Coincidence 1918

PFFF · 18 February 2005, 05:32 PM

YEars ago In a copy of 1920's ABMC report on France ( I think) there were photograghs of a US Ballon observer parachuting from his shot down ballon.
Reportably this unnamed observer was shot down-parachuted-went back up -
was shot down-parachuted on the same day!!!!

ONEALM · 21 February 2005, 06:27 AM

Well, this is likely not your man since the first time this crew bailed, their balloon did not burn, but the second time it did....

This brief account from Lt. Roy Kendell Patterson of the 2nd USBC then stationed at Bourcheses - 15 July 1918.

"At eleven o’clock, the morning of the 15th, my companion and I ascended, to adjust artillery, for a battery of the 103rd Field Artillery, 26th Division. We worked until one o’clock against machine gun nests and trenches. At about that time we were attacked by two German planes and driven down to a height of 300 meters. As we were not in our normal position our anti-aircraft barrage was adjusted too close to the balloon, which made it impossible to hear distinctly over the telephone. However, we heard the machine gun of one of the planes, although we could not see it, and consequently decided to jump. We landed safely and fortunately our balloon was not burned.

We returned to quarters for lunch, which parachutes were being repacked and the balloon made ready for another ascension. We ascended at two o’clock and continued to work, making four more adjustments of artillery.

At seven o’clock, five planes came out of the sun, to the south. We were at a height of 900 meters, but did not haul down, as they appeared to be French planes. The planes opened fire almost instantly. We jumped and landed safely for the second time that day.”

Ground observers said they were five plainly French marked SPADs and while the German attackers in the morning failed to burn the balloon - the French managed to flame it !

It was apparently not claimed - but I'd be interested to know which Escdarille was responsible ....