100 years ago today

Graeme · 13 July 2017, 01:46 AM

THURSDAY, 12 JULY 1917

General Headquarters, July 13th.

"On the night of the 11th-12th inst. bombing operations against the enemy's railway stations, hutments and aerodromes were again carried out with success. All our machines returned. Yesterday there was unceasing aerial activity on both sides from dawn till late at night. The fighting, which resulted greatly in our favour, was the most severe that has been experienced since the commencement of the war. Continuous engagements took place between large formations, consisting in some cases of as many as 30 machines. As a result of these encounters 14 German aeroplanes were brought down, three of which fell within our lines, and 16 other hostile machines were driven down out of control. In addition one enemy machine was shot down by a direct hit from our anti-aircraft guns. While our scout machines were engaged in fighting, other British aeroplanes took many photographs; and the bombing of the enemy's aerodromes, dumps and railway stations was continued, large numbers of bombs being dropped with good results. Nine of our machines are missing.”

Photography — 891 photographs were taken during the day.

The RNAS reported that successful reconnaissances were carried out over Ostende Harbour, Aerodrome and Batteries. Plates were exposed and excellent photographs resulted.

Usual offensive patrols.

Several indecisive engagements took place owing to the Photographic Reconnaissance being attacked by hostile scouts, which were all drive off, one machine being drive down but under control.

BOMBING RAIDS

No 5 Squadron RNAS at dawn with D.H.4. and Sopwith Bombers. One 65-lb, twelve 16-lb, and thirty-five Le-Pecq bombs were dropped on Ghistelles Aerodrome, causing a small fire.

No. 7 Squadron RNAS by night with Handley Page machines. Fourteen 112-lb bombs were dropped on Ghistelles Aerodrome; twelve 112-lb bombs were dropped on Aertrycke Aerodrome, causing a bright flare, possibly a fire; twelve 112-lb and twelve 65-lb bombs were dropped on Houttave-Nieumunster Aerodrome; twelve 112-lb bombs were dropped on the northern end of Bruges Docks; six 112-lb bombs were dropped on dumos, on the Bruges-Zeebrugge Canal and near Bruges; twelve 112-lb bombs were dropped on a railway junction on the Ostende-Thourout-Bruges line; twelve 65-lb bombs were dropped on railway sidings and works south of Ostende.

At dawn by Short Seaplanes. one 520-lb bomb was dropped on the root of Zeebrugge Mole; one 520-lb bomb was dropped east of the Solway Works - the latter was the objective in both cases, but the mist was so bad, that the pilot could not locate, so he dropped his bomb on the Mole.

Enemy aircraft -

Capt J P V Lavarack & Sgt Reeday, 12 Sqn, EA out of control - when on photography, Capt J P V Lavarack & Sgt Reeday, 12 Squadron, saw four EA coming towards them. They fired at the nearest one from about 100 yards range and it turned over completely and fell out of control

Capt A C Hagon, 19 Sqn, EA out of control

Lt J D Musgrave & Cpl A Jex, 45 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames - No 45 Squadron took part in a number of engagements. One Albatros scout was shot down by Lt J D Musgrave & Cpl A Jex and seen to crash and burst into flames

Lt G H Walker & 2nd Lt Mullen, 45 Sqn, EA out of control - No 45 Squadron took part in a number of engagements. In one combat, an EA was sent down out of control by Lt G H Walker & 2nd Lt Mullen

Capt S P Simpson, 29 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control

Flt Lt R Collishaw, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control south of Polygon Wood at 07:45/08:45
Flt Sub-Lt E V Reid, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Polygon Wood at 08:45/09:45
Flt Sub-Lt E V Reid, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Veldhoek at 08:45/09:45

Pilots of 10 Squadron RNAS engaged a patrol of Albatros scouts near Polygon Wood, and Flight Lt R Collishaw attacked one painted red and saw the pilot collapse and the EA fall out of control. Flight Sub-Lt E V Reid dived into a formation of five EA and destroyed two of them; the wings of one fell off in the air, and the second crashed on a house near Veldhoek

