100 years ago today (belatedly) - 29 April 1917, part 2

[Graeme]

29 APRIL 1917

Casualties –

2nd Lt F A Handley (Pow) & 2nd Lt E Percival (Pow), 57 Sqn, FE2d A6355 – took off 09:10/10:10 and last seen near Noyelles diving on hostile Scout at 1,000 feet on patrol; Uffz Friedrich Gille, Ja12, 1st victory [Baralle at 09:55/10:55]

Lt C G Sturt (Wia) & ? (Ok), 55 Sqn, DH4

Lt J A G Brewis (Kia), 40 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6739 – took off 06:45/07:45 then missing on offensive patrol

Capt F L Barwell (Kia), 40 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6745 - missing on offensive patrol, last seen Billy-Montigny at 18:20/19:20; OffStllv Edmund Nathanael, Ja5, 14th victory [Beaumont - north-west of Douai at 20:00/21:00] ?

21972 Sgt G Humble (Pow), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6684 – took off 11:50/12:50 then missing on offensive patrol

Lt H B Milling (Pow), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B1579 – took off 11:50/12:50 then landed in German territory on offensive patrol

2nd Lt J E Davis (Pow) & 2202 Sgt S Attwater MM (Pow), 20 Sqn, FE2d A19 – took off 16:00/17:00 and attacked by 20 HA after crossing lines on bomb raid; Ltn Gustav Nolte, Ja18, 1st victory [east of Zillebeke at 18:00/19:00]

2nd Lt E O Perry (Wia) & 2/AM T E Allum (Wia), 20 Sqn, FE2d A29 – took off 16:00/17:00 and brought down at I24A93 by mg fire from 7 HA during bombing 18:00/19:00; Ltn d R Paul Strähle, Ja18, 4th victory [north of Courtrai at 17:50/18:50]

2nd Lt V L Burns (Pow) & 2nd Lt D L Houghton (Pow), 20 Sqn, FE2d A6391 – took off 16:00/17:00 and attacked by 20 HA on bomb raid 18:00/19:00; Ltn d R Ernst Wiessner, Ja18, 2nd victory [north of Courtrai at 17:50]

2nd Lt R Applin (Kia), 19 Sqn, Spad VII B1573 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 49th victory [east of Lécluse at 11:05/12:05]

Maj H D Harvey-Kelly DSO (Kia), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A6681 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ltn Kurt Wolff, Ja11, 24th victory [Sailly at 11:10/12:10]

Lt W N Hamilton (Pow), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A6753 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ltn Lothar von Richthofen, Ja11, 13th victory [Izel at 11:15/12:15]

Sgt G Stead (Kia) & Cpl A Beebee (Kia), 18 Sqn, FE2b 4898 – took off 14:20/15:20 then missing from escort to photography 5th Army area; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 50th victory [south-west of Inchy at 15:55/16:55]

2nd Lt R W Reid (Ok) & 2nd Lt R C Doughty (Wia), 18 Sqn, FE2b A5466 – Fremicourt at 16:00/17:00

2nd Lt G H Dinsmore (Ok) & 2nd Lt G B Bate (Kia), 18 Sqn, FE2b A5483 – took off 14:40/15:40 and shot down at D26c during combat with HA on escort to photography; Ltn Kurt Wolff, Ja11, 25th victory [south of Pronville at 16:00/17:00]

Lt N H Mackrow (Wia) & Lt J H Musson (Wia), 12 Sqn, BE2e 6768 – took off 06:10/07:10 then brought down by mg fire on contact patrol; Ltn d R Friedrich Paul Kempf, Ja2, 1st victory [Le Pave at 18:45/19:45] time?

