Graeme
3 February 2018, 08:37 AM
SATURDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 1918
General Headquarters, February 3rd.
“On the 2nd inst. the weather was fine, though with some mist and haze. Several successful reconnaissances were carried out by our aeroplanes, and many hostile batteries were effectively engaged by our artillery with observation from the air. Nearly four tons of bombs were dropped by us during the day on various targets, including the railway station and sidings at Valenciennes. Several thousand rounds were fired at parties of the enemy in their trenches and in back areas. Five hostile machines were brought down in air fighting, and five others were driven down out of control. One of our aeroplanes is missing. On the night of the 2nd-3rd inst. the enemy's aerodromes and billets were bombed by our machines."
Admiralty, February 3rd.
“Naval aircraft bombed the Varssenaere aerodrome on the morning of February 2nd. A fire was observed as the result of a direct hit. An enemy machine engaged on a photographic reconnaissance was attacked and destroyed by our patrol machines. All our machines returned safely."
RFC Communiqué number 125:
The weather was fine but mist and ground haze prevailed.
Twelve reconnaissances were carried out - four by the 1st Brigade, and one, a long distance photographic reconnaissance of line Valenciennes – Busigny, when 31 plates were exposed, by 2nd-Lieuts Wright and Hobbs, No 25 Squadron (9th Wing).
1,224 photographs were taken, 285 25-lb and 12 112-lb bombs dropped and 13,285 rounds fired on ground targets as follows:-
1st Brigade: 226 photographs, 64 25-lb bombs on miscellaneous targets dropped by 1st Wing, and 4 25-lb bombs on Fournes dropped by No 43 Squadron. 4,600 rounds were fired.
2nd Brigade: 222 photographs were taken and 3,210 rounds fired. No 57 Squadron dropped 72 25-lb bombs on sidings at Roulers, and Corps Squadrons dropped 47 25-lb bombs.
3rd Brigade: 315 photographs were taken and 500 rounds fired. 12th Wing dropped 28 25-lb bombs.
5th Brigade: 390 photographs were taken and 4,955 rounds fired. No 8 Squadron dropped 34 25-lb bombs, No 35 Squadron 14 25-lb bombs, No 52 Squadron 8 25-lb bombs and No 48 Squadron 16 25-lb bombs.
9th Wing: No 25 Squadron dropped 12 112-lb bombs on Valenciennes and took 71 photographs.
Artillery co-operation: Lieut MacPherson and Lieut Hurr, No 35 Squadron, ranged No 21 Siege Battery, firing 270 rounds, destroying two pits and causing three explosions. In the middle of this shoot they were attacked by six E.A. triplanes and driven down to 1,000 feet. They also dropped four 25-lb bombs, fired 650 rounds on ground targets and brought back some useful information. This flight lasted from 11 a.m. to 3.20 p.m.
Enemy Aircraft:
Enemy aircraft activity was normal.
Capt K Shelton, No 54 Squadron, descended to an altitude of 50 feet, and fired on a balloon which was then on the ground. The balloon was seen to burst into flames. He then attacked troops which were in the vicinity of the balloon from the same height, causing considerable consternation.
Two machines of No 35 Squadron, whilst on photography, were attacked by five Fokker Triplanes. A patrol of No 54 Squadron and several more enemy scouts joined in. A general combat ensued as a result of which two Fokker Triplanes were driven down and forced to land.
Capt J M Child, No 84 Squadron, attacked a large two-seater D.F.W., and apparently hit the Observer, who disappeared into his cockpit. Owing to gun trouble Capt Child was unable to carry on the combat.
