[R Gannon]

Steven

In an earlier post I pointed out change in fortunes during April 17 - that in first half, the German's really seemed to dictate terms and then from 21 Apr onwards, the RFC look to make more and more of an inpact in aerial combats.

In relation to this I found this informative RFC document in the appendicies of the AVM Wrigley book: 'The Decisive Factor - Air Power Doctrine.'

'RFC Orders Regarding Offensive Patrols at Arras'
issued by HQ RFC on 15 Apr 17 and sent to all RFC Brigades:

"The GOC wishes the attention of Brigadiers to the necessity, under present conditions, of working offensive patrols at medium as wall as extreme heights.

The enemy seems fot the moment to have given up, to a certain extent, his method of depending entirely upon height and his machines and formations are undoubtedly slipping underneath our high patrols without being seen by them. His tactics are, of course, rendered easier by the cloud layer which, even on fine days, has extended of late somewhere between 5000 and 7000 feet. By coming up through or underneath these clouds his machines have on several occasions attacked our artillery and photographic machines unseen by our scouts although large numbers of the latter have been in the area at the time.

High patrols must be maintained, otherwise the enemy will undoubtedly adopt his former tactics again, but they often miss an opportunity through being too high. It must be remembered that the conditions which favour this form of attack by the enemy apply equally in our own case and that low patrols working under or through the clouds should obtain many opportunities of acting by surprise.

While, therefore, the GOC is very strongly opposed to anything in the nature of a local escort of scouts, he would like Brigadiers to consider carefully the advisability of working some of their patrols at or about the height at which the Corps machines are working, with high patrols up at the same time."

(Signed) RJ Barton, Capt
for Brigadier General
General Staff

Moreover this state of affairs is bourne out in the CR's of MvR; which point to most of his victories in April being scored on cloudy days at medium heights.

Cheers Russ