100 years ago today (catching up ) - 22 September 1917

[Graeme]

SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 1917

General Headquarters, September 23rd.

“On the 22nd instant misty weather resulted in a decided decrease in the great aerial activity of the last few days. Our aeroplanes, none the less, carried out successful bombing raids, and during the day dropped 134 bombs on hostile billets, hutments, and aerodromes. In the course of the night at further three tons of bombs were dropped on Roulers, Menin, and Wervicq railway stations. The enemy dropped a few bombs at midday, doing little damage. Four enemy aeroplanes were brought down in air fighting, and five were driven down out of control. Two of our aeroplanes are missing.”

The weather was fine but visibility bad, and in the morning clouds interfered with work.

Artillery Co-operation — 54 hostile batteries were engaged successfully with aeroplane observation, and 25 by balloons.

Bombing — 9th Wing — On the night of the 21st/22nd, 101 Squadron bombed Roulers Station and Menin Station. On the same night, 100 Squadron bombed Ledeghem, Menin, Gheluwe Village, Wervicq. The raids by these two squadrons were carried out with the object of demoralising German troops and transport which were proceeding to counter-attack our troops who had just gained their objective. The pilots threw out parachute flares from time to time which showed the roads to be crowded with vehicles and troops. It was during these raids that the pilots, in addition to dropping bombs, flew up and down firing from a few hundred feet 8,220 rounds.

Admiralty, September 22nd.

“Naval works at Ostend were this morning bombarded by the ships of our Belgian Coast Patrol with satisfactory results. Three seaplanes, attempting to assist the enemy by observation, were shot down by our air patrol.”

Admiralty, September 23rd.

“Bombs were dropped on the docks at Ostend on the 22nd. All our machines returned safely.”

A Photographic Reconnaissance was carried out by by No 2 Squadron to Ostende, plates being successfully exposed of the result of the bombardment by a large Monitor. Spotting for the Monitor was carried out successfully by No 2 Squadron, considerable damage being caused, and large enemy batteries opened fire but did no damage to ships.

Ab anti-submarine patrol was carried out by a large America, Pilots—Flight Sub-Lieuts Magor and Lusk, with an escort of Camels of the Seaplane Defence Flight. A large enemy submarine, about 200 to 250 feet long, was observed fully blown and attacked, two 230-lb bombs being dropped at about 800 feet and striking just behind conning tower as she was half submerged, causing her to heel over on her side and sink. Wreckage, large bubbles and oil were observed subsequently.

Night bombing raids were carried out by Nos 7 and 7A Squadrons. Four 250-lb, fifty-four 112-lb and seven 65-lb bombs were dropped on Thourout Railway Station and Junction, starting a small fire; eight 250-lb, twenty-eight 112-lb and sixteen 65-lb bombs were dropped on Cortemarck Railway Station and Junction, a large fire being started and three direct hits observed.

Miscellaneous - The escort to the Photographic Reconnaissance dropped eight 16-lb bombs on the Docks at Ostende, exploding on railway sidings.

Enemy Aircraft - Enemy aircraft activity was below normal during the whole day.

Capt C Riddle & Lt King, 6 Sqn, two-seater out of control - on the evening of the 22nd, Capt C Riddle & Lt King, 6 Squadron, drove down a two-seater EA out of control.

Capt J A McKelvie & 2nd Lt G Nelson-Smith, 22 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control - in a fight between Albatros scouts and Bristol Fighters of 22 Squadron, Capt J A McKelvie & 2nd Lt G Nelson-Smith, 22 Squadron, shot down one out of control, and two others badly damaged

Capt T C Arnot, 24 Sqn, DH5, EA forced to land

Flt Sub-Lt J E L Hunter, Flt Sub-Lt K V Turney and Flt Sub-Lt A C Burt, 4N Sqn, Seaplane crashed north-east of Ostende at 08:15/08:15 - a low Patrol of No 4 Squadron, consisting of Flight Sub-Lieuts Hunter, Turney and Burt, attacked and shot down a two-seater enemy seaplane which was evidently spotting for shore batteries. The Pilot and portions of the Machine being salved by one of our T.B. destroyers. Flight Sub-Lieut. Burt had a forced landing in the sea, and was picked up by the same destroyer. Subsequently Flight Sub-Lieut Hunter shot down one enemy seaplane which was seen to crash in the sea and sink, and another was forced to land heavily in the sea, with the Observer shot and the machine evidently damaged, by Flight Sub-Lieut Turney at a point about 22 miles north-east Ostende.

