Carrick – It looks like your man and mine are both on the outs with the claims board.

Albert – Very sorry to see the end of Andrew so soon (even though he is a Red Sox and not a Blue Jay). He had a fine career underway, crowned with the French Legion of Honour. I am, however, looking forward to following Rendel’s story until the end of the war. It is a difficult time to be a German ground attack pilot. Best of luck!

Fullofit – Raben is now, I believe, your most successful pilot to date – and that is saying something given the competition. Thoroughly enjoying your videos. I’m envious of those twin Spandaus.

Lou – Freddie made a good job of it on his first mission out of Senlis-le-Sec.

Von S – It’s wonderful to have you dropping by. So happy are entertained by this madness, and am hoping you join us in the future when we work up the energy to fight this war for the fourth time.


Journal of 2nd Lieutenant Robert Fergus Drummond, DFC
32 Squadron, Royal Air Force
La Bellevue, France

Part 14

"Something else was falling alongside the SE. It was Harry Alvin, his arms outstretched and his Sidcot suit fluttering as he tumbled end over end downwards, passing his own stricken machine and mercifully disappearing against the background of the earth 12,000 feet below."


On 29 September, Hale led our flight on a line patrol to the north in the Bapaume sector. We had a mixed group. Holmes and Alvin from A Flight were with us, and Captain Zink came along for the show. My hut mate and fellow Quebecker, MacBean, joined us as well. Once again, we were down in numbers. Everard, a new man, did not return from C Flight’s patrol yesterday evening, and Kim Wells, my Welsh hut mate, was down behind enemy lines and thought to be a prisoner. So here we were, only five strong and me praying that we would not bump into half the Kaiser’s air force yet again.

On our third beat of the patrol, we encountered a group of five high-flying Rumplers returning from somewhere beyond Bapaume. We immediately gave chase. I selected one of the trailing machines and began to close the distance. It had to be a long shot because if I got too close, the other EA would have me in a crossfire. I began firing from 250 yards out. After two short bursts a shadow passed over me and I looked up to see the undercarriage of an SE5 passing within a couple of feet of my upper wing. I instinctively hunched down in the cockpit and shoved the stick forward. Harry Alvin, who had been with us only two or three weeks, had come within a whisker of causing a disaster. I then watched in horror as Alvin closed on my Rumpler, firing all the way. It seemed that every Hun in the formation was shooting his machine but still he pressed on. There was no way he could survive. Suddenly, there was a flash of flame. Alvin’s machine had flown directly into the tail of the Rumpler. The German aeroplane simply folded up in the air and began to break into pieces. The SE5 tumbled down beside it trailing flame and smoke. Something else was falling alongside the SE. It was Harry Alvin, his arms outstretched and his Sidcot suit fluttering as he tumbled end over end downwards, passing his own stricken machine and mercifully disappearing against the background of the earth 12,000 feet below. Hale gave the washout signal and we returned to La Bellevue.

We flew a second line patrol that day north of Arras. Once again, we spotted German observation aircraft and gave chase, but this time we could not catch up with them.

The weather had already been grey and overcast for several days. Now it turned to wind and heavy rain. Our field was a soup of yellow clay. Rainwater ran in sheets down the side of the Nissen huts. One of our machines that was being moved into a different hangar was blown over and wrecked. The mess, still half empty due to a pilot shortage, was drear and sullen. I undertook to teach MacBean how to play chess and we pulled our armchairs and a small table next to the stove in the anteroom to set up the game. I was sipping a whisky and explaining to MacBean for the third time how the knight moved when Major Russell entered and announced that we were all to gather at A Flight hangar at five o’clock dressed somewhat decently. We were off to Doullens for a squadron dinner at the Quatre Fils Aymon hotel – by all accounts a splendid place with crisp white tablecloths, fine silverware, and access to good meat and vegetables, not to mention fine wines. Close behind the Major came George Lawson and in his role of President of the Mess Committee. There was a levy of twenty-five francs per officer for the dinner. Major Russell, however, was paying for all the wine and we resolved to bankrupt the good man!

It was a marvellous evening. We had about an hour from the time we were dropped off in front of the town hall until we had to gather at the hotel. Major Russell said we were free to go shopping and we, ever dutiful, went shopping as instructed – for cocktails. Dinner began with a salad garnish with lobster tails in a creamy white wine sauce. We progressed to a memorable dish of venison in a gooseberry sauce. We were, it seems, in the heart of the French hunting season and the four brothers certainly had the right connections. Our dessert – pudding to the English – consisted of a light but moist apple cake and the most remarkable collection of cheeses I had ever seen, all consumed with vast quantities of port, splendid coffee, and good cigars. Oswald, one of the newer pilots, had acquired a supply of snuff and a silver snuffbox and we all made fools of ourselves trying it. Bogart Rogers figured it was chewing tobacco and shoved some in his mouth. When we made fun of him, he accidentally swallowed his “wad” and disappeared for nearly half an hour.

We slept until noon the following day, the first day of October, as the rain continued to pummel the countryside. News from the south was heartening. Our troops were across the Saint Quentin canal and it appeared that we might just have breached the infamous Hindenburg line. If that was true, there was cause for hope that we might push the enemy to the point of collapse before winter set in. We envied the squadrons farther south who were in on the big push. Even the squadrons farther to the north had a more significant role to play than us, for the Belgians and the British north of Ypres had taken to the offensive. Only here in the middle of our lines were things “business as usual.”

On 2 October we attacked enemy rail traffic to prevent the Hun from reinforcing its positions to the south. After dropping my bombs on a rail yard, I spotted a balloon about a mile off and had a go at it. I fired a drum of Lewis and about 150 rounds of Vickers before it ignited. Unfortunately, when we returned to our field, none of the others had noticed my little adventure and the claim for the balloon went unconfirmed.
On 3 October we were ordered to do a balloon strafe north of Monchy. The strafe never came off because we were intercepted by a large group of Fokkers that had crossed the lines near Hesdigneul. Although outnumbered we fought valiantly. I followed one zebra-striped EA that tried to throw me off by spinning toward the ground. When he pulled out of his spin and headed for home, I was on his tail and sent him down to crash about a mile into Hunland. This one also went unconfirmed as there were no witnesses about.

In the afternoon we again bombed enemy rail traffic. No EA were encountered.

We bombed the Hun aerodrome at Haubordin the next morning. Our little party was interrupted by a cloud of Fokkers that descended on the scene. Well outnumbered, we had our hands full, especially for the first few minutes. Captain Zink’s flight were behind and above us when the scrap started and joined in, attracting the majority of the Fokkers. When we returned to La Bellevue, we learned that four men were missing from that flight, including two who had arrived only the previous day: Rhrees, Randulph, Nash, and Conway – a Canadian – were all gone.

On 5 October, our first orders were cancelled and we were sent up to chase off some two-seaters that were milling about in our area.

6 October was another wet morning. We were bombed up and ready to chase German trains yet again, but two of our five serviceable machines developed engine problems during warmup and Captain Hale ordered the mission scrubbed. Poor Bud caught hell all the way from Wing for that decision. Still, it was the right thing to do.

We figured it was Wing’s way of getting revenge when new orders came through for a balloon strafe that afternoon. Of course, Hale was ordered to lead it and he took Captain Zink and me along for companionship. It was still raining and the cloud was heavy. We made our way east, spreading out as we drove into towering grey walls of mist. I emerged several minutes later in a thirty-degree bank and entirely alone. I circled about until I picked up the faint outline of Monchy through the veil of rain squalls. That allowed me to set course for the target kite balloon. It was an older balloon and difficult to see against the background of rain and mud, despite which I found the thing and disposed of it in a diving attack before the Hun ack ack and machine guns could get to me. Then it was back into the cloud and westward for safety. I claimed the balloon, which I had seen aflame. Hale and Zink never appeared and because of the weather, the burning balloon was not witnessed from our own lines. This was the eighth consecutive claim I had made without a confirmation. I told the recording officer that if the Royal Air Force wanted me to stop shooting things down and claiming them, all they had to do was ask me.

