Boelcke's 19th victory

[Regulus]

Hi,

We all know that Boelcke went back to FFA 62 with the death of Immelmann on the 18th June.

However, when did he leave from Sivry, and do we actually know the exact date when he returned ? What proof do we have on this matter ? His personal letters are very vague on that subject...

It is said that he returned to Douai on 22 June, but that would be curious as that was the same day that the funeral service happened at Cambrai, and most of the times these events happened around or just before noon, so I think he arrived earlier.

Boelcke states in his letters that he heard the news, it was confirmed to him and that he immediately asked to leave for Douai. I find it hard to believe that Boelcke was only informed by the 20 th or 21st of the death of Immelmann...

Even more, he has clearly seen the body of Immelmann before the 22nd as he states : "It was very impressive. Immelmann lay in the courtyard of a hospital, on a wonderful bier. Everywhere there were pedestals with torches burning on them." Boelcke was of course, present on the 22nd at Cambrai

Another question that raises is what proof do we have that his 19th victory occured on the 27th ? Was it confirmed on the 27th or do we have proof it happened on the 27th, and if so what is that proof exactly ?

This may seem bizarre to question this, but I have a feeling that Boelcke was back earlier at Sivry then the 26th or 27th... And that his victory occured earlier.

Sincere thanks for any serious reply !

Best regards,

Johan