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If you want to assert that Luke ranks up there with other nations "big" aces or that he can easily be compared with Voss, you must have some basis for saying so. Of course no one is comparing "Victories" or "Flying skill" here. There is no comparison. That is what is objectionable with the comparisons between Luke and the truly greats which the groupies trot out from time to time. They imply quality not earned by performance.
Coppens scarcely cops a mention on this forum. That sums up popular sentiment on the issue of the victim value of balloons –v- aircraft as victims. Not much glamour factor in balloons. A comparison between Luke and Coppens is heading in the right direction. Coppens learned to fly in 1914 and was flying during 1916 although his first victory was in April 1918. His score, leadership qualities etc. put him in a completely different category from Luke.
Now if there was a category for Flash in the Pans…
Vin
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Honorary Consultant on Policy and Ethics
On a Holy Purpose
The absolute self-appointed authority
Too myopic to comprehend
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