Lt J H Tudhope, 40 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed east of Pont-à-Vendin at 08:30/08:30 - nn Offensive Patrol of 40 Squadron engaged four DFWs and four Albatros scouts over Pont-a-Vendin. They drove down the two-seaters and then fought the scouts, and 2nd Lt J H Tudhope attacked one at close range, shot it down out of control, and saw it crash

Flt Sub-Lt J E L Hunter, 4N Sqn, Seaplane crashed north-east of Zeebrugge at 08:35/08:35

Lt K B Montgomery, 45 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Ten-Brielen at 08:55/08:55 - an Offensive Patrol of 45 Squadron encountered ten Albatros scouts near Tenbrielen which they attacked, and 2nd Lt K B Montgomery drove one down out of control

2nd Lt E D Perney & 2nd Lt C H Jordan, 11 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Estrees at 09:00/09:00 - Lt E D Perney & 2nd Lt C H Jordan, 11 Squadron, attacked an Albatros scout which turned completely over and fell out of control into the clouds [both fired]

Capt R N M Stuart-Wortley & 2nd Lt P V Burton, 22 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Houthulst Forest at 09:00/09:00
Capt R N M Stuart-Wortley & 2nd Lt P V Burton, 22 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Houthulst Forest at 09:00/09:00

In a fight between Albatros scouts and Bristol Fighters of 22 Squadron, Capt R Stuart-Wortley & Lt P Burton shot one EA down out of control, and the Observer then shot the propeller off another EA, and shot a third down out of control

Capt C A Brewster-Joske and 2nd Lt R L M Ferrie, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed north of Brebières at 10:15/10:15 - Sopwith Scouts of 46 Squadron attacked an Albatros scout which was destroyed by Capt V Joske (sic) and Lt R Ferrie.

Lt A S G Lee, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Sailly-en-Ostrevent at 10:30/10:30 – [combat report says driven down damaged]

Capt M D G Scott, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Sailly-en-Ostrevent at 10:30/10:30 – an EA scout attacking a Bristol Fighter was shot down by Capt M G Scott, 46 Squadron [the combat report is marked ‘indecisive’ and ‘No’]

Capt R L Chidlaw-Roberts and Capt H A Hamersley, 60 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control south-east of Zonnebeke at 10:45/10:45 - Capt R L Chidlaw-Roberts, 60 Squadron, drove an Albatros down out of control; OfStv Fritz Kosmahl, Js26, Wia (Dow 26-Sep-1917) [?]

2nd Lt Wallace & Capt J A Revill, 11 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control by Revill Bullecourt at 11:15/11:15 - 2nd Lt Wallace & Capt Revill, 11 Squadron, shot down one EA out of control

Lt W J Rutherford, 60 Sqn, two-seater crashed Ypres - Roulers at 18:45/18:45 - on the evening of the 22nd, Lt J Rutherford,60 Squadron, destroyed a two-seater EA

2nd Lt H W Dawson, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Gheluwe at 18:55/18:55 - on the evening of the 22nd, 2nd Lt H Dawson, 19 Squadron, drove down an Albatros scout out of control

Casualties –

Lt J O Whiting (Kia), 60 Sqn, SE5a B4864 – took off 09:25/09:25 and last seen in formation after combat south-east of Zonnebeke at 10:30/10:30 on offensive patrol; Oblt Bruno Loerzer, Js26, 9th victory [Westroosebeke at 10:30/10:30] ?

Lt I C MacGregor (Wia), 60 Sqn, SE5a B4860 – took off 09:25/09:25 then brought down by EA on offensive patrol at 10:35/10:35; Oblt Bruno Loerzer, Js26, 9th victory [Westroosebeke at 10:30/10:30] ?

2nd Lt E A Bell (Kia) & 2nd Lt R E Nowell (Kia), 22 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7205 – took off 08:00/08:00 and last seen falling in flames at Sh28.O.6 (south of Zillebeke) just other side of lines on offensive patrol; Oblt Rudolf Berthold, Js18, 23rd victory [Zillebeker Lake at 09:00/09:00]

2nd Lt N F Northam (Ok) & 2nd Lt S Chadwick (Ok), 4 Sqn, RE8 A3448 – took off 14:25/14:25 then crashed in forced landing at H15.c.58 (?) after rear fuselage hit by shell on artillery observation

2nd Lt W H Jones (Ok) & 2/AM Muff (Ok), 101 Sqn, FE2b B402 - damaged by gunfire on bombing raid to Roulers station

Graeme

[MASTIFF]

Other claims this date:

Ltn J Fichter, Js22, Spad, NW Douaumont, 1000hrs, 3rd victory.

