Roland CII (Albert Ball kill) Mercatel France

;D

Can anyone help me with information regarding this Aircraft. Apparently the Roland came down on the Arimis Rd after Ball entered a full Drum in it's side from close range.

Any info you can offer would be gratefully received.

My reason for this quest is I have a engine Valve from this Aircraft (or so it is claimed!) and I would like to try validate the details I already have. It states it was removed (most likely from the Roland that was bought down by Ball. There is a long period between the kill and the recovery, but I presume this was due to a slow or stagnant advance on the war front.

I know the kill was confirmed by a Vickers Gunbus crew, but I would like to verify the facts here, and also find out if any other downed Pilots (crashed or landed Near by)

Any details of the plane (colour and Markings) Photo, conflicting downed aircraft, and crew, Id be really grateful for.

Also does anyone know of any other items like this? I realize this could be a fake, but I presume it was a beloved War trophy of some poor foot slog, that has been handed down to interested parties over the passage of time! (I can really see any reason for faking it, as it really would not hold to much value at that time.

The valve also came with a book entitled Captain Albert Ball a bio of his life, published in 1933 and is a first edition.

Many thanks in advance

Dave1961

Whoops

Forgot Any engine details and Exploded diagrams would be most welcome.

Thanks

Dave.