2nd Lt G S Stewart & Lt D D Richardson, 49 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control
Lt G C Cuthbertson, 54 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Bellenglise at 10:40/11:40 - Lieut Cubhbertson, No 54 Squadron, attacked an Albatross Scout which was attacking a Sopwith Camel. The E.A. fell out of control, and then broke up in the air; Ltn Askan Frhr von und zu der Tann, Jasta 24s, Kia
Capt J T B McCudden, 56 Sqn, LVG CV captured east of Vélu at 10:40/11:40 - Capt McCudden, No 56 Squadron, attacked an L.V.G. at 100 yards' range. He fired a long burst from both guns, after which the E.A. went down vertically, then fell on to its back, and the E.A. gunner fell out. The machine finally crashed in our lines; Vfw Erich Szafranek (Kia) & Ltn Werner von Kuczkowski (Kia), BG 7/Bs 22 [G130]
Flt Cdr R J O Compston, 8N Sqn, two-seater crashed Douai - Ostricourt at 11:30/12:30
Flt Cdr R J O Compston, Flt Sub-Lt R L Johns, Flt Sub-Lt W F Crundall and Flt Sub-Lt H Day, 8N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Carvin at 12:15/13:15
Flight, Commander Compston, Naval Squadron No 8, attacked an Albatross Scout at point-blank range and shot it down completely out of control. He then attacked a two-seater and fired about 60 rounds very close range. The E.A. went down in a side-slipping dive absolutely out of control and was seen to crash
Flt Cdr M J G Day, 13N Sqn, Rumpler C broke up Oostkerke at 12:45/13:45
Sgt E A Gay & 2nd Lt A C Flavell, 57 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control smoking Cortemarck at 13:00/14:00 - while on roving commission, Sergt Gay and 2nd-Lieut Flavell, No 57 Squadron, were attacked by five Albatross Scouts and one two-seater. The observer fired 200 rounds at 250 yards' range and one of the scouts was seen to fall enveloped in a large cloud of smoke
Lt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, two-seater out of control south-east of Habourdin at 13:30/14:30 - Lieut McElroy, No 40 Squadron, shot down one E.A. out of control
2nd Lt D H Jones, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Auberchicourt at 14:30/15:30 - 2nd-Lieut Jones, No 41 Squadron, dived on one E.A. and fired a short burst from about 100 yards' range; he then zoomed up and got on to the E.A.'s tail, and when at about 20 yards got off a burst of 50 rounds, whereupon the E.A. side-slipped for a considerable distance and spun down. When last seen it was still spinning about 1,000 feet below
Capt R W Chappell, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Erchin at 14:30/15:30 and Albatros Scout out of control Erchin at 14:30/15:30 - Capt Chappell, No 41 Squadron, fired about 60 rounds at very close range an Albatross Scout. The E.A. stalled, side-slipped and spun to earth, and finally crashed. Capt Chappell was immediately attacked by six E.A. Scouts. He put his machine into spin, and on coming out, observed one E.A. in front, of him and five still above. He attacked the single E.A., which did a long side-slip, and was last seen about 2,000 feet from the ground, still spinning and completely out of control
2nd Lt G S Stewart & Lt D D Richardson, 49 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control east of Cambrai at 14:55/15:55 -
Capt F C Gorringe, 70 Sqn, two-seater crashed Becelaere at 15:45/16:45 - Capt. Gorringe, No 70 Squadron, attacked one of two E.A. two-seaters, and after firing about 100 rounds, the E.A. was last seen going down in a steep dive, and was later seen to crash (confirmed by anti-aircraft battery)
Capt V A H Robeson and 2nd Lt J W Muir, 46 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Flesquières at 16:00/17:00
Casualties:
Maj F J Powell MC (Pow), 41 Sqn, SE5a B8273 – took off 13:30/14:30 and last seen over Auberchicourt at 14:45/15:45 engaged in combat with 2 or 3 EA about 6,000 feet on DOP; Ltn d R Max Kühn, Js10, 3rd victory [Bouchain at 14:40/15:40]
Graeme
General Headquarters, February 3rd.
“On the 2nd inst. the weather was fine, though with some mist and haze. Several successful reconnaissances were carried out by our aeroplanes, and many hostile batteries were effectively engaged by our artillery with observation from the air. Nearly four tons of bombs were dropped by us during the day on various targets, including the railway station and sidings at Valenciennes. Several thousand rounds were fired at parties of the enemy in their trenches and in back areas. Five hostile machines were brought down in air fighting, and five others were driven down out of control. One of our aeroplanes is missing. On the night of the 2nd-3rd inst. the enemy's aerodromes and billets were bombed by our machines."
Admiralty, February 3rd.
“Naval aircraft bombed the Varssenaere aerodrome on the morning of February 2nd. A fire was observed as the result of a direct hit. An enemy machine engaged on a photographic reconnaissance was attacked and destroyed by our patrol machines. All our machines returned safely."
RFC Communiqué number 125:
The weather was fine but mist and ground haze prevailed.
Twelve reconnaissances were carried out - four by the 1st Brigade, and one, a long distance photographic reconnaissance of line Valenciennes – Busigny, when 31 plates were exposed, by 2nd-Lieuts Wright and Hobbs, No 25 Squadron (9th Wing).
1,224 photographs were taken, 285 25-lb and 12 112-lb bombs dropped and 13,285 rounds fired on ground targets as follows:-
1st Brigade: 226 photographs, 64 25-lb bombs on miscellaneous targets dropped by 1st Wing, and 4 25-lb bombs on Fournes dropped by No 43 Squadron. 4,600 rounds were fired.
2nd Brigade: 222 photographs were taken and 3,210 rounds fired. No 57 Squadron dropped 72 25-lb bombs on sidings at Roulers, and Corps Squadrons dropped 47 25-lb bombs.
3rd Brigade: 315 photographs were taken and 500 rounds fired. 12th Wing dropped 28 25-lb bombs.
5th Brigade: 390 photographs were taken and 4,955 rounds fired. No 8 Squadron dropped 34 25-lb bombs, No 35 Squadron 14 25-lb bombs, No 52 Squadron 8 25-lb bombs and No 48 Squadron 16 25-lb bombs.
9th Wing: No 25 Squadron dropped 12 112-lb bombs on Valenciennes and took 71 photographs.