2nd Lt C J Pile (Wia; Dow) & Lt J H Westlake (Wia; Dow 07-May-17), 12 Sqn, BE2e 7092 – took off 16:58/17:58 then brought down at H29a by HA on artillery observation; Ltn Lothar von Richthofen, Ja11, 14th victory [north-east of Monchy at 18:25/19:35]

2nd Lt D E Davies (Kia) & Lt G H Rathbone (Kia), 12 Sqn, BE2e A2738 – took off 16:45/17:45 then missing from artillery observation; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 51st victory [south of Roeux at 18:25/19:25]

Flt Sub-Lt A E Cuzner (Kia), 8N Sqn, Triplane N5463 – missing Courrières; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 52nd victory [south of Hénin-Liétard at 18:40]

2nd Lt J H Hayward (Wia) & ? (Ok), 7 Sqn, BE2d

Flt Sub-Lt A H V Fletcher (Pow), 6N Sqn, Nieuport 17 N3192 – last seen east of Harcourt at 13:15/14:15; said to be Ltn Hermann Göring, Ja26, 6th victory [Ramicourt at 18:45/19:45] but time?

Flt Sub-Lt S L Bennett (Kia), 3N Sqn, Pup A6160 - shot down near Elincourt; Ltn Kurt Schneider, Ja5, 12th victory [Elincourt at 10:30/11:30]

Flt Sub-Lt A P Heywood (Wia), 1N Sqn, Triplane N5441 – last seen south of Béthune at 18:30/19:30

Graeme

[MASTIFF]

From JWC:

Claims:

Barwell given as Nathanael's 13th victory, not 14th.

Kempf's first victory shown as being on 1 May. No mention of Mackrow/Musson loss on either date. TJP shows the same.

Vfw A Bauhofer, Js25, Nieuport, Tepavci, 0820hrs, first victory. No other info.

Obltn F Burckhardt, Js25, Caudron, W Suhodol-Raja, 1030hrs, 2nd victory. No other info.

Ltn H Geigl, Js34, Caudron, S Pont-a-Mousson, 1415hrs, first victory. No other info.

Ltn K Wolff, Js11, BE2f, W Gavrelle, 1745hrs, 26th victory. No 12 Sqn RFC. No other info.

Obltn B Loerzer, Js26, FE2b, Bellenglise, 1930hrs. No other info. Unconfirmed?

Ltn H Stutz, Js20, FE2b, Douai, 2045hrs, first victory. No other info.

Ltn W Boning, Js19, Caudron, Brimont, 2nd victory. Letord of Esc C.46, Lt Campion (P) & MdL Lamy (G) & Cpl Bousque (G) all MIA, down in flames.

Ltn R Ernert, Js34, balloon, Genicourt, first victory. French 87 Cie d'Aerostieres, Adj L Guerin KIA.


Losses:

Ltn Peckmann, Js15, WIA. No other info.

Ltn Ludwig Dornheim, Js29, KIA, 1500hrs over Beine. No other info.


Tony

[Graeme]

Hi Tony

Must have had my eyes crossed - Nathanael's 13th was achieved the previous day (28 April) and was over a 'Sop 2'.

What I have for Nathanael is a 'Sop 1' at 21.00 over Beaumont, north-west of Douai; Barwell was in action around Billy-Montigny, which is five Km north-west of Beaumont, so very much the right area, right time.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Graeme

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt J E Davis (Pow) & 2202 Sgt S Attwater MM (Pow), 20 Sqn, FE2d A19 – took off 16:00/17:00 and attacked by 20 HA after crossing lines on bomb raid; Ltn Gustav Nolte, Ja18, 1st victory [east of Zillebeke at 18:00/19:00]

2nd Lt E O Perry (Wia) & 2/AM T E Allum (Wia), 20 Sqn, FE2d A29 – took off 16:00/17:00 and brought down at I24A93 by mg fire from 7 HA during bombing 18:00/19:00; Ltn d R Paul Strähle, Ja18, 4th victory [north of Courtrai at 17:50/18:50]

2nd Lt V L Burns (Pow) & 2nd Lt D L Houghton (Pow), 20 Sqn, FE2d A6391 – took off 16:00/17:00 and attacked by 20 HA on bomb raid 18:00/19:00; Ltn d R Ernst Wiessner, Ja18, 2nd victory [north of Courtrai at 17:50]

The js/ds data clarifies things. Nolte claim was jenseits whilst those of Strahle & Wiessner were diesseits. On that basis Nolte clearly claimed A29 Perry & Allum. The RPS for A6391 - lost fuel pressure / engine rouble and FTL moreover Nachrichtemblatt agress Vickers 6391 down N Courtrai engine failure! RPS A19 - combat HA engine hit FTL crashed. So either Stahle, or Wiessner, could count themselves lucky for being credited with an FE!

