Fido Iggy Bedlow
Sgt Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
4 Unconfirmed
August 7, 1917.


Holy smokes, Banging away at the V struts. Out of 22 machines the Sqn could put up 7 for a balloon mission in the Roulers area. As we crossed the lines at 8000 ft a Flight of e/a's were turning towards us coming out of a cloud bank. Bad Luck, Good height for an Albatross, but not great for a Spad. During the Melee, I fired at a bunch ,but No joy. I did see at least 2 of them go for a Burton. We lost 1 destroyed + 2 damage. The e/a had Black and white stripes around the fuselages. The Intell said that they are releasing convicts to fly against the allies so the aircraft are paint ed to look like Jail Suits.

Raine, Vogel is pulling ahead. Ziggy will have to catch up. Only if he could find the enemy. Those Tommies appear to avoid his Kette. Luckily for him Hans’ numerous claims continue to be denied, so he still has a chance to make the score even. Time to make acquaintance of a General’s daughter, or make sure Bilhardt always flies alongside Vogel to make sure those claims get confirmed.

7 August, 1917 04:00
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Offizierstellvertreter Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
18 confirmed kills

It looked like it would be another early morning uneventful escort mission tagging along behind the apple barges.



Ziggy and the rest of his Schwarm were keeping their mounts just above stall speed, trying to keep up with the two slow DFWs from FA 45b on recon of enemy front sector between Nieuport and Diksmuide. As they were making another loop on their route, a pair of enemy scouts flew overhead. Much too high to give chase. Besides, they were stuck with babysitting duty and could not fly off chasing after game. Fortunately the enemy came to them. Their hand was forced and the Schwarm gladly defended their charges. It became apparent that their opponents were flying Camels. One dove to attack, while the other turned back. The Camel that came to play, flew circles around the clumsy flight of Albatrosen. Zygmunt eventually was able to get on the Sopwith’s tail and fire on it. The chase was closely followed by Ltn Strasser. A witness Hahn desperately needed for his claim be confirmed. He continued to shadow Camel pilot’s movements and fire when opportunity arose. The British scout was soon falling down engulfed in bright flames over Zwischengelände near Diksmuide.

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They were now low and underneath a thick blanket of clouds. The sun was still low and cast its yellow light, illuminating the bellies of the clouds. It was in these unusual conditions that Ziggy noticed 3 more enemy scouts flying at low level, returning home. Zygmunt gave the signal to his wingmen and dove at the unsuspecting flight. He targeted the leader while the rest of his Kette kept his wingmen busy. He nearly blew past the low-flying Camel and quickly climbed back up to correct his mistake. He was now back behind his target and firing wildly. One of his salvoes finally blew off top starboard plane and the Camel went tumbling down. He didn’t have far to go. They were already flying much lower than Zygmunt would have liked. After he watched his victim crash he switched to one of the Sopwith’s wingmen, but noticed another one was climbing on his rear. A quick maneuver later and it was Hahn climbing on his enemy’s tail. His new target was also shot down in flames. Hopefully Ziggy’s wingmen were paying attention and will be able to corroborate his story. It was time to return, their ammunition stores nearly depleted.

YouTube Link

Maeran, it was not Ivan. Jasta 6 has black and white stripped tails.

Raine, you are a killing machine!

Carrick, I think that was Rains Jasta with the stripped fuselage.

Fullofit, nice videos as always. Let’s hope you had witnesses!

Fw Ivan Immer
Bessinghem
Aug. 7, 1917

The morning show was a dud for Ivan. No sooner had he got to 2000’ his engine went bad and he was forced to land. In the afternoon, he was to fly with the Kommandant to patrol the lines between Lille and Bethune. It was Dostlers turn to have engine trouble. He signaled for the patrol to continue with 3 machines and turned back. Ivan looked over at Schubert who signalled for him to lead. Ivan was nervous about this new undertaking but was determined to do his best. South of Menen, Ivan noticed two specks above and ahead. Friend or foe? He ran through the steps in his mind. If they dive, he has to engage. If they stay on their course they are most likely friendly. If they are two seaters, they will head for home. He decided the best course was to climb and catch them. Sure enough, as soon as he did the 2 headed west. Once a little closer, Ivan saw they were FE’s. The much faster scouts caught them easily and Ivan approached from below and behind and sent the first one tumbling to earth smoking. He could see Schubert chasing the other and circled where he was as they were in English territory. Soon his two flight mates formed up and they finished the patrol without incident.

