Barny de Romanet, Udet, Lowenhardt and Ja 11 possibly in same area on June 30, 1918

[xjouve]

Once again, I'm investigating a French ace list of victories and found something exiting about Barny de Romanet's claim of June 30, 1918.

The french airman was credited with a destroyed Fokker DVII at Chouy 19:10FT -SW of Soisson sector-. Well, his squadron Spa 37, was in fact credited with two destroyed Fokkers. Pilots involved were at least Ltt Poupon CO, Ltt Barny de Romanet and Sgt Morin.

Interestingly, while looking at Jasta claims and losses for this particular day, I've found that at least three Jastas shown action in this very area.

Jasta 4
- Ltn Ernst Udet claimed a SPAD at Faverolles 20:00GT as his 36th victory

Jasta 10
- Ltn Erich Lowenhardt claimed a SPAD at la Ferté-Millon 20:00GT as his 32th victory
- Ltn Lothar Feige KiA at Noroy-sur-Ourcq time unknown

Jasta 11
- Ltn Friedrich Hoffmann KiA at Passy-en-Valois 20:00GT

Despite of the German pilot unknown fall time, but based on locations, I hardly think Barny de Romanet shot down Ltn Feige: Noroy and Chouy are only separated by 2kms (1.47 miles). Then, the second Fokker credited to Spa 37 was almost certainly Ltn Hoffmann's, who died about 5kms (3.5 miles) in the south.

About Udet and Lowenhardt claims, I can't find for sure any loss that fits. To my humble knowledge, there have been two causalties among SPADs on this day:

Spa 87
- Ltt Lavergne MiA: but his unit reported to have had action E of Reims. In fact, Adj Gasser claimed a Fokker DVII at Moronvillers (unconfirmed), i.e. about 90km (56 miles) E of Udet/Lowenhardt claim area. So I really doubt it was Spa 87 operating area.

Spa 73
- Ltt de Girval KiFAcc at la Ferme de Quennevières (NW of Soissons).

Maybe some of you know more than me.