19 June 1918

[Vin]

Escapees from the Mannock’s Score Thread will recall that on 19 June 1918, Bishop claimed 5 victories and Cobby claimed 1. It was generally agreed that Cobby’s victim was Uffz. Max Mertens of Jasta 7. Cobby does not use the name but he describes Mertens thus

“He was dressed in a swallow-tailed Beaufort coat, very much worn, breeches in a very bad state of repair and very dirty, and was without collar and tie. He had not shaved for some days and looked as though he had come of a “bender”. We never discovered the significance of his dress.”

Can anyone help out the blokes from 4AFC ? Was there a big party on 18 June at Jasta 7 ? Anything known ?


Vin

[Craig]

THE JASTA PILOTS lists Mertens as the only KIA for that day. I'm not about to hazard a guess as to what that means regarding Mister Bishop.

Mertens was awarded a confirmed claim for one balloon, and I THINK he got the second one as well - then Cobby got him.

Did Cobby describe Mertens plane, or just his dress?

[Vin]

Craig

He says that he was approaching the line with a formation of 17 Camels when he saw a flight of 4 Pfalz scouts crossing the lines. 3 turned away but one, Mertens, continued on and dived on a balloon. Cobby placed himself between the Pfalz and the lines then shot him down. The Pfalz crashed into the forest of Nieppe.

That is all he says about the incident in his book. I have seen it described a a Pfalz D 111 elsewhere. Perhaps Gordon, Andrew, Darryl or Cam have access to more information.


Cheers


Vin

[Craig]

17-to-1 odds? Max must've really wanted that balloon, or else he was still drunk!

[Vin]

The flavour of Cobby's account suggests that Mertens may not have seen the danger until it was too late.

Or maybe Mertens needed a quick boost to his score. Balloons, big, stationary and do not shoot back.


Vin

[wings]

My notes say that Cobby described the Pfalz as being "black and white".

[Vin]

Jasta,

What is the source of you notes on the colours of the Pfalz ?

Do your notes / knowledge tell you anything about the bizarre dress of Martens ?


Vin



vin

[Craig]

How do you "miss" seventeen Camels? I'm not skeptical, just really surprised.

Jasta 7's "color" was indeed black, I know THAT much regarding Mertens' Pfalz.

[Darryl]

Vin,

No more info I'm afraid. J7 was predominently black with white markings. The tailskid of Mertens Pfalz is apparently at AWM Museum. (not sure what colour it is*G*)

I'll search a little more tonight. I did find the 'G' number if you are interested?(at home)

I think I have a J7 article from C&C somewhere. Might mention something.

Craig,

How do you miss 17 Camels? You put yourself down sun of them and concentrate very hard on a Balloon. I quite enjoy asking passengers to keep a look out for other aircraft and then pointing out all the ones they don't see!! (but then I'm just a B&*%$%^%d *G*)

BIG SKY, little aeroplanes.....

regards

Darryl

[wings]

My notes were made from the combat report by someone in England.