Lots to catch up on. Thank you all for the stories and photograph quality screen shots!

Squadron Commander Edgar Everheart
March 26, 1917
Furnes.

Today we are transferring to Auchel, a few miles southwest of Bethune. I led B flight on the uneventful flight. A little cloudy but we found our new home without any problem. Intelligence tells us that the "Red Devil" and his brother are right across the lines from us. This should be an interesting posting!

March 27, 1917
Squadron Commander Edgar Everheart
Auchel aerodrome

Lead B Flight to bust a balloon south of Munchy. Our flight of four made our way in horrid weather. I signaled for my mates to attack and they took the lead. Suddenly, Compton flaired up and to the left. He has the best eyes in the squadron. I follow but cannot see the trouble. Suddenly a red nosed DIII flashes past and I get on his tail. After a few bursts he dives to the deck and I pull back up. Compston and Little follow. That Hun does not have a chance. I spot the balloon and make a pass. I sent it down with 5 or 6 bursts. I try to fire in 10 shot bursts so I can keep up with how much ammo I have left. Climbing out I catch a few rounds from ground fire and form up with Compston. No one else around so we made for home. Little and Sears came in shortly.

Little and Sears put in a claim for a V strutter and I claimed the balloon even though reports were it was not destroyed. All claims rejected. Time for a bash in the mess.

Note: I have been a bachelor for a few days so can turn up the Bose sound system to a nice volume. Just below earthquake! What a rush. With the subwoofer at my feet you can really feel the Archie. Back to being a husband tomorrow so it was fun while it lasted!

Hey MFair, better check your china before wife comes back home, otherwise she'll know you've been up to no good. Great report!

Demian Kraft is no more!

I got back to WOFF last night and had a couple of days to catch up on. Jasta 27 moved to Phalempin. En route, Demian spotted a lone Nieuport and gave chase. He put a ridiculous amount of lead into the machine and then suddenly got hit by the world's supply of ground fire. He made it back to friendly territory minus most of his bottom right wing.

So the next day we were off balloon busting, and his motor konked out. Phalempin wasn't his lucky station so far.

And on the following day, they headed across the lines, escorting two DFWs to Bailleul. A huge group of Tripes flew over and made faces at them, but only a couple engaged. Demian had a long and inconclusive scrap with one of them. Then two Spads showed up. Demian headed home, and another Albatros formed up with him. The Spad gradually closed on them and both German machines turned to engage it. After a long fight, Demian caught him from behind and above, but the French plane pulled up and BANG! Second pilot in a row lost to collision.

I'll be introducing my new fellow after his first few missions are in the books.


Heading out on the last mission

Sorry to hear of Demian Kraft's demise, Raine! Collisions are a horrible way to lose a pilot. I still recall losing a long-serving flier in Red Baron 3D when I caught my landing gear on an enemy truck on a strafing run. Those kinds of losses stick with you.

Still, a toast to the fallen!

Fullofit,thanks for the heads up. I will need to check that!
Raine,l sorry for your pilot. That's a bad way to go but a picture I have seen with many a pilot. Looking forward to your next one and the golden nuggets of history which goes with him.

Raine;

You are having your share of it, but you are not alone it seems. Will you be starting another German pilot? I hope so, as I am enjoying your reads immensely.

Crap!

Sorry to hear of it Raine, but I look forward to more adventures from your "pen"

Regards,

Jeff

Raine, sorry to hear of Demian's demise, another valiant hero added to the Honor Roll.

Albert Earl Godfrey

30 Mar 1917 @ 08h24 attack on Hun balloon south east of Monchy le Preux

This morning at briefing we were advised to expect heavy cloud between 7,000 and 11,000ft., and possible rain with winds of 8 kn from the WNW. The CO advised that William Bishop would be leading “B” flight on this mission with Godfrey, Clinton on wing, Pidcock, Fry and Hall composing the flight. “A” flight was to provide protective cover and composed of Caldwell, Molesworth, Hervey and Young. New mounts had come in for the senior pilots in the form of Nieuport 23’s. The only N17’s left in the squadron were still allocated to Godfrey, Clinton, Lehman and Winfrey.
Godfrey hoped that would change soon as he felt that his N17 was getting long in the tooth for scrapping with the latest Hun scouts.

