Hallo,

because of the fantatstic work of @OrbxP, which use historical RAF Squadron Reports (see in thread "Workshop Setting: forced Encounters", last contributions) I have asked myself: "Are there any serious informations about the rate of close contacts / fights, a Squadron has had in relation to the region and the jear, f.e.: How many close contacts / fights has a Squadron had in summer 1917 in Verdune per week (or month)?"
I have not the knowledge, but maybe some experts of you can say something about this. Of course an approximate value, avarage or percentage would be enough.

Thank you for answer!

I started a statistical analysis of Billy Bishop's flights when accompanied and when flying alone from 17 March 1917 to 31 July 1917 (as far as I've got). When flying with others he saw enemy aircraft on 68.1% of his patrols, was in combat on 38.5% of those patrols, and made claims on 13.2% of those patrols. When flying alone, he reported enemy aircraft on 76.6% of solo patrols, had combat on 49.4% of them, and claimed kills on 24.7% of them.

I believe Bishop was a brave and good pilot and likely had more than 30 victories, but I suspect his record of 72 exceeded the common amount of wishful thinking by a considerable margin.

I want to re-start this survey when I have time, cross-referencing all the available accounts.

The amount of “enemy seen” when in the company of others is much higher (almost 70%) then I would have expected. With a 40% engagement rate.
But the spring/summer of 1917 in Flanders was a hot time with major ground action raging below with 60 Squadron there for it.

@Raine:
Thank you very much for your answer and this interesting information!

It was clear that this specific question is very difficult to answer. Thanks!

Raine was doing some thinking during real life drudgery.
Where did the information come from (semi) detailing every one of Bishops war flights?