmahl, Js26, 8th victory [Paschendaele at 15:55/15:55] but time?

2nd Lt J S Walthew (Kia) & Lt M C Hartnett (Kia), 4 Sqn, RE8 B3427 – took off 09:45/09:45 then reported to have crashed at 28.J10.D on photographic reconnaissance and photographing 1st Anzac Corps front; Ltn d L Hans Ritter von Adam, Js6, 16th victory [west of Ypres at 10:00/10:00] ?

Lt E Golding (Kia) & 1391 Cpl L S Goss (Pow), 3 Sqn, Morane BB A234 – took off 10:45/10:45 and contrary to orders the formation flew over lines and passed north of Cambrai to Estourmel where number of EA rose to attack and last seen 1 mile east of Estourmel on practice formation; Oblt Richard Flashar, Js5, 2nd victory [Cambrai – Caudry at 12:03/12:03] ?

Lt C A Sutcliffe (Pow) & Lt T Humble (Pow), 3 Sqn, Morane P A6655 – took off 10:45/10:45 and contrary to orders the formation flew over lines and passed north of Cambrai to Estourmel where number of EA rose to attack and last seen 1 mile east of Estourmel on practice formation; Ltn d R Rudolf Matthei, Js5, 7th victory [Maretz - SW Caudry at 12:05/12:05] ?

Lt E L P Evans (Ok) & Lt B C Gray (Wia), 13 Sqn, RE8 A3264 – took off 14:35/14:35 then driven down by EA controls shot away and crashed landing St Eloi on artillery observation

2nd Lt R J Patterson (Wia), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A8864 – took off 14:54/14:54 then landed La Lovie aerodrome after being shot up and wounded in shoulders while chasing EA during wireless interrupting; Oblt Harald Auffahrt, Js18, 2nd victory [Verbrandenmolen at 15:20/15:20]

2nd Lt A C Atkey (Ok) & 88046 1/AM T McGrath (Ok), 18 Sqn, DH4 A7528 - landed in shell hole near Villers and completely burnt after engine failure then hit by AA and caught fire near ground whilst viewing lines

Lt W Jones (Ok), 19 Sqn, Spad VII B3528 - shot up during wireless interrupting

? (Ok) & 2nd Lt S McG Smart (Wia), 43 Sqn, Strutter - hit in buttocks by anti-aircraft fire

Flt Sub-Lt C F D Ash (Wia), 1N Sqn, Triplane N5446 - wounded in the back on patrol

Graeme

Other claims this date:

Obltn R Berthold, Js18, RE8, Becelaere, 1000hrs, 20th victory.

Ltn C Galetschky, Js6, Sopwith, Houthulst, 1005hrs, first victory.

** Ltn O Kissenberth, Js23, Spad, S Mort Homme, 1640hrs, 14th victory.
** Ltn T Rumpel, Js23, Spad, Montzeville, 1640hrs, 3rd victory.

** One may have been Cpl Marcel Vassel, N.80 on a Spad VII, MIA.

Obltn E Schleich, Js21, Caudron, NE Verdun, 1835hrs, 19th victory.

Ltn J Werner, Js14, Spad, Damloup, (no time), 2nd victory.

Uffz M Mallmann, Js19, Caudron, Villers, (no time), 2nd victory. Probably a G4 of Esc C.64, Cpl Abraham & Sol Mauvillier, both MIA

Vfw K Thom, Js21, AR2, N Verdun, (no time), 8th victory.

Vfw K Thom, Js21, AR2, E Verdun, (no time), 9th victory.

Vfw H Fritzsche, Js29, Sopwith, Langemarck, (no time), 2nd victory.

Obltn H Waldhausen, Js37, RE8, Souchez, (no time), zlg.

Vfw J Schwendemann, Js41, AR2, W Lusse, (no time), first victory.


Losses:

Ltn Alhard Scheck (1 victory), Js5, KIA between Nauroy and Le Cateau. No other info.

OfStv Paul Aue, Js10, WIA, 1000hrs over Roulers. Possibly by Spads of 19 Sqn.

Gefr Becker, Js20, shot down, POW. No other info.


Tony

It's hard to believe that these elderly Morane's were still being used as front line aircraft at this point. Must have been some of Jasta 5s easiest victories.

I presume the strong winds must have contributed to the error.

