Bishop is a cheat

Reinout · 25 November 1999, 09:26 PM

Al,

If German captives knew about the raid, than so would the German air commanders in the vicinity - a rumour usually reaches the ears of a higher ranking figure. It would only be logical for an officer to investigate why there are rumours of a single plane attacking an airfield in his district without a corresponding damage report from a commander of his, while many people seem to know about it.

Besides, the three planes shot at by BB may not have been destroyed, but certainly the air worthiness of the unit was compromised for one day at least. That had to be reported and maybe spare parts had to be ordered - J20 was in transit at the time? It might have been without a large supply of spare parts...?

I think that reports were made, but the damage was too little to send a shockwave through the German air force. And I also think those reports are simply gone to where all the other missing reports went.

Kind regards,

Reinout

wings · 26 November 1999, 05:03 PM

What specific evidence is there that the Bishop raid took place? Also, Jasta 20 was no longer in the area at the time of the raid.

Billy_Bishop · 27 November 1999, 12:52 PM

Reinout,

I agree that it is likely that the planes he hit were only temporarily put out of action. From the description, nothing was really said about them being destroyed.

As far as for German prisoners saying they knew about the raid, perhaps they came from the unit that was attacked. Unfortunately, all we have now are statements made by people who are long dead saying that it was reported by these captured German flyers.

I'd like to think that one day, some previously undiscovered documents will be found that will put to rest the BB Controversy, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.

VBR,

Al Lowe