Schubert let the Dostler know of his decision to let Immer lead the patrol. “How did the boy do?” He asked. Schubert replied, he’s a born leader Sir. He never hesitated to attack the 2 FE’s. In our position, attack was the only option. If he would have hesitated, we would not have caught them Without going to far over the lines.” Dostler nodded in the affirmative. “Good! We will need good leaders to win this war. His Camel was confirmed today so now he has 2. I’ll let you give him the good news. The Strutter he claimed was rejected but two confirmed should suit the lad.”

MFair, that is a good start for Ivan. Two confirmations already. Well done!

8-9 August, 1917
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
21 confirmed kills

It is raining again and no flights have been scheduled for today. All three Camels from yesterday have been confirmed and Hahn was being promoted to the rank of Leutnant. The celebrations will last into the early morning hours as it looks like the weather will not cooperate tomorrow either.

MFair: I got shots at 3 a good set up on the one in the pic, but it just turned away . I just couldnt match the turn rate on the Albatros. I guess U could say that he gave me the

Fullofit: Really nice vids good cam work

Fullofit, congratulations on the promotion.

Carrick, the Spad is about the only thing the Albatros can out turn!

MFair: It may be a BE2 or FE can out turn a Spad. I guess, its Boom and Zoom but hit with 1st shots.

Fido Iggy Bedlow
Lt. Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
4 Unconfirmed
August 8, 1917.


Due to Rain, the morning Parade was held in the Tents, 1st Order of business increase the Rum ration. Replacements. ( still short pilots ) and being promoted to 2nd Lt, A waiver was submitted so I will stay on duty with the Squadron instead of rotation and Officer Course.

Fido Iggy Bedlow
Sgt Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
4 Unconfirmed
August 9, 1917.


More wet weather. Little bit of news, Someone brought down Zep, The paper didnt say who or where ,but it looks like the English country side. The X.O. said that HQ disapproved of our request for additional Rum. Our gallant C.O. said that from now on anyone going on leave or pass will be required to return with Drink for the Mess or be outputted from the Squadron or assigned Outhouse attendant duties .

Did Iggy get demoted for lack of rum?

Us Spad wallopers have got to stick together. Alcohol supplies are very high priority here at La Lovie.

Make a visit to 5th army headquarters old boy and pop in at the field.

Maeran: Spot on, I say, bit of a sticky wicket wot with all the Huns and no rum.

Carrick, extra rum allocations go to the Navy boys. Flyboys need to make do with champagne.

10 August, 1917 04:45 morning mission
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
21 confirmed kills

The weather improved overnight and air operations could resume. The enemy also noticed that fact and were already on their way to pay a visit. Ltn Hahn and the rest of his Schwarm were quickly airborne and climbing as fast as possible to meet their visitors. Ziggy noticed a SPAD coming down on him and jinked at the last moment.
“- Where did he come from?!” Zygmunt was mad at himself for letting the enemy surprise him like that. The next surprise came right after, when he realized the “SPAD” had a rear gunner. So, not a SPAD after all. Could it be a Strutter? Yes, it was a French Sopwith. There was a lot of confusion and near misses with his wingmen. Someone hit Ziggy’s Rumpf, but the damage wasn’t serious. He could still keep up with the Strutter and after some more chasing the French machine went down in flames near the aerodrome. The Flak boys will certainly try to claim his Luftsieg. Such is life.

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10 August, 1917 12:00 afternoon mission
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
21 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