The flights took off and formed up north of the field as usual and when they had attained the height of 10,600 ft., Bishop lead them ESE towards Monchy.
They reached the lines at 08h53 and were at 7800 ft when they crossed over.
The cloud cover was thick and visibility poor, when they passed over Monch at 08h55 flying close to 6400 ft. Bishop was looking to get below the clouds enough to make out the target balloon. It soon came in to view and Godfrey jumped in for the first attack, missing with his rockets but successfully turning the sausage into a smoking bratwurst. Bishop then pounced on it with a direct hit and Godfrey observed the rockets setting the balloon ablaze.

Godfrey stayed high looking for potential Hun interlopers on their private party. None appeared and the flight was soon reformed heading towards the lines. It was then that Godfrey noted a single Hun scout below on the port side, heading for what would appear to be a Hun airfield in the distance, possibly Reincourt. Godfrey broke formation against his better judgement and took up position on the Hun’s six. He sent a volley into him and then repeated the process several more times until the Albatros burst into flames and crashed below.

Having successfully dealt with the Alb DII, Godfrey climbed away heading for the lines and trying to catch up to his mates, ever watchful for any enemy scouts that might have been lurking close by. He was on his own now and was anticipating the raking over he would get for having been so brash as to break formation. He was banking on the fact that “B” flights leader was Bishop and he knew that Bishop was not one to follow protocol. He felt there might be some leniency with the man. Only time would tell.

Godfrey was surprised to find that Clinton had broke with him and was coming up on his port side. They spent considerable time dodging flak on the way back to the lines and finally caught up with the flight as they were circling above Filescamp forming up to land. Godfrey quickly came in low well below them to landed first, and Clinton stayed with him. It occurred to Godfrey that Clinton was in it as deep as he was, so at least he would have company.

Godfrey and Clinton hustled off to report on the mission. Godfrey claimed the Alb DII and Clinton confirmed it. Without Clinton’s word it would likely have been dismissed. In fact Godfrey listened to the engines of “B” flight above coming in to land and he was beginning to feel that the hammer was close to falling. Bishop and the rest of the flight were soon at the RO and Bishop came to a full stop, fists resting on his hip and his steely eyes glaring directly at Godfrey. He said nothing for what seemed like an eternity and then he stepped up to the RO and stated the mission was a success, that the balloon was down and all pilots returned safely. The RO asked about Godfrey’s claim and Bishop just waived his hand abruptly stating that it was just a pesky interloper and not of consequence as it was quickly dealt with.

Godfrey finally started to breath again but still felt that somehow he was in for it. He surmised that this being the first opportunity Bishop had to lead a flight, it was highly likely that he didn’t want any negative press about his ability to hold the flight together.

Later at the mess, Bishop approached Godfrey and stated that he didn’t want to see anything like that happen again while he was leading the flight, but that he admired Godfrey’s spunk for throwing all caution to the winds and jumping in. “You will either die early or make a name for yourself Godfrey, just don’t do it on my time!” At that, Bishop smiled, patted Godfrey on the shoulder and walked away. Godfrey felt a bead of sweat drip down the back of his neck and his mouth was exceedingly dry.

Robert, Godfrey would do well to heed Bishop's words! But, sometimes a victory is too hard to pass up eh. Good story and video.

Great stuff Robert_Wiggins!

Regards,

Jeff

Great repot Robert, hope to read more about Albert's (mis)adventures with Billy.

1 April, 1917 Halluin
Jasta 18

The weather has improved dramatically lately, with last of the snow hopefully gone for the rest of the season. The sun pleasantly warmed Aldi's face every time he looked up. It was almost a pity to wear all the heavy gear that was part of his flight suit. But he didn't let himself be deceived by mild temperatures. As soon as they'd gain some height, the frigid air would overpower the still weak sun rays and remind him why thick layers are a good idea.
Oberleutnant Schwarzkopf was leading Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen, Leutnant Strähle and Leutnant Klein on a balloon defence mission near Lille. They've been at it for the last 10 minutes when they noticed 3 dots coming down on them from a higher altitude. Enemy Triplanes! The formation came apart and everyone braced for the attack.