Russ

[R Gannon]

Lt J A G Brewis (Kia), 40 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6739 – took off 06:45/07:45 then missing on offensive patrol

21972 Sgt G Humble (Pow), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6684 – took off 11:50/12:50 then missing on offensive patrol

Lt H B Milling (Pow), 29 Sqn, Nieuport 23 B1579 – took off 11:50/12:50 then landed in German territory on offensive patrol

These three Nieuports were all claimed by Flak units Drury & Hendicourt. However RPS of Milling says engine failure FTL Drury.

Russ

[R Gannon]

Capt F L Barwell (Kia), 40 Sqn, Nieuport 17 A6745 - missing on offensive patrol, last seen Billy-Montigny at 18:20/19:20; OffStllv Edmund Nathanael, Ja5, 14th victory [Beaumont - north-west of Douai at 20:00/21:00] ?

There has of course been some speculation as to who claimed Barwell, not in the least that some poetic licence has been applied as to what Nathanael claimed - one can see Triplane in some writings, no doubt tweeked with an eye to matching claim with loss of 8 Naval's Cuzner. Gibbons of course favoured MvR.

Sadly like so many, Barwell was on his own when shot down German side.

Two hard facts - Nathanael was credited with a Rumf-1 and I belive Barwell is buried at Beaumont.

Cheers Russ

[R Gannon]

Lt N H Mackrow (Wia) & Lt J H Musson (Wia), 12 Sqn, BE2e 6768 – took off 06:10/07:10 then brought down by mg fire on contact patrol; Ltn d R Friedrich Paul Kempf, Ja2, 1st victory [Le Pave at 18:45/19:45] time?

One obvious flaw in this correlation is that 12 Sqn were operating east of Arras on Third Army front and Kempf claim is south of Cambrai on British Fifth Army/German 2 ARMEE front. I think the Kempf claim belongs to 30 Apr 17.

12 Sqn machine on CP - contact patrol - flying low down trying to establish positions of both friends & foe - there was a battle raging on the ground between Arleux and Monchy. Casualty caused by ground mg fire.

Russ

[R Gannon]

Flt Sub-Lt A H V Fletcher (Pow), 6N Sqn, Nieuport 17 N3192 – last seen east of Harcourt at 13:15/14:15; said to be Ltn Hermann Göring, Ja26, 6th victory [Ramicourt at 18:45/19:45] but time?

It must be the case as the 6 Naval claims by Norton & Winter match the time location data of the Goering claim. Indeed Goering had his rudder shot off by a second machine.

Russ

[R Gannon]

Flt Sub-Lt A P Heywood (Wia), 1N Sqn, Triplane N5441 – last seen south of Béthune at 18:30/19:30

As I understand it he had gone out on three man OP led by F/C Eyre at 1700. They had an indecisive scrap with 2 HA scouts, then Heyward tacked the 2-seater as listed in claims listing - E Lens 1800 (may very well be the FA 48 machine) he was then attacked by 3 HA scouts and wounded in the arm. He FTL Bethune and believing he had come down German side, he burnt his machine.:blush:

Cheers Russ

[R Gannon]

Flt Sub-Lt S L Bennett (Kia), 3N Sqn, Pup A6160 - shot down near Elincourt; Ltn Kurt Schneider, Ja5, 12th victory [Elincourt at 10:30/11:30]

Combat entailed ten 3 Naval Pups in two flights against 8 HA scouts (Js 5) SW Cambrai. No doubt about the connection of Bennett loss and Schneider claim, but as Graeme's claims list shows, the 3 Naval pilots sent four of the HA down apparently OOC. As Graeme notes, Casey claimed to have driven another down which apparently burst into flames. Again one must wonder if what was actually seen to burst into flames was Bennett's Pup?

