E.J.K. McCloughry's Claims--Questionable?

[josquin]

During the course of the research for his classic history of the A.F.C.
F.M. Cutlack came to question the victory claims of E.J.K. McCloughry.
Cutlack wrote, in 1921: "Every Australian airman I meet says McClaughry
(sic) (E.J.) and possibly his brother too, furnished cooked reports of
Huns downed. The records are imperfect, and in the absence of
certain papers...(they) are even misleading." "Harry" Cobby wrote
a letter to Cutlack, in 1921, that was harsh and forthright in addressing
McCloughry's claims. Cutlack wanted to conduct a full-scale investigation
and inquiry, but given McCloughry's celebrity in the postwar R.A.A.F.,
and the desire of his superiors to avoid scandals in times of budgetary
constraints, the inquiry never occurred. The questions remain, however,
so I address the subject once again: how reliable are McCloughry's
victory claims? What do we really know? How many claims were
confirmed by independent observers? How many claims were solo
performances--like Billy Bishop's? McCloughry and his brother are
the only A.F.C. airmen whose claims Cutlack questioned. This warrants
a serious examination of the subject by the Forum now.

regards josquin

[Brad Cancian]

Hello Trelawney,

A very interesting question that I have discussed with some other AFC inclined folks here in Australia. Before trying to piece anything together about the relationship between E.J McCloughry, his brother (and 4SQN CO) W.A McCloughry, Cobby and Cutlack, I will go through E.J's claims to check on whether or not they may have been "inflated" at his time in 4AFC.

Luckily, I have scans of all of the 4AFC unit diaries. It looks as though E.J spent from 4 June 1918 to 24 Sep 1918 in 4AFC, with most of August being out whilst recovering from a wound. Over this time (around 11 weeks), he was credited with a total of 23 victories (which is quite a feat). I have gone through the 4AFC diaries for this period and have produced the following notes on E.Js victories:

JUNE
"04-06-18 - From H.E 03-06-18 Flight Commander"
12-Jun-18 - Pfalz Scout OOC - Flying Camel D1961. 9 other 4AFC pilots present.
12-Jun-18 - Balloon Flamed - Flying Camel D1961. 9 other 4AFC pilots present.
18-Jun-18 - Triplane Crashed - Red Triplane. Flying Camel D1961, 17 other 4AFC pilots present.
27-Jun-18 - LVG Destroyed - LVG, Green with Red Camouflage. Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present
28-Jun-18 - Fokker Triplane OOC - Triplane "Red, Green and Yellow". Flying Camel D1961, Listed as "Offensive Patrol" on Combat Report and "Special Mission" in 4AFC diary, no other 4AFC pilots present.
Total: 4 A/C, 1 Balloon

JULY
From unit diary - "Capt EJ McLaughry DFC particularly distinguished himself during this period destroying 10 E.A and 2 Balloons. This Officer set a wonderful example of courage and initiative and on 31st July was wounded in the leg while engaged in combat with 3 fokker biplanes of which he crashed."
1-Jul-18 - Pfalz Scout - Collided with second Pfalz Scout. Possibly only one included as a victory. Flying Camel D1961. 10 other 4AFC pilots present.
1-Jul-18 - Pfalz Scout - Collided with second Pfalz Scout. Possibly only one included as a victory. Flying Camel D1961. 10 other 4AFC pilots present.
1-Jul-18 - Pfalz Scout - Fired 100 rounds into EA. Flying Camel D1961. 10 other 4AFC pilots present.
5-Jul-18 - Balloon Hauled Down - Not counted as a victory. Flying Camel D1961. 2 other AFC pilots present. Balloon described as "immediately haulled down".
11-Jul-18 - Rumpler Destroyed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
11-Jul-18 - Pfalz Destroyed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
14-Jul-18 - Albatross 2-seater Destroyed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
16-Jul-18 - Balloon Flamed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
19-Jul-18 - Pfalz Scout Flamed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
22-Jul-18 - Fokker Biplane crashed - Flying Camel D1961. 2 other 4AFC pilots present.
25-Jul-18 - Rumpler Destroyed - Flying Camel D1961. 4 other 4AFC pilots present.
28-Jul-18 - Balloon Flamed - Flying Camel D1961. No other 4AFC pilots present.
28-Jul-18 - LVG Crashed - Flying Camel 1920. No other 4AFC pilots present.
Note - F.M Cutlack's history notes McCloughry was wounded in the foot and, faint from blood loss, crash landed. Cutlack does not mention the victory on 31 Jul 18 and 01 Aug 18 as described in 4AFC diary. 4 AFC diary notes McCloughry wounded 01 Aug 18.
31-Jul-18 - 2 Seater Crashed - Flying Camel D1961. 3 other 4AFC pilots present.
Total: 10 A/C, 2 Balloons