Vfw K Thom, Js21, AR2, Verdun, 1115hrs, 10th victory.

Vfw K Thom, Js21, AR2, Bourrus, 1122hrs, 11th victory.

Uffz Becker, Js21, Caudron, Bethelainville, 1140hrs, first victory.

Ltn K Wusthoff, Js4, Camel, Langemarck, 1410hrs, 19th victory.

Ltn O Kissenberth, Js23, Spad, Vaux, 1430hrs, 15th victory.

Ltn O Forster, Js15, balloon, W le Fere, 1820hrs, first victory. French 26e Cie d'A.

Ltn E Thuy, Js21, Spad, Hohe 304, (no time), 14th victory.


Tony

[Graeme]

Ltn K Wusthoff, Js4, Camel, Langemarck, 1410hrs, 19th victory - often said to be SE5a B4864, 60 Sqn RFC, Lt J D Whiting (Kia) but he went down at 10:30 [times matched].

Ltn O Kissenberth, Js23, Spad, Vaux, 1430hrs, 15th victory - Spad S7 1771N 65, M d L M Paris (Kia) ?

Ltn E Thuy, Js21, Spad, Hohe 304, (no time), 14th victory - N124, Sgt K Marr (Ok) ?

Graeme

[James A. Pratt III]

Notes the monitor HMS Terror bombarded Ostend a floating dock was sunk, lock gates damaged as was the launching slip.
CGAS has FlugzgMt Ernst Steinz SEE I POW

FAA 224 LtndR Paul Hoffmann (O) & LtndR Stockert both WIA according to a old posting on the aerodrome this was done by lee/46 sqn and BF of 11 Sqn

[James A. Pratt III]

FASWC:
Becker J 21 Caudron claim might be the one lost from C 122 MdL Raoul Huet (P) KIA Lt Tssier (O) POW. Problem I can't tell where C 122 was at this time.

The 2 J21 AR2 claims and J22 Spad claim all in the Verdun area could be theBr117 loss this day which is the only other loss in this area.

[R Gannon]

Flt Sub-Lt J E L Hunter, Flt Sub-Lt K V Turney and Flt Sub-Lt A C Burt, 4N Sqn, Seaplane crashed north-east of Ostende at 08:15/08:15 - a low Patrol of No 4 Squadron, consisting of Flight Sub-Lieuts Hunter, Turney and Burt, attacked and shot down a two-seater enemy seaplane which was evidently spotting for shore batteries. The Pilot and portions of the Machine being salved by one of our T.B. destroyers. Flight Sub-Lieut. Burt had a forced landing in the sea, and was picked up by the same destroyer. Subsequently Flight Sub-Lieut Hunter shot down one enemy seaplane which was seen to crash in the sea and sink, and another was forced to land heavily in the sea, with the Observer shot and the machine evidently damaged, by Flight Sub-Lieut Turney at a point about 22 miles north-east Ostende.

The machine shot down into the sea was from SEE I – the pilot Flug Steinitz pow was picked up by HMS Nugent.

Capt R N M Stuart-Wortley & 2nd Lt P V Burton, 22 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Houthulst Forest at 09:00/09:00
Capt R N M Stuart-Wortley & 2nd Lt P V Burton, 22 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Houthulst Forest at 09:00/09:00

In a fight between Albatros scouts and Bristol Fighters of 22 Squadron, Capt R Stuart-Wortley & Lt P Burton shot one EA down out of control, and the Observer then shot the propeller off another EA, and shot a third down out of control

2nd Lt E A Bell (Kia) & 2nd Lt R E Nowell (Kia), 22 Sqn, Bristol F.2B A7205 – took off 08:00/08:00 and last seen falling in flames at Sh28.O.6 (south of Zillebeke) just other side of lines on offensive patrol; Oblt Rudolf Berthold, Js18, 23rd victory [Zillebeker Lake at 09:00/09:00]

B/22 Sqn attacked 10 EA scouts over Houlthoulst. I have it that A7025 attacked by red [nosed?] EA. Whilst no doubt Js 18’s Obln Berthold, he actually claimed a ‘Sopwith’.

