Journal Entry: July 4, 1915
Bertincourt

Today I thought I had met my end. It happened as we were coming back of an artillery shoot and as we were circling to land, I heard a loud bang and my engine was on fire. Thank God I was circling our field or I would have died today. Anyway, I've learned that when something like this happens, training kicks in. I went through the ritual of shutting off the engine and fuel and landing as fast as possible without even thinking about it. Fortunately, I was able to get us down without either one of us being seriously injured, just a little singing but it could have been worse. The worst part was about 30 minutes later when the magnitude of what just happened finally hit me, I could hardly stand because my legs suddenly gave out. Hauptman Schoenebeck has ordered no flying for either of us tomorrow, I didn't argue with him.


Member and provider of banjo music for the Illustrious BOC