100 years ago today - 17 June 1917

[Graeme]

SUNDAY, 17 JUNE 1917

General Headquarters, June 18th.

“Yesterday the fighting in the air again went in our favour. Ten German machined were brought down by our aeroplanes, and five others were driven down out of control. Two of our aeroplanes failed to return."

Artillery Co-operation — 137 targets were dealt with by aeroplane observation and 120 by balloon observation.

Hostile Aircraft –

Lt C J Dickinson, FE8 and Lt J C Macgown, 41 Sqn, two-seater out of control Salient - Ypres

2nd Lt Gibbs, 23 Sqn, two-seater crashed

Flt Sub-Lt J A Glen, 3N Sqn, DFW C out of control north-east of Ypres at 06:30/ 07:30

2nd Lt F J Foster & Lt D G Davidson, 11 Sqn, Albatros C out of control Sailly-en-Ostrevent at 06:35/ 07:35

2nd Lt F J Gibbs, 23 Sqn, DFW C destroyed south-east of St Julien at 07:15/ 08:15 - Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?],

Capt R L Keller, 23 Sqn, two-seater in flames south-east of St Julien at 07:15/ 08:15 - Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?],

While on an Offensive Patrol 2nd Lt F J Gibbs and Capt R I Keller, 23 Squadron, saw three two-seater EA employed on artillery work, so manoeuvred for position between the EA and the sun, then dived on them. One EA went straight down and 2nd Lt Gibbs sat on its tail and followed it before it crashed. Captain Keller selected another EA on which he fired and it burst into flames and crashed.

Lt C R Richards & Lt A E Wear, 20 Sqn, Aviatik C in flames Zonnebeke at 07:20/ 08:20 - an Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged three two-seater Aviatiks near Zonnebeke and one was brought down by 2nd Lt C R Richards & 2nd Lt R E Wear; Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?]

Lt L F Jenkin, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Roulers at 08:15/ 09:15

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Sqn, two-seater crashed La Bassée at 08:45/ 09:45
Capt G H Bowman, 56 Sqn, DFW C out of control Quesnoy at 08:45/ 09:45
Lt C A Lewis, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Haubourdin at 08:45/ 09:45

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Squadron, attacked a number of two-seaters over La Bassée and drove one down which was seen to crash. Capt G H Bowman and Lt C A Lewis of the same patrol each drove down one EA out of control.

Lt Douglas & Lt E O Houghton, 59 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames east of Honnecourt at 09:00/ 10:00 - Lts Douglas & Horton [sic], 59 Squadron, attacked and drove down an EA which burst into flames before it crashed; Oblt Georg Zeumer, Jasta 2, Kia

Capt J Leacroft, 19 Sqn, Aviatik C out of control east of La Bassée at 11:30/ 12:30

Lt W B Hutcheson & Sgt A T Rose, 57 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control south of Langemarck at 12:40/ 13:40 - Lt W B Hutcheson & Sergt Rose, 59 Squadron, engaged an Albatros scout which opened fire at close range. After considerable manoeuvring the EA nose-dived, attempted to flatten out, but failed and crashed.

Flt Sub-Lt E V Reid, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Roulers at 19:10/ 20:10

Flt Lt R Collishaw, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Roulers at 19:10/ 20:10

Lt C A Brewster-Joske, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Lens at 19:30/ 20:30

Capt S H Pratt, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Lens at 19:30/ 20:30

Capt W E Young, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Gheluwe - Wervicq at 19:30/ 20:30

2nd Lt C R Alston & Lt W H Chester, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Houthem at 20:30/ 21:30
Lt B Strange & 2nd Lt W C Cambray, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Houthem at 20:30/ 21:30

On the evening of the 17th an Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged two formations of eight Albatros scouts in each formation. 2nd Lt C R Alston & Lt W H Chester shot down one, while a second was destroyed by Lt B Strange & 2nd Lt W C Cambray.