Russ

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt R Applin (Kia), 19 Sqn, Spad VII B1573 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 49th victory [east of Lécluse at 11:05/12:05]

Maj H D Harvey-Kelly DSO (Kia), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A6681 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ltn Kurt Wolff, Ja11, 24th victory [Sailly at 11:10/12:10]

Lt W N Hamilton (Pow), 19 Sqn, Spad VII A6753 - missing from offensive patrol Lens - Le Forest - Fontaine-Notre Dame – Noreuil; Ltn Lothar von Richthofen, Ja11, 13th victory [Izel at 11:15/12:15]

One of my favourites. In his book MvR would tell his readers that he flying with LvR & Wolff was pounced upon by three Spads - thus a three against three combat, but one which a favourable [west] wind blew deeper into German territory - apparently some 15km within German territory. Naturally they shoot down all three. In his CR he would claim that with several of his gentlemen he attacked Spad group of three machines. It seems to me, whether in his book, or in his CR's; MvR is consistently economic with the truth.

Hamilton the survivor made it clear that Maj Harvey-Kelly attacked a superior number of HA scouts believing they would get help from a nearby flight of Sopwith Triplanes. This is bourn out by the 1 Naval SRB written on the actual day, which records a 6 strong OP under F/C Gerrard left at 1010, 'At 11-00am formation of 10 to 12 HA sighted engaged with 3 SPADs near Epinoy. Triplanes immediately attacked, 1 HA being shot down by FSLt Minifie (this machine was seen to crash on the ground), another sent down out of control by Ft.Commr. Gerrard (machine landed on Epinoy Aerodrome and was wheeled in.)..'

Hamilton believed he and the Harvey-Kelly sent some of the HA down, before the Major was driven down by a HA, whilst he was pursued by 5 HA and eventually brought down ten minutes after the fighting began. The letters of Otto Brauneck (Js 11) demonstrate he was one of Hamilton's pursuers, along with LvR!

MvR's own victory really has the ring of cold blood about it. He would claim he put Applin's engine out of action, but none the less, even though the 19 Sqn pilot had no option but to land German side, MvR showed no mercy and kept firing until the hapless Spad fell burning into a swamp at Lecluse (10km German side). It even beggars as to whether MvR even put Aplin's engine out in the first place, or whether the young 19 Sqn pilot's engine failed in the initial dive & zoom (this was not uncommon) and MvR, fearful that his brother could report a victory to their father (then visiting Roucourt), finished off the helpless Spad, so as to register a victory?

The other HA were almost certainly from Js 12 who were returning Epinoy following a combat with 57 Sqn FE's and SE5's of 56 Sqn (recorded in RFC reports as six grey Albatros).

1 Naval were not finished and at 1150 FSL Ridley & FSL Rowley of Gerrard's formation sent a 2-seater spinning down OOC through clouds over Cagincourt - very likely the FA 45 machine of Walderschmidt & Kittel both kia.

Russ

[James A. Pratt III]

FASWC:
Ltn L Dornheim J29 KIA probably by N102 Lt Beraud-Villers

BABS and FASWC
Lt Peckmann J 15 WIA is probably either the claim by N12 or the probs by N62 and N112 also the GAS this day on this front FAA 201 KIA, SS 22 KIA and SS 28 1 WIA Add to this N80 had a seater crew POW!?

C222 had a obsever WIA which could be Ltn H Geigl J34 claim according to BABS

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt F A Handley (Pow) & 2nd Lt E Percival (Pow), 57 Sqn, FE2d A6355 – took off 09:10/10:10 and last seen near Noyelles diving on hostile Scout at 1,000 feet on patrol; Uffz Friedrich Gille, Ja12, 1st victory [Baralle at 09:55/10:55]

This crew had been part of the 5 strong OP led by Capt McNaughton which dived to the assistance the three [56 Sqn] SE5's (Mentjies, Hoidge & Melville) fighting 6 grey Albatross scouts (see Part 1). The RPS (TSTBF II) shows they chased down one HA, which they believed went down OOC, but when climbing back up were attacked by 4 HA scouts - tanks & engine hit, ftl Rumaucourt.

