The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post

R Gannon · 11 November 2009, 04:42 PM

Hi All

Some light on 43 Sqn's show on 29 Aug 18. 15 strong they were escorting 12 DH9's of 98 Sqn on bombing raid on Somain (25 km behind German lines). Over target the were engaged by 30 to 40 DVII's. First to attack were a 10 strong Jasta 57, but also soon in the mix were Jasta 1 (DH claim), Jasta 28 (Camel claim), Jasta 32 (DH & Camel claim) & Jasta 59 (DH claim) as well as DH4's of 57 Sqn raiding nearby Denain. Strahle's Js 57 claimed three Camel's & two DH's. Photo's of two of the downed Camels can be found in the Strahle article in the old C&C US Vol 12 #3. One was marked '1' (Capt Louden pow?) and the other lying on its back was marked 'B'. I also know that Sgt Harbour's Camel D1785 was marked with a 'Z'. Good photo of this Camel cJuly 18 lined up next to Woollett's venrable D6402.

Now Chaz Bowyers 'Sopwith Camel - King of Combat' provides data that B2323 of 43 Sqn was marked with an 'M'. But this represents one of the earlist Camel's issued to Squadron. None the less it confirms 'M' was used.

One of 43 Sqn's losses landed on the Jasta 57 a/d at Ainche - forced down by Ltn Koch of Jasta 32 - maybe our photo represents this Camel?

For the record five De Havilands were also claimed all well inside German lines however only two actually came down in German lines, whilst two more were able to force land in British lines whilst another returned shot up.

43 Sqn made 4 claims - a DVII crashed in flames to Capt Banks (most certainly Vfw Knobel of Js 57 burnt), another DVII crashed to Lt Weaver whilst two more were seen to fall OOC and were credited jointly to the 5 missing pilots. There were also at least 6 DH claims. Strahle also notes that Flg Helcher made a forced landing near Cambrai. Unfortunately there are no surviving KTB's for the other Jasta's involved, so we cannot guage the veracity of all these claims.

Contrary to asertion in JWC - Jasta 26 were not involved - they along with Stab of JG III engaged 'Sopwiths' of 73 Sqn later in the morning and right on the front lines area of Monchy - four JG III claims but no 'hard' 73 Sqn losses - 73 Sqn also made three DVII OOC claims in return.

Cheers Russ

11 November 2009, 04:42 PM	#7
R Gannon Rest in Peace Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Adelaide Posts: 6,121	Hi All Some light on 43 Sqn's show on 29 Aug 18. 15 strong they were escorting 12 DH9's of 98 Sqn on bombing raid on Somain (25 km behind German lines). Over target the were engaged by 30 to 40 DVII's. First to attack were a 10 strong Jasta 57, but also soon in the mix were Jasta 1 (DH claim), Jasta 28 (Camel claim), Jasta 32 (DH & Camel claim) & Jasta 59 (DH claim) as well as DH4's of 57 Sqn raiding nearby Denain. Strahle's Js 57 claimed three Camel's & two DH's. Photo's of two of the downed Camels can be found in the Strahle article in the old C&C US Vol 12 #3. One was marked '1' (Capt Louden pow?) and the other lying on its back was marked 'B'. I also know that Sgt Harbour's Camel D1785 was marked with a 'Z'. Good photo of this Camel cJuly 18 lined up next to Woollett's venrable D6402. Now Chaz Bowyers 'Sopwith Camel - King of Combat' provides data that B2323 of 43 Sqn was marked with an 'M'. But this represents one of the earlist Camel's issued to Squadron. None the less it confirms 'M' was used. One of 43 Sqn's losses landed on the Jasta 57 a/d at Ainche - forced down by Ltn Koch of Jasta 32 - maybe our photo represents this Camel? For the record five De Havilands were also claimed all well inside German lines however only two actually came down in German lines, whilst two more were able to force land in British lines whilst another returned shot up. 43 Sqn made 4 claims - a DVII crashed in flames to Capt Banks (most certainly Vfw Knobel of Js 57 burnt), another DVII crashed to Lt Weaver whilst two more were seen to fall OOC and were credited jointly to the 5 missing pilots. There were also at least 6 DH claims. Strahle also notes that Flg Helcher made a forced landing near Cambrai. Unfortunately there are no surviving KTB's for the other Jasta's involved, so we cannot guage the veracity of all these claims. Contrary to asertion in JWC - Jasta 26 were not involved - they along with Stab of JG III engaged 'Sopwiths' of 73 Sqn later in the morning and right on the front lines area of Monchy - four JG III claims but no 'hard' 73 Sqn losses - 73 Sqn also made three DVII OOC claims in return. Cheers Russ __________________ Our hearts so stout has got us fame For soon 'tis known from where we came Where'er we go they fear the name Of Garryowen in glory.