Artillery co-operation: Lieut MacPherson and Lieut Hurr, No 35 Squadron, ranged No 21 Siege Battery, firing 270 rounds, destroying two pits and causing three explosions. In the middle of this shoot they were attacked by six E.A. triplanes and driven down to 1,000 feet. They also dropped four 25-lb bombs, fired 650 rounds on ground targets and brought back some useful information. This flight lasted from 11 a.m. to 3.20 p.m.
Enemy Aircraft:
Enemy aircraft activity was normal.
Capt K Shelton, No 54 Squadron, descended to an altitude of 50 feet, and fired on a balloon which was then on the ground. The balloon was seen to burst into flames. He then attacked troops which were in the vicinity of the balloon from the same height, causing considerable consternation.
Two machines of No 35 Squadron, whilst on photography, were attacked by five Fokker Triplanes. A patrol of No 54 Squadron and several more enemy scouts joined in. A general combat ensued as a result of which two Fokker Triplanes were driven down and forced to land.
Capt J M Child, No 84 Squadron, attacked a large two-seater D.F.W., and apparently hit the Observer, who disappeared into his cockpit. Owing to gun trouble Capt Child was unable to carry on the combat.
2nd Lt G S Stewart & Lt D D Richardson, 49 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control
Lt G C Cuthbertson, 54 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Bellenglise at 10:40/11:40 - Lieut Cubhbertson, No 54 Squadron, attacked an Albatross Scout which was attacking a Sopwith Camel. The E.A. fell out of control, and then broke up in the air; Ltn Askan Frhr von und zu der Tann, Jasta 24s, Kia
Capt J T B McCudden, 56 Sqn, LVG CV captured east of Vélu at 10:40/11:40 - Capt McCudden, No 56 Squadron, attacked an L.V.G. at 100 yards' range. He fired a long burst from both guns, after which the E.A. went down vertically, then fell on to its back, and the E.A. gunner fell out. The machine finally crashed in our lines; Vfw Erich Szafranek (Kia) & Ltn Werner von Kuczkowski (Kia), BG 7/Bs 22 [G130]
Flt Cdr R J O Compston, 8N Sqn, two-seater crashed Douai - Ostricourt at 11:30/12:30
Flt Cdr R J O Compston, Flt Sub-Lt R L Johns, Flt Sub-Lt W F Crundall and Flt Sub-Lt H Day, 8N Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Carvin at 12:15/13:15
Flight, Commander Compston, Naval Squadron No 8, attacked an Albatross Scout at point-blank range and shot it down completely out of control. He then attacked a two-seater and fired about 60 rounds very close range. The E.A. went down in a side-slipping dive absolutely out of control and was seen to crash
Flt Cdr M J G Day, 13N Sqn, Rumpler C broke up Oostkerke at 12:45/13:45
Sgt E A Gay & 2nd Lt A C Flavell, 57 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control smoking Cortemarck at 13:00/14:00 - while on roving commission, Sergt Gay and 2nd-Lieut Flavell, No 57 Squadron, were attacked by five Albatross Scouts and one two-seater. The observer fired 200 rounds at 250 yards' range and one of the scouts was seen to fall enveloped in a large cloud of smoke
Lt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, two-seater out of control south-east of Habourdin at 13:30/14:30 - Lieut McElroy, No 40 Squadron, shot down one E.A. out of control
2nd Lt D H Jones, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Auberchicourt at 14:30/15:30 - 2nd-Lieut Jones, No 41 Squadron, dived on one E.A. and fired a short burst from about 100 yards' range; he then zoomed up and got on to the E.A.'s tail, and when at about 20 yards got off a burst of 50 rounds, whereupon the E.A. side-slipped for a considerable distance and spun down. When last seen it was still spinning about 1,000 feet below
Capt R W Chappell, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Erchin at 14:30/15:30 and Albatros Scout out of control Erchin at 14:30/15:30 - Capt Chappell, No 41 Squadron, fired about 60 rounds at very close range an Albatross Scout. The E.A. stalled, side-slipped and spun to earth, and finally crashed. Capt Chappell was immediately attacked by six E.A. Scouts. He put his machine into spin, and on coming out, observed one E.A. in front, of him and five still above. He attacked the single E.A., which did a long side-slip, and was last seen about 2,000 feet from the ground, still spinning and completely out of control
2nd Lt G S Stewart & Lt D D Richardson, 49 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control east of Cambrai at 14:55/15:55 -
Capt F C Gorringe, 70 Sqn, two-seater crashed Becelaere at 15:45/16:45 - Capt. Gorringe, No 70 Squadron, attacked one of two E.A. two-seaters, and after firing about 100 rounds, the E.A. was last seen going down in a steep dive, and was later seen to crash (confirmed by anti-aircraft battery)
Capt V A H Robeson and 2nd Lt J W Muir, 46 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Flesquières at 16:00/17:00
Casualties:
Maj F J Powell MC (Pow), 41 Sqn, SE5a B8273 – took off 13:30/14:30 and last seen over Auberchicourt at 14:45/15:45 engaged in combat with 2 or 3 EA about 6,000 feet on DOP; Ltn d R Max Kühn, Js10, 3rd victory [Bouchain at 14:40/15:40]
Graeme