Casualties –

Lt H G Spearpoint (Pow), 56 Sqn, SE5 A4862 – took off 08:00/09:00 and last seen engaged with EA over Haubourin on offensive patrol 08:45/09:45; Vzfw Fritz Krebs, Ja6, 5th victory [west of Lille at 09:02/10:02]

Lt W Turner-Coles (Pow), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8922 – took off 08:00/09:00 and last seen engaged with EA over Haubourin on offensive patrol 08:45/09:45; Ltn d R Max Pollandt, Ja6, 1st victory [Beaucamps - west of Lille at 08:55/09:55]

Capt A B Wright (Wia), 23 Sqn, Spad – shot up in combat 07:15/08:15; Ltn Julius Schmidt, Ja3, not confirmed

Lt H W Joslyn (Ok) & Lt S F Trotter (Ok), 20 Sqn, FE2d A6368 - force landed Weegscheede due AA damage and undercarriage wrecked landing on central offensive patrol

Lt N Boucher (Wia) & Lt W Birkett (Wia), 20 Sqn, FE2d A6469 – took off 19:10/20:10 then attacked by EA and brought down in flames at Sh28N5A overturned and wrecked on offensive patrol 21:20/22:20; Oblt Eduard von Dostler, Ja6, 11th victory [St Eloi at 20:20/21:20] ?

2nd Lt W E Davies (Wia) & 77451 Sgt W Studholme (Wia), 4 Sqn, RE8 - ground fire ?

2nd Lt H Stroud (Wia) & 2nd Lt L Ansell (Wia), 4 Sqn, RE8 A4705 – took off 09:25/10:25 then attacked by 9 EA and brought down about Sh28NW H16d9545 during photography

Graeme

[MASTIFF]

Other claims this date:

Obltn E Schleich, Js21, Sopwith 2, Thuizy, 2045hrs, 2nd victory.

Vfw K Jentsch, Js1, Spad, Berry-au-Bac, unconfirmed.


Losses:

Uffz Fritz Pohlmann (1 victory), Js31, Killed during test flight at Mars-sous-Bourcq airfield.


Tony

[James A. Pratt III]

the FASWC has no combat losses this day for the FAS so it looks like J21 didn't score.

CGAS has LtndR max Pollandt WIA west of Lille this day. He could be one of the RFC or RNAS claims

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt Gibbs, 23 Sqn, two-seater crashed

2nd Lt F J Gibbs, 23 Sqn, DFW C destroyed south-east of St Julien at 07:15/ 08:15 - Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?],

Capt R L Keller, 23 Sqn, two-seater in flames south-east of St Julien at 07:15/ 08:15 - Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?],

While on an Offensive Patrol 2nd Lt F J Gibbs and Capt R I Keller, 23 Squadron, saw three two-seater EA employed on artillery work, so manoeuvred for position between the EA and the sun, then dived on them. One EA went straight down and 2nd Lt Gibbs sat on its tail and followed it before it crashed. Captain Keller selected another EA on which he fired and it burst into flames and crashed.

Lt C R Richards & Lt A E Wear, 20 Sqn, Aviatik C in flames Zonnebeke at 07:20/ 08:20 - an Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged three two-seater Aviatiks near Zonnebeke and one was brought down by 2nd Lt C R Richards & 2nd Lt R E Wear; Vfw Robert Neihardt (Kia) & Uffz Severin Hornung (Kia), Schsta 30b [?]

The flamer is clearly a duplication; that is to say Keller and the 20 Sqn crew have clearly engaged the same 2-seater (Schusa 30).

The fault lies with different channels of communication - 20 Sqn were with and reported through 11 Wing whilst 23 Sqn were attached to 10 Wing. Both Wings then submit their reports to HQ RFC. One can see a similar thing in regards German claiming; with units of different Kofl's being involved in the same fight.

The Schusta 30 machine(s) had been escort for an FAA 221 machine. Neihardt & Hornung were flying DFW CV 5075/16.

Russ

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Sqn, two-seater crashed La Bassée at 08:45/ 09:45
Capt G H Bowman, 56 Sqn, DFW C out of control Quesnoy at 08:45/ 09:45
Lt C A Lewis, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Haubourdin at 08:45/ 09:45

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Squadron, attacked a number of two-seaters over La Bassée and drove one down which was seen to crash. Capt G H Bowman and Lt C A Lewis of the same patrol each drove down one EA out of control.

Lt H G Spearpoint (Pow), 56 Sqn, SE5 A4862 – took off 08:00/09:00 and last seen engaged with EA over Haubourin on offensive patrol 08:45/09:45; Vzfw Fritz Krebs, Ja6, 5th victory [west of Lille at 09:02/10:02]

Lt W Turner-Coles (Pow), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8922 – took off 08:00/09:00 and last seen engaged with EA over Haubourin on offensive patrol 08:45/09:45; Ltn d R Max Pollandt, Ja6, 1st victory [Beaucamps - west of Lille at 08:55/09:55]

This was a C Flight OP led by Bowman which attacked three 2-seater only to be bounced in turn by 8 EA scouts (Js 6). Bowman somewhat detached from his flight sent one down apparently OOC (cfm by Hoidge). Hoidge engaged another at 20yds and followed it down to 1,500ft but then came under attack from 7 EA scouts. When last seen the 2-seater was in a spin - Bowman confirmed that this 2-seater FTL at Bas Warneton. Lt Lewis who had stayed above, and diving out of sun got 160 rounds (double drum & 60 Vickers) at the rear V strutter (brown & green) as they dived on the other SE5's. This went down in a spiral that developed into a spin. He then engaged 4 more with his Vickers, all of which dived off east! Bowman also engaged another 2-seater without effect.

