Fonck - Claims and eyesight?

[Gregvan]

Hi,

Thanks, as always, for that very informed explanation, Frank. As I said, the reliance on "EA" or balloon seems characteristic of most French victory lists, not just Fonck's. You've succinctly explained why.

Greg

[FOKKERJ]

Originally Posted by rainbase

Is it possible that Fonck's lack of specific type ID'ing was simply another aspect of his legendary arrogance? Maybe he felt he just couldn't be bothered to note such specifics; sort of a subtle way to show disrespect toward the enemy pilots he'd destroyed... like they weren't even worth THAT much effort on Fonck's part? Maybe?

Hi Rainbase,

Even after I read Frank and Greg's replies, I still have to give a response with my first impression to your post: "Maybe he felt he just couldn't be bothered to note such specifics; sort of a subtle way to show disrespect toward his superiors (Authority)."

Just a thought!

Regards, FOKKERJ

[gilles]

Originally Posted by FOKKERJ

Hi Rainbase,

Even after I read Frank and Greg's replies, I still have to give a response with my first impression to your post: "Maybe he felt he just couldn't be bothered to note such specifics; sort of a subtle way to show disrespect toward his superiors (Authority)."

Just a thought!

Regards, FOKKERJ

Yes that's just a thought because,as Frank Olynyk explained, Fonck (or any other pilot) did not and could not write the official daily résumés
Besides Nungesser or Navarre could show disrespect to their superiors but certainly not Fonck. (And not even in 1940-41...but that's off-topic, isn't it ?)

A french pilot with a more precise victory list is Georges Guynemer but in this case the researchers have his flight log, and I believe that Spa3 Journal de marche is also available.

For Fonck, very few have been published but there is at least his famous combats on 9 may 1918, see article here at the drome (published in june 1918) or a more detailed account of the same story in 'dans l'enfer du ciel' (René Chambe, 1930) :
-victory 1 and 2 : small 2-seaters (CL class?)
-victory 3 : 'fat' Rumpler
-victory 4 : Albatros 2-seater (distinctive tail)
-victory 5 and 6 : Pfalz scouts

For a comparison , in FASWC : 6 Two-seaters...

Gilles