It is generally understood the Js 12 formation later joined up with a Js 11 formation led by MvR, and it was this combined formation which was attacked by the three 19 Sqn Spads led by Maj Harvey-Kelly DSO. A fight which also drew in Sopwith Triplanes from 1 Naval.

Cheers Russ

[R Gannon]

Sgt G Stead (Kia) & Cpl A Beebee (Kia), 18 Sqn, FE2b 4898 – took off 14:20/15:20 then missing from escort to photography 5th Army area; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 50th victory [south-west of Inchy at 15:55/16:55]

2nd Lt R W Reid (Ok) & 2nd Lt R C Doughty (Wia), 18 Sqn, FE2b A5466 – Fremicourt at 16:00/17:00

2nd Lt G H Dinsmore (Ok) & 2nd Lt G B Bate (Kia), 18 Sqn, FE2b A5483 – took off 14:40/15:40 and shot down at D26c during combat with HA on escort to photography; Ltn Kurt Wolff, Ja11, 25th victory [south of Pronville at 16:00/17:00]

On the occasion of his 50th victory credit, MvR provides a reasonably detailed CR saying that along with 5 others of Js 11 he attacked a formation of 5 Vickers. There followed a long fight, in which Stead & Beebee defended themselves well, finally going down in flames after an expenditure by MvR of 300 rounds.

Yet despite the improved detail, MvR still makes no mention of the part played in his victory by Otto Brauneck, who in a letter wrote, '...von Richthofen has just shot down his 50th. Along with Richthofen I had this Englishman in front of me but he shot him down...' See OTF Vol 1 #3 page 195.

Part 1 shows that Dinsmore & Bate engaged [actually were attacked and pursued by] 3 HA scouts, one of which Dinsmore believed fell in flames (but mistakenly saw 4898 going down in flames?) a second which dropped out and the third followed them until Dinsmore managed to FTL the FE in the trenches of the Border Regiment. Wolff's claim was jenseits.

The two downed FE's had been part of a five strong photo mission which was attacked by 6 HA. The other 3 were shepherded back across the lines by Pups of 3 Naval.

Russ

[James A. Pratt III]

one of the J25 claims is MMA Cousenario Esc 391 KIA The Serb AF article has him probably downed by Jakobowitz of J25 there were also one or two claims by KG 1 this day.

[R Gannon]

2nd Lt C J Pile (Wia; Dow) & Lt J H Westlake (Wia; Dow 07-May-17), 12 Sqn, BE2e 7092 – took off 16:58/17:58 then brought down at H29a by HA on artillery observation; Ltn Lothar von Richthofen, Ja11, 14th victory [north-east of Monchy at 18:25/19:35]

2nd Lt D E Davies (Kia) & Lt G H Rathbone (Kia), 12 Sqn, BE2e A2738 – took off 16:45/17:45 then missing from artillery observation; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 51st victory [south of Roeux at 18:25/19:25]

Flt Sub-Lt A E Cuzner (Kia), 8N Sqn, Triplane N5463 – missing Courrières; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 52nd victory [south of Hénin-Liétard at 18:40]

For his #51 & #52 MvR yet again supplies ambiguous CR's lacking in meaningful detail. He provides better detail in his book but is still evasive about the type of single seater he would lay claim to shooting down as his #52His CR only speaks of fighting Nieuports, Spads & Triplanes. Various books and articles have argued as to whether it was a Nieuport-1 (implying 40 Sqn's Capt Barwell) or a Sopwith Triplanes. Nachrichtemblatt would accord him a Dreidekker which seemingly points to FSL Cuzner of 8 Naval.

Certainly Cuzner was present, being part of a six strong OP led by F/C Arnold active in the very same area as Js 11/. Indeed they were to witness one red Albatros scout attacking one BE. They attempted to dive down to help but were driven off by intense Flak.