Flt Sub-Lt R P Minifie, 1N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control near Quesnoy at 09:10/10:10 - an Offensive Patrol of 1 Squadron RNAS engaged seven Albatros scouts near Quesnoy and Flight Sub-Lt R P Minifie drove one EA down out of control

2nd Lt S R P Walter, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55
Lt St C C Tayler, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55

Six machines of 32 Squadron encountered about 20 Albatros scouts near Polygon Wood. Lt S R P Walter shot down one which lost a wing as it fell, and Lt Taylor drove down another out of control

Lt E Mannock, 40 Sqn, DFW CV captured Avion, south of Lens at 10:10/11:10 - 2nd Lt E Mannock shot down a DFW two-seater within our lines near Lens, the Observer of which was killed and the pilot taken prisoner; Vfw Reubelt (Kia) & Vfw Hermann Johann Bottcher (Pow), Sch 12, G.53

Capt A G Jones-Williams, 29 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Zonnebeke - Roulers at 10:20/11:20 - Seven machines of 29 Squadron met ten Albatros scouts, and Capt A G Jones-Williams drove one down out of control

Capt N W W Webb, 70 Sqn, Albatros CX captured Bellevue at 12:15/13:15 - Captain N W Webb, when on a practice flight near Loos on a Sopwith Camel of 70 Squadron, saw anti-aircraft shells bursting at about 17,000 feet. He flew in their direction and observed an Albatros two-seater which he overtook and engaged above Bellevue as it was flying for the lines. After his first burst the enemy Observer appeared to be hit and the EA was finally driven down and landed on Bellevue aerodrome where it turned on its back; Ltn d R Johannes Bohn (Kia) & Ltn Johannes Wollenhaupt (Pow), FA 18 (Lb) [?]

Flt Cdr J E Sharman, 10N Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Polygon Wood at 12:15/13:15 – a patrol of 10 Squadron RNAS attacked a number of EA in the same locality [as the morning patrol] and Flight Cdr J E Sharman attacked one EA which broke to pieces in the air

Lt W MacLanachan, 40 Sqn, two-seater out of control Brebières at 12:15/13:15 – went out to drive off artillery machines reportedly working in the Mazingarbe – Nouex-les-Mines area. He observed two EA painted with white circles and upon opening fire, both EA immediately dived and turned east. MacLanachan followed and at about 8,000 feet opened fire again; 1 EA spun down to 2,000 out of control but was not seen to crash as MacLanachan was attacked by four more EA

Capt A Coningham, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Gheluvelt at 12:25/13:25 - four machines of 32 Squadron attacked five Albatros scouts and Capt A Coningham secured a position on the tail of one and followed it down from 15,000 feet to 1,000 feet and watched it crash; Vfw Linus Patermann, Jasta 4, Kia [?]

Flt Lt R A Little, 8N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Oppy at 13:00/14:00

2nd Lt J C B Firth & 2nd Lt J J Hartley, 45 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Messines at 13:15/14:15

Lt O L McMaking & 2nd Lt L M Copeland, 45 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Messines at 13:15/14:15
Lt O L McMaking & 2nd Lt L M Copeland, 45 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Kortewilde at 13:15/14:15

No 45 Squadron took part in a number of engagements. In one combat, EA were sent down out of control by Lt O L McMaking & Lt L M Copeland.

Lt D Langlands, 23 Sqn, two-seater crashed east of Polygon Wood at 13:20/14:20 - in response to a warning given by a wireless interception station, 2nd Lts Langlands and Shepperson, 23 Squadron, went up and found a two-seater EA doing artillery work over Polygon Wood. Taking advantage of the sun, they then attacked. 2nd Lt Langlands fired 120 rounds at very close range and the EA fell and crashed

Capt W A Bishop, 60 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Vitry - Douai at 13:40/14:40 - Flight Lt R A Little, 8 Squadron RNAS and Capt W A Bishop, 60 Squadron, observed a formation of Nieuports engaging Albatros scouts so joined the fight. Capt Bishop shot down one EA which crashed near Vitry-en-Artois, and Flight Lt Little drove one down whose pilot waved a white handkerchief, so Flight Lt Little ceased firing temporarily. The German pilot, however, flew east and escaped; Bishop’s victim Ltn Günther Pastor, Jasta 29, Wia [?],

