Wissemann´s DFW??

[rammjaeger]

Yesterday I was hastily scanning through the article "Myths and Mysteries of the Great War in the Air" by O´Brien Browne in OTF Spring 2002. I enjoyed the discussion of some myths and mysteries but realised also some mistakes and the support of the above indicated myth.

O´Brien Browne wrote on page 61 that Kurt Wissemann´s D.F.W. C.V *???
was shot down by Bowman and Hoidge of 56 Squadron. "The DFW broke up in the air on 28 September 1917."

I think that is another myth maybe caused by Fonck´s nonsense claim that he was avenging Guynemer and downing Wissemann who was allegedly flying a double seater! In fact Wissemann flew his last mission together with Menckhoff but not in a double seater!

Or is there any other evidence?

VBR
Rammjaeger

[Soderbaum]

Hi Rammjäger

The new book "The French Air Service War Chronicle" do not have any claims(not even ooc) for 28 Sep 1917......so Fonck can surely be moved away in this case...

However it is also reported in at least one source (ATT page 84) that also Vfw Menckhoff was shot down this day by 56 sq and crashed his a/c.. a DFW?

This is perhaps another myth ready to be killed...or..?

ATT says that both Bowman and Hoidge from 56 sq RFC "each" destroyed a German Alb.D, East Westroosebeke around 17:20

Some Jasta 3 material do exist in the Ferko collection which perhaps can give further evidence..?

8)
Gunnar

[wings]

Has anyone ever found the original German source for the idea that Menckhoff was shot down and crashed twice during Sept.1917?

[Rick]

Wings,

Not "original" material per se, but almost as good. Ferko obtained his Jasta 3 material from Bill Puglisi, who in turn got a copy of Himmelstoss' copy, which he (Himmelstoss) took directly from the Jasta 3 War Diary. So - sort of original

23Sep17 Menckhoff shot down and FTL at 18.30 hours N. Zonnebeke with hits in his engine.

28Sep17 Menckhoff shot down and FTL at 18.20 hours E. Westrooseke.

Obviously, he was uninjured on both occasions.
Hope this helps. R.