Palestine 15 October 1917

[spad]

"Apparently A7194 and a BE2 engaged three Alb scouts over the British side - getting much the better of one, who's pilot indicated he wanted to surrender but at last moment attempted to glide towards Turkish lines and was shot down in British lines - feel certain photos of wrecked Alb DIII(?) 1791/16 (see C&C GB Vol 21 p22) is the sad wash up of this episode."

I assumed we put this to bed but can't see that in my notes. My recent posts would indicate Bristol FB19 flown by Lt RB Sutherland might have been involved, If it was a BE2 then has the crew been identified?

111 Squadron was not flying the BE2 at this time and certainly would not have used one to attack Albatros scouts.

best regards

Keith

[Graeme]

Hi Keith

Bit of a puzzle this one.

The fighter element of No 14 Squadron was re-named No 111 Squadron on 1 August 1917 and by the time of this engagement, I believe that No 67 Squadron/1 Squadron AFC had handed over all of its B.E.2es to No 14 Squadron and re-equipped with the Bristol Fighter. So, if a BE was involved, it must have come from No 14 Squadron which was then co-located at Deir el Belah with No 111 Squadron.

I've had a sift through my notes and can't find anything that helps clarify the matter.

Graeme

[R Gannon]

I have it that the German pilot was Ltn R Ernert (kia) from FA 301 on Alb DIII 1791/16. However, as I have it, the EA's engine was put out of action and the pilot tried to glide towards Turkish lines, ignoring signals to turn back, and was subsequently shot down by the observer of A7194 - 2Lt JJ Lloyd-Williams.

Russ