54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - End of Day Report - 4 April, 1917.

Mission 14: Dawn Patrol

Patrolled 12 hexes (+120)
Mission Offset (-80)
+40 VP's

Mission 15: Artillery Spotting

Failure to Undertake Mission (-20)
-20 VP

Mission 16: Long Reconnaissance

Two Allied Aircrew Captured (-50)
Allied Two-Seater Destroyed (-15)
Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (-3)
First Quality Photographic Plate (+50)
-18 VP's

Mission 17: Twilight Patrol

Trench Strafing (+8)
Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (-3)
Patrolled 3 Hexes (+6)
+11 VP's

Victories

None

Casualties

Two Captured w/ Serious Injuries (A/M M. Burley, Sgt G. Pointer)

Replacements Requested

One Two-Seater Pilot
One Observer
One DH4

Ratings Changes

Lt Grün PS +1

Victory Point Totals

+13 Today
-150½ To Date

19 Sqdrn. "B" Flight - End of Day Report - April 4, 1917

Artillery Spotting
Zone “C” spotted: 20
Non-Jasta a/c driven off: 3
Scout pilot (Hopewell) captured: - 25
Sopwith Pup destroyed: - 10
2-seater aborted (engine problem: - 3
(landed at south. emerg. field)
Mission Deduction: - 0
Mission TOTAL: - 15

Bombing Raid
Zone “B” Rail yards hits: 30
Two-seater aborted to emergency field: - 3
Mission Deduction: - 10
Mission TOTAL: 17

Defensive Line Patrol
Due to lack of personnel the Defensive Line Patrol was not undertaken.
Mission TOTAL: - 12
• • •
Victory Points through April 4
Today: - 10
To date: - 83

Equip. & Personnel Requests
No Pilots (Kipp-Parr returning from hospital)
1 Sop. Pup Scout

[5-Tops Rule total: once]
[New Rating Change Rules: PS +1 Bayliss; FR +1 Austin; FR +1 Cornell; BR -1 Faraday]

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Twilight Patrol - 4 April, 1917.

Sir:

I made my way slowly to the trenches this evening for B Flt No 54 Sqdn's Twilight Patrol. The cloud cover had become heavy by the time I reached them southeast of Arras. I worked my way south along the lines, strafing the Germans and waving to our troops. German groundfire was intense, first holing my wings, then hitting my engine and causing it to misfire and smoke. I was southeast of Mercatel at that point, so I had little choice but to cut my patrol short and head for the Advanced Landing Field there.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Harvey Clark
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

****************

Victory Points

Trench Strafing +8
Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (Clark) -3
Patrolled 3 Hexes +6

Total +11

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Defensive Line Patrol - 4 April, 1917.

Due to lack of personnel the Defensive Line Patrol was not undertaken.

Mission TOTAL: - 12

(Signed) Lt. Harry Brandt, ‘B’ Flight, 19 Sqdrn.

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Bombing Raid - 4 April, 1917.

Objective: Bombing Raid (Zone “B” - Railway Yards)
Taking Part:
Pilots:
Lt. Harry Brandt
2nd Lt. Wendell Austen
2nd Lt. Darren Bayliss
2nd Lt. Amory Blessing
2nd Lt. Miles Diehl

Two-Seater Aircraft (5 Sqdrn.):
Sgt. Owen Cadell w/ Lt. Max Faraday

Comments:
• The weather in the afternoon continued to be overcast as we took off for Zone ‘B’ and our target, a rail yard about twenty miles NNE of Douai. With Capt. Hopewell’s death and Lt. Kipp-Parr still convalescing I was assigned to lead the mission. One of 5 Sqdrn’s new DH-4’s could not accompany us as it had gone out earlier without having been checked out sufficiently, so we were left with only one two-seater for the bombing raid. With the overcast interspersed with rain all day I was a bit apprehensive as to what the bombing conditions would be.
• As we crossed the lines at Vimy Ridge a light rain began. But more critical was the inferno of archie, which caused me to leave the flight briefly. Two Albatross D-III’s were spotted not far away, but high above; they declined to attack and though I was tempted otherwise, I kept us headed towards the objective.
• We were close to the train depot when Blessing took some archie fire which damaged his engine. I signaled for him to abort to the northern emergency field and that Bayliss was to accompany him.
• Two thousand feet below 5 Squadron had begun its bombing attack on the rail yards when we were dove on by two red Albatrosses of Jasta 11. We managed to keep them off the two-seater at first and Owen and Faraday continued to bomb while we did battle with the Hun fighters. In spite of the rain and finally being sucked into the dog fight, Faraday did some excellent bombing. They made what Faraday believes was a hit on an ammunition car, the explosion of which destroyed rail stock and many buildings. (The concussion lifted myself and my opponent several hundred feet into the sky.) Nothing came of the aerial contest and the Germans made off into the cloud and rain.
• As we made our way to the lines we spotted a lone Albatross which I am sad to say I was only able to drive off.
• Diehl reported by phone that he had to make a forced landing a few miles from the emergency field and is now waiting for minor repairs to be finished. He and Blessing will be back for tomorrow’s operations.

(Signed) Lt. Harry Brandt, ‘B’ Flight, 19 Sqdrn.

Mission Points:
Zone “B” Rail yards hits: 30
Two-seater aborted to emergency field: - 3
Mission Deduction: - 10
Mission TOTAL: 17

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Long Reconnaissance - 4 April, 1917.

Zone B

Sir:

After some discussion, Capt Edeline allowed me to provide maximum escort for the DH4's on this afternoon's Reconnaissance deep behind the center of our sector. 2Lts Degrande, Clark, Carson-Jeffries, Glenn, and Stramel accompanied me. Carson-Jeffries and Glenn were on their first operation. A/Ms Burley and McLean commanded the DH4's, with Sgts Pointer and Hill piloting. All were on their first mission with us, although only McLean was lacking operational experience.

My plan was to fly to the objective with the SPAD's at 13,000 feet and the DH4's at 17,000 feet. This would conserve fuel for the SPAD's, and put the DH4's above likely enemy interference. Once over the objective, the DH4's would dive to an altitude suitable for photography, while the SPAD's would remain above to provide cover.

It was not to be. Passing over the trench lines southwest of Cambrai, we ran into four Albatros D3's from Jasta 11 at our altitude. Clