I'm sorry to have to report that my two-seater pilot flying in FFA 71, Offizierstellvertreter August Ege, was shot down and killed on July 26th, 1916, on a photo recon mission to Verdun.

It seemed like a typical flight, and August and his wingman even had three Eindeckers escorting them. Returning to base, they were attacked by a large group of French Nupe 17's. The Fokkers ran away without a fight, leaving August and his wingman to fend for themselves. August attempted to shake off the attackers by diving down, but it was of no use and soon bullets from a Nupe hit him.

He made a forced landing behind enemy lines, but soon perished from his wounds, and was buried near Verdun among countless other victims of that terrible battle.

***

Clearly my two-seater flying skills are terribly rusty after spending so much time flying Fokkers in the other DID! It didn't help that the escorts ran away as usual. But I should have known to expect that and been better prepared.

Oh well, c'est la guerre!


"Upon my word I've had as much excitement on a car as in the air, especially since the R.F.C. have had women drivers."

James McCudden, Five Years in the Royal Flying Corps