French Aircraft Losses

[jager1]

I'm looking for the specific type of Flying boats shot down on 14th April 1917 and 26th May 1916 - Does anyone know what these were, I know the one on the 17th was an F.B.A but not the type- even better would be the crew also!

Seems much easier to find British and German casualties

Thanks
Jager1

[Gregvan]

Hi Jager1,

In "The French Air Service War Chronology 1914-1918" by Bailey and Cony, two FBA losses are listed for 14 April 1917, both from CAM (the Centre d'Aviation Maritime, at Dunkerque, I think):

FBA 150 hp No. 323, coded D.8: QM Charles Proux, the pilot, was WIA and taken POW, but later escaped (in January 1918, apparently). The observer Mat. Prudhomme was also POW. There is a photo of this FBA in the book.

FBA 150 hp No. 411, coded D.7, was crewed by QM Charles Huebert, pilot, and EV1 Locoq, observer, both POW.

The book says both aircraft were claimed by Flugom. Burgstaller and Vizeflugmeister Müller of See Front Staffel II, as the first victory(?) for both.

I'm sure others here can add more.

Are you sure the date of 26 May 1916 is right? The same book lists no casualties of any kind on that date; I imagine you meant 1917. On 26 May 1917, CAM lost (if I read the listing correctly):

FBA 150 hp No. 462, coded D.8: QM Millancourt (observer) and EV1 Robert Battet (pilot), both POW.

FBA 150 hp No 472 Coded D.7: EV1 Paul Ardouin (p) and EV1 Yves Gourguen (obs), both POW.

FBA 150 hp. No 471 coded D.10: QM Francois Amiot (p) and EV1 Paul Teste (obs), both POW.

FBA 150 hp. No. 418 coded D.11, QM Francois Cartigny (pilot) MIA and Mat. Joseph Farenc (obs), KIA.

Also on the 26th, CAM lost an Hanriot HD2 flown by SM Pierre Malvosin, POW.

I hope I got all that right. The 150 hp FBA refers to the ubiquitous Type H, which was fitted with a 150 hp Hispano-Suiza 8A.

Greg

[jager1]

Hi Greg

Thanks for the speedy reply and detailed info! - I had thought they might be H' Types as were they not the most common type at this time?- a fine looking aircraft

- I'd totally missed 'The French Air Service War Chronology' being published, it will be of great use (like all the others)- as soon as I've done this mail I'll try and find a copy on ABE!

You were spot on with me meaning 1917 not 16 - I don't know whats wrong with me at the moment

I can't speak for Flugom. Burgstaller although I'm sure Gunnar or Regulus will know but it was Vizeflugmeister Müller's first Victory (Rumpler 6B1) - must have been a happy return to base these too made!

Thanks again
Jager1