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Fullofit - I still can't quite believe Toby is gone, airbags and all. I will also add had sadly fitting that last screenshot of his is.

Carrick - If Francois left with a three-wheeler on a supply run to the local farms I can only imagine the comely farmer's daughter who rode back with him in the side car. And I echo Epower's comment about "Paths of Glory", it is a fantastic, epic film and a must-see for anyone.

Epower - That is a wonderful old photo, where did you happen across it? And honey badgers, they don't give a s**t!

MFair - "Badger" is an outstanding nick for Ainslie, first rate! And if I haven't already said it, congratulations on his bump to 2nd Lieutenant, most well deserved.

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7 June 1917
66 Squadron R.F.C.
Estrée-Blanche, France

Shortly after three this morning the big push at Messines began with a bang, or more accurately, a series of explosions that shook the ground all the way to Paris, and were heard as far away as London. 19 gigantic mines were set off one after another directly beneath the German trenches at Messines, along the front line for nearly seven miles. Thousands of Huns were killed instantly, many being literally vaporized by the blast. Before the dust and debris had fully settled British and Anzac troops began pouring through the gaps now in the lines and pushed the enemy back two miles in just the first few hours. Major Swanson, along with everyone else at Estrée-Blanche, felt the earth shake beneath them when the mines went off and ran around attempting to catch things as they fell from desks, tables, benches, shelves, and walls. The breakage had been cleaned up by the time the Major was settling into the cockpit of his Pup, preparing to lead A Flight on an escort of Harry Tates from 16 Squadron up to the carnage at Messines. The morning sky was clear and bright with large white clouds hanging hanging out to the horizons. It had been the first decent day of flying weather in nearly a week, and Swany was glad to get up into it and away from the job of CO for a while, said job proving to be full-time and then some. He wondered just how much flying he would be able to do now that he was actually running the outfit.

It was a peaceful flight up towards Ypers and the Messines Ridge just south of there. A Flight had met up with the trio of RE8s over their home camp at Bailleul Asylum and floated above them all the way to the front. The scene upon arriving was awe inspiring, the recently created massive craters having quite literally changed the geography of the area. The King's troops were pushing east and fighting was intense as the Hun brought up reinforcements from the rear. The Harry Tates flew low over the battlefield, spotting the positions of both sides. The British and Anzac troops, at least those with some experience, sent up flares and waved their arms or makeshift flags to show to the friendly planes where they were. The green ones did not, in fear of giving away their positions to the enemy, making the job of the spotter planes much more difficult and forcing them to fly much lower over the fighting than they were comfortable with. The end result of this of course was severe venting of the aeroplanes by hostile ground fire. During all of this a group of four V-strutters attempted to break up the show, but were quickly driven back by the Pups. Swany dropped down on one of the Albs and in short order sent it cartwheeling into the churned up earth below, catching some ground fire himself in the process. With the threat eliminated the Major and his crew continued their escort service without further incident and brought all three of their charges safely back home, before returning to their own camp. They'd been out for a little less than two hours and Swany wished it would have been more as he had a large stack of paperwork waiting for him on his return. Ah well, such is the life of an RFC Officer Commanding.



The Pups of 66 Squadron preparing for the morning sorties.



Meeting up with the Harry Tates of 16 Squadron and heading across to the show at Messines.



Making quick work of an unwanted interloper.



Passing Ypers on the return trip.



Major Swanson approaching Estrée-Blanche and the unyielding paperwork patiently waiting for his return.


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