15 September 1918

Regulus · 20 March 2005, 08:01 AM

Hi,

On this day about 20 Sopwith (?) planes attacked the Uitkerke naval aerodrome, machinegunned and bombed the place. The planes came from over the sea and seem to have had some protection by the weather, as there was low clouding. 3 Man were killed, 3 planes destroyed and a barrack was lost in a fire.
I think the attack happened by 204 Sqdn RAF, but I'm not certain on the matter. Can anyone conform this ?

Thanks and best from Johan

Graeme · 25 March 2005, 12:49 AM

Johan

The RAF certainly attacked German aerodromes on this date - No 56 Squadron attacked Estourmel and destroyed some hangars.

No 204 Squadron's Camels were active in the area of Nieuport in the morning and in the afternoon saw action in the vicinity of Ramscapelle and Blankenberghe. Since Uitkerke is just inland of Blankenberghe (about 4 km ?), No 204 Squadron might well have been involved in the bombing.

Graeme

MikeW · 25 March 2005, 03:39 AM

Johan and Graeme,

I find it odd that there in nothing mentioned in the RAF Communiques, a bombing raid with such significant results would normally be reported.

Mike

Regulus · 25 March 2005, 10:45 AM

Greame,

Thank you very much ! That's the confirmation I was looking for.

Mike,

Now that you mention it, that is very curious indeed ! Or perhaps they did not notice the big impact the bombs had on the planes, as there is mentioned that it was only minor damage to most of them...

Thanks and best from Johan