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Since we are discussing the Voss engagement, I think it is important to mention the fact that during the Voss engagement, the 56 Sq contingent were not quite as experienced as most people believe. By nightfall of 23 September McCudden had only 8 destroyed victories and 5 out-of controls, Rhys Davids had 7 destroyed or captured and 13 OOC, Muspratt had 3 destroyed or captured and 3 OOC, Hoidge had 5 destroyed and 17 OOC, Bowman had 8 destroyed and 8 OOC, Maybery had 9 destroyed and 4 OOC, and Cronyn never became an ace. From before McCudden's flight showed up on 23 September, Chidlaw-Roberts had 3 destroyed and 2 OOC and Hamersley later became an ace but had 1 destroyed and 1 OOC prior to the engagement.
This is a pretty experienced bunch, but this is not the hugely experienced McCudden of the future who would really get angry if any of the ships in his flight took hits. If you look only at destroyed and captured victories, Voss actually had more than the whole lot together.
Still, by comparison to any other unit somebody was unlucky enough to tackle, with the possible exception of Jasta 11 and Jasta B, they were the top of the food chain. They were certainly experienced enough to take out Voss given the heavy odds and the fact they were flying one of the latest RFC fighters.
Taz
Terry Phillips
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