Lou - Freddy might not be loving these ground pounding missions but he's certainly giving them his all. Even when HQ sends them on a duff job, he uses his nous to find an alternative target and whack it good style. That railyard was a smoldering wreck. As was the balloon, good show. As for Werner, it's a change of pace, and should be good fun, if he lives long enough.

Carrick - Nice threads, and as for the toast, wowzers that's an impressive action she's got there, and the drinking wasn't bad either.

Raine - Blimey, tough times for Fergie and the squadron, losses are inevitable but 32 squadron seems to taking more than their fair share of them. Some people don't help themselves of course, Harry Alvin for instance, what a horrid way to meet your maker, but oh my lord, flying flat and level into a formation of two seaters, basic common sense. Poor Fergie is having a rum do of it with the claims board. Eight on the bounce turned down. Let's hope the luck changes all round for the 32nd. As for Werner, it's going to be tough no doubt about it.

Vzfw Werner Rendel
Schlasta 7
Toulis airfield

7th October 1918

Morning sortie

Werner had woken handy, nerves playing a part and the noise of the constant rain on his tent also having effect.

He went for breakfast and was talking with another pilot. Vzfw Edgar Messerer was 22 and from Eggebek in Schleswig-Holstein. He'd been with the Schlasta for two months and was one of only two pilots to have a confirmed kill (the other being Hauptmann Sieger who had two kills).

The pair chatted, Messerer giving young Werner some tips. Eventually however it was time for the briefing and Hauptmann Sieger made a point of welcoming Werner and then explained the Schlasta would be heading towards the lines around Autreville looking for any targets of opportunity.

Werner was also introduced to his gunner, Vzfw Alfred Kaisenberg was 20 and from Ettlingen near Karlsruhe. Kaisenberg had only been with the Schlasta for ten days.

The weather was still awful, driving rain and strong winds made it an unpleasant take off for Werner, but he managed it fine and formed up with the others.

The Schlasta climbed up to 5000 feet before heading out south west towards the lines.

Werner made sure to stay on his leaders wing and kept his eyes open as much as possible throughout the journey.

As they neared the lines, Sieger signalled to commence the attack on the enemy lines. Werner pulled away and made a run along the enemy trench lines. Now he was reliant on his gunner, Kaisenberg. The gunner grabbed two of the 5kg bombs and hurled them down.

Werner turned his head and saw the bombs had landed behind the trenches. Kaisenberg dropped another pair and quickly grabbed two more as they approached a communication trench. These two found their mark and landed squarely in the trenches. Werner turned for another pass and came down a little lower. Ground fire was wild and inaccurate as Kaisenberg took the last two bombs and hurled them down towards the enemy trenches. These two also found their mark and hurled mud and wood high up into the air.

Werner was happy with this outcome and formed back up with Hauptmann Sieger and the others and together they made their way home. No losses were incurred and only minor damage to one Hannover was recorded.


Afternoon sortie

After some lunch Sieger took the briefing and explained the Schlasta would be heading back to the Autreville lines, this time looking for any transports or trains nearby.

The weather had not improved as they got airborne and headed out after climbing upto 5000 feet once more.

As they flew over the lines Werner spotted what looked like a series of convoys down below. He signalled to Sieger, Sieger acknowledged and signalled to attack.

Werner, having peeled away first, took the first run. He yelled at Kaisenberg to be ready.

He came down to about 500 feet and the gunner hurled the first two bombs and grabbed another pair immediately. The first two dropped just behind the convoy, but the next two were bang on target. One of the trucks went up in flames as the gunner hurled another pair. These hit another truck, almost upending it. The final pair of bombs hit the ground behind a staff car and left it weaving all over the road.

Werner let the other bombers take their turn then came back in for a strafing run. He lined up and fired a lengthy burst into the convoy from head on.

Happy with the results he formed back up and together they headed home. One Hannover received damage but wasn't serious.

Later on, Hauptmann Sieger spoke with Werner and Kaisenberg. "Well done out there today meine junge. Your spotting was good, especially on that second outing. Your bombing was pretty decent too" said the Hauptmann.

"I'd say get some practice but we can't spare the bombs or the fuel." continued Sieger with a sarcastic smirk.

"Anyway, it was a good start. Keep it going. Now go and get a drink." Sieger finished.

Werner and Kaisenberg retired to the kasino as instructed.

Fullofit - Easter Eggs must by their nature be obscure references, but kudos for going back to find it. Headaches come in many flavors, the migraine, the hangover, the dreaded cluster, and of course the concussion. Maybe it was dark lighting or all the magnesium in the fish they kept serving in hospital that set Oliver's noggin back to normal. Who can say?
Let's pump the brakes on any future grim picture for our two (three?) lovers until we see if Oliver survives until Armistice day. There is some chance we haven't seen the last of Clarissa, though she's in a very tough spot right now.
As to Raben, he continues to fight the good fight and has apparently learned to phase through solid matter like Buckaroo Banzai!
That wing was threads away from separating. Threads man! Way too close. Be cautious. The war is lost, and Germany, if such a thing is allowed to exist, will need men like Klaus. That said, kudos on 140.

Raine - Yikes! Fergie is catching all the bad parts of Black September, including major issues with those imbeciles at the Claims Office. Eight straight rejections! Terrible about poor Harry Alvin. Reminds me of the passage in 'No Parachute' when Ferrie's main spar snapped at 15000 feet and his flight mates dove down and steered close to him as he tried to struggle clear of his harness, deciding to jump or ride the machine down. Why the hell don't we have parachutes?
Excellent idea taking the squadron into town for a dinner. Oliver might need to do likewise.

Albert - Dreadful news about Andrew. Rotten luck. Such a great character and you were rounding him out rather nicely. Have you noticed that your last two men have gotten involved with lovely nurses and then gone west? Coincidence?
Wilkommen Werner! You do like a challenge, I see. It won't be boring, I'll guarantee that. H & B!
edit - your post snuck past me. A strong first outing for Werner and the Schlasta. Some excellent pics as well, especially the massive explosion.


Carrick - some rather nice togs Cecil ordered. Very swank although things might get chilly aloft at this time of yeara. Still, les femmes will swoon at the very sight of his leather-clad person. Like that beer maid. Oh la la!
Condolences on the stolen kill. The Camel does seem to agree with Cecil, though. Keep it going.

Lou - Thanks for Oliver's latest wounded stripe. I do hope you won't have to create another, though as you correctly observe, Oliver has gotten a bit reckless of late. Let's hope that valedictory letter for Clarissa with Freddy's name on it doesn't get mailed. An historic evening celebration of Freddy's VC. Many congrats once again. The Snipe rampage continues, I see, this time the mud moving version and despite the moronic orders from Wing. Red Tabs!

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 106



7 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Bertangles, France

Nichols and Webb worked through the night but D330 remains Hors du Combat. They’ll have other duties now that we’re moving to Cappy tomorrow.

More low attacks on Hun rear areas near St. Quentin. Southey with A Flight bombed a column of transports and shot up a group of motorcyclists.

Hazell and A Flight went balloon hunting this afternoon and returned having dropped three. Only one confirmed. There were other S.E.s in the area on a similar mission and they claimed the other two.

