The continuing service of Albert "Mushroom" Ward:



27 Feb 1917 @ 08h22 Transfer of squadron to Bertangles East

Well, we are off to new digs! Just when we get things nice and cosy at one base, the brass decides to move us to another. #18 and 22 squadron RFC are based there so hopefully they have things pretty much in shape and we should only have to deal with establishing our own living quarters.

We took off at 08h22 into 8kn winds from the WSW. We had low cumulous beginning at 3000ft up to 6000ft. We elected to stay below them for the 8 mile trip.
I lead the flight with Carter, Rochford and Mulock accompanying. “A” flight followed with Pierce, Collishaw, Whealy, Fall, and Malone. It was a short jaunt and quite peaceful. Upon approaching the airfield I noted two good sized woods, one to the South and one to the East. They were both within walking distance and I made a mental note to check them out for mushrooms, peacful walks, and possibly some birding. We all landed safely at Bertangles East and reported in. We had to wait for the trucks to bring our personal gear, tents, and our mechanics and fitters, so we decided to go over the 18 sqn mess, introduce ourselves and have a coffee. The typical rivalry between the RNAS and RFC was missing here since we had provided exceptional coverage for their aircraft in the past few days without them losing one. In fact Mulock had received a letter of thanks from both 18 and 22 sqn’s for our efforts and it was clear the pilots there appreciated our work. I fully intended to buy a round in the evening to the exceptional work they did over the front on those missions. I’m sure we will all get along fine. Our combined lives depend on it.

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