I would suggest the Albatros sent down OOC by Lewis was Js 6's Ltn Pollandt wia (W Lille).

Shearpoint 'C 3'reported his engine & contols hit OOC, FTl crashed,
Turner-Coles 'C 5' reported engine & gun hit crashed le Mesnil.
There are photos of both downed SE5's.

Krebs claim for 'SE5-1' diesseits
Pollandt claim 'SE-1' diesseits,

However the FAA 292 crew of Uffz Heidingsfelder & Ltn Romberg (of Ball controversy) also credited with SE-1 also at Beaucamps. Clearly one of the three 2-seaters that had been attacked.

So three victory credits for two downed SE5's. Js 6 were under Kofl 4 and FAA 292 were under Kofl 6.

Russ

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt C R Alston & Lt W H Chester, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Houthem at 20:30/ 21:30
Lt B Strange & 2nd Lt W C Cambray, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Houthem at 20:30/ 21:30

On the evening of the 17th an Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged two formations of eight Albatros scouts in each formation. 2nd Lt C R Alston & Lt W H Chester shot down one, while a second was destroyed by Lt B Strange & 2nd Lt W C Cambray.

Lt N Boucher (Wia) & Lt W Birkett (Wia), 20 Sqn, FE2d A6469 – took off 19:10/20:10 then attacked by EA and brought down in flames at Sh28N5A overturned and wrecked on offensive patrol 21:20/22:20; Oblt Eduard von Dostler, Ja6, 11th victory [St Eloi at 20:20/21:20] ?

Alston & Chester crashed one of three HA trying to get under their tail - cfm by H Bty AA!
Stange & Cambrai crashed one of two HA which attacked their FE - again cfm by H Bty AA.

Dostler claim jenseits & burnt - Birkett was actually injured in the crash.

Clearly one of the two HA formation were Js 6, the other was Js 28; data pertaining to Ltn E Hess in C&C GB Vol 12 recording an unsuccessful engagement with 4 FE's.

Rus

[R Gannon]

C A Brewster-Joske, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Lens at 19:30/ 20:30
Capt S H Pratt, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Lens at 19:30/ 20:30

Capt A B Wright (Wia), 23 Sqn, Spad – shot up in combat 07:15/08:15; Ltn Julius Schmidt, Ja3, not confirmed

The Schmidt claim not unconfirmed but rather zlg (ftl & not destroyed by artillery) - not considered an enemy destroyed and thus no victory credit. German unconfirmed's tend to be failed disputed claims.

Location & time of Schmidt zlg - Lieven & 2040GT; which rather fits the 46 Sqn claims, but no 46 Sqn loss.

But could be Capt Wright all the same, as whilst two flights of 23 Sqn had moved north to La Lovie (near Ypres), one still remained at Bruay, on Arras - Lens sector.

Capt Wright had been on a HAP (sent out to drive off 2-seater) and was wounded in the foot.

Russ

[R Gannon]

Obln Schleich claim Sop-2 jenseits.

As noted above Pollandt wia very likely by 56 Sqn - Lt CA Lewis.

Russ

[R Gannon]

Must also note that 2Lt P Watkins (FE8) 37 HD Sqn & 2Lt ED Holder & Sgt S Ashby (BE) RFC Experimental Station accounted for Zepellin L48 at 0330 Thebarton, England - KptLtn Eichler & 15 crew kia and 3 pow.

Russ

[Graeme]

From my database I have three crews involved in the destruction of L.48 -

2nd Lt F D Holder & Sgt S Ashby in F.E.2b B401
Lt L P Watkins in B.E.12 6610
Capt R H M S Saundby in D.H.2 A5058

For their actions, Frank Douglas Holder was awarded the Military Cross while his Observer, Sydney Ashby, received the Military Medal; both Robert Henry Magnus Spencer Saundby and Loudon Pierce Watkins were awarded the Military Cross.

Graeme