A couple of interesting blokes

[Vin]

Have a look at 2 of the blokes posted in “News” on 6 February:

Walbanke Pritt

The photgraph must be of his nephew/younger brother. He looks about 12.

and

Roy Chappell

His first victory occurs on 27 Sep 1916 flying a Martinsyde. Six months later he scores on 17 Mar 1917 also flying a Martinsyde. Eleven months later, on Feb 1918 flying a S.E.5a he gets his third. Thereafter, the remaining 8 come steadily until May 1918.

Looks like a pretty good effort to me to persevere so long. If he was flying a Martinsyde in March 1917, he did well to survive April. He must have been pleased to finally get a S.E.5a


Vin

Vin

Your subject heading says it all. Looks like March 1918 was a good month for Chappell. Did you notice the two Dr1's within five minutes of each other? Wonder if there is anymore info on that engagement?

Mark

[Vin]

I wonder how far Sailly is from Havrincourt ? Both OOC's. I read an account of an OOC by John Wright of 4AFC last night. I am now more tolerant of that type of claim. A pilot shoots at an enemy. It is hit, it may even be emitting smoke, it falls away and is last seen entering into cloud. The victor is more concerned with other enemy in the vicinity or his aircraft cannot dive fast enough to keep up with the stricken enemy. 2 in one day is pretty good, let lone 2 in 5 minutes.


Vin

Vin

I don't know about the closeness of those two places either, although they must be pretty close or the time on the claims are wrong. Prehaps the 'easiest' double is when two planes crash into each other mid-air as i am sure that if a pilot is attacking one of them he can claim the pair. I will have to check under the guns of the german aces but i think that LvR got a double that way.

Mark

[Darryl]

Hi guys,

Sailly is about eight or so miles from Havrincourt. Easy flying distance.

regards

Darryl

[Darryl]

Hi again,
24/3/18
Chappell's first went into a sideslip then went "completely out of control" (as opposed to a bit out of control I suppose*G*) The second dived vertically then turned on its back, still in that attitude at 2000 ft.

Busy day for 41, between a combat in the morning and this one they claimed 4 OOC 2 crashed and 1 in flames. German losses listed btw = nil.
Several pilots confirm aircraft "crashed" on ground but possibly a few double counted.

All in all I'd say ambitious claiming AND poor German records.

regards

Darryl