AUGUST
From unit diary - "1/08/2018 - Capt. E.J. McClaughry D.F.C. attacked 3 enemy machines and received G.S.W in right leg during combat necessitating his admission to No.2 ACSS."
1-Aug-18 - Fokker Biplane Crashed - Flying Camel D1961. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
From unit diary - "31/08/2018 - Capt E.J. McCloughry D.F.C., Flight Commander, returned from leave to U.K 31-8-1918."
Total: 1 A/C

SEPTEMBER
4-Sep-18 - Balloon Flamed - Flying Camel E7160. 1 other 4AFC pilot present
7-Sep-18- 2 Seater OOC - Flying Camel E7160. No other 4AFC pilot present
14-Sep-18 - LVG Destroyed - Destroyed on Ground. Flying Camel E7160. 1 other 4AFC pilot present.
24-Sep-18 - DFW Crashed - Flying Camel E7160. 1 other 4AFC pilot present
24-Sep-18 - Fokker Biplane Crashed - Flying Camel E7160. 1 other 4AFC pilot present
From unit diary - "24 Sep 18 - Capt E.J. McClaughry was wounded for the second time within 5 weeks on 24--9-1918 and was evacuted to England ... Aircraft were destroyed by the following Oficers: Capt E.J. McClaughry DFC - 6."
NOTE – this figure of 6 is an error – only 5 combat claims submitted.
Total: 4 A/C, 1 Balloon

[Brad Cancian]

Out of all of these, there are 4 victories credited without at least one other pilot being present in the flight. A number of E.Js victories had multiple witnesses, or at least, large numbers of 4AFC pilots present. Many of E.Js combat reports are not counter signed by witnesses, however neither are many of the other's from 4AFC over this period. I would imagine that a professional officer and unit CO (even if he is the claimant's relative) would still follow protocol an ensure due diligence was applied in awarding victories. As such, it is my opinion from the combat records alone that the majority of E.Js victories had appropriate witnesses, and that E.J was perhaps not such a bad pilot. It does not appear to me that the "books were cooked".

As such, I think that there are other reason's, specifically Cobby's dislike of E.J and Cobby's influnce over Cutlack that led to the potential of an inquiry being called. Perhaps we should examine Cobby and 4AFC to see if there is any more behind this.

In the broader context, 4AFC was regarded as an especially first rate squadron. That said, it was a little cliquey, which is borne out by Cobby's book “High Adventure”, which very much has a tone suggestive of a number of small groups (the flights) forming tight bonds, and competing with the other flights – sometimes this can be constructive, other times it can be destructive. For such a successful squadron, it is a little perplexing that certian flights appear to have not got along well with each other.

Firstly, E.J was Cobby's main scoring rival in 4 AFC. E.J came in as the brother of the CO and a flight commander with some experience, and had not worked his way up to flight commander from within the squadron as Cobby had. This may have gotten him off on the wrong foot with more experienced members like Cobby and King (we Aussies can be very quick to judge!), especially if individual social groups within the Squadron were strong. The 4SQN diary also sheds some light on why Cobby may felt there was favouratism in the Squadron. Even though Cobby and E.J were roughly scoring at the same pace, the unit diary has some shining words about E.J (included above), and none about Cobby. E.J's woundings and leaving of the Squadron is written with some remorse, however, Cobby's departure from 4AFC on 14 Sep 18 to take up instructing duties is not even mentioned in the diary. Odd for someone who had been so successful as a pilot and flight commander (and who was, in fact, the unit's top scorer). Cobby perhaps felt short changed. He likely perpetuated the feeling of favouratism amongst the tight knit group within his flight to perhaps try and generate a dislike of E.J.

