German plane downed at Moislains, Jan 1918.

[Bill Woerlee]

Folks

I am having great difficulty in identifying aircraft, both Allied and German, in an encounter that happened at Moislains, on or about 1 January 1918. This is the account I have from the 44th Bn historian, Cyril Longmore, who wrote this reminiscence vignette in January 1930.

Early in the morning of January 1 a lucky aircraft shot found a vital spot in an enemy 'plane flying high. It fell until about 1,000ft. from the ground, when, it was ascertained afterwards, the pilot regained consciousness and flattened the machine out to make a safe landing. The souvenir hunters' dreams were destroyed before they reached the 'plane, for the German blew the machine up with a bomb.

I have checked all the war diaries of the period and cannot find an entry regarding this incident. While Longmore is not the most accurate with chronology or names, he is always accurate on the event.

I am wondering if anyone can shed any light on this story.

Thanks in anticipation.

Cheers

Bill

[Bill Woerlee]

Folks

The date 1 January 1918 is firm. Extract from 4th Australian Division War Diary:

EA shot down by AA gun fire. Fell in Divisional Area, an Officer and NCO being captured. Machine destroyed by fire before arrival of our troops.

So Allied aircraft were not involved.

Cheers

Bill

[Bill Woerlee]

And finally a report from the Australian 48th Infantry Battalion at Haut Allaines, 1 January 1918.

At 11 am considerable excitement was caused by the appearance of an enemy aeroplane which was evidently in difficulties + although the pilot was an expert, he was forced to make a landing near our Battalion parade ground. The pilot and observer were made prisoner by three men on this battalion but not before the engine had been destroyed by a bomb and the plane burnt. The prisoners were handed over to Divisional Headquarters by Capt JR Hammand, Quartermaster of the 48th Battalion. Information was obtained from the pilot to the effect that the plane was brought down by fire from Anti-Aircraft Gun + that it was the first time an aeroplane of that type had crossed the line.

The only thing missing from all these reports were the names of the Germans, the aircraft flown and the FA they belonged to.

Hopefully there is a record of this.

Cheers

Bill

[R Gannon]

Hi Bill

This would be a machine from FAA 269 with a crew of Sgt Weidner POW & Ltn Schrater POW. A Rumpler CV which was given capture serial of G120 and credited to Fifth Army AA. Kofl 2 confirms it did not return.

Cheers Russ

[Bill Woerlee]

Russ

If I said incredible information, I would be understating your help. Thanks so much.

Can I chance my hand with just a bit of expansion of this information,

Where was the aerodrome for FAA 269 at this time?

Do you have the first names for both Weidner and Schrater.

I know this might be a bridge too far but you never know unless you ask.

Thanks once again Russ.

Cheers

Bill

[R Gannon]

Hi Bill

Mate! Incredible information? Oh, I would say 90 % toil & perspiration and just 10 % inspiration.

As I understand it FAA 269 were at Busigny about 36km ENE of Moslains.

Sorry can't help with first names, it might be that some of our German colleges, if they are looking in, may have some insight.

And thanks for your info, its gone into my Jan 18 log in regards this downing.

Cheers Russ

[Bill Woerlee]

Nils - LOL