Crossen reported firing on a parachuting observer. The Hun’s canopy folded up and he plummeted straight down to his death. I made no comment but the episode gave me pause until I thought it through. A well-trained Observer could rain death on hundreds or maybe thousands of our infantry. What was the use of destroying balloons if the Observers went right back up the next day? True, the man was helpless dangling in his parachute, but so were many of the Huns I shot down. I thought back to my first Hun, his prop windmilling slowly as he tried to glide back over NML to his own lines. I killed him without a second thought. Still, the idea of shooting a man in a parachute doesn’t sit right with me.


8 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Woke to a much-improved calf. It may not rate a wounded stripe but it hurt like hell for the last two days. The MO changed the dressing and saw no sign of infection. I can get around without the vitus now but climbing any stairs is still painful.

The spectacle of a well-organized Squadron breaking camp and packing up never fails to amaze. Overcast with periods of rain. Patrols would continue. Saw A Flight off on the morning show, an OP North of St. Quentin. They would land at Cappy afterwards. Woods engine conked on climb out and he returned riding a trail of smoke.

C Flight with the addition of Woods were last off on the afternoon patrol. Woods flew my D330 with strict orders to bring her and himself back undamaged. I watched them depart them then climbed into the Shelsley.


Passing through Corbie the full scope of the devastation was plain to see.

Shattered buildings and piles of rubble littered the town. I directed Chorley down the Rue Faidherbe then left down the side street to the Café Fou. Amidst all the destruction, the building still stood. Most of the third floor was gone and the roof collapsed on two of the four sides but the second and ground floor appeared undamaged.

The café was half full, mostly Australians in the place. It being mid-afternoon, Madame de Rochefort had gone to rest but her daughters recognized me as I entered. Many heads turned as they each kissed me in turn. I couldn’t stay despite their entreaties but promised to return as soon as possible.

We took the long way round out of town. Driving by L’Hotel was a depressing sight. The postern gate and surrounding structures lay in ruins. Past the courtyard I saw the remains of the main building. Completely destroyed. Those beautiful apartments, that magnificent tub, all gone. Now just a memory like that first night I spent there with Eliza.

Uneventful trip to Cappy. Cpl. Chorley navigated the mud-churned roads with considerable skill and didn’t get stuck once, despite numerous delays for those less fortunate.

We arrived just as C Flight returned from patrol. Woods was last down. At the final moment a gust of wind stood D330 on edge. Her left wing caught and she cartwheeled once, then slid tail first along the muddy ground before coming to a halt upright.



We raced out to the machine fearing the worst but Woods greeted us with a wave and with his usual impish smile. Then he saw my face and the color drained from his. My beloved D330 lay in a crumpled heap, a certain write off. I drew breath to vent my growing fury when the memory of Major Blomfield berating a hapless new arrival sprang forward.

“You Unspeakable Creature! Don’t let me see your face again for 24 hours!”

As they had last October, the words made me laugh inwardly.

“Very sorry, sir,” Woods said sheepishly, climbing out of the cockpit with some difficulty.

I preserved my best commanding scowl for Woods, enjoying his discomfort as he waited for me to pronounce sentence.

“Could have happened to anyone, Woods. Off you go now.”

He sagged in visible relief then headed off across the sodden field.

Nichols, Webb, and Flight Sgt. Fisher stood near the wreck of D330.

“She’s had it, sir,” said Fisher. “We’ll send her to the Depot to be struck off charge.”
D330 was just a machine but I felt like I was putting down a beloved dog.

Cappy was the Baron’s last home in April and his name still marks various notices plastered about the area. The main road through the airfield is labelled ‘Richthofen Strasse.’ We base here with 46 Squadron, who are in a similar predicament. Rain started an hour after we arrived. Not a tent or hangar up and no cover for miles. Hazell took shelter under a piece of corrugated iron learning on a post and grumbled something about buying an umbrella when he next went on leave.

Surrounded by the old 1916 trench lines the aerodrome possesses many excellent dugouts, some over 40 feet below ground. The very idea of sleeping under the earth fills me with horror but given the lack of tents there may be no choice. Our machines will sleep rough for the next day or two.

By early evening the tent party erected a small mess tent and Sgt. Welch in charge of the mess put up a splendid Piccadilly dinner with fizz and filleted sole.



9 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

An uneasy night underground. Rain continues unabated. Tent crews have a hangar up but we’ll be sleeping below for a few days yet.

The move to Cappy brings us much closer to the lines and within 7 miles of 55 CCS, who moved forward to Edgehill, near Dernacourt at the end of August. With the push these last weeks, I can only imagine how busy Eliza must have been. I’ve not seen her since our day at Vecquemont but now that the Huns retreat maybe we can steal away for an afternoon.

Three tent hangars up by late afternoon. Nichols and Webb began preparing my new mount, F5449, for flight testing.



10 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Glass shows no sign of change. Tomorrow is sure to be a washout. After a morning meeting at Wing, I could easily detour through Corbie. Had Cpl. Chorley deliver a note to Eliza. I hope she can get away tomorrow for a lunch at the Café Fou. Chorley returned an hour later with Eliza’s scribbled assent on the note.

Yes, 12-2. -E



11 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Morning meeting at Chateau Bertangles concluded as scheduled at 10.30. Among more routine matters, Colonel Cairnes relayed the latest directive from General Salmond at RAF HQ.

1 . Orders have been issued to Armies to press the enemy with advanced guards with the object of driving in his outposts and rear-guards and ascertaining his dispositions, but to undertake no deliberate operations on a large scale for the present. Troops are to be rested as far as possible and our resources conserved.

2. The G.O.C. wishes brigadiers to adopt a similar policy in the case of the R.A.F. which has now been working at high pressure for many months. Should the enemy adopt an aggressive policy in the air, it will, of course, be necessary to continue a vigorous offensive, but, provided he keeps well back at a distance behind his lines, the policy of seeking out and destroying his machines will be less actively pursued and offensive patrol work will be restricted to keeping back his artillery and reconnaissance machines and enabling ours to do their work.

3. To carry out the above policy the G.O.C. wishes brigadiers to reduce the number of fighting squadrons working over the lines to a minimum each day, and to take individual squadrons definitely off this work for a day or more at a time, during which they will carry out training only.

A respite to rest and train up the new men would be most welcome. I paid Uncle a brief visit then began the slog back to Corbie, arriving at the Café Fou just before Noon.

The divine Madame de Rochefort was as luminously beautiful as I remembered. If the struggles of the past months and the complete destruction of her home weighed upon her mind, I couldn’t tell. When I mentioned that I’d had a letter from Ackers a month ago her face lit up. Ackers is still languishing in Home Establishment.

As I had last April, I waited at a window table in growing agitation. The rain continued without break. By 2.30 it was clear Eliza wasn’t coming. I bade farewell to Madame de Rochefort and returned to Cappy by way of Edgehill. When I inquired after Eliza an orderly delivered me a note.

“She left this morning, sir. Asked me to give you this.”



#%&*$#. #%&*$#. #%&*$#. The Gods do enjoy their amusements.

Weather cleared early evening just enough for a flight test of F5449. Nichols and Webb had her rigged just right. She’s a nimble thing and the Wolseley is a strong one.



12 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France


10.50 Flying weather at last. Full Squadron patrol of enemy lines from Roise, north to the Canal du Nord. Hazel had A Flight 2000 feet above. Barton led C flight with Rorison, Rose, Wales, Fuller, Larrabee, and Wren.

Seven Yellow-tailed Fokkers over the lines. Caught one immediately with a strong burst and got him smoking. I closed to finish but after a 2 second burst, both guns stopped. It was enough. The pilot slumped forward and the Fokker tumbled down out of control. I climbed west to clear the stoppages.


