SUNDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 1917
General Headquarters, November 12th.
“In spite of stormy weather, a considerable amount of aerial work was carried out by our aeroplanes on the 11th inst. in conjunction with our artillery. A few bombs were dropped during the day on hostile billets and trenches, but bad weather conditions made observation of results difficult. A large number of rounds were fired from machine guns at ground targets by our low-flying aeroplanes, and in one case a hostile battery was silenced. Air fighting was carried out under considerable difficulties owing to low clouds. One hostile machine was destroyed and four others were driven down out of control. None of our machines are missing,"
Low clouds and rain still interfered with work.
RNAS - The continuation of poor weather conditions prevented any photographic reconnaissances or bomb raids being carried out.
Several hostile formations were sighted during the day. A pilot of No 4 Squadron while on a test flight observed E.A. proceeding towards Furnes, consisting of three Gothas, nine two-seaters, believed to be D.F.W.’s, and three scouts, with black wings, white cross, and it is believed rotary engines. Pilot attacked rearmost Gotha, but had to break off engagement owing to both guns jambing.
Six large machines were seen coming from Ostende. Immediately our patrol was sighted E.A. turned at Westende Bains, and flew back. Two more of these machines were seen to go into a spin after an encounter with an R.F.C. patrol. From further information, this patrol encountered a big formation of these large E.A., destroying two and driving one down out of control.
Enemy Aircraft
Capt A E McKeever & Lt L V J Pogson, 11 Sqn, DFW C out of control Brebières at 11:30/12:30 - Lts A E McKeever & L Pogson, 11 Squadron, attacked one of two two-seater EA and drove it down completely out of control
Lt N C Millman & 2nd Lt T C S Tuffield, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of St Georges at 15:10/16:10 - a patrol of 48 Squadron met a formation of four large bombing machines, escorted by about 30 EA scouts. In a fight with six EA scouts, Lt Millman and 2nd Lt Tuffield drove down one EA scout out of control
2nd Lt S L G Pope, 60 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Gheluwe at 15:10/16:10 - 2nd Lt Pope, No 60 Squadron, shot down an EA scout which fell and crashed
Capt B E Baker & 2/AM B Jackman, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed east of Dixmude at 15:15/16:15 - a patrol of No 48 Squadron met a formation of four large bombing machines, escorted by about 30 EA scouts. During a fight with 15 of these, Capt Baker & 2/AM Jackman drove down two scouts completely out of control, both of which are believed to have crashed; Vfw Werner, Kia ?
2nd Lt W E Jenkins, 60 Sqn, Balloon in flames Ypres at 15:30/16:30
2nd Lt W A Tyrrell, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Poelcapelle at 15:50/16:50
Lt J G S Candy and Lt A H Rice, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Menin at 16:20/17:20 - Lts Candy and Rice, No 19 Squadron, drove down an EA apparently out of control
Capt B E Baker & 2/AM B Jackman, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed north-east of Dixmude at 17:10/18:10 - a patrol of No 48 Squadron met a formation of four large bombing machines, escorted by about 30 EA scouts. During a fight with 15 of these, Capt Baker & 2/AM Jackman drove down two scouts completely out of control, both of which are believed to have crashed
Casualties
Lt A Claydon (Ok), 32 Sqn, DH5 A9439 - overturned in forced landing north-east of Ypres after engine shot through in combat on offensive patrol; Ltn Max Ritter v Müller, Js2, 31st victory [Wieltje at 11:20/12:20]
? (Ok) & Lt B Head (Wia), 52 Sqn, RE8 - wounded in face during photography
other German claims:
Ltn d R
Georg Schlenker, Js41, 10th victory - a Nieuport over Balschweiler and Vzfw Otto Rosenfeld, Js41, 5th victory - a Nieuport over Hagenbach; given the locations, presumably French machines
Graeme