The afternoon show was Frontflug between Halluin and Houplin. Once they arrived near Menen Ziggy noticed 2 Britishers chasing a single Albatros. They appeared to be Sopwith types. They all watched the Albatros being shot down over the airfield as they were rushing to the rescue. This did not sit well with Zygmunt and he decided to retaliate. They merged very soon after and the two flights began their duel. Ziggy selected one and went after him. The enemy planes had a rear gunner which took a few poorly aimed shots at him. Hahn was able to spray his target with a few Spandau volleys after which the enemy began to perform a series of evasive dives, but Ziggy stayed with him. He nearly had him when he was surprised by fire from behind. “- Scheiße!” His target’s wingman stayed with them all this time and none of Hahn’s wingmen could do anything about it. He quickly abandoned his pursuit and went after the one behind him. With a skillful maneuver of his own Zygmunt managed to get on the second Strutter’s rear. The nimble Sopwith dove and for a second Hahn took his eyes off him. The brown plane disappeared against the muddy background and Ziggy only noticed him already running west. The German Flieger contemplated if he should go after him. The chase would most likely end up just above the trenches. Was it worth the risk? He then remembered that the enemy plane was pretty beat up already and he should be able to catch him before he reaches the safety of his own side. The pursuit was on! Zygmunt shouldn’t have worried. The Strutter wasn’t going anywhere fast and the Albatros caught up with it momentarily. Hahn fired relentlessly until the enemy machine went straight down. The flight regrouped after making sure no more enemy planes were in vicinity, completed their patrol and returned home.

YouTube Link

Fido Iggy Bedlow
Sgt Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
4 Unconfirmed
August 10, 1917.


Well , I botched up that flight. As newly appointed Section Leader. I took my 3 a/c up on a Defensive Patrol . I wanted to impress the Chaps so took I them more to the East of the sector and sure enough there were 4 e/a about 1200 ft below us off to the North. I waived to my chaps for them to stay tight and dove on the e/a. Unfortunately, the e/a were 2500ft below us and were scattering. I over shot the enemy flight so did a reversal to get back into it. Twist and turn, Someone got a e/a because I almost flew into a Wing marked with a German Cross. Spotted one below and missed then he turned and I shot right pass. By then I was too far into enemy land and low so RTB. On the up side, the chaps got 1 e/a and we all made it back.

11 August, 1917 04:45
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
22 confirmed kills

As expected, the Strutter shot down in flames over Ghistelles yesterday was being contested by the Flak batteries. Who were these dishonest men and why has Zygmunt never met them around the airfield? At least the Strutter from the afternoon show went to Ziggy.
It was another day of early morning visitors. Zygmunt could see them high above. Two Gitterschwänze and an entire Kette of Nieuports. He assumed they were Nieuports because they appeared to be painted silver. He knew they couldn’t dive on him from this high up unless they risked shedding their wings. He continued patiently to climb on a circular path regularly checking the distance to the enemy planes. Still a ways off. This is when bullets pelted his wing. “- Verdammt! What was that!?” A SPAD was diving on him then went by and climbed up gain. Ziggy wasn’t going to catch him, but followed nonetheless. They went round and round. The SPAD had red stripes on the top plane. He could now see one of the Nieuports join the fight closely followed by the black-striped Albatros of Ltn Gros. Zygmunt had the opportunity to take a few potshots at the silver machine as he continued to spar with the SPAD. At some point he realized Gros was also gunning for the SPAD, while the Nieuport roamed below unchecked. Hahn let Gros take care of the French brute, while he busied himself with the nimble sequiplane. After a few more turns he finally had him and sent a torrent of bullets into enemy’s cockpit. The little scout exploded mid-air and the fuselage tumbled to the ground.

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Hopefully this time the Flak swine would not poach his kill. As he pondered that, Zygmunt looked around for any more trouble and found some movement just west of the airfield. He could see two Albatrosen chasing after another silver plane and it looked like they were having a hard time doing so. Hahn dove right into the midst of them and fired. The bloody scout was flying so slow that Zygmunt overshot it and nearly collided as the Nieuport pilot decided to trick them all and climb above the German machines attempting to avoid certain doom. He would have succeeded were it not for Zygmunt’s precise aim. The pilot was killed instantly after a burst from Ziggy’s Spandaus found his back. The silver plane tumbled down and crashed violently.

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The battle was over with no other enemy machines in sight. Zygmunt decided it was time to get back and he turned his machine around and prepared to enter the landing pattern. It was then that he noticed Flak on the other side of the aerodrome. Two more Albatrosen were chasing yet another Nieuport. Would Ziggy have to intervene once more? They were coming straight at him and he had the French scout in his sights. He took the shot and as soon as he turned to follow he saw the tracers from the other two machines set the Nieuport on fire. They all watched with gritted teeth the last moments of the doomed pilot. The flames engulfed the entire plane and thick black and grey smoke poured from it, leaving a deadly trail. Zygmunt was now watching in horror the final dive. No, not because a human being was burning alive. He didn’t care about the hated enemy he’d never met before. His reaction was caused by the realization of the burning plane’s final destination. “- No, not there!” The falling Nieuport was coming down right on top of a hangar. His hangar. He watched with disbelief as the flaming wreck hit the structure and demolished it in the process.

