Bishop vs MvR?

DEM · 14 April 2006, 07:28 AM

We all know now that the alleged fight between Bishop and MvR on April 30, 1917 never happened, that Manfred was on leave that day.

But did the two take part in the same battle on April 8, 1917? In his book, Richthofen: Beyond the Legend of the Red Baron, Peter Kilduff writes:

"Improved weather on 8 April, Easter Sunday, brought the RFC out in force in the final preparations for the beginning of the Battle of Arras. The combined aircraft of Jasta 4 and 11 awaited and attacked British aircraft around Arras with great success.
"Capt. Alan J.L. Scott, Commanding No. 60 Squadron, went after the Germans with five Nieuports, including one flown by Lt.

William A. Bishop, the future second-ranking RAF ace."

He goes on to say that Festner, of Jasta 11, got a Nieuport. So this fight involved Jasta 11 and 60 Squadron. We know Bishop was there. Does anyone know whether MvR was with the Jasta 11 flight? This was a morning battle, at about 9:30 a.m. or so.

DEM · 17 April 2006, 05:01 PM

According to the book

Under the Guns of the Red Baron, MvR may have flown twice that morning.

The authors speculate MvR may have been aloft over Farbus between 7:30 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. Two red Albatros D-3s chased off a BE2 at that time.

The other morning patrol saw him gain a victory over a Sopwith Strutter at 11:30 a.m. between Lens and Arras.

Bishop flew two patrols that day but I have only seen the time for one of them (the 9:30 a.m. patrol of five Nieuports led by Scott). I don't know when it ended, although I suppose 11:30 a.m. would be possible.

Does anyone know the time of Festner's claim for a Nieuport that day, or what time he got back to his base in a badly damaged Albatros (the wing was cracked).

Rick · 17 April 2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEM

Does anyone know the time of Festner's claim for a Nieuport that day, or what time he got back to his base in a badly damaged Albatros (the wing was cracked).

9.30 (GT and BT were the same this date). R.