Below is an extract from a letter written by Cobby (probably to Cutlack)after the war on the relationship and feelings within some elements of 4AFC:

“A considerable amount of feeling is prevalent amongst members of No 4 Squadron on the subject of a certain “Flight Commander” and his brother -- both of the Squadron. You will probably have come across this cordial “fed-up” spirit when seeking for information regarding No 4. This is strictly confidential – but it arose from the fact the Ft/Commander referred got ahead at a “remarkable” !! rate etc etc. Therefor I feel it is beholden on me to mention that the C/O of No 4 had nothing whatsoever to do with the handling of either his squadron or the formation as a whole. The squadron was led by myself and the handling and leading of the whole organisation devolved upon me, -- this at the strict injunction of the Brigade Hdqrs: Of these facts I refer you to the O/C No 2 Sqdn Major Murray Jones MC, DFC and Capt Roy King DSO DFC of No 4. This is NOT introduced as a desire for self gratification but to eliminate as much as possible, any chance of controversy later on. You will probably understand this a little better if you could have a little talk with Malley or Gillis Watson (both of Sydney) on the subject of the “two brothers”'.

Whilst I am not sure who the letter was addressed to, it is interesting reading – rather damning of the CO, and rather shining self examination by Cobby of his own abilities. It is hard to draw conclusions from this – clearly the CO, W.A. McCloughry, was a good CO as he held he position for almost all of 4AFCs fighting time (nearly a year). If there was blatant prejudice, or any loss of control of the fighting squadron, then this probably would have resulted in his removal. My personal opinion, considering Cobby's rather elitist attitude prevalent in his book, and from his later dealings in the RAAF (ultimately leading to his removal of command), I would say that it was just simply a case of sour grapes on the recognition front. That all said, don't construe my words as”Cobby-bashing” - there may have been things going on behind the scenes that we may never know about that may have affected Cobby's opinion of E.J and W.A McCloughry.

Now, to touch on F.M Cutlack – Of note, some of Cutlack's dates for certain events differ by a day or so from the 4AFC diaries. Cutlack was not a member of 4AFC but was tasked with writing the AFC war history. He undoubtedly would have contacted Cobby to get his war stories. Cobby would probably have said certain things to Cutlack that would have given him a certain impression of E.J. What that impression was, I am not so sure – either way, Cutlack was professional enough to leave any opinions on E.J out of the official history.

Long story short, I think E.J was in all probability a fine pilot, relative of the CO or not. I would suspect that W.A was an excellent CO, else he would have been removed if he could not keep is squadron in check. Cobby, also a very fine pilot, probably felt too much recognition was being granted to E.J. Again, there would have been things going on behind the scenes that may have affected Cobby's opinion of E.J and W.A McCloughry. We will probably never know.

Out of interest, 17 victories were claimed by E.J McCloughry on Camel D1961. I wonder how many other Camels had such high victory counts?

BC

[josquin]

Brad

Thank you for your comprehensive, and prompt, reply to my inquiry
concerning E.J.K. McCloughry's claims and Cutlack. Your E.A. claims
list is very informative; I appreciate the details you included. The
presence of one or more other A.F.C. pilots at a majority of the
combats does strengthen the case for E.J., but the absence of
counter-signed CRs when your brother is sqn. OC is definitely
problematic for me. Whether it was a squadron-wide lapse or not,
the OC was remiss in allowing this to continue. Since almost a
century has elapsed, there is little we can do now to strengthen the
documentation. That being so, your comments on the personalities
and interpersonal (and intergroup) dynamics within the squadron
are very instructive and do go far to explain what may have caused
the negativity toward E.J. It does seem likely that E.J.'s
brother was generous with praise (and, possibly, promotions) for
his younger brother. Also, the examples you gave do suggest
that Cobby was not given the recognition his deeds warranted,
so the disparity in recognition may well have given rise to
the sentiments that Cutlack and Cobby claimed were widespread.
I appreciate your taking the time to write a comprehensive
response to my questions. Your claims listing and discussion
clarifies, for me at least, that E.J.'s claims can withstand a
critical examination. I have little doubt that there were many
situational forces at work within the squadron that will escape our understanding, but your group has identified a pattern of differences
existing at the time that provides a measure of understanding
for us today. Thank you for that!

regards josquin

[Vin]

McClaughry/McCloughry/Kingstone-McCloughry has been the subject of a number of threads in the past, the search function will bring them up.

