100 years ago today

Graeme · 14 February 2018, 01:20 AM

THURSDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1918

General Headquarters, February 15th.

“On the 14th inst. low clouds and mist continued and greatly impeded flying. In spite of these unfavourable conditions reconnaissances were attempted by our aeroplanes, and a few bombs were dropped behind the enemy's lines. A hostile convoy and troops on the road were attacked with machine-gun fire from a low altitude. One of our machines is missing."

RFC Communiqué number 127:

The weather was again very misty and the sky completely overcast; but a machine of the 1st Brigade dropped four 25-lb bombs on Lorgies and fired 200 rounds from a height of 50 feet into a convoy of troops on the Hénin-Liétard – Douai road.

Casualties:

Capt S J Sibley (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut O G S Crawford (Pow), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B B1254 – took off 10:05/11:905 and last seen flying east over St Quentin on special low reconnaissance

Graeme

MASTIFF · 14 February 2018, 06:38 AM

Jasta claims this date:

Ltn Hermann Leptien, Js21, P Schmitt, Sillery, 1115hrs, 2nd victory.

Jasta losses:

Ltn Max Raspe, Js44, severely injured in test-flight crash. No other info.

Tony

R Gannon · 2 May 2018, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Casualties:

Capt S J Sibley (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut O G S Crawford (Pow), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B B1254 – took off 10:05/11:905 and last seen flying east over St Quentin on special low reconnaissance

RPS tells us they became lost over the lines in the misty & overcast conditions and FTL then burnt their machine.

Kofl 2 confirms a Bristol FTL at Villers Outreaux at 1130GT.

Russ