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The bloody scout did more damage to the airfield than the entire flight of bombers. Ziggy circled the field surveying the damage. The hangar was gone, only a few posts and a collapsed truss remained. As he landed he watched the wreck of the enemy scout still burning.

Carrick, Fido is doing really well. Love the pictures.

Fullofit, incredible episode with the kamikaze attack on the hangar! I've had my share of greedy Flak batteries poaching my claims in the last few weeks, but as you'll see below, I think I might have got over that.

MFair, I finally managed to connect with Ivan. See below.

After all that rain, Vogel is back in action with one of the most successful days that I have yet experienced in WOFF.


Tagebuch of Ltn. der Res. Hans-Dieter Vogel, EK1, EK2

Jasta 26, Iseghem (Izegem), Belgium

Part 24

9 August 1917

Second day of rain. I have had plenty of time to work on my uniform. The local tailor has given me a smoother fit at the shoulders and a little more space in the breeches. Poor Merkl could not have waited on tables very much – he must have had little skinny thighs! Our orderly, Dresl, does a terrible job on boots. Of course, with six officers to look after on our floor of the house he has little time to do a proper job. I have spent half of yesterday and all of today until now making little circles with dabs of bootblack and beeswax on a polishing cloth. My boots now shine like mirrors and I am very proud of them.

I am to accompany Oberleutnant Loerzer to Marckebeeke at two this afternoon. A photographer named Fischer will be there to take our photographs for Willi Sanke’s postcards! These things have become quite the collector’s item in Berlin, although I daresay you could trade a couple for a decent piece of pork these days. Things are not much better here. With the exception of our magnificent feed of oysters a few weeks ago, the boss tends to accept whatever slop comes through the official supply system. I am starting to think that if I am lucky enough to get a command I will have to put this right. Any fool can be uncomfortable in a war.

The drive to Marckebeeke does not take long. Our car pulls up in front of an imposing three-storey country manor with two stone lions flanking the front steps. Von Richthofen has chosen well. We enter the large and comfortable drawing room where a fire burns to keep out the chill of this rainy day. The Geschwader adjutant introduces himself and offers us lemonade. I learn that the Baron’s pilots lead a comparatively monastic life. Flying with the master is all business. Bodenschatz, the adjutant, introduces me to two other pilots who are awaiting their photographs. One is an imposing-looking Oberleutnant named Ritter von Dostler who has just destroyed his twenty-second enemy machine. I detect a slight Allemanisch accent behind his polished speech. The other pilot I recognise immediately. It is Leutnant Voss. He has a reputation as a magnificent flyer and fighter. He has just put away his thirty-fifth kill. We make small talk or, to put it more accurately, I sip lemonade and wish it were beer while Oberleutnant Loerzer compares Pour le Mérites with Voss and Dostler.

The photographer is finished fussing in the next room and calls for von Dostler to pose next. Before he can get settled, von Richthofen comes down the stairs, followed by his massive grey ugly dog. Richthofen’s head is still bound in a white bandage but he is smiling from ear to ear. He slaps Loerzer on the back and says something rude to Dostler. Then he sees me and my face takes a moment to register. He reaches out and takes my hand and welcomes me to his little kingdom. He refers to me as his “valued provisioner” and chides me for bringing no mustard this time. He says we must stay for dinner so he can pay me back.

The photograph is a painless bit of work. I sit in a high-backed chair and stare into the lens of the camera as directed. I have never had my picture taken in a studio like this and expect that I should have to remain motionless for some time. But Herr Fischer uses an electrically-triggered lamp to produce his flash and one needs remain still for only a few moments. But how many photographs he wants! I continually think we are done and the gentleman tells me “Just a couple more.”

When we are at last finished we retire to the anteroom which is thick with smoke and buzzing with conversation. I find a vacant chair at the corner of a table near the back wall. There I chat with two pleasant fellows, one name Schubert and the other named Immer. Immer is newly posted to the front but already has two Englishmen to his credit. We chat, inevitably, about aeroplanes. Later dinner is served – an unremarkable but filling goulash with dumplings. A single glass of wine was served. The Baron is a fine man but I will be avoiding his squadrons if I have a choice about it.