2nd Lt A P F Rhys Davids, 56 Sqn, Fokker D out of control east of Roncq at 14:00/15:00
2nd Lt A P F Rhys Davids, 56 Sqn, DFW C captured north of Armentières at 14:00/15:00 - Uffz Albrecht Hahnel & Ltn Eugen Mann, FA 7, both pow, DFW C 799/17 - G.53

2nd Lt A P F Rhys Davids, 56 Squadron, when with a patrol of SE5s, observed five EA flying west. He waited until they were nearly over the lines, then dived at them, but the fighting was indecisive. Shortly afterwards he engaged a green EA over Roncq and drove it down out of control. After that he attacked a DFW two-seater on our side of the lines and drove it down but his machine gave trouble and he was forced to return. However, 2nd Lt K K Muspratt of the same squadron flew in front of this EA which had gone down to 3000 feet and opened fire, forcing it to land north of Armentieres. The occupants were both captured.

Capt I H D Henderson, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Zandvoorde at 14:00/15:00 - Capt I H D Henderson, also 56 Squadron, saw 2nd Lt Rhys Davids dive at six EA and immediately followed, attacking an EA on Rhys Davids' tail. The EA turned over and fell out of control.

Lt M H Coote, 56 Sqn, two-seater out of control Roulers at 14:00/15:00

more to follow

Graeme

Graeme · 13 July 2017, 01:50 AM

THURSDAY, 12 JULY 1917

Capt A T Harris & 2nd Lt P F Webb, 45 Sqn, Albatros C out of control Kortewilde at 15:00/16:00 - No 45 Squadron took part in a number of engagements. One patrol observed a very large yellow two-seater Albatros protected by two Albatros scouts. Capt A T Harris & 2nd Lt P F Webb dived at the two-seater and its Observer was seen to collapse in his cockpit. Capt Harris did not cease firing until he was forced to "zoom" in order to avoid flying into the EA which fell completely out of control

2nd Lt O H D Vickers & Sgt J J Cowell, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed E Ploegsteert Wood at 17:00/18:00

Capt D C Cunnell & Lt A G Bill, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Menin at 17:10/18:10 - in the evening an Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged two formations of Albatros scouts of about 40 machines in all. Capt D C Cunnell & Lt A G Bill shot down one EA in flames but Captain Cunnell was then killed and his machine was brought back by Lt Bill

2nd Lt O H D Vickers & Sgt J J Cowell, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Ploegsteert Wood at 17:15/18:15
Lt R M Trevethan & Pte Arkley, 20 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames east of Ploegsteert Wood at 17:25/18:25

An Offensive Patrol of 20 Squadron engaged five Albatros scouts near Comines and 2nd Lt O H D Vickers & Sgt J J Cowell shot down one, then drove a second down out of control. The same patrol then attacked three Albatros scouts and 2nd Lt R M Trevethan & Pte Arkley shot down one in flames

Capt J T Milne & 2nd Lt L H Tanner, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Leffinghe at 18:15/19:15

2nd Lt C Colledge & 2/AM H Lindfield, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Ghistelles at 18:45/19:45

Lt R B Hay & Lt V W G Nutkins, 48 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Ghistelles at 18:45/19:45

Capt K L Gopsill & 2nd Lt J Bonner-Smith, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Estrées at 19:05/20:05
Lt W Cox & 2nd Lt W Cattell, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames at 19:05/20:05
2nd Lt L McPherson & Lt W Bell, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control at 19:05/20:05

In the evening four Sopwith two-seaters of 43 Squadron engaged seven Albatros scouts painted green. Capt Gopsill dived on one that was attacking Lt Thompson and helped drive him off. The Observer then opened fire and the EA went down in a vertical spin. Two more EA dived on Capt Gopsill’s machine and the pilot was wounded in the foot.

Lt W Cox & 2nd Lt W Cattell, were attacked by an EA that dived on their tail. The observer opened fire at 80 yards’ range and fired a whole drum. The EA broke off and as the observer started a second drum, the EA spun down and was seen to crash in flames.

2nd Lt L McPherson & Lt W Bell was attacked by two EA that dived on their tail. The observer fired 100 rounds and drove them off. They were attacked by two more EA and the observer fired another 100 rounds; one of the EA spun down apparently out of control but it was impossible to see whether or not it crashed.