The thing about Triplanes is that there is no way to out-turn them or out-climb them in an Albatros, so the only direction left is down and that's where the fight took place. On the way down Aldi was able to damage one of the Dreideckers.




It started to smoke and promptly landed behind the enemy trenches west of Lille. Aldi looked for the rest of his flight and quickly located one of them knee deep in trouble with a Sopwith behind him. Schwarzkopf lounged at the pursuing enemy hoping his help won't come too late. He took a shot from long range more to distract than damage. It worked, the Britisher turned around and faced Aldi. He fired again with little effect. They started to turn in circles over the front lines with the triplane above and just out of reach. They kept turning with neither able to gain the advantage.



Aldi was getting fed up with this impasse and decided to end it. When the enemy plane turned to face the German side of the front he made his move and pointed his Albatros in the opposite direction, knowing well the enemy will have to fly in his direction to get back home. Once there was enough of distance between the planes he turned around and faced the enemy machine, which was now following him. Aldi took aim and got ready for this aerial joust. He will have only one chance to make it work. He waited for the other "knight" to get in range and squeezed the triggers. His teeth rattled from the twin machine gun recoil. He missed! It's all over. His opponent will now have enough speed and distance to get away to fight another day, or will he? Aldi noticed the British bus wasn't pulling much of a distance away from him and little by little he was getting closer. Was he damaged? Aldi continued to pursue and finally south of Bailleul was able to catch and shoot down the unfortunate English aviator.



The triplane nosed down and ploughed into the ground. Schwarzkopf made a circle around the wreckage and made his way home when he saw no movement.



He put down at his aerodrome and made two claims. As he suspected, the machine far behind lines was not confirmed, but the first one was gladly confirmed by Ltn Weissen from Kette Eins, whom Aldi saved earlier. The next day Staffelführer Grieffenhagen announced that Oberleutnant Aldi Schwarzkopf has now been promoted to the rank of Hauptmann.

Albert Earl Godfrey

31 Mar 1917 @ 08h21 Escort 3 BE2c of RFC-6 on Troop movement Obs east of Brayelles

Major Alan Scott C.O. announced at briefing that this mission was of significant importance and that the protection of the BE’s was utmost to ensure their observations were reported back to HQ.

Scott also announced that Godfrey had been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on the 30th for his actions of the 25th. Cheers and whistles broke the air and were quickly brought back into silence by Scott.

He announced that Bishop would again lead “B” flight composed of Caldwell, Godfrey, Clinton on wing and Hall. “B” flights focus would be solely on the protection of the BE’s. “A” flight was assigned to provide top cover for “B” flight and was composed of Lloyd, Molesworth, Pidcock and Fry.

The weather report was calling for 8 kn winds from the SW with Heavy cloud cover from 4300 ft up to 10,000 ft, with rain and gusting wind.

As the men cleared out from the briefing several came by to pat Godfrey on the back and offer their congratulations, Bishop was one of them and as he did so, he remarked, “Stay close Godfrey”. The point was made and taken in!

They formed up north of the field as usual attaining an altitude of 4400 feet just skimming the lower edges of the clouds, before setting out to the rendezvous location for the BE’s over Arras.

The rain never stopped from the time they took off and was still pelting them when they arrived over Arras at 08h46 cruising at 5800 ft circling and waiting and skimming in and out of the soup. Visibility was horrid. Finally Bishop waived his arm in a circle and set course SE. Within minutes the BE’s were spotted and the escort began in the direction of Brayelles. The course would put them directly in the triangle of Riencourt, Pronville and Brayelles. A veritable hornets nest of enemy scouts. Only the heavy cloud cover offered some protection.

They crossed the lines at 08:52 passing over Monchy at 6100 ft. Monchy was visible for only a moment in a small break in the cloud cover. Navigation was soley by compass and keeping formation was nerve wracking in the thick soup. The wind buffeting only added to the complexity. Arriving over the dreaded triangle, their engines announced their presence and the sky became full of Hun anti-aircraft greetings. With such poor visibility the ground gunners could only guess where they were and that in itself was a saving grace. Only in instances where there was a break in the clouds, did the enemy gunners begin to adjust their trajectory and harass the flight of Nieups and BE’s.