11 August 1917

After three solid days of rain and high winds we are ready for takeoff shortly before six in the morning. The weather is warm and glorious. There is not a cloud in the sky and when we lift off we can see nearly all the way to the coast. And that is the direction we are headed. Our task this morning is to patrol between Bruges and Ostend, as our observers have been reporting enemy air activity since first light. I lead the boss, Bilhardt, Dannhuber, and Blume. We waste no time circling about and instead head directly north, arriving over our aerodrome at Varsenaere at 2000 metres. There we begin our patrol, a triangle west to Ghistelles, north to Ostend, and east to Bruges. We are on our second circuit when two groups of dots appear in the east, about 500 metres higher than us. At first I pay little attention. I think that anyone that high and that far to the east this early in the morning must be friendly. But as the dots take shape I see they are biplane machines with enclosed fuselages and something does not feel right about them. I approach them while veering south and climbing. Finally they break formation and dive towards us. To my surprise, they are de Havilland DH5s. These odd-looking scouts are generally used for low work and it is unusual to see them up at 3500 metres where we are now.

It is a wonderful brawl. They are nine to our five but our machines are better and it takes no great skill to remain above the British scouts. At length, I find myself with an Englishman below into my right and no one behind me or higher. The hunt is on! I dive on the de Havilland and fire a long burst into its cockpit area. The machine tumbles away. I want to follow but now have attracted two more Englishmen. Bilhardt joins me and we take one each. There is much circling about. At one point I have a chance to glance down and see my first victim staggering sideways close to the ground. Now I get behind the second Havilland and fire. I see the rounds tearing into the fuselage and engine area. The machine dives away. I spiral down and find him again about a kilometre off to the south-west. He is trying to get home but I catch him near Jabbeke and my next burst finishes him.


"At one point I have a chance to glance down and see my first victim staggering sideways close to the ground."


"He is trying to get home but I catch him near Jabbeke and my next burst finishes him."

Now I am alone. I see Flak bursts over Ghistelles. A complete squadron of English machines are shooting the place up. Attacking them would be suicide, so I climb towards the east to look for the rest of my formation. I see two machines circling a few kilometres away and slightly higher – DH5s! I begin climbing toward them and am nearly in range when I realise that it has been some time since I looked behind. And there, neatly formed up behind and to my left, is a third DH5. These Englishmen must all be new to the game. I snap about, close in behind the enemy machine, and shoot it to pieces. It falls about three kilometres east of Ghistelles. I return to Varsenaere for fuel and ammunition and am back at Iseghem for breakfast. I file claims for three DH5s.


"I snap about, close in behind the enemy machine, and shoot it to pieces."

Late in the morning the telephone rings while we are lounging in the pilots’ hut by the field. A formation of lattice-tailed English machines has crossed the line south of Lille and we are instructed to protect our balloons in that sector. We are six – I lead Bilhardt, Dannhuber, Dahm, Auer, and Leutnant Drekmann who has newly transferred to the Jasta. There is some high scattered cloud but the day is still wonderfully clear. We patrol from Rekkem down past Lille without any sign of the enemy. We are ready to turn home when a large formation appears out of the east. They are FE2s. These two-seater pushers were a threat a year ago but are easy meat these days. I climb to intercept. Each Albatros chooses its prey. I fire a hundred rounds until I am nearly close enough to collide with the Englishman’s tail. The big lattice-tail falls out of control. I watch it spin down, well past the point of safety. Then I turn to find my next target. Another FE is not too far off and I close quickly. I fire a long burst and it falls away. The English observer hits me with a few rounds but he is too late. His machine is doomed. Trailing smoke, its dive becomes steeper until it is spinning vertically to earth. I see a third machine and begin to close on it but my engine is making an ominous sound and I smell oil. My Albatros is overheating. I switch off and begin the long glide to our aerodrome at Wasquehal, just north of Lille. It takes a couple of hours to repair the damage. I telephone my two new claims to the adjutant.


"I fire a long burst and it falls away."

I return to Iseghem around three in the afternoon and Oberleutnant Loerzer meets me as I dismount from my machine. He is grinning from ear to ear and over his shoulder I see my old friend Steinmesser clapping his hands and grinning. To my amazement, all three the Havillands and both the FEs have been confirmed – I have destroyed five enemy machines in one day, bringing my score to 29 confirmed victories!