The casualty cards do not make it clear what type of Moranes these were, but The on charge data suggests these were both Parasols, so possible that A234 is also a P type.

Sethspeirs

Yes; No 3 Squadron struggled on with the Moranes until the end of the end of the month, then began converting to Camels.

The more I think about it, I think you're right about A234 being a Morane P. They had BBs on charge at one time, but I think would have all been replaced by this time.

As you say, easy pickings.

Graeme

Tony

Obltn R Berthold, Js18, RE8, Becelaere, 1000hrs, 20th victory - another candidate for the loss of 2nd Lt J S Walthew (Kia) & Lt M C Hartnett (Kia) [the reported location of their crash, 28.J.10.D, relates to a point east of Polygon Wood].

Ltn C Galetschky, Js6, Sopwith, Houthulst, 1005hrs, first victory - as per my post, either he or Hans Adam was likely responsible for Flt Sub-Lt E V J Grace (Pow), possibly a joint effort.

Uffz M Mallmann, Js19, Caudron, Villers, (no time), 2nd victory - Uffz Martin Mallmann; agree that this was probably a Caudron G.IV of Esc C.64, Cpl Abraham & Sol Mauvillier, both MIA

Vfw J Schwendemann, Js41, AR2, W Lusse, (no time), first victory - Vzfw Josef Schwendemann; possibly a machine from Escadrille F.14, who had Lt J Dupont (Wia).

Graeme

3 Sqn vs Js 5 and ir woulsd seem Js 30 also.
 

I have some bigger picture points on this one. 3 Sqn had ceased arty operations on 17 Sep 17 and had started to practice formation flying in anticipation of the Camels which were on their way. The two missing Moranes had been part of a 4 strong formation practice flight that was attacked by a 2-seater, which together with strong [westerly] winds, saw the pair drift over German lines, where clearly a 9 strong Jasta 5 took off so as to engage them.
But it was not all doom and misfortune, as the RPS data (TSTBF II) of the crew of Sutcliffe & Humble shows that they believed they downed the 2-seater along with one of the scouts. Indeed it looks like they accounted for Js 5's Ltn A Schenk who was kia in an airfight (total wreck) as can be seen in the data from JWC as provided by Tony, but without information as to by whom.

I have the additional information that Js 30's Obln Bethge contested the Obln flasher claim. Both credits were given as diesseits.

Russ

CGAS plus notes:
Becker J20 interned in Netherlands
Ltn Kocher KG 4 WIA
Gefr Buttner (P) & Ltn Liesang (O) POW FA 7 (?)
LtndR Karl Vogel (P) FAA 261 WIA
Uffz Allkofer (P) & LtndR Bauer (O) FAA 292 WIA Warvin Lille area

The KG 4 and FAA 292 casualties are on the British front am not sure about the other two

claims
 

This crew 20 Sqn had been part of a 5 strong photo recon and were attacked when flying alone above the other four. I strongly suspect their attackers were Js 6 and that they reflect the Hans Adam claim for an ‘RE’ W Ypern at 1000 given as Jenseits. The crew of course landed damaged at 4 Sqn aerodrome at 1030 – Abeele west of Ypres. Of interest is that the other crews reported some 20 EA scouts over the salient including 2 Triplanes. (Js 6 & Js 10?)

It was actually 8 Camels led by FLt Fitzgibbon who attacked 8 Albatros scouts (Js 10?) to the east of Hooge at 11,000ft. FitzGibbon drove one down, but was unsure whether it was OOC due to having to engage other EA suffering a No 3 on both guns. FSL McGregor fired 200rds at his EA which fell pouring black smoke. FSL Maund believed he hit his opponent’s engine in the head on attack. FSL Carroll also fired 200rds at his EA, but was then attacked by 3 more EA from above. It looks almost certain that Js 10’s OStv P Aue was seriously wounded in this fight – making a crash landing near Roulers time given as 1000. He would later claim the combat was with 25 Britishers!:rolleyes: Below of course about 9 Camels of both 10 Naval & 70 were bombing and strafing ground targets around Houlthoust (see Communique blurbs) there were also five 20 Sqn Bristols, but then they themselves reported 25 EA in the same area.;)

The new arrivals look to have been Jasta 6 who accounted for FSL EJ Grace who’s Camel fell in flames. It would seem both Ltn Adam and Ltn Galetschky claimed credit with identical claims for Sopwith-1’s at Houlthoulst, 1005 given diesseits and recorded as burnt. The Galetschky claim was not acknowledged in N’Blatt, whilst oddly it was noted in the JG I KTB, but not the Adam claim.

