Calling Cam - 2 Sqn AFC

Cam
In response to your query in the other thread, the book I mentioned (Highest Traditions - The History of 2 Sqn RAAF) has some really good appendices and photographs. The photo I think you are looking at is in the book (page 42), and is referenced IWM E(AUS)1483. It is captioned as follows "The remains of Lieutenant Robert McKenzie's machine A9544 shot down in the lines at Fremlicourt on 6 December, and returned the next day to Baizieux."

In Appendix E of the book which lists all the DH5s used by the squadron the only DH5 in the A95** series is A9544. It also notes the aircraft was brought into the squadron 1Dec1917, its code was 'Z', it was written off 7Dec17 and the notes state "damaged by EA, crashed Fremlicourt 6.12.17 (McKenzie), to 2ASD."

I couldn't find any reference in the book to Lt McDonald (your typo?).

Cheers
Gordon

Gordon,

Sounds like the same photo. This is the caption from the AWM photographic database ( their caps ),

"Negative Number: E01483
Caption: FRANCE. 1917-12. THE D.H.5 AEROPLANE IN WHICH LIEUTENANT MACDONALD OF THE 68TH. AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON (NO.2 AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS (AFC)), CRASHED OUT OF CONTROL NEAR BAIZIEUX, ON 6 DECEMBER, 1917. WHEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE MACHINE, LIEUTENANT MACDONALD WAS UNCONSCIOUS, BUT TWO HOURS LATER WAS ABLE TO REPORT FOR DUTY. (AUSTRALIAN OFFICIAL PHOTO) [SERIAL A954?,"Z"]"


Sounds like the same photo. It shows DH5 "Z" buckled up on the back of a truck with six people standing around it.

Thanx



cam

That's the one! A quick trip to the AWM at lunchtime today confirmed the the book. In addition I found Combat Report No.24 which outlined the events of the day as follows:

Date 6.12.17
Time 11.30 to 12 noon.
Locality MARCOING
Duty C.O.P. with bombs
Pilots Lt.Forrest (Leader) A9535 (?)
Lt.Robertson … A4938 (?)
Lt.Johnson … A9279
Lt.McKenzie … A9544

Narrative
Left BAISIEUX 10.50,am.

I led the formation across the line N. of CAMBRAI-BAPAUME road to drop our bombs (see A.E.I.No.32) We climbed to carry out a C.O.P., and when at 7,000 feet over MARCOING, we engaged 3 Albatross scouts who were flying at the same height and who turned to dive steeply. I followed 1 for 1,000 feet, sitting right on his tail, but after firing 3 rounds, got a No.3 stoppage which I managed to rectify later on.
Meanwhile the other 3 pilots dived on the other 2 scouts and drove them well East. After this we shot at long range at sundry other scouts whom we could no (sic) close with. Ten minutes later, we engaged the same 3 scouts, but were unable to approach to close range. 15 minutes later, we climbed to 8,000 feet and engaged a group of 8 scouts. I again had a No.3 stoppage and fell out to adjust it, while the remained (sic) of the patrol engaged the E.A. During the fighting which ensued, an Albatross got onto Lieut. McKenzie's tail, being eventually driven off by Lt. Robertson, but in the meantime, he had shot the former's Aileron control away and Lieut. Mc Kenzie was forced to retire, the general engagement then being broken off. I rejoined my formation about this time and gave the signal to break off. Lt. McKenzie was unable to reach the A.L.G. and had to land at FREM… where he crashed owing to his machine being unmanageable. He himself being unhurt.

(sgd) H.G.FORREST LIEUT.
Leader of Patrol

C O M B A T S I N D E C I S I V E



Notes:
Lt.Forrest's aircraft is possibly A9535 but is hard to read. Code unknown. Lt.Robertson's aircraft possibly A4938 but hard to read. Code 'Y'. Lt.Johnson's aircraft A9279 coded 'W' was damaged by E.A. in same action near Bourlon Wood 6.12.17 to 2ASD. A.E.I. means Attacks on Enemy Infantry Report.

Hope that's of interest.

Cheers.

>Hope that's of interest.

That was fantastic. Thank you.


cam