Note: The first photo was the machine Vogel saw down low and thought was his DH5, but it was actually a French Strutter that the other Kette bagged. Vogel nonetheless got credit for the DH5 he last saw going down out of control -- his wingman Bilhardt witnessed it.

Raine: Hes in the groove. 5 in a day that up shows the Ring Master.

Raine, oh man! An ace in a day. How often does that happen? And all confirmed. Who did you send sausages to this time? That is some feat! Congrats, I doubt Hahn will be able to catch up. All he gets are extremely manoeuvrable and fast SPADs. What gives?
Great description of the encounter with the famous one. Good to know he still recognizes people after that unfortunate collision of his noggin with a bullet.

12 August, 1917 12:50
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
23 confirmed kills

Only one Nieuport from yesterday’s morning mission could be confirmed.
Jasta 17 was sent to intercept enemy planes heading for our airfield at Vlisseghem. When they arrived they were met by a pair of bombers with a SPAD escort. Zygmunt gave the signal to attack. The entire Schwarm went after the scouts while Hahn decided to punish the bombers. As he neared them he noticed a silver plane coming his way. Could this be an additional Nieuport that accompanied the bombers? Ziggy would have to take care of this one first, but as he took another look at the bombers that were certainly going to get away he lost sight of the Nieuport. Where did he get to? He found him and was surprised to see him running away, leaving the bombers to their own devices. That suited Hahn just fine. He made after the heavies and would have caught them were it not for a pesky SPAD that appeared on his port side with intent to do harm. Ziggy once again had to abandon his chase after the bombers and turned toward the enemy fighter. As he did, he was raked by bullets from the approaching adversary. It was painful. No matter which way Ziggy moved the other pilot remained behind or above. He had to be one skilled Tommie. In his desperation Zygmunt decided to loop his Albatros and as soon as he initiated the maneuver he was sorry he even tried it. More bullets hit his plane and reminded him he’d already tried this once before. It didn’t work then and certainly wasn’t working now. More circling around and trying to gain an advantage but there was none to be gained. For a moment he thought he had him when the SPAD dove under him, but when he followed the enemy plane ended up above again. He had to wait for another opportunity and this time not follow blindly, but stay high. He had to wait for another mistake. That’s the only way. Ziggy forced the other pilot into a scissor maneuver and watched him lose enough speed to cause him to have to dip his nose and dive. This time Zygmunt stayed high. He watched and he waited. The SPAD pilot realized his mistake and attempted to regain altitude, but it was too late. The Albatros closed the distance and its twin Spandaus began firing, causing significant damage. The SPAD made a dive for safety, but the damage was irreversible. Ziggy controlled his descent as not to overshoot or get too far behind his target. The SPAD filled his gunsights and Zygmunt let him have it, but the SPAD kept on going and gaining height. Hahn couldn’t keep up. He watched his target getting away, but then things started to happen. At first, just a puff of grey cloud from the exhaust, then a stream of black smoke and then fully fledged engine fire. The SPAD dove vertically down, all engulfed in flames. Zygmunt watched it go down all the way to the ground. He saluted his fallen adversary and promptly landed his shot up Albatros.

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Upon returning to base he learned Buckler was wounded in the battle and was out of action for the next 5 weeks. Poor Kugelfanger (bullet catcher) how many times has he been hit so far? He was sent to the same hospital Wolff was still recovering in. At least he’ll have a friend to talk to.

Carrick, the flight was not totally botched. You survived!

Raine, Wow! That was some feat. That may be a first. I didn’t realize Vogel was that close to Ivan. I smell a story brewing. Nice visit with the man and our Jasta leader. Little does he know, his time is running short.

Fullofit, that is a sickening feeling. Jubilation seeing your latest kill go down, only to see it crash into your own Aerodrome and do terrible damage.

Fido Iggy Bedlow
Sgt Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
4 Unconfirmed
August 11, 1917.




The Sqn Hit a Rail Jct this morning.

The afternoon was more interesting. B Flt led by Lt Penland was off for a Balloon. As we lost height near the Hun AF's by Loos, I found a Better Game then the Ground fire came Hot and Heavy. No Joy but fun in Hun land. The flt of 5 Spads got the Balloon. No a/c lost