The BE2c’s continued to carry out their observations as best they could for what seemed an interminably long time, until they finally stopped circling and headed west in the direction of the nearest base at Bapaume. Godfrey was more than willing to wrap things up and head home. No enemy scouts came up to greet them and if they had it seemed highly unlikely they would find the skies clear enough to party.

“B” flight followed the BE2c’s across the lines to Bapaume and then they all swung NW towards Filescamp at which point the BE’s carried on to Abeele.

Upon arrival back at base, Godfrey was surprised to hear that “A” flight had tangled with several Hun scouts with Lloyd and Pidcock each downing one without any losses to their own flight. How they managed to achieve this given the weather left Godfrey dumbfounded. He just shook his head and went to his quarters to change out of his soggy sidcot.



Footnote:

Bishop had arrived at 60 Sqn on 17 Mar 1917. His first kill was on 25 Mar 1917. He was named Flight Commander 30 Mar 1917. Major Alan Scott, Commander of 60 Squadron had a personal liking for Bishop and gave him full reign to scout on lone patrols as he wished.
Wiki states: Bishop's first patrol on 22 March was less than successful. He had trouble controlling his run-down aircraft, was nearly shot down by anti-aircraft fire, and became separated from his group.[32] On 24 March, after crash landing his aircraft during a practice flight in front of General John Higgins, Bishop was ordered to return to flight school at Upavon. Major Alan Scott, the new commander of 60 Squadron, convinced Higgins to let him stay until a replacement arrived.[33] The next day, Bishop claimed his first victory when his was one of four Nieuports that engaged three Albatros D.III Scouts near St Leger.[34] Bishop shot down and mortally wounded a Leutnant Theiller (Shores (1991) has 12-kill ace Theiller as being killed vs 70 Squadron Sopwiths on 24 March; therefore this claim does not match with known losses), but his engine failed in the process. He landed in no man's land, {convert|300|yd|m}} from the German front line. After running to the Allied trenches, Bishop spent the night on the ground in a rainstorm.[35] There Bishop wrote a letter home, starting, "I am writing this from a dugout 300 yards from our front line, after the most exciting adventure of my life."[35] General Higgins personally congratulated Bishop and rescinded his order to return to flight school.[36] On 30 March 1917, Bishop was named a flight commander.[37] The next day he scored his second victory.[38] Bishop, in addition to the usual patrols with his squadron comrades, soon flew many unofficial "lone-wolf" missions deep into enemy territory, with the blessing of Major Scott (1). As a result, his total of enemy aircraft shot down increased rapidly. On 8 April, he scored his fifth victory and became an ace.[39] To celebrate, Bishop's mechanic painted the aircraft's nose blue, the mark of an ace. Former 60 Squadron member Captain Albert Ball, at that time the Empire's highest scoring ace, had had a red spinner fitted

1. His first dogfight came on March 25, 1917. He was flying "Tail End Charley" the last aircraft of a flight of four, and the most dangerous position (perhaps another reason for the short life span of a rookie). Three Albatros D.IIIs dove on them, one getting onto the rear end of the Sqdn Commander. Bishop dove on the Albatros and placed shots along the fuselage, the Albatros dove away with Bishop following. Near the ground the German pilot pulled out of his faked death dive only to find Bishop still on his tail. Bishop fired from point blank range and the Albatros thundered into the ground. His first fight, his first kill. The Sqdn Commander, Jack Scott, promoted him to a flight commander, probably in gratitude.

Here is the latest status report for last week's activity.

Journal Entry: 30 July 1917
Droglandt

Well, Cpl. Stokes is right again. He is quite the prognosticator and I should really find out how he gets his information, but I think right now I'll just enjoy having someone that actually knows what is happening in this crazy war. The other day, he told me that he had heard that we would be receiving some type of upgrade to our Tripes. I don't know why I doubted him, he's been right about the last two improvements in our aeroplanes, but he is just a corporal and I am completely flummoxed as to how he gets his information. Anyway, as he predicted we received a new version of our Tripes, this time sporting two machine guns. Won't Jerry be surprised when he meets us in the clouds?

