Battling the Bombers

[steven brown]

I just finished reading ' Independent Force ' by Keith Rennles, and was impressed by how hard it was to break up the DH4 and DH9 formations. The Kests used some sophisticated tactics, such as having two-seaters match altitude and speed with the bombers and firing into their rear, while groups of 2 or 3 scouts made high speed passes from the sides. Despite such efforts, the frontline Jastas were more effective against the bombers. Of 79 DH4 and DH9 losses where Rennles identifies the victor, only 18 were scored by the Kests. Other than mentioning the use of head on passes, the Jasta tactics, unfortunately, are not discussed. Presumedly they were similar to those used by the Kests.