Lt S Thompson was dived on by one EA and the rudder controls were shot away almost at the first burst. His observer was wounded but succeeded in getting in a long burst and driving off the EA which was apparently undamaged. 2nd Lt Thompson crashed his machine on landing at Verquinel

Lt M H Coote, 56 Sqn, two-seater out of control Poelcapelle at 19:30/20:30

Capt G H Bowman, 56 Sqn, Scout out of control east of Polygon Wood at 19:30/20:30

Lt D S Wilkinson, 56 Sqn, Scout out of control smoking Ypres at 19:30/20:30

2nd Lt E H Lascelles, 66 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed north-east of Ypres at 19:55/20:55 - No 66 Squadron took part in the big fight just referred to [in the report of No 56 Squadron’s activities] and 2nd Lt E H Lascelles drove down one EA which was seen to crash.

Lt T V Hunter, 66 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control north-east of Ypres at 20:00/21:00

Lt R A Maybery, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Dadizeele at 20:00/21:00 - Lt R A Maybery, 56 Squadron, when taking part in a very big fight between a large formation of EA and French and British aircraft, observed an EA diving on the tail of a Sopwith Pup, so he dived at this EA and, despite being attacked himself from behind, destroyed the EA scout he originally attacked.

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Polygon Wood at 20:00/21:00

2nd Lt R T C Hoidge, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control west of Menin at 20:00/21:00

Lt A W B Miller, 29 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Zonnebeke - Roulers at 20:15/21:15

Lt A W B Miller, 29 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Zonnebeke - Roulers at 20:15/21:15

Lt R F S Maudit & Lt E R Dibbs, 11 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Pelves at 20:15/21:15

Capt T F Hazell, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Menin at 20:20/21:20

Lt L F Jenkin, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Menin at 20:20/21:20

Capt T F Hazell and Lt R E Money-Kyle, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Dadizeele at 20:30/21:30 - Vzfw Maier, Jasta 36, Wia [?],

Lt W W Rogers and 2nd Lt H S Davies, 1 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Menin at 20:55/21:55

Casualties –

2nd Lt F E Bishop (Killed) & 2nd Lt G S Ellis (Killed), 57 Sqn, DH4 A7428 - reported to have collided with another machine west of Ypres and completely wrecked on reconnaissance

6757 Sgt T Walker (Pow) & P4511 2/AM W Harris (Pow), 57 Sqn, DH4 A7449 – took off 06:05/07:05 then dropped out of formation due engine trouble last seen west of line near Ypres on bomb raid to Ingelmunster; engine failure

2nd Lt J S Turnbull (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A4861 – took off 18:00/19:00 then shot in both legs during combat and force landed due engine shot through and overturned Le Berque on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Theo Osterkamp, MFJI, 5th victory [Zandvoorde at 20:00/21:00] ?

Capt E W Broadberry (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8918 – took off 18:00/19:00 then force landed Bailleul after pilot wounded in leg but flew back to aerodrome and damage later discovered; Ltn d R Kurt Kuppers, Ja6, 4th victory [Wytschaete at 18:40/19:40] ?

48141 Sgt R Kay (Wia) & Lt B W Binkley (Kia), 53 Sqn, RE8 A4621 - brought down by EA at N34ac in aerial combat on artillery co-operation 09:10/10:10; Ltn Ernst Hess, Ja28 (not credited) ?

2nd Lt G College (Ok) & Sgt Lindfield (Ok), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7112 - shot up on offensive patrol Ostend

2nd Lt S Thompson (Ok) & 2nd Lt A K A M Buschmann (Wia), 43 Sqn, 1½ Strutter A1025 – took off 18:40/19:40 then rudder controls shot away by EA force landed in cornfield and overturned Verquinel on line patrol 19:10/20:10

2nd Lt H H Whytehead (Kia), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 23 A6782 – took off 09:55/10:55 then missing from offensive patrol; Oblt Eduard von Dostler, Ja6, 15th victory [Houthem - Hollebeke at 10:50/11:50] ?

