JG 1 21 April 1918 combat with No. 3 Squadron AFC

[Michael (Australia)]

Hi

Im just putting the finishing touches on my manuscript for a book on the Australian Flying Corps- it is about to go to the editor. A possible issue has been flagged with me regarding my treatment of a couple of No. 3 Squadron crews who were attacked by JG1 over Hamel, apparently just prior to the dogfight with No. 209 Squadron (which led to Richthofen's death).

Using Stan Garrett's letters (held by the State Library of Victoria) and Ted Banks account (from 1962) as evidence, I've concluded that TWO triplanes attacked the Australians that morning. Who piloted them?

Franks and Bennett (In 'The Red Baron's Last Flight') seem convinced it was Weiss and MvR (the two flight leaders), although they do concede the other pilot might have been one of Weiss' companions (of who we can identify Wenzl). They appear to use Banks' account (written in 1962) and an accompanying sketch as evidence, as well as the supposition that "usual" tactics for a German formation involved the flight leaders having the first crack while the others stayed above to cover them.

What do people think about this? I've heard from one or two knowledgeable folk so far and want to see what the forum thinks.

I need references to documentary evidence if possible.

Also- Franks & Bennett refer to two pieces of evidence which i'd like to see. Im going to source them myself, but given that I only have a few days before the book goes to the editor, I only have very limited time. If you have a copy, I'd appreciate to hear from you.

The first is the account of the action by the German correpondant on 23 April 1918 in the Tagliche Rundschau. The second is Wenzl's account of the action in Richthofen Flieger.

I appreciate the help- Im not an MvR scholar and indeed, would have happily stayed well away from the whole issue if it didn't involve some Australian crews and a couple of excellent collections of letters and diaries.

MM

['14-'18aviationcollector]

Hi Michael,

Unfortunately I don't have a copy of Tagliche Rundschau or Richthofen Flieger, so I can't look the references up for you unfortunately. I would if I could.

What I do have is a very large collection of WW1 aviation photographs, including a lot of AFC photos. I am just about to head off interstate, so if you are anywhere in Victoria, South West NSW or South East SA, I can bring the photos to you in the next day or two, if it is not too late.

I am very keen for any author to use any of my photographs. There is no point to just leave them here, and not let anyone else see them. If I keel over or my house burns down, an invaluable collection will be gone forever. I hope to publish some work myself as soon as I am able to, but as you know it is a huge job, and takes a lot of time.

Regards,

David.

[Michael (Australia)]

Hi David- I've just emailed you.