"A Strange Machine Circled About The 'Drome

[patrickmallahan]

* A few years ago I received a copy of a diary kept by Maj. Albert Burton Mason, an observer in 101 Squadron. In it he describes an event that for nearly ten years has defied all efforts at uncovering the full story. The long-standing but unclarified incident is described in Mason's diary entry for 16 February 1918. Before quoting it, let's set the stage.
* Orders had been received to transfer 101 Squadron south from its base at Auchel in anticipation of the German spring offensive and Mason, in charge of Squadron transport, had established the unit at Catigny, about 20 miles west of La Fere, several days before clearing weather allowed the arrival of the squadron's air crew and F.E. 2bs. It was a Saturday and here is what Maj. Mason wrote about it:

* * *"Today has been quite an eventful day. To commence, it dawned bright and clear, and our machines came on, arriving about noon. In the evening a show was ordered and all available set out. I did not go--only three machines of the flight were available. All got away O.K.--I was acting ajutant behind on the 'drome.
* * *"About 8:30 [p.m.] a strange machine circled about the 'drome and fired a light which we answered. He attempted to land but turned over getting down, and flopped on his back! Fortunately, I got there and picked the men out. Neither was hurt. They were Germans and and we not only got them alive (a Lieutenant and a Corporal) but their machine is practically intact, only the propeller being smashed.
* * *"We entertained them in the mess for a while, and at midnight took them by motor to Army Headquarters.
* * *"I got to bed at 3:30, tired, cold, hungry--but very satisfied with the day's work. And prospects are bright for a show tomorrow".

* Mason's account is echoed by another who was present. D. H. Montgomery in his book, "Down The Flare-Path", confirms every detail, mentions Mason by name, and adds that the German officer spoke fluent French and that the aircraft "was an L.V.G fitted with a 200 h.p. Benz engine".
* Beginning nearly a decade ago when the diary surfaced, and intermittently since, efforts have been made to fill the important gaps in the story. Though some credible theories have been advanced, nothing solid has materialized.
* Who were the German airmen? What was their unit? Their mission? What was the serial number of their aircraft?
* With the advent of the internet and sites like this, a lot more research fire power can be applied given the knowledge, records and enthusiasm that's out there. Will some fame-seeking reader be the one to solve the last (well, maybe one of the last) mysteries of WW I aviation? There are only four measly questions. I'll wait up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Patrick

[Soderbaum]

Interesting story Patrick...!

I dont have the answer...but perhaps a clue...In an old note I have, FAA 258 lost an LVG CV 9812/17 this day. It was reported force landed near Catigny within allied lines...

Besides, thanks for your addition regarding the career of Lt Killinger...it gave some new dimension about the man for me..

Further I dont have any names or the art of the mission for the possible FAA 258 crew..

But possible other forumites have..?

???
Gunnar

[jado]

Patrick:

In checking the RFC Communiques for 18Feb18 the only note is a single line in communique No. 127, "An EA LVG landed at Catigny in our lines".



Sounds like Soderbaum hit it right. Now lets see who follows
up.


Joe

[Rick]

No help here, I'm afraid. R.

[patrickmallahan]

Thanks to the three of you for responding. I think this thread is not going to produce much more but the aircraft cited is a good bet and suggests that my next move is to find someone with a list of captured a/c taken into British inventory. Since the a/c was almost intact it should have been given some sort of an identifier and since the capture date is in concrete I might make a match. From there, who knows? I'll also see if any of my Limey friends know of a captured a/c file at the PRO. Thanks again, guys.
Patrick

[Rick]

Patrick,

* *If you do happen to snag some crew names, please pass them along. * By the way, the a/c was given the British capture Number G.135. See C&C (USA) 10,2. *Thanks, * Rick

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Patrick:
* * * I thought you were going to tell the story of the "French" pilot that visited 56 Squadron when Paul Winslow was there. He flew in on a Breguet 14 and spent the night. *Andy Anderson ran into him in the POW camp he turned out to be a German Intelligence officer. *I thought you might relate Andy's story. ( Of course in short form).
* * * * * * * * * * * Bluest of Skies, Patrick,
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan