100 years ago today - 17 October 1918

[Graeme]

THURSDAY, 17 OCTOBER 1918

General Headquarters, October 18th.

“On October 17th, in spite of adverse weather conditions, our squadrons were active along the whole front. Many reconnaissances were carried out and photographs taken. Close touch was kept with our advancing troops, and their movements were reported to the Headquarters concerned. The enemy railway centres behind the northern battle front were attacked with heavy bombs, and on all fronts his troops were harassed with light bombs and machine-gun fire, a total of 9½ tons of bombs being dropped by us. There was very little activity on the part of the enemy's aircraft. One German machine was destroyed in air fighting. One of our machines is missing. No night operations could be carried out on account of thick mist.”

Headquarters R.A.F., Independent Force, October 17th.

“Owing to thick mists and rain no operations have been possible since Oct. 11th.”

Admiralty, October 17th.

“Royal Air Force contingents working with the Navy landed in Ostend this morning, and report it clear of the enemy. Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, commanding the Dover Patrol Force, landed at Ostend at 12.55 this after noon.”

RAF Communiqué No 29:

Weather: Low clouds, thick mist.

Forty-eight reconnaissances, 104 contact and counter-attack patrols.

No night bombing; 6¼ tons of bombs dropped by day.

No 108 Squadron carried out a raid on Waereghem Station. Direct hits obtained on station and a train, and on large buildings in vicinity; the train was set on fire.

Machines of No 211 Squadron bombed Thielt Station, obtaining direct hits on sidings and starting fires in the station.

Enemy Aircraft:

Very slight enemy aircraft activity.

Lieut F Thornton and Lieut R Kilpatrick, 74 Sqn, E.A. out of control -

Lieut F Thornton and Lieut R Kilpatrick, 74 Sqn, E.A. out of control -

Casualties:

Lieut A E Robertson (Wia), 204 Sqn, Camel F3108 - hit by A.A.

Capt R N Chandler (Ok), 73 Sqn, Camel F1941 - took off 06:00/07:00 then shot through by shell fire on ground strafe

Lieut G W E Whitehead (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut R A Griffiths (Kia), 53 Sqn, RE8 D6799 - took off 07:50/08:50 then missing from NF patrol

Capt R Johnstone (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut R Alcock (Wia), 82 Sqn, AW FK8 F7413 - force landed Winkel 13:00/14:00 cause unknown during ammunition and ration dropping

Capt R I Dines (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut T M Baker (Kia), 8 Sqn, AW FK8 B4170 - took off 14:00/15:00 then crashed Sh57b.K.32.c [west of Le Cateau] after hit by shell on line patrol; observer apparently thrown out of machine

Graeme

[MASTIFF]

Jasta claims this date:


Obltn Theodor Cammann, CO Js74, no details given, 11th victory.

Ltn Richter, Js74, no details given, first victory.


Jasta losses: Nil


Tony

[James A. Pratt III]

NB
claim 1 aircraft air combat
losses none

SF! not in CGAS Uffz Heinrich Auer (G) SS 24 German 4 Armee IIC landing accident grenade accidently detonates Oudenarde

FASWC
claim
S/lt Mougeot Spa 62
casualties
S/Lt Mathieu Br 279 (O) WIA Flak

CGAS

LtndR August Wise (O) FA 33 Eugess, Bomy