Sgt, Horce Cumberback
RFC, 46 Sgn, France
26 Jul 1917.

Morning Test flight the 4.0 hour overhaul of my Sopwith Pups Engine is complete
. After landing the C.O. comfrims that the Baron,s Jastas have moved in to our Area of Operations. Its us and the neighboring Sqns to beat back the Flying Circus.

1130 hrs: departed as the tail end charlie in a flight of 3 for a Barrage Patrol. Spotted and engaged a lone Albatros D-II below us. After a furball lasting 15 mins we lost him in a cloud bank. Cheeky fellow put bullet holes in all 3 of our aircraft.

Ah, the Pup. Much to be preferred over the Camel! At least by duds like me who can't do anything in a Camel except spin into the turf. Biggles I aint.

Mind you I can't hit the Jerry machines in either of them.

Which is why I would be the guy in the Albatros! DIII is my favorite flavour.

You'll forgive my manners if you find me cheering for the Hun... 3 against one is hardly fair old chap!



H

Sgt, Horce Cumberback
RFC, 46 Sgn,
Bruay, France
27 Jul 1917.


Up twice today.

Went Balloon hunting with the C.O. Over the lines He flamed one then home and Lunch. Me and the other bloke were just along for the ride.




Afternoon flight of 2 pups near the Trenches, spotted a (3 or 5) N-17,s ( Esc 3) going Hammer and Tongs with 1 or 2 flights (3) Albatros Scouts. Joined in I got off a few 20 0r 30 rd bursts ,but no hits. The V Strutters were dressed in Red Paint and got 1 N-17 then it just fizzled out.

Not at all , I was kinda cheering for him too.

Sgt, Horce Cumberback
RFC, 46 Sgn,
Bruay, France
28 Jul 1917.

Weather has grounded all aircraft this morning. Got a letter from Captaine Emile Mustasch ( my brother from another mother here in France) His Esc flys the French Spad Type VII. Silly Bugger, He claims he got a Boche Albatros in the Bag.