Returned to the dance. This time the guns worked properly.

I followed him down for 500 feet as he nosed over and went straight in. Circling, I saw another Hun heading east.


He fell in the mud, and the mist of darkness mantled over both eyes.

J. C. Rorison is off to rejoin the US Air Service tomorrow. Raucous night of celebration in the mess tonite which helped me forget, at least for a little while, the crushing disappointment of missing Eliza yesterday. I can’t let thoughts of her distract me from the job at hand. I know all too well where that road leads.



13 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

An early morning wake-up call for the Huns at Liermont aerodrome. C Flight’s machines sustained heavy damage yesterday on the afternoon patrol. Despite the all-night efforts of Flight Sgt Thould and the A/Ms, only 3 serviceable aircraft were ready for the dawn patrol. Liermont was an advanced landing ground so I thought a four-ship strike group sufficient to do the job. Barton led Hellett, Wren and myself.

Blasted the hangars. Surveying the damage, a lone Fokker stood out against the mud. I scanned the sky for any other Huns but the air was clear. Dropping down a gave the Hun a burst.


A bit eager, Horace? Barton in his Old Brown Dog swooped in front of me and flamed the Hun

Two of the three Fokkers from yesterday confirmed. One Hundred Eighty-one.



14 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

10.15 Escort of 5 Breguets of ESC 279 to bomb German reserves north of the Bapaume Cambrai road.

Hazell & Harries went on leave today. With Lowe gone to HE, that leaves only myself and Barton as seasoned flight commanders. Palmer has the making of a good Flight leader. He’s been flying as my deputy in B Flight. I put Crossen in temporary command of A Flight.

Lt. Ernest Carpenter arrived today. He took his ticket in November 1916, almost a full month before I did! Had some sort of problem with his sight and spent time in hospital before serving as a ferry pilot for some months last year. No combat experience.



15 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

5.45 with Barton and C flight on a morning escort of Breguets from ESC 44 on a recce of the lines.

Crossing the Somme 7 miles south of the rendezvous point we flew directly under 5 DFWs heading southwest. Turned to attack.

Got up under the trailer and hammered him soundly. He was leaking grey smoke and fuel when both guns jammed. Pulled away to clear the stoppages and reload the Lewis.


Seymour sent the Hun down

Attacked a second with Seymour. Again, the Vickers jammed just as I had the Hun smoking. Thankfully it was only a misfire and the cartridge cleared the breech easily.


The wretched Observer rang the bell once again

Bits of the windscreen hit my face like bird shot, cracking my right goggle lens. I could smell leaking petrol but the cockpit was dry for now. Battle mad, I closed on the Hun guns blazing. When he slid off right, I saw the pilot slumped over. The DFW glided down then started into a spin eventually crashing south of Moislans aerodrome.

Glided down to Moislans to a crowd of onlookers, who having witnessed the combat directly overhead, were all too happy to lend their confirmation to the Flight’s 3 victories. The CO treated me to a sumptuous breakfast as the AMs repaired F5449’s petrol tank.

Flew back to Cappy. Barton and company had an eventful end to the patrol. Barton destroyed an Albatros C type, then he and Bair sent a Hannover down in flames.

Seymour saw the DFW crash as did many at Moislans aerodrome. One Hundred Eighty-two



16 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

6.00 Morning line patrol north of the Bapaume – Cambrai road.

Ran into a flight of 7 Fokkers just as we reached the lines. Jasta 23 by their lozenged fuselage and zebra striped tails. Hit one, went high, and came down again. I didn’t see Jasta 26 entering the fray…

Larrabee chased by a Hun! I went wading back in to his assistance. A hammer blow landed on my left foot knocking it off the rudder bar and sending a corresponding shock through my right foot. I couldn’t find the metal loop with a numbed left foot so I just put my arch on top of what felt like twisted metal.


My foot hurt like the devil but my blood was up and I would have this Hun.


Almost there…

The Kaiser’s flieger would not see home again.

The bullet struck the metal foot loop on the rudder bar. Not serious but my left foot is covered with a livid purple bruise. Walking is painful but I can manage. My vitus will be put to use as a cane for a day or two.

Claim denied. Fokker went to the AA boys, again. I saw not a single puff of Archie. Evening dispatch not all bad news. The Huns dropped a message that Beauchamp is a Prisoner of war.

I reflect on my continuing luck as I recount these recent combats. It can’t last. Too many close calls. Arthur would often cite his favorite Buddhist saying, “Don’t be stupid.” Stupid. Like pressing home that attack yesterday. I’m getting reckless. It's getting more difficult to stop myself once the fight begins. The same thing happened last Fall. So many of the old hands are going west now, most of them breaking their own rules like poor Mannock did. Bold fighter pilots or old fighter pilots. Rarely the two combined.

Fantastic yarns gents! Condolences to those who have gone west and congratulations to those still in the fight. Some seem to have nine lives! Epower, I realize Oliver was a bit put out when expectations of a romantic interlude was cut off at the pass but please be careful!

Albert, it did look like Klaus was part of a ghost Jasta with those SPADs not seeing them, but that Klaus had other ideas and ghosted two SPADs.
So Hannovers for Werner …
He’d better get his rear gunner in line and pronto. That boy better know what the Bréguets are capable of. Now, we all are waiting to hear about his first day out.

And here we have it. Two lucky missions for our young friend. Found his targets on both occasions without any problems and dispatched them using his ordnance. I say lucky, because no enemy planes were around. We will now wait for baptism of fire against the enemy scouts, or bombers, as they like to be called. Well done! Schlasta needs pilots like Werner.

Lou, I’m afraid Klaus won’t have the opportunity to work his magic, as you put it, on the claims office, as you will see.
I can feel the excitement of your man learning of yet another ground attack he must attend to. With the air Huns scampering away, Freddy better get used to moving mud. Those buildings are the only game in town at the moment.

Raine, you had to say it. Praising a pilot is bad luck. I blame you for today’s fiasco.
So, finally Harry Alvin gets it. That one was more dangerous than the enemy. Nearly collecting fellow wingmate, going for the same target as the said wingmate, going alone against a wall of fire, ramming the said target, destroying his own machine, trying to learn to fly without the said machine. What a disaster. The Squadron is definitely better off without him. I say a successful mission after all.
A more successful mission was that dinner the day after. What a meal! Plenty of drink and some entertainment.
Finally back to business after the rain and as to those claims, I figure someone has it in for the Canadians.

Epower, so no grim future for Oliver and his Femmes Fatales? You really need to catch up to the rest of us. You only have a month to do it in.
Klaus was lucky that time with the wing holding together. Not so today.
So, a move to the miserable Cappy aerodrome. Hopefully sleeping in grave-like conditions will soon be a thing of the past. A missed opportunity to dine with Eliza. Luck is a terrible bítch, Never satisfied with simple things. You only get rewarded by her if you overcome the obstacles she places ahead of you.
Then back to the job at hand of removing Huns from the sky. Two close calls in quick succession. Oliver is getting reckless. This is not good. He needs a friend to tell him to take care and listen to the wise Buddhist sayings. Over 180! That's incredible.

MFair, good to see you around!