2nd Lt H M Lewis (Pow), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B1625 – took off 19:15/20:15 then missing from offensive patrol; Oblt Eduard von Dostler, Ja6, 16th victory [Zillebeke at 20:45/21:45] ?

2nd Lt J W Fleming (Kia), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B1658 – took off 09:55/10:55 then missing from offensive patrol; Ltn d R Karl Deilmann, Ja6, 4th victory [Hollebeke at 10:50/11:50] ?

2nd Lt J C Griffiths (Pow) & 2nd Lt W A Strickland (Pow), 21 Sqn, RE8 A3195 – took off 08:35/09:35 then missing from artillery observation Ypres salient 08:40/09:40

Capt D C Cunnell (Kia) & Lt A C Bill (Ok), 20 Sqn, FE2d B1863 – took off 15:35/16:35 then pilot killed by AA fire on line patrol 18:10/19:10 and observer landed machine but smashed on landing near Menin

Lt D S Weld (Pow), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A6663 – took off 13:20/14:20 then last seen in combat north of Lille on offensive patrol Menin - Courtrai – Roulers; Oblt Werner Jahns, Ja18, 1st victory [Quesnoy at 14:15/15:15] ?

2nd Lt C E Robertson (Kia) & 45251 Sgt J E Carr (Kia), 11 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7154 – took off 18:35/19:35 then direct hit by AA went down in spin and crashed in flames on offensive patrol Buissy

Flt Sub-Lt J A M Allan (Wia), 10N Sqn, Triplane N5364 – hit by anti-aircraft fire on Offensive Patrol

Flt Sub-Lt C R Pegler (Kia), 10N Sqn, Triplane N5368 – combat with 3 EA on Offensive Patrol and shot down Zillebeke 08:50/09:50; Ltn d R Wolfgang Güttler, Ja24, 3rd victory [Klein-Zillebeke at 07:50/08:50] ?

Flt Sub-Lt E H Kendall (Kia), 6N Sqn, Camel N6350 – combat with Albatros and shot down in flames Slype 10:45/11:45; Ltn Franz Götte, Ja20, 1st victory [Slype at 10:45/11:45]

2nd Lt R E Money-Kyle (Wia), 1 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B3484 – took off 07:25/08:25 then crashed on landing at aerodrome after hit by EA in both legs on offensive patrol

Graeme

MASTIFF · 13 July 2017, 06:33 AM

Other claims this date:

Uffz P Baumer, Js5, balloon, Nurlu, 1000hrs, first victory.

Ltn F Vossen, Js33, Sopwith 2, W St Quentin, 1050hrs, first victory.

Obltn A v Tutschek, Js12, balloon, NW Lens, 1800hrs, 14th victory. British balloon 36-16-1 (FM80).

Obltn E Schleich, Js21, AR2, SW Bethelainville, 1805hrs, 5th victory.

Ltn H Adam, Js6, Sopwith, E Dickebusch, 1835hrs, 4th victory. A1025 of 43 Sqn, Capt KL Gospil & 2/Lt A Buschmann both WIA.

Vfw F Altemeier, Js24, Spad, Zillebeke See, 2000hrs, 3rd victory.

Vfw O Marquardt, Js4, SE5, Zandvoorde, 2105hrs, first victory.

Ltn A Hubner, Js4, Triplane, Zuidschote, 2120hrs, first victory.

Vfw J Heiligers, Js30, G100, Annequin, 2125hrs, zlg.

Ltn H Bongartz, Js36, Sopwith, SE Zillebeke, 2135hrs, 11th victory.

Ltn A Kuen, Js14, Caudron, E Cernay, second victory. Esc C.4, Sgt Poncer & S/Lt Avril both KIA.

Ltn L Hanstein, Js16, AR2, Vauquois, 5th victory. Esc F.8, S/Lts St Genest & Libkind Both KIA.

Vfw K Starck, Js32, Sopwith 2, SW Reims, 2nd victory.Vfw K Petzinna, Js32, Spad, Reims, zlg.

More to follow,
Tony

MASTIFF · 13 July 2017, 06:39 AM

German losses this date:

Vfw Paterman, Js4. JWC has him KIA at 1100hrs, which conflicts with the claim of Coningham at 1225/1325.

