While there is some validity to the theory that McCudden was Von R's 15th victory (time and place certainly fit) some things do not match up. Firstly: I find it hard to believe that Von R would mistake a little DH2 (wingspan 28' 3" length 25' 2 1/2") with the much larger FE2b (wingspan 47' 9" Length 32' 3") after a fairly prolonged combat, let alone that it was not a twoseater. Von R had shot down 5 FE2bs by this date and had no doubt seen many more in the air. In anticipation, let me say that I don't buy the heat and speed of combat scenario. Speeds were not only low, but relative. It would be the equivilant of driving behind a car on the motorway at 60/70mph, thinking it was a Jaguar only to pass it and see it was an MG. Secondly: McCudden says that the EA left him at 800ft, yet von R in his combat report says that he left the enemy plane at 1,000metres, which is 3,250 feet. I believe both are accurate assessments by each pilot. Von R would not have followed an enemy aeroplane down to within 8oo feet of the ground and McCudden had the reputation of being a very accurate reporter of events in respect of place, heights etc. As for von R reporting that the enemy aeroplane crashed. This must pose a dilemma for the von R enthusiasts. If they accept the 'victory' over McCudden theory, then von R was telling a porky in saying that he saw the crash. Personally, I think von R was lucky that Mac had a gun jamb.