7 October, 1918 08:45
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
140 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

No word on the two SPAD claims from yesterday.
The call came in to send Jasta 18 to intercept enemy machines heading for the troop camp south of Delme. Klaus with his Schwarm already in the air was racing towards the troop camp. He looked back. Schwarm Eins was lagging behind. These boys are never in a rush. They were passing Verny when they spotted the enemy bombers. Five of them and much higher than the four men about to duel with them. Raben wondered what they were doing this far from the camp. Was the French HQ trying to be smart and ordered them to go around and attack from behind. No one would expect that. No one except the enemy planes which were trying to intercept them and took the most direct route to get there. One of the bombers was already descending to attack. Klaus saw it and adjusted his course accordingly. The Bréguet aborted his assault and tried to go around, but the element of surprise was squandered and the rest of Schwarm Zwei was already after him. That left only four for Klaus. There they were, still hanging high. Where’s the fourth one?! Ah, there it is. They’ve finally decided to come down and play. Was Raben worried? Not at all. It was perfect timing as Schwarm Eins just arrived. The melee was now in full swing and Klaus quickly picked out a target for himself. He went after it and to his own surprise blew off the top plane of the big bird. The last thing he saw was the dumbstruck look on the rear gunner’s face. Raben didn’t waste time watching the enemy plane go down. He was already scanning for the next target. One came his way followed by another Fokker. Klaus took some shots as it went by and returned to scanning. He had two candidates. The one he had just shot at and another one nearby, also followed by Fokkers. The one he was shooting at appeared closer and was now heading his way. It started to smoke from the constant attack his wingman was mounting. Klaus joined the attack and soon the Bréguet was on fire. Raben continued his fusillade. He wanted to make sure the beast was not going to get away. Once he was satisfied that escape would not be possible he disengaged and looked for more victims. It appeared there were still two available. One further away chased by a solitary Fokker and a closer one, being followed by three of his men. He joined them soon after. One of them was his cousin, August, who was presently punishing the enemy. Klaus arrived just in time and with a single volley shot the wing off the bomber. He could now see the last of the invaders catch fire in front of him and go down like a comet. No more hostile machines could be seen in the vicinity.

YouTube Link



Klaus gathered his troops, counted them - still all three behind him and continued towards the troop camp. Schwarm Eins didn’t follow. They’ve decided their job was done and returned back to base. As soon as Schwarm Zwei arrived over the camp they were met by an angry flight of SPADs. They were looking for their bombers, but instead found the small flight of Fokkers. They would pay. The nine SPADs attacked from above and immediately had the upper hand. Every Fokker was swamped by the enemy biplanes and bullets started to fly. Klaus was able to more or less avoid the initial assault. It was the second round, when he just fired at the enemy scout that a searing pain in his leg put him in a state of shock. More rounds ripped through the canvas. He pulled himself out of this frozen state and dove for the clouds. He was surprised how low he was when he emerged out of the bottom of one of them. It was dark and the cold rain was keeping him conscious. He could see the SPAD has followed him through the cloud. Klaus made an effort and banked his plane just in time for the bullets from the enemy guns to pierce empty air. The infernal machine went by and Klaus pushed the stick forward to get down to earth as quickly as possible. Too quickly. He saw red spots in front of his eyes. His plane was wobbling and his hands and feet uncoordinated. The ground was coming up fast. As through a dream he saw his port side wings dipping. He corrected. Treeees. Muuuust avoooid theeem. Staaaarrrrbooooardddd wiiiiiing wassss dip…ping. Whyyyy sooooosssleeeepyyyy?? Flaaaare uuuuup. He felt the thump. Everything was slowing down. Was he dreaming now?
“- Hilf mir, Mutti!”
There was an observation balloon nearby. Men were running over.

YouTube Link

MFair - great to see you dropping by. Never too early to start the backstory for DID IV! Hope all going well down in the wet wild woods.

Fullofit - Gott Im Himmel ! 50% health. Tell us that Klaus is still among the living!

Epower - A fine episode, and no sooner was Oliver's favourite mount back in action then some plonker writes it off for good. He did well keeping his cool. A trip through the ruins of Corbie must have been a sobering journey. It's funny how people still manage to live their lives through such devastation. Reminds me of the stories of Ypres in 14 with the market very much evident despite the constant shellfire. Despite Salmond's best wishes our hero couldn't avoid the Huns for long. Those Fokkers were hard work but tasty treats and at least a couple were confirmed, but he was running it close for a while, especially with the fuel leak. Is it recklessness? or just shear number of Huns around. Gone are the days of 4 or 5, now your lucky if it's only 12. A shame about the meeting with Eliza falling through but war is no respecter of a man's needs. As for Werner, a good start which wasn't bothered by enemy aircraft at least, that won't last long though.

Mfair - Good to see you around. Hope to see you in the air soon.

Fullofit - That was a tough outing, Breguets as a rather tough starter and then a main course of well done SPADs. These chaps knew what they were doing, attack en masse and keep moving, no hovering around waiting to be flamed. Klaus couldn't get a bead on one as he was constantly looking over his shoulder. Yes it was an impressive attack almost Fokker'esque actually. Raben took the brunt and what looks like a nasty wound. He did brilliantly to get down so quickly in such a state and the gods were with him as far as no trees or fences went. We await your next report once the wound has been dressed. As for Werner, yes he's assuming it won't always be so quiet around the lines but he's making hay while the......rain falls.

Fullofit, hope this is not fatal! If you are lucky you can stay in hospital until it’s over.

Way too late, other interests and busy for me to join back up but I’ll be in for DID IV for sure.

Epower, he’s fine, he still has 50% of his blood.

Albert, for once the Bréguets weren’t the problem. It’s that swarm of SPADs that gives one a pause. Even then it takes a lucky shot to make Klaus run away.
Werner will soon learn how to make hay when the Bréguets show up. For now it’s easy street. Come over, drop your load and come home to a stiff drink. Let’s hope he won’t have to learn the hard way.

MFair, this is DiD anything can happen, even you rejoining DiD III.

8 October, 1918
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
140 confirmed kills

…

Fullofit - Glad to hear Klaus is still with us. As for Werner, he's definitely been blooded now. Although flying at 5000 feet maybe we'll pass a few high flying formations by.



Vzfw Werner Rendel
Schlasta 7
Toulis airfield

8th October 1918

Morning sortie

Hauptmann Sieger took the briefing and explained that half a dozen aircraft would be flying over the lines to attack Courcy airfield. The Hauptmann advised against ground level attacks or strafing, rather, to descend to about 1000 feet to drop the bombs. He then stated the bombs had been switched to the high explosive variety rather than the shrapnel used against trenches.

The weather had thankfully cleared up nicely, indeed it was warm in the bright sunshine as Werner got in the air and formed up with the rest of the schlasta.

The improved weather made it easier to spot anything but also to be spotted. The flight was subjected to a steady stream of flak from the moment they started crossing the lines.

Werner could now see the airfield ahead and Sieger signalled to commence the attack. The Hannovers peeled away one by one and Werner took first go. He descended down, keeping the line of hangers in his sights and shouted to Kaisenberg to be ready.

The gunner started dropping the bombs down two at a time, then two more and two more until all eight had gone.

Werner rolled so he could see the results and let out a triumphant yell as he saw the bombs exploding against two of the hangers, throwing wood and metal high into the air.

The remaining bombers also got some hits and then formed up and made their way home, escorted by a throng of flak along the way.

They landed safely and Werner and Kaisenberg congratulated each other on their work.


Afternoon sortie

The afternoon mission was to be an attack on the lines east of Autreville. The weather had remained good as they took off and headed south.

They'd reached 3000 feet and were over halfway to the lines when Kaisenberg tapped Werner on the back and pointed high.

Werner looked up and saw what was interesting his gunner so much. A formation of SPADs, circling around like vultures and waiting to pounce.

Hauptmann Sieger had also noted them and began to circle as the enemy aircraft dived down.

At least two came at Werner and he rolled around to avoid the attack and give Kaisenberg a shot. He could hear the gunner letting off several short bursts.

