The continuing career of Albert "Mushroom" Ward:




12 Aug 1916 @ 05h33 Bombing of Ghistelles aerodrome

The morning of 12 Aug 1916 arrived and still no sign of Hill. He is posted as missing either prisoner or killed. What a loss that will be if he doesn’t return. The C.O. called me into his office to inform me I have been promoted to Squadron Commander and that four outstanding claims have been confirmed. It doesn’t feel good stepping into Hill’s shoes this way.

I lead the flight today with Shook, Soar, Hervey and Chadwick accompanying. We had heavy cumulous from 4000 to 8000 feet and much ceres at 9000 to 10000 feet. The flight to the target area was uneventful but as we approached the target we met two EIII’s coming directly towards us. I attacked head on one strafing him as I passed and continued on to bomb the aerodrome which I missed. I then turned back towards the other EIII and I saw Shook attacking him. I had managed to force mine down and out of action so I went to aid Shook putting a few rounds in the second EIII which Shook finished off. I then pulled up and headed towards our lines. The rest of my flight failed to drop their loads and all turned back to our lines to land at Koksijde. I followed them but noticed a Hun sausage just south west of Ghistelles and took a run at it sending it down in flames. I took some hits causing light damage. I returned to Coudekerque and gave my strutter to the fitters for one day overhaul. I must speak to the boys about leaving the scene so early without my direction.

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12 Aug 1916 @ 16h26 Artillery spotting for enemy troop movement and our arty shot fall south of Nieuport..

Escort of 2 Nieuport 11’s from RNAS-1 out of Furnes.

I had this assignment on my own. I guess the C.O. likes me!!
“a” flight sent two strutters flown by Shook and Chadwick to follow some time after me
I had heavy cumulous between 3000 and 7500 feet. The flight to the lines was uneventful except that upon approach I spotted a lone EIII looking to shake hands with me and coming from my 4 o’clock low on our side of the lines. I turned into him and we had at it. I forced him down but since I had no witnesses and the heavy cloud cover would probably prevent any of our troops seeing the action I didn’t expect the claim to be accepted and it wasn’t.. “A” flight showed up as I was on my way to land at Koksijde.

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