I was able to finally get a chance to see how the new Tripe performs yesterday when I took a couple of the new fledglings out for a nice little jaunt in our area. As we were flying along, I spotted two dots that were heading towards St Omer. They certainly were getting their fair share of Archie, so we knew they were Huns. I was a bit puzzled to see Huns so far from home, but I signaled the flight and we turned to pursue. As the distance closed, I was able to identify them as a pair of DFW C.Vs. It wasn't long until they spotted us and quickly turned for home, but by then it was too late. The two fledglings attacked the starboard Hun and I took the port. I can only imagine the shock both the pilot and observer felt when instead of the flashes of a single gun, they witnessed two. To be honest, I myself was a little horrified at the destruction two machine guns can cause. In my first burst, the observer was shredded, the second severed the upper starboard plane. The poor miserable pilot as he spun to his grave must have been wondering what just happened.



Today, I led a patrol in the Diksmuide area and as we were about to head for home, I saw three Hun machines pursuing two friendlies. At the distance, I could not tell the type of either, so I signaled the flight and we, in turn, joined the pursuit. As the distance closed, I recognized the pursuers as three V strutters and the pursued as two Harry Tates. I felt like the Harry Tates could take care of themselves until we closed the distance, but alas, I was wrong and the Huns quickly destroyed the Harry Tates. I think it goes without saying, that for my men, their blood was up. The V strutters were milling about as they reformed and that gave us a chance to close the distance before they spotted us. As soon as they did, they turned to engage by diving on us. One of the three selected me and he dove as I climbed for a head-on attack. In the past, I would have been at a disadvantage and normally would not accept such a challenge, but times have changed. As we charged toward each other, I waited until the range had closed sufficiently before opening fire. The Hun was obviously shocked to see the twinklings of two guns instead of one and quickly broke away. He had decided he had had enough for one day and dove away. Unfortunately for him, I decided to follow. I caught him over No Man's land and gave him two bursts after which his plane literally fell apart in the air.

It has been my belief that as far as scout planes go, our Tripes are far superior to anything the Hun can field and now, with two machine guns our aeroplanes have become veritable killing machines.

Journal Entry: 1 April 1917
Pronville

I wonder if we will ever receive a machine as nimble as the British Triplane. Our Albatros are solid, rugged, and serve us very well, but nimble they most certainly are not. I led five of us up to the line for a line patrol and as we were climbing up to our operating altitude I spotted three Triplanes escorting a Tommie observation machine. I looked over the flight, fired the green flare, and started pursuing the Tommies. It wasn't long until they spotted us and leaving the Recce machine on his own, they dove to attack. The problem with the Triplane is that it is almost impossible to keep them off of your tail. The only tactic that I have found that works is to present such a fleeting target that the enemy can never keep his sights on you long enough to fire, and if he does fire, it is at such an angle to be almost ineffective. Of course today we had the numbers and that always helps. Today was no different, and one of the Tripes quickly found his way onto my tail and fortunately for me, I was able to keep myself just out of his reach. It wasn't long until the rest of the Kette joined in and drove that persistent Tripe back across his lines. After catching my breath, I noticed another Tripe scurrying back home and I decided to pursue. I was able to close the distance but in my zeal, I fired too soon. Either this pilot wasn't quite as skilled or he just really wanted to be home, because after spinning around to see who was attacking he just returned to his previous course. I took to following him again and once again after closing the distance I fired, but this time he immediately did a wing over and dove away in the opposite direction. By now, I was absolutely convinced that I was dealing with an inexperienced pilot. I followed and eventually, we returned to his original course. I followed, fired again and amazingly he performed the same maneuver again. By this time he had lost so much altitude that another maneuver such as the previous would drive him into the ground. It was then that I decided to end this little game. I closed the range for the final time and fired one more burst. He immediately snapped over and dove into the ground. I know that my burst him his machine, but did it cause his sudden maneuver or was he just attempting to repeat the same maneuver again, I will never know.

Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.

July 31, 1917.
Well its back to the front, Waved bye bye to the civilized world and caught a Train. As I got closer to the lines , I switched over to a truck headed up towards Marcke.

Fullofit and Banjoman; Great pics folks and accompanying stories!

Carrick, keep Helmut safe!!

Cheers to all!