Start with

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/19...ccloughry.html

[josquin]

Vin

Thank you for calling my attention to the prior Aerodrome threads. I
read them all; I found the commentary of Cam, Darryl, Neville, and
yourself to be very informative. I believe that Cam has advanced
an issue of real significance with respect to the "British Australians"
versus the "Australian Australians." David Frost & Antony Jay, in
a book published about four decades ago entitled THE ENGLISH
(or THE BRITISH) had a chapter in which they discussed the
reality of Colonials trying to be more British than the British were
themselves (Frost & Jay said the phenomenon was called POME-Prisoner of Mother England--in the U.K.). The phenomenon definitely exists:
in my own travels I have witnessed it alive and well in Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.
I feel it was definitely at work in the A.F.C. squadron we have
been discussing: Cam was right to call attention to Cobby's use
of the word "smugness" in describing the OC's attitude toward
promoting H.G. Watson to flight commander. The balance of the
discussion in the threads indicates, to me at least, that there were
very real sources of conflict within the squadron affecting behavior,
values, and objectivity. Affecting them enough, I believe, that a
closer look at the OC practices and command decisions is in order
as well as an examination of all squadron claims (in light of the
OC's laxity in allowing CRs that were not counter-signed by
witnesses). Thank you for calling this material to my attention,
Vin, and thank you for your clarification as to where things stand
at the present, Brad.

regards josquin

[Michael (Australia)]

Hi Brad

Thanks for sharing your detailed analysis.

I think you're onto something with the internal rivalries. I have come across examples of such infighting and factionalism in No. 1- Sutherland for one describes them as a "jealous lot" in his book and there are some pretty backhanded comments in some of the private correspondence.

By the way- that letter you quoted, I need to check my sources to be 100% sure, but im pretty certain that Cobby sent it to Cutlack in c. 1921. I have seen that letter in AWM 44 8/1 PART 8.

Michael Molkentin

[josquin]

Vin and Other Thread Correspondents

Vin and Cam both refer to "Wright's account" of 4 Squadron, A.F.C.
I am not familiar with this; please give the reference. Was
the author Capt. John Williams Wright?

regards josquin

[R Gannon]

To all on this sad day for Australia.

If I have to be honest, as someone who is intruiged by who was shooting at who in the skies of WW1, then 4 AFC are not one of the better squadrons in regards claim corralations with 'known' German losses. Suspect they were somewhat over optimistic in their damage assessments. 2 AFC stacks up far better.

Russ

[Brad Cancian]

Russ - it is indeed a very sad day for Australia, words cannot say enough.

Josquin - I would not place too much credence in the signing of combat reports specifically with regards to favoritism towards E.J - as I mentioned, Cobby's, King's and others combat reports also are not co-signed by witnesses. Seems to be a squadron practice. Sure he was credited with many victories for the short time he was with 4AFC - but hey, he may actually have been a decent pilot (he was an experienced pilot when he came from 23RFC). Not trying to defend him, but merely suggesting that perhaps the bias from other 4AFC members was based on other issues beyond pure victory count.

I agree that there is clear evidence of factions within the Squadron. Not sure how the overzealousness of claims (or not) stacked up against other squadrons. Possibly W.A McCloughry let more claims through than other unit COs, but it doesn't appear to me from evidence that any pilot achieved more credit for claims submitted than any other - still, we may not be seeing other claims that were denied (and we likely never will) which may indicate predjudice towards the subject officer. Any suggestion of this without objective evidence (official complaints, investigations etc) is purely conjecture, which I would like to avoid.

I think that without any further objective evidence, we can conclude from the diaries that it looks as though E.J McCloughry's victory credit was not biased, that there was a degree of rivalry within the Squadron, and that perhaps 4AFC were overzealous in their claims. Perhaps some other letters can shed light on the general feelings within 4AFC at the time, or provide subjective evidence, but it is always very difficult to prove favoritism to one particular pilot without objective evidence or official documents/ signed affidavits from the time.

BC