Moreover MvR in his book was certainly witness to his brother shooting down a low flying BE, and from the British side 12 Sqn's 7092 was seen shot down by a HA. A2738 however was simply listed as missing.

In his CR MvR would simply write, '...After a short fight my adversary's plane lost its wings..' adding that it hit the ground near Rouex and catch fire. In his book he says it exploded after a short burst!!!!

Curiously at this very same time, and same area (Bailluel-Gavrelle 1815), the 5 Sqn crew of Lt AE Illingsworth & 2Lt Tymms reported being attacked by 6 HA scouts, two of them red, but were able to evade them and recross the lines.

Again one has to wonder if MvR had ineffectively chased the 5 Sqn machine, and then on return, a ring around has yielded a report of a BE seen to explode and crash at Rouex, which in turn he laid claim to? Particularly in view of his otherwise heavy expenditure of ammunition, the fact that low flying BE's were indeed being blown out of the sky by artillery rounds and moreover the sibling rivalry thing - his brother had scored.

more to follow

[R Gannon]

Flt Sub-Lt A E Cuzner (Kia), 8N Sqn, Triplane N5463 – missing Courrières; Ritt Manfred von Richthofen, Ja11, 52nd victory [south of Hénin-Liétard at 18:40]

The bottom line is that no one saw what happened to FSL Cuzner - as was so often the case he was simply missing from patrol.

About 25 minutes after their unsuccessful attempt to rescue the BE, F/C Arnold's fight came across a formation of 5 Albatros scouts (4 red 1 green as per 56 Sqn reports 24 Apr). Arnold attempted to dive on them but due to engine problems had to pull out - MvR in his book version interpolated this as the Triplane pilots being cautious and having no spunk. Finally , according to MvR, one attacked the Js 11 rear man, whereupon MvR and his formation turned and the pursuit was on. In his CR claims the fighting entailed Nieupots, Spads & Triplanes, but only offers this ambiguous one liner'The plane I had singled out caught fire after a short time..' As far as I can see the fighting only entailed Sopwith Triplanes from 8 Naval re-inforced by five 1 Naval triplanes. Things get a little confusing, but Flt RA Little together with a 1 Naval Tripe attacked the 5 HA flying east towards Douai and that after crashing one on the airfield at Douai, the 1 Naval Tripe was turned on and chased by some of the HA, being driven down to 200ft before escaping them. This apparently was 1 Naval's FSL Minifie who returned to Auchie aerodrome with a shot about Triplane (left hand longeron shot through).

MvR in his book version claims he pursued, the still unspecified enemy, over Lens, finally getting to within 50m and shooting him down - claiming a faint trail of smoke, then a bright flame, whereupon he disappeared below.

Now the top of his CR says between Billy-Montingy and Sallumines which is at odds with the CR narrative which claims north of Henin-Lietard. Yet Billy-Montingy figures in Nachrichtenblatt in regards a downed SPAD not yet decided on the following day (19 Sqn)! Whilst Henin-Lietard (Beaumont) was clearly where 40 Sqn's Capt Barwell came down, but some time later and victim of Js 5's Ostv Nathanael. It all rather sounds like MvR was fishing for credit.

Canadian observers reported a Triplane down at Courriers which is 5km further north still. No mention of any HA involvement. Undoubtedly this was what was finally awarded to MvR.

I'm wondering if Cuzner's Triplane was damaged by Flak in that initial attempt to rescue the BE and was trying to make his way home.

I remain unconvinced that MvR accounted for Cuzner, or even Barwell. Had MvR called it a Triplane in his CR narrative and his book, I might believe him, but the inability to state clearly the enemy type engaged, just vaguely alluding Nieuports, Triplanes & Spads, together with equally vague CR narrative, inspires little confidence in this claim. My gut feeling is that MvR, and some others, simply chased after the Triplane of Minifie and never actually saw any end result. And that MvR embellished his CR in accordance with telephone reports of machines down in that general area. My opinion of course.

Russ

[James A. Pratt III]

I have another loss from the Salonika front there was according a French source I found on the Great War forum besides one French aircraft lost this there was an Italian aircraft also shot down this day.