As he came back around he saw one of the Hannovers nosing down with smoke billowing. Werner momentarily had a SPAD in his sights and fired into him.

He now saw a SPAD on the tail of the Hauptmann. Werner dived down and fired into the SPAD just as the Frenchman opened fire into the Hannover. Werner saw Sieger's gunner hit and desperately tried to help, but the SPAD fired into the Hauptmann again. This time the Hannover nosed down and went straight into the ground.

Werner now fired into the SPAD who tried to dive away but a good burst from Werner must have damaged the enemy as he slowed up. Werner sensed a chance and followed the Frenchman and continued hitting him. Werner now ducked under the SPAD and yelled at Kaisenberg to be ready. Kaisenberg did his job and fired a long burst into the belly of the SPAD who lurched over and went straight down into the ground.

Werner checked around and could only see one other Hannover. He saw a trio of SPADs now running for the nearest allied airfield at Saint Mard.

Werner followed and climbed. Not to try and reach the SPADs, that was impossible, but to teach them a lesson.

By the time he'd reached 3000 feet and was approaching Saint Mard, the last SPAD was already touching down.

Werner dived down towards the line of hangers and yelled at Kaisenberg to be ready once more. The gunner didn't let him down and dropped his bombs bang on target. Werner watched as the hangers took a pounding, Werner's bombs had clearly set things off in the hangers themselves and they erupted.

Werner yelled out "Hast du das Schwein!" and finally set out for home.

On landing, the other surviving Hannover had already made it back. It was Vzfw Messerer, who waited for Werner to land.

"Welcome back Werner, I'm afraid it's just me and you who made it back." said Messerer.

"Thank you, yes I saw the Hauptmann fall, I tried to help. I got revenge on his assailant though." replied Werner.

"I know you did, I saw him fall, that was great flying. I then saw you take off towards the fleeing SPADs. I take it you didn't see my SPAD fall?" said Messerer.

"I knew I wouldn't catch the SPADs but I pounded that airfield that's for sure. I'm afraid I didn't see your's fall." replied Werner.

With the loss of the Hauptmann, Vzfw Messerer was the de facto leader and later on he called Werner to the office.

"Werner, I just wanted to congratulate you on your flying today. The Adjutant just handed me a report from a balloon company commander who has reported seeing a single Hannover attack Saint Mard airfield causing considerable damage." said Messerer.

"Added to that, your SPAD, I'm happy to confirm that myself. The local commander also confirmed mine. The Adjutant also confirmed I'm to assume the rank of Feldwebel and remain as CO for the foreseeable" said Messerer.

"I'm glad about that sir. Did they recover Hauptmann Sieger's body?" asked Werner.

"What was left of it, together with his gunner, Schilling and our other losses, Vzfw Drücker and Gefreiter Odegaard. They should be returned tomorrow afternoon." said Messerer.

"How many of us are left now?" asked Werner.

"Six aircraft and six pilots, including ourselves. Right, let's go and get a drink Werner, we both need one." finished Messerer.

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sq
B Flight Commander
Phalempin AF


Oct 8 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed
1 Pending

Offensive Patrol: Our 10 a/c were High Sqn when we bran into the Rover Boys. Fokkers in 2 flights 7 of them with Yellow Noses and Tails.A big Melee over the lines I say Blasted Un tidy mess with ships turning all over the sky. The Sqn claimed 3 for 4 camels lost One was mine I cut his wing in haft. fell in the trench line.

Raine: It does make ya wonder what the claims board does.

Fullofit - Whew! Glad the needle stayed at 50%. How long will Klaus be laid up?

Albert - Werner sure likes to blow things up. Love the pics. Nothing like a well-handled two seater. Those blasted Hannovers were used like Brisfits in the closing months of the war. Very Nasty. Your man appears to be fitting in quite nicely in such trying times as these.
Nice work taking care of the SPAD. The Hauptmann shall not be lonely as he goes down to Hades of the Gates. Werner has provided him an escort!

Carrick - Good show, old top! Cecil gave that Fokker a real what for! Cool pics. Thinking happy thoughts about the confirmation.

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 107



17 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Hilbert Bair will leave us on the 19th for the US 25th Aero squadron. I’ve taken him off patrols. He had one hell of a grand finale with 24 Squadron. On the 15th he destroyed a Hannover, then yesterday he crashed an LVG, which the idiot Red Tabs failed to confirm. Remembering his brilliant work against the battery on 30 August I sent through a recommendation for the Distinguished Flying Cross. He’ll be with the USAS by the time he gets it but it is well-earned nonetheless.

Miller didn’t return for the morning patrol. He was last seen over Vermand.



More bad news this afternoon. Tomorrow we lose our Equipment officer and mess president extraordinaire, Harry Rogers South to 4th Army HQ. On the EO front, Cooke (EO3) can fill the role until a replacement can be found, but our officers’ mess may never be the same.

Even worse, Edward Archibald Lawson our Recording Officer has orders to 46 Squadron, effective immediately! #%&*$#! He won’t have to go far, as we share the aerodrome with them. Bloody Hell!

What a catastrophe! Lawson’s brilliant efforts had 24 Squadron running like a well-tuned machine, which in turn, allowed me to fly regularly. To his great credit he did take time to train his assistant but Sgt. Markham is not on the same level. I pray the new RO will be up to the task.

Telephoned Colonel Cairnes regarding a new RO and B Flight Commander. The Colonel promised a new RO by tomorrow but was decidedly unhelpful as to a B Flight Commander. While he didn’t state the words explicitly, it was impossible to interpret his response as anything other than, C’est la Guerre. I was about to lose my temper when I realized the vacant FC position provided me a perfect justification for flying patrols.
Lawson was on the telephone much of the day. By nightfall we had no word of Miller.

A subdued farewell to South and Lawson tonight. I shall miss them greatly. Tomorrow the balloon goes up of Third and Fourth Army fronts. The main attack will land between Havrincourt wood and Épehy in order to clear German outpost positions on the high ground before the Hindenburg Line.

Up past midnight now. I want to write Eliza but the many failed drafts of a letter to Miller’s parents litter my office and I must soldier on.



18 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Bessonneaux finally erected. By early afternoon Flight Sergeant Fisher had the bag hanging in the back. None too soon. The lack of physical training this past month has me in scandalous physical condition. Thirty minutes effort had me huffing like a locomotive. Work to do here.

Lt. Reginald Cunard Allen, new RO, is another who took his ticket in November of 1916. He flew Quirks with 10 Sqn during the Spring of 1917 and lived to tell the tale. Not surprisingly, he was wounded.

Hilbert’s farewell party tonight. He’s done superb work, with 6 confirmed victories since August 10th, in addition to highly effective ground strafes. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a major asset to 25th Aero.



19 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

5.45 Dawn patrol of enemy lines along the Le Catelet – St. Quentin road. I led B Flight with Barton taking C Flight out ahead and 1500 feet below. Just north of St. Quentin, C Flight engaged 3 unescorted DFWs at their altitude. Two Huns fell immediately, a third ran east followed by 3 S.E.s. The chase disappeared into a cloud bank. I dropped B Flight down, circling to regroup C flight. After ten minutes, half of C Flight returned and so with 10 aircraft we resumed our patrol.

Working north toward Le Catelet Rumplers flew 1000 feet below. No more creeping up this time. I positioned B flight in the rising sun then dove down to attack, dropping below with a high rate of speed.

Landed a solid burst on one and kept firing as I closed. I could see the tracers ripping into the cockpit.


The Hun reared up on his back, then spun down through the clouds.

Onto a second when the bloody Observer perforated my fuel tank once again. I kept firing both guns for another 40 rounds, then broke off trailing a long tail of petrol.


