A good Christmas story ?

[Brad]

There is a very good post ww2 focused Christmas story, I think called "The Shepherd". Has anyone heard of or written a good ww1 aviation Christmas story? Also has anyone a link to "the Shepherd" on-line I would like to read it again.

James N. Hall wrote of flying one morning when, I think it was Christmas day- perhaps Easter? no patrols were scheduled. He was solely intending to explore a few clouds and enjoy an hour away from the drabmess of the airdrome. He noticed another airplane similarly idling about among the cloud formations nearer the front. Hall said he approached the other aircraft and could soon make out the German crosses on its side. He approached from behind and was in firing position when his conscience got the best of him- no murderer was Mr. Hall- and probably even not much in the way of a soldier? He cut his engine, slid down next to the German and shouted a Holiday greeting with an accompanying wave. A very startled young German pilot weakly waved in very appropriate acknowledgement that the Nieuport pilot had spared his life. I'll try to find the source- I think it may be in the biography of him that was written some 10-15 years back by a Prof. at the AF Academy. A marvelous tale! I kinda hope it was true.......Best regards. Lee

[Graeme]

Heard the one about Barker and Hudson?

Apparently, on Xmas Day 1917, they "went over to some Austrian airfield on Christmas Day with a placard saying 'Merry Christmas' and they proceeded to shoot up the place good and plenty."

The Barker Christmas Day excursion got him written up in a Hemingway novel. The reference was not flattering.