Successful bombing of SFS Flandern 1

[Regulus]

Hi,

I have a photo from the Greg VanWyngarden collection which shows damaged and heavily damaged planes of the 3 C Staffel of the Seeflugstation Flandern I at Zeebrugge Mole, this after a bombing raid (possibly by 211 Sqdn. RAF) during the summer of 1918. Amongst the planes is one from Lt. Becht HB 1414.

Does anyone know when this bombardment may have taken place ?

Thanks and best from Johan

Formerly known as JR.R. and now again as Regulus, thanks to our Webmaster !

[Zeppelin]

I don't have the answer, but rather a question: Do you know what kind of planes did the bombing?

Best regards,
Zeppelin

P.S. Good to see your old self again!

[Regulus]

Hi Zeppelin,

Thanks ! Feels good indeed !

Unfortunately I have no idea at all on the planes that bombed the base at Zeebrugge. As there are several possibilities on the dates it remains a an even bigger question.

There is the report of damage in the Tätigkeitsberichte on the 9-10th May 1918 and in early June soms bombs fel almost daily on the Mole, on the 10th another bombing, no notible damage.
During May and June some bombing seems to have happened by HP planes in the night and DH's in the day. Later also FE2b's the rapports say.
Between 27/6 and 3/7 one plane was heavily damaged, but this probably was on the 1st July with FF1680.
After that no real damage reports can be found.

So perhaps this attack happened earlier...

Best from Johan

[Graeme]

Johan

Following the decision to destroy German craft in their harbours, VII Brigade was run down and essentially replaced by No 5 Group at Dover. No 65 Wing was attached to this group, comprising Nos 204, 206, 214 and 215 Squadrons; also atached was No 61 Wing comprising Nos 202, 210, 213, 217 and 218 Squadrons.

No 38 Sqn, equipped with FE2bs, was attached to No 5 Group in May 1918, began raids on 13 June, withdrawn on 24 august to re-equip with HP O/400s (never happedend) and returned to the group in September. No 214 Sqn was supposed to be attached for only a month, commencing 4 June, but in fact remained under naval control until October. No 98 Squadron was attached to the Group until 6 June.

During May 1918, No 5 Group dropped almost 70 tons of bombs upon targets in Bruges and Zeebrugge and 134 tons on naval targets in June.

The first large-scale bombing of Zeebrugge Mole took place on 30 June 1918 by the DH9s of No 218 Sqn, escorted by 15 Camels from No 204 Sqn. The force was met by a formation of German fighters, estimated to be 30 in number. No 204 Squadron claimed five victories for the loss of one Camel.

Graeme

[Regulus]

Graeme,

Thanks, I think I may have to review the reports again. Curious that there was so little damage to the base... that needs rechecking.

Best from Johan