Fokker D-VIII in Combat query

Are there any surviving records or reports of combat encounters with the Fok.D8? Was "The Flying Razor" name given during or after the war?

First of all, we must be talking about the Fokker E.V (the re-designated Fokker D.VIII with re-designed wing did not arrive at the front in time to see any combat - in all probability). The E.V was only in combat a few weeks at best. Ltn. Emil Rolff of Jasta 6 achieved what is believed to be the first victory for the E.V on 16 August. Peter Kilduff notes on page 232 of The Red Baron Combat Wing that on 18 August, RAF intelligence reported that "Fokker monoplanes have been issued to at least two pursuit flights in the Somme area". Sounds like RAF intelligence was doing their job, but I do not recall seeing any Allied combat reports describing encounters with Fokker E.V parasols - but that doesn't mean they're not out there.The Marine ace Theo Osterkamp claimed in his autobiography that he was jumped by 3 Spads when flying his E.V, and had to bail out..but this event is not mentioned in the MF Jasta wardiary. On 19 August the same Emil Rolff was killed when his E.V broke apart in mid-air, and the type was grounded and withdrawn from the front.

Sometimes I've seen references to enemy 'monoplanes' in American combat reports, but these inevitably turn out to be mis-copied references to 'monoplaces', a word for single-seaters (similar switches happen with 'biplaces' and 'biplanes'). Also, I have never seen any contemporary use of the term "Flying Razor" to describe the E.V/D.VIII - I simply don't think British or American pilots were familiar enough with the type to give it such a nickname. I imagine it was coined by the aviation pulp writers of the 1930's; if someone can prove me wrong, go for it !

Hope that is of interest.

Greg

Thanks Greg. Maybe there's someone who can add a little more about the Ev/DvIII operations.

Tony,

on the 12th August 1918, Lt Swale of 210 squadron suffered engine trouble, and had to drop out of a patrol over Ypres, Roulers, Bruges and Dixmude. He turned back from Roulers towards Eringhem aerodrome and was "jumped" by four monoplanes which he evaded with some difficulty and managed to scuttle back across the lines.

He said that as they approached in formation they looked like four short straight lines in the sky with large dots in their centre.

After Swale's report was submitted to HQ, he was interviewed that same evening by an intelligence officer.