Ltn Pastor, Js29. JWC has him WIA at 2004hrs, which conflicts with the Bishop claim at 1340/1440.

Vfw Maier, Js36, WIA. No other info.

Ltn Rabe, Js27, injured in accident. No other info.

Tony

Graeme · 13 July 2017, 02:45 PM

Hi Tony

I have the first victory for Ltn d R Fritz Vossen being a balloon on 8 July 1917 and his second possibly RE8 A4621, 53 Sqn RFC, Sgt R Kay (Wia) & Lt B W Binkley (Kia); I have this as being at 17:20/18:20 over Gricourt on 12 July.

As per my post, A1025 was crewed by 2nd Lt S Thompson (Ok) & 2nd Lt A K A M Buschmann (Wia). Given that the time of their combat is given as 19:10/20:10 the claim by Ltn d R Hans Adam an unlikely proposition. Given that SE5s were claimed as 'Sopwiths', I feel it more likely that Adam's 'victim' was an SE5 from No 56 Sqn.

Ltn d R Heinrich Bongartz's 11th victory is often said to be FE2d B1863, No 20 Sqn, Capt D C Cunnell (Kia) & Lt A G Bill (Wia) but as per my post, the RFC say this was due to anti-aircraft fire.

A better match for the loss of Vzfw Linus Patermann, are the claims by 2nd Lt S R P Walter, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55 and Lt St C C Tayler, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55

I've never been particularly happy with the matching of Bishop's claim and the wounding of Ltn Günther Pastor, despite arguments that times have been incorrectly recorded by one or other of the participants.

Vfw Maier, Js36, WIA. No other info. - I have a note 'Possibly Capt T F Hazell and Lt R E Money-Kyle, 1 Sqn, Albatros scout out of control 21:30 Dadizeele, 7 miles east of Zillebeke'. Without a time for Maier's wounding, the match is speculative as best.

Ltn Rabe, Js27, injured in accident. No other info. - Ltn Kurt Rabe, lightly injured in a crash at Iseghem airfield and to hospital.

Graeme

James A. Pratt III · 15 July 2017, 03:50 PM

Here are my listings of G numbers from a book on RAF aircraft and serial numbers
G51 FA 18 by Webb 70 Sqn
G52 SS 12 by Mannock 40 sqn
G53 FA 7 Rhys-David and Muspratt 56 Sqn

other German losses:
FAA 235 WIA or 13 July by 8N
SS 7 WIA 45 Sqn? or 23 Sqn?

centurion · 17 July 2017, 03:25 PM

2nd Lt J S Turnbull (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A4861 – to 1AD, repaired [www.airhistory.org.uk]

Capt E W Broadberry (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8918 – - to 1AD, repaired [www.airhistory.org.uk]

48141 Sgt R Kay (Wia) & Lt B W Binkley (Kia), 53 Sqn, RE8 A4621 - to 1AD, NWR and SOC 21.07.1917 [www.airhistory.org.uk]

2nd Lt G College (Ok) & Sgt Lindfield (Ok), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7112 - to 1AD, repaired [www.airhistory.org.uk]

2nd Lt S Thompson (Ok) & 2nd Lt A K A M Buschmann (Wia), 43 Sqn, 1½ Strutter A1025 – to 2AD, NWR and SOC 6.08.1917 [www.airhistory.org.uk]

2nd Lt R E Money-Kyle (Wia), 1 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B3484 – to 1AD for reconstruction, never repaired [www.airhistory.org.uk]

2Lt J B Maudsley (Ok), 1 Sqn, Nieuport 17 B3496 – combat with EA, shot up, crashed on landing a’dr – to 1AD, NWR and SOC 8.08.1917 [TSTBF II, “Nieuports in RNAS, RFC and RAF Service”, www.airhistory.org.uk]

Capt E D Messervy (Ok), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8929 – took off 18:00/19:00, combat, forced low, hit in the engine, Ftl ran into barbed wire fence and overturned Liettres (Poperinghe) – to 1AD, repaired [“The SE5 file”, “High in the empty blue”, www.airhistory.org.uk]

Accordig to “TJWC” Ltn Pastor of Jasta 29 was wounded during combat with a Sopwith two-seater and forced to land SE of Annay (?)