Capt R L Chidlaw-Roberts and Capt H A Hamersley, 60 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control south-east of Zonnebeke at 10:45/10:45 - Capt R L Chidlaw-Roberts, 60 Squadron, drove an Albatros down out of control; OfStv Fritz Kosmahl, Js26, Wia (Dow 26-Sep-1917) [?]

Lt J O Whiting (Kia), 60 Sqn, SE5a B4864 – took off 09:25/09:25 and last seen in formation after combat south-east of Zonnebeke at 10:30/10:30 on offensive patrol; Oblt Bruno Loerzer, Js26, 9th victory [Westroosebeke at 10:30/10:30] ?

Five strong 60 Sqn OP engaged 11 Albatros scouts vicinity Zonnebeke. Albatros sent down by C-Roberts & Hammersley described as green & black. Think it is a fair bet it was flown by Js 26’s Ostv F Kosmahl wia/dow as the result of an airfight, location given as south of Poelcappelle. Whilst Obln Loerzer accounted for Lt JO Whiting – claim also for a ‘Sopwith’ and given diesseits.

2nd Lt H W Dawson, 19 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Gheluwe at 18:55/18:55 - on the evening of the 22nd, 2nd Lt H Dawson, 19 Squadron, drove down an Albatros scout out of control

I have it this was a lone Albatros making for the Balloon lines – cfm OOC by AA.

Have an additional claim; 23 Sqn’s 2Lt FH Hiscock 2-seater OOC Zonnebeke 1850.

The FAA 224 machine of Ltn Hoffmann wia & Ltn Stockert shot up by 5 ‘Spads’ on the Lille – Douai sector and emergency landing. Either 40 Sqn or 46 Sqn, as noted by Graeme; 2Lt Tudhope’s patrol (5 strong) attacked and drove down two 2-seater before tackling the escorting Albatros scouts. Similar story for 46 Sqn – engaged a 2-seater along with four 11 Sqn Bristols, before being attacked in turn by 5 Albatros scouts and the resulting scout claims. Lt AS Lee driving down the 2-seater, whilst earlier at 0910 46 Sqn’s Capt Brewster-Joske & Lt Ferrie also drove down a 2-seater.

Russ

[centurion]

2Lt KB Montgomery (Ok), 45 Sqn, Camel B2376 – took off 8am, combat with EA, badly shot up – to 1AD, repaired [TSTBF II, www.airhistory.org.uk]

French claims [FASWC]:
Adj-Chef Fonck of N103 claimed an EA unconfirmed over Belgium

Marco

[josquin]

Aircrew
RNAS: FSL Norman Ansley Magor (DSC) & FSL Charles Edward Stafford Lusk
6 Squadron: Capt Cecil Brimble Riddle (5/Durham Light Infantry & RFC) &
Lt Gordon Alexander King
11 Squadron: 2/Lt James Henry Wallace & Capt John Albert Revill (Alberta Regiment CEF
& RFC; KIA 11 Nov 1917)
Josquin

[Jos]

Quote:
Flt Sub-Lt J E L Hunter, Flt Sub-Lt K V Turney and Flt Sub-Lt A C Burt, 4N Sqn, Seaplane crashed north-east of Ostende at 08:15/08:15 - a low Patrol of No 4 Squadron, consisting of Flight Sub-Lieuts Hunter, Turney and Burt, attacked and shot down a two-seater enemy seaplane which was evidently spotting for shore batteries. The Pilot and portions of the Machine being salved by one of our T.B. destroyers. Flight Sub-Lieut. Burt had a forced landing in the sea, and was picked up by the same destroyer. Subsequently Flight Sub-Lieut Hunter shot down one enemy seaplane which was seen to crash in the sea and sink, and another was forced to land heavily in the sea, with the Observer shot and the machine evidently damaged, by Flight Sub-Lieut Turney at a point about 22 miles north-east Ostende.

The machine shot down into the sea was from SEE I – the pilot Flug Steinitz pow was picked up by HMS Nugent.

Hello all,

This is a part of the KTB of the Marine Küstenflieger Abteilung Flandern:


Aircraft 1089: Observer Vizefeuerwerker (Heinrich) Ruhräh, Flieger Obermaat (Ernst) Steinitz report 08:20 in 059 beta a hostile monitor, NW course. After that, the plane was shot down by English land singleseaters and found floating on the water by another aircraft. A takeover of the occupants was not possible because the enemy aircraft always kept close. Later, aircraft 1159 observed that enemy destroyers were apparently engaged in the salvage of the downed aircraft and occupants.


Regards,

Jos