100 years ago today - 16 March 1917

[Graeme]

16 MARCH 1917

General Headquarters, March 17th.

“An encounter took place yesterday between a patrol of eight of our aeroplanes and 16 enemy machines. As a result of 20 minutes' fighting the hostile formation was broken up, two German aeroplanes were destroyed, and two others were driven down damaged. All our machines returned."

Hostile Aircraft —

Lt Munro & ?, 43 Sqn, EA out of control Lens

Sgt G J Mackie & Sgt J H Brown, 25 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Lens at 15:10/16:10

2nd Lt R N L Munro & Sgt C H H Nunn, 25 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Neuvireuil at 15:10/16:10

Lt J Whittaker & 2/AM F King, 25 Sqn, Scout out of control Neuvireuil at 15:15/16:15

An Offensive Patrol of six FE2bs of 25 Squadron and two Sopwith 1½ Strutters of 43 Squadron met eight hostile machines near Lens, which were immediately reinforced by eight more enemy scouts. A combat lasting 20 minutes ensued in which one hostile machine was brought down by Sergt Mackie & Sergt J H Brown, 25 Squadron. Lt Munro, 43 Squadron, and Lt Whitaker, 25 Squadron each drove one down out of control. All our machines returned.

Casualties –

2nd Lt R N L Munro (Wia) & P7376 Sgt C H Nunn (Ok), 25 Sqn, FE2b 7693 - pilot wounded in thigh on offensive patrol La Bassée - Arras

2nd Lt W D Matheson (Wia) & P517 Sgt G Goodman (Wia), 25 Sqn, FE2b A780 - shot about by hostile aircraft on offensive patrol La Bassée - Arras

Graeme