Balloon shot down 7 or 8 October 1918

[AOK4]

Hello,

Does anyone know anything more about a German Observation Balloon, being shot down in the vicinity of Bisseghem (Courtrai) on 7 or 8 October 1918 around 7,35 am (German time)?
I'm especially looking for the allied pilot who could be responsible.

Regards,
Jan

[CNOCK]

Hello,

The balloon was 'possibly' shot down on 7/10/1918 by Lt. J.C. Speaks, 56 Sqn.

Lt. W.E. Bardgett, 74 Sqn, also shot down a ballon on 7/10/1918.

I have no further information at the moment.

Greetings,

Cnock

[Graeme]

The balloon claims I have listed for the two dates are:

07-Oct-18: Lt W E Bardgett of No 74 Sqn RAF, 06:35, Wulverghem
08-Oct-18: Adj H Garin of Spa152, 06:45, Chamouville
08-Oct-18: Lt L J-P Bourjade of Spa152, 06:45, Chamouville
08-Oct-18: Capt W H Longton of No 24 Sqn RAF, 07:30, South of Busigny
08-Oct-18: Lt P D d'Albenas of No 85 Sqn RAF, 13:00, East of Maretz
08-Oct-18: Capt M C McGregor of No 85 Sqn RAF, 13:00, East of Maretz

I have Speaks' victory as being claimed on 5 October over Vaux Audginy at 13:10.

All times are British times.

Graeme

[AOK4]

Hello,

Is there any possibility that Bardgett's victory was near Wevelghem, and not Wulverghem, which was in British hands at that time? Wevelghem lies next to Bissegem... The time looks ok too.

Does anyone have more info, also about Bardgett?

Jan

[Graeme]

Jan

I've reverted to my two primary sources, these being AIR1/1226/204/5/2634 (combat reports for No 74 Squadron March to November 1918) and AIR1/1580/204/18/52 (List of EA shot down and driven down out of control by 2 Brigade).

The combat report says 06:35 at Wevelghem while the 2 Brigade summary says Wulverghem 06:35. The Brigade summary has generally proven more accurate - this would appear to be the exception that proves the rule.

Graeme

[Graeme]

Jan

A little bit more information on Bardgett while with No 74 Squadron:

He was wounded by anti-aircraft fire on 15 August 1918 in SE5a C1825, claimed his only victory on 7 October in SE5a D6976 and was shot down and taken prisoner on 9 October in SE5a D6976.

Graeme

[ONEALM]

In case this turns out to be Speak's balloon, here's a shot of JC Speaks from Ken Unger's album. Mike W will recognize this Camel as a Naval 10 machine...

[AOK4]

Thanks a lot to all of you for your answers. It's definitely Bardgett according to me.

Graeme, could you send me a scan/copy from the combat report? I'm willing to pay your expenses.

Jan

[Rick]

Jan,

Do you perhaps have the names of the crew of this German balloon and their unit? R.

[AOK4]

Hello,

It must be a balloon from Ballonzug 15, which was attached to the 40. Infantry Division at the time.

Both observers escaped by jumping out (their parachutes worked apparently).

No information about names though.

Jan