The Rumpler flew on undeterred. Armored?

Glided down to the Advanced Landing Ground at Bernes.

I was certain I’d hit the pilot of the first Rumpler. The sharp vertical move was that of a stricken pilot pulled the stick convulsively after being shot in the back. Nobody saw it crash so I didn’t send the claim forward.


Hilbert’s brother came to collect him. Both are off to 25th Aero.

Southey caught the two with his unauthorized camera.



20 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

5.45 Dawn attack on Liermont aerodrome. Why RAF HQ insist on pummeling an Advanced Landing Ground is beyond me. No aircraft base there. Bloody Red Tabs!

A and B Flights up together. We never made it to the lines. Just after climb out south of Cappy we turned north and ran into 3 DFWs escorted by 8 Fokkers. Crossen and A Flight engaged first, knocking down one of the DFWs before dealing with the DVIIs. I followed in with B Flight.


A single pass through the furball then up again

Down again and onto another. My shooting was dreadful and made the Hun look far better than he deserved.


A death by many cuts brought me no satisfaction

Landing at Cappy I could see the smoke of his funeral pyre rising into the sky. I’d knocked down my man but my flying was sloppy and my marksmanship appallingly bad. Unacceptable!

After B Flight left on the afternoon job, I went up to practice my shooting. I landed just as the patrol returned. Larrabee went down south of Cambrai. Nobody saw him crash so, gods willing, he may be alive and a prisoner.





21 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

3.30 Afternoon line patrol of enemy lines north of the Bapaume – Cambrai road. I led B Flight with Palmer, Fuller, Rose, Wales and Carpenter. Crossen and A Flight flew 1500 feet below to port.

Reached the lines at 15,000 feet when A flight broke aggressively to the northwest. Huns!

My recent practice paid off. A 3-second burst with both guns struck the pilot.


“His life came out through the wound of the spear-stab
in beating haste, and a mist of darkness closed over both eyes.”

Once again, the AA boys claimed the victory and today’s Fokker.

Yesterday’s Hun confirmed. One Hundred Eighty-three.



22 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Sterling failed to return from the morning patrol. Some nervous hours before he telephoned at 3.00 having reached friendly lines after a forced landing in No Man’s Land. Both his petrol tanks were shot through but he was unharmed. The machine was unrecoverable.

Letter from Eliza!



I bet she’s been busy. No. 1 CCS are at Boisleux-au-Mont, five miles south of Arras. It can’t be long before General Haig sends Fourth Army against the Hindenburg Line. That attack should bring her team back south again.



23 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

5.45 Another dawn show, this time an Offensive Patrol from Walincourt north to Cambrai. Took off in mist and rain but once above 10,000 feet the skies cleared. I flew with Crossen and A Flight. Barton took C Flight out wide to port.

Well on our side of the lines, just east of the Bernes Landing ground we ran into a full Jasta of Greentails. Jasta 5 again. I still have a score to settle with them.

I attacked one and we scissored.


He pulled too sharply and hung level in the air briefly. A fatal error.

Attacked a second Fokker, landing a quick burst. Tracers flew close overhead and I broke hard left as his pal went zooming past. My original quarry dove away so I fought his rescuer.


He paid a heavy price for saving his comrade


A third Greentail dropped from a cloud to attack. He did not survive.

Spent the morning working things through with Allen. He appears to have everything under control and running efficiently. I'm greatly relieved.
Up to 45 minutes on the bag now. Still huffing and puffing but my strength and endurance return, if slowly.

We have new neighbors down the road at Foucaucourt aerodrome. No. 85 (SEs) and No. 208 Squadron (Brisfits) transferred to 22nd Wing in advance of the big push. Cal left 85 last week for the 148th Aero. He’ll be in good hands there. Mort Newhall is the CO.

Billy Crowe, late of 56 Sqn commands 85 now. He went to hospital two weeks before I arrived. We only met once, in the 56 mess the day of Jimmy's funeral. Billy took over 60 Squadron after that but then crashed his car, killing Captain Sholte and Major Foggin. Good old Foggy. I never learned the details of what happened but after a month reduced to the rank of Captain, Billy was reinstated and given command of 85 Squadron.

The dispatch rider brought mixed news. Two of today’s Fokkers confirmed. The flamer was denied.

One Hundred Eighty-five.

The drizzle stopped just before sunset. I walked the aerodrome on this September evening. Not so fine as the one a year ago this day, but the sky looked very much the same. A dark grey low cloud ceiling, rain threatening. Poor Cronyn was a wreck after the fight. Arthur was so excited when he landed that he couldn’t speak coherently for five minutes. Voss. How brilliantly he flew. I tapped the misfired round in my breast pocket, the one that should have killed him. It’s always with me, just as Voss, Arthur and all the others.



24 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

10.00 Mid-morning Balloon strafe. This particular Hun was calling down highly accurate artillery. Barton led Wren and myself.


Barton set the balloon on fire. It exploded as I flew by.

Lt. Charles Arthur Bissonette posted to the squadron today. Finally, a new man with some experience. He flew with 64 Squadron since March and has 6 Huns to his credit. Fortuna be praised!
Barton’s claim on the balloon rejected! What the Hell is going on at the Claims office?!



25 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Hellet is off to hospital. Influenza most likely. That #%&*$# bug is cropping up more and more frequently these past weeks.

10.20 I took Hellet’s place with C Flight on the morning patrol north of St. Quentin. No e/a sighted.

William Burr Thompson arrived as Hellet’s replacement. Not many combat hours but he did spend a month with 70 Squadron last Spring before rotating to HE.



26 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Tonight, the guns opened up all along Fourth Army front in a preparatory bombardment. On the 29th, Fourth Army will assault the strongest part of the Hindenburg Line.



27 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

At long last, our new B Flight Commander arrived today. What timing!
Capt. Walter Longton, DFC, AFC. Sent him off with C Flight on the evening patrol.

Lt. Herbert Albert Young, South’s replacement as EO arrived today as well. Sadly, none can replace South as mess president.

Hazell and Harries back from leave this evening and none too soon.



28 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Low clouds and rain until noon.

1.00 Full squadron patrol of the battle area over 1st and 3rd Armies. Barrage continues to pound Fourth Army front in preparation for tomorrow’s assault.

Flying deputy to Longton with B Flight and the high flight. Over the lines A Flight broke sharply to starboard and dove on the attack. 3 Hun two-seaters escorted by seven Fokkers. Made a pass through landing solid bursts on a black and white banded Fokker (Jasta 26?) When he dove to lower altitude I followed.



A final burst sent him down out of control to crash into the mud.
Reloaded a fresh Lewis drum and climbed west to 5000 feet before turning back into the descending combat.

A second Fokker detached himself from the melee and came charging toward me.


“What man are you, and whence, who dare stand up to my onset?”


“Since unhappy are those whose sons match warcraft against me.”

Found Harries after the second Hun crashed. We circled over the lines, climbing and looking for the flight. Was on the verge of heading west when I spotted an aircraft heading north along the lines. Closed slowly and lost him once in the clouds. When we burst into clear air we could see it was a Hun! A volley from range and he broke left and directly into Harries’ guns. He rolled on his back and dove east. I followed an gave him half a drum of Lewis and 50 rounds of Vickers.


“He fell thunderously, and his armor clattered upon him.”
__________________________________

General Charlton issued a memorandum to be read to all officers on the evening of the 28th.

The attack to be delivered on the Fourth Army front on September 29th is expected, if successful, to have wide and far-reaching results, and may well be decisive of events on the Western Front.

