First French loss: German victory or friendly fire

[rammjaeger]

On 1.November 1917 "Guèrre Aérienne" No.51 was mentioning that a French airplane was shot down on 3rd August 1914 a.m. ca. 5 km distant of the German border over French soil. The aircrew Mairre (pilot) and Donnat (mechanic) were able to land but the airplane was destroyed in the emergency landing. The French concluded that both men were the first aviators downed in the world war and "there escape was proving that the enemy had already entered our area before the start of the hostilities" (?!?).

That sounds more like "friendly fire" of own infantry in my humble mind! Is there any Forumitee knowing more about this incident?
What say French historians today?

Other opinions? Hints?

Additional the article claims the first German air attack and bombing of Luneville occured on 1.August (!!) 1914! Siegert recorded this event for the 3rd August 6 p.m.

[Richard_Schrader]

Hannes;
It's very possable that they were downed by "friendly fire". None of the warring nations plainly marked their aircraft in those early days. Aircrews are both sides remarked that they were fired upon with great elan by everyone on the ground.
Richard

The French also shot down one of their own dirigibles, the Dupuy de Lome, shortly after the fighting began.

Given the locations of the aircraft, I'd say friendly fire was the likely source. Everybody had trouble with this during the first weeks. The Austrians shot down three of their own aircraft in August and German and Russian reports are replete with such incidents.

Just my opinion.