Marco

R Gannon · 17 July 2017, 07:07 PM

Quote:

2nd Lt S R P Walter, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55
Lt St C C Tayler, 32 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Polygon Wood at 09:55/10:55

Six machines of 32 Squadron encountered about 20 Albatros scouts near Polygon Wood. Lt S R P Walter shot down one which lost a wing as it fell, and Lt Taylor drove down another out of control

As Graeme suggests in his follow up post the 32 Sqn claim of 2Lt Walter is the one you should put your money on in regards the demise of Js 4's Vfw Pantermann kia, Gheluveldt, 1100GT (1000BT).

The SRB extract in my possession says the 6 DH5's (Outer Offensive Patrol) who encountered '..numerous enemy machines in in patrols of 4 to 10, in all about 20...' Walter's EA lost its R/H wing.

Gheluveldt is 2km south of Polygon Wood and time difference but 5 minutes.

Russ

R Gannon · 17 July 2017, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Capt K L Gopsill & 2nd Lt J Bonner-Smith, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Estrées at 19:05/20:05
Lt W Cox & 2nd Lt W Cattell, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames at 19:05/20:05
2nd Lt L McPherson & Lt W Bell, 43 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control at 19:05/20:05

In the evening four Sopwith two-seaters of 43 Squadron engaged seven Albatros scouts painted green. Capt Gopsill dived on one that was attacking Lt Thompson and helped drive him off. The Observer then opened fire and the EA went down in a vertical spin. Two more EA dived on Capt Gopsill’s machine and the pilot was wounded in the foot.

2nd Lt S Thompson (Ok) & 2nd Lt A K A M Buschmann (Wia), 43 Sqn, 1½ Strutter A1025 – took off 18:40/19:40 then rudder controls shot away by EA force landed in cornfield and overturned Verquinel on line patrol 19:10/20:10

This is the engagement people should be looking at in regards the Js 29 casualty of Ltn Pastor wia crash landed E Annay 2004GT (1904BT). Indeed green seems to be colour associated with Js 29. Annay is just NE of Lens.

As to the 43 Sqn casualty of A1025, JWC is way off the money trying to attribute to Hans Adam of Js 6 (Dickebusch is about 40km north of 43 Sqn action).

Think the Js 30 Sopwith zlg claim (not G100 as in JWC) of Uffz Helligers at 2125 Annoulin has more substance. Maybe time should read 2025???

Russ

R Gannon · 17 July 2017, 07:51 PM

Quote:

2nd Lt J S Turnbull (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A4861 – took off 18:00/19:00 then shot in both legs during combat and force landed due engine shot through and overturned Le Berque on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Theo Osterkamp, MFJI, 5th victory [Zandvoorde at 20:00/21:00] ?

Capt E W Broadberry (Wia), 56 Sqn, SE5 A8918 – took off 18:00/19:00 then force landed Bailleul after pilot wounded in leg but flew back to aerodrome and damage later discovered; Ltn d R Kurt Kuppers, Ja6, 4th victory [Wytschaete at 18:40/19:40] ?

Students of Alex Revell's superlative HITEB will know this was a 5 strong A/56 Sqn OP that was attacked by 15 EA scouts at 14,000ft over Menin - some 10km German side, with the fighting spilling back to British lines, beyond which of course the Jasta pilots would not pursue. JS Turnbull in a letter admitted they were caught by surprise and had to make for British lines.

In addition as Marco notes, Capt ED Messervy's SE5 was also hit and he FTL turning over near Poperinghe.

The Js 6 Kuppers claim for 'Sopwith' was jenseits.

I strongly suspect the Js 6 Hans Adam claim for a Sopwith E Dickebusch, also jenseits, but given as 1835GT, also relates to one of the A Flight SE5's. Suspect time should read 1935GT. Otherwise the claim is a complete blank.

None the less as Marco also points out all the three SE5's were repaired - as they were a premium aircraft they were worth repairing - most of the not worth repairs were obsolete types about to be replaced by better machines.

Also the contested claim data in the JG I KTB strongly suggests JG I Jasta's were operating closely in pairs, so the reported 15 EA likely included Js 6 and a second JG I Jasta.

Russ