100 years ago today - 20 June 1918

[Graeme]

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 1918

General Headquarters, June 21st.

“On the 20th inst. low clouds and rain greatly hampered flying operations. One enemy machine was brought down, and one of our machines is missing.

RAF Communiqué number 12:

Weather, low clouds and rain.

Twenty-one reconnaissances, eight contact and counter-attack patrols.

Forty-two hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, four neutralized, 34 zone calls sent.

Eight and a half tons of bombs dropped.

On the 20th instant, 17 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 82 other targets.

Lieut E V Hooper and 2nd Lieut J M Jacques, Lieut G E Mace and 2nd Lieut P V Preston, No 83 Squadron, carried out successful night reconnaissances of the Cambrai – Le Cateau area and the Bapaume – Peronne – St Quentin area, respectively, in spite of extremely adverse weather conditions.

Enemy Aircraft:

Activity very slight.

Lieut J D I Hardman, 19 Sqn, Fokker Dr1 out of control -

Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed south-east of Morlancourt at 11:35/12:35 -

Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control ? south-east of Morlancourt at 17:25/18:25 -

Lieut M A Newnham, 65 Sqn, Camel D1960, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Bray at 17:35/18:35 – a hostile machine was brought down by Lieut M A Newnham, No 65 Squadron

Casualties:

Capt R T Fagan (Ok) & Lieut M H Ely (Ok), 82 Sqn, AW FK8 C8636 - shot up by A.A. during bombing east of Morlancourt

Lieut M L Green (Ok), 65 Sqn, Camel D1843 – took off 17:00/18:00 then shot through in attack by 6 E.A. after losing formation on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Karl Christ, Js28, 2nd victory [Ablaincourt at 18:00/19:00] ?

2nd-Lieut H Mason (Pow), 209 Sqn RAF, Camel D3405 – took off 17:25/18:25 then missing from HOP with 5 others to Proyart; Ltn d R Emil Thuy, Js28, 22nd victory [west of Cérisy at 17:50/18:50] ?

Graeme