(i) The destruction of hostile balloons assumes extra importance on the
day of attack. This is because a number of the enemy battery positions in the Hindenburg system can only be served by aerial observation. Systematic measures must therefore be devised for this end;

(ii)Reconnaissances during the battle, especially of the battle area and the country immediately in rear of it, will be urgently required. Such reconnaissances must be continuous and must be undertaken at such a height as will permit of road activity being seen and noted.
The pilots and observers of the Army two-seater squadrons must be imbued with the importance of this as the only means of providing against surprise by counter-attack;

(iii) Low-flying attack will be ordered on the Central Information Bureau system under which machines are directed to a locality where targets of sufficient importance are known already to exist;

(iv)If in course of a low-flying attack an enemy battery is encountered in action in the open, it will be justifiable to leave all in order to attack it: this should be particularly impressed.

Honnecourt to St. Quentin Battle will be our battle area and we have strict orders not to stray or go so far east that enemy machines might pass us unseen.



29 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

Rain and low clouds in morning until 10.00 then a break in the weather. No. 84 Squadron would deal with the enemy Kite Balloons, we would patrol the Hun lines in front of Fourth Army.

A and C flights up at 10.30. Over the Etang de Haut we overflew a lower flight of 7 Fokkers.


The damaged wing left the Hun a sitting duck.


Onto another whose wing did not survive the onslaught


Chasing low over the Etang, a third would go to the Death God.

Found Bissonette and after two minutes of circling, Barton and Wren joined. I gave over lead to Barton and we headed for our assigned patrol area. Approaching the lines, collected Crossen, Sterling and Southey of A Flight. Now we were seven.

Cruised one circuit at 15,000 feet. Turning back south, low Huns! Jasta 26 again. I latched onto the leader. It was number 5 again! He must have survived our previous combat. The Claims Office got it right after all. The Gods are mysterious.

I put my remaining 5 rounds of Vickers and half a drum of Lewis into him but on he flew. I had exactly half a Lewis drum remaining.


This one was an Old Hare and flew brilliantly despite the damage to his machine

After three short bursts I put my last 20 rounds of Lewis into him from 40 yards. He spiraled down to the mud, flattened out and tried to land. I found myself urging him on during his approach. He was going to make it! Fate was cruel. As his machine slid to a halt it tipped into a shell hole, turned over and exploded into flame.

Flying back to Cappy I remembered my two encounters with Black 5 last year. I hoped this wasn’t the same man.

Despite the foul weather we’re through the Hindenburg Line. We have the Boche on the run!



30 September 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France

I woke to a disastrous and ill-timed rain. One look outside and I went back to bed with orders for Jenkins to wake me again at 8.00. After working the bag for 30 minutes I bathed and enjoyed a late breakfast. Rain a solid heavy downpour now with low mists. We’d not be flying today.

Maddening to be grounded like this with the PBI assaulting the Hindenburg Line.

No news from Wing about the ground attack but all four Fokkers from yesterday were confirmed.

One Hundred Ninety.

Oliver’s September EOM Stats:

Major Oliver Alden Winningstad, VC, DSO & 2 Bars, MC, Ld’H
Officer Commanding, 24 Squadron RAF
Cappy, France
S.E.5a Wolseley Viper
526.49 hours
413 missions
190 victories
271 claims

Epower - Another fine episode. So many comings and goings from 24 it must be hard to maintain cohesion, just when you all need it most. Oliver has his bag installed though so at least the new gaff feels more like home. Speaking of performance, Oliver still thought himself rather misfiring but by the later missions of his tale he looked to be right back and bang in form. 190 kills, that mythical 200 is most definitely there to be had. A letter from Eliza, she wanted that meet up as much if not more than Oliver by sounds of it. Rather lustful at the end too, that should be some occasion the next time they're together. As for Werner, the Hannover is a steady bird and I too knew they were used far more aggressively than merely dropping hand bombs. That was kind of the reason for my choosing to fly one..... show what can be done.

Carrick - Congratulations on the downed for, let's hope the claims board are upto scratch.

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Epower - What a catching up! Huns bagged, men lost and/or reassigned, replacements brought in, trysts missed, and our Ripper nearing the unheard of double century mark. Take a breath before diving into October, eh?

Albert - Werner is a quick study from the looks of it, and he’s wasted no time getting his name on the board. It also appears he’s been blessed with a G/O who knows what he's doing, definitely a must when piloting a B/R bus.

Fullofit - I’m very relieved to see that Klaus kept enough blood to survive his near ender. Here’s hoping he’s blessed with attentive and comely nurses and a speedy recovery.

Carrick - If that’s what they do at the claims board then I want to go to there.

MFair - Great to see you stopping by. Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair by the stove, and tell us about who your next pilot will be.

Raine - Nice to see that despite Fergie’s busy schedule he was able to finagle a night out on the town. All work and no play and all that. But eight denied claims in a row?! Perhaps he should have taken the claims board along for that night on the town.


Not much to report for Major Frederick Abbott and his crew, apart from a spot of decent weather. A couple of quiet OPs along the lines and one bombing sortie on some Boche gun positions east of Delville Wood. Still no air Hun to be seen anywhere. And now it appears the rain and wind will be returning by late tonight. We shall see if the meteorologists are correct.

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Albert, Klaus is in for a bit of a shock after finally waking up in the hospital. But more shocking is all the carnage Werner is causing to the enemy airfields. The loss of the Hauptmann was a blow, but Rendel was able to avenge his commander in spades after following the enemy to their base. Well done. They definitely will be out of commission for the next few days, but it’ll also be a rough period for the Schlasta until reinforcements arrive.

Epower, the needle went down to 45% when he touched down, but who’s counting? Klaus hasn’t been given the prognosis yet as to his hospital stay. Have to wait and see, but judging from the dressing on his leg it could be a while.
It looks almost as if No. 24 was being picked apart, with good men getting shot down, taken prisoner, being poached by other squadrons and going on leave. Soon Oliver will have to wear many hats to keep it all together.
And together he keeps his squadron by bringing down foe after foe. Some stolen by the despicable Ack-Ack, others well confirmed. Congrats to Winningstad for getting this close to the 200. I am certain he’ll get there. But that confirmation ratio - 70%! That’s unheard of. Who’s butts are being pecked?

Lou, Raben’s nurse is very, very attentive but as to being comely, that depends on your definition.
A spot of quiet time for Freddy. An opportunity to recharge, catch up on paperwork, maybe a letter to nurse Ellison? Hoping the weather quacks are wrong.

9 October, 1918
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
140 confirmed kills

“- Wake up, sleepy head.” A gentle voice forced Klaus to open his eyes. He knew where he was. He woke up during the night in an unfamiliar bed. He soon realized he was in a hospital. He survived the attack and was now recuperating. He opened his eyes to greet his nurse.
The man in a nurse’s uniform smiled at him.
“- Who are you!?” Klaus was woolly-headed.
“-I’m your Krankenwärter, Hans. Pleased to meet you. How are you this morning?” He was flicking his wrist holding the thermometer. “- I’m going to take your temperature now. Please turn over.” With one swift and well-learned move he had the thermometer shoved expertly up Raben’s keister.
Klaus winced, “- I thought only women …”
Hans interrupted him, “- Do you think I would be able to take your temperature any better if I had a pair of tits? Is that it?”
Klaus was taken aback, “- I only …”
“- Save it, you flyboys are all the same. You can now lie back.” He pulled the thermometer out and began clucking while reading it.
“- You still have a fever. Better sleep it off. I’ll be back later.” Hans picked up a tray full of stacked bedpans and walked away.
Klaus was still befuddled by the encounter with his nurse and wondered if Hans didn’t leave a bedpan by his bedside on purpose.