McCudden was flying a ‘special mission’ and in fact attacked a 2-seater from below over Merville (Brit side) at 1130. – he was at 18,000ft – the 2-seater dived steeply east but apparently ok, although a small black box and what appeared to be cartridges fell out. At 1205 he attacked the Rumpler out of the sun at 14,000ft south of Armentiers. His Lewis jammed almost immediately, but he managed to get off 30 Vickers when he suffered a No 3, none the less the EA’s propeller stopped and the engine began to emit blue smoke as it glided down east, he got the Vickers going again and continued to engage down to 1,800ft – the observer seen collapsed and not manning his gun - the EA crashed down wind near Radinghem – this was also confirmed by a 10 Sqn crew.

I get the feeling this may have been the FAA 292 machine of Uffz Allkofer & Ltn Bauer both recorded as wia (Bauer seriously) at Wavrin (4km SE Radinghem)

Part of a 4 strong ‘wireless call’ led by Capt Sowrey. Sowrey had to return with burst water tank, but the others engaged 5 red nosed Albatros (Js 18). Dawson followed his EA down and recrossed lines at 200ft. Lt RJ Patterson was wounded in shoulder and his Spad shot about, but none the less made it to 23 Sqn/ La Lovie. Lt W Jones was also hotly engaged, but noted that the EA would not follow him back across the lines. It would appear Js 18’s Obln Auffarth was credited with a Spad Verbranenmolen at 1530 given jenseits. Only acknowledged in supplementary N’Blatt listing.

These two claims in a series of scraps against; 6, 4 & 9 EA scouts.

Capt Rooper’s NOP attacked 4 Albatros scouts (black & white squares) at 9,000ft. One got onto tail of Nieuport of 2Lt Garrett and was shot off by Rooper & 2Lt P Wilson. Rooper attacked it again and sent it down in flames. It was confirmed to have crashed in flames east of Poelcapelle by 2Lt GB Moore. EA probably Jasta 26 see further notes re 1 Naval.

More to follow.

Russ

casualties
 

Yes interesting. Paul Strahle would make the comment in his diary that there was conflict on many occasions between the Jagdstaffeln and Flak over credit for downed Allied machines. This one looks to have gone to the Jagdstaffeln Obln Waldhausen would later say that the observer fell out, yet the claim, whilst given as diesseits, was officially recorded as a Sopwith Eins.:unsure:

The second Waldhausen claim over St Eloi for an Engl-2 zlg looks to reflect the 13 Sqn RE8 of EL Evans & Lt BC Gray (wia) who crashed landing at 8 Naval Sqn (St Eloi).

RPS tells it all; separated from 4 strong OP in clouds – attacked by 7 EA scouts, strong west wind, ftl near Monchy.

Js 12 Vfw Gille claim for a ‘BF’ naturally diesseits.

The above casualty is 20 Sep 17.

Would appear to have been Js B’s Ltn Bohme – ‘RE’ given as jenseits

Part of a 4 strong OP led by FLt Minifie. Minifie led formation down on some Albatros scouts, but McMillan did not follow due to a poor engine. Alone above the rest he was then set upon by 4-5 EA scouts (Js 26) and driven down. Minifie looks to have shot one EA off his tail (supposedly crashed). Others reported seeing McMillan send an EA down OOC (but Minifie’s EA?). McMilan only noted that he crashed in a shell hole.

Clearly credited to Js 26 Vfw Kosmahl – Engl Dreidekker given as diesseits.

There is some kind of cross pollination with the 1 Sqn combat here – same time & area, yet no mention of Tripes in 1 Sqn CR however. Get the feeling at least one Js 26 machine did crash even if present wisdom does not note one.

I rather think this was Js 18’s Obln Berthold – ‘RE’ Becelaere 1000 diesseits. ANZAC Corps in line just west of Polygon Wood. Becelaere was east of Polygon Wood.

FlakBttr 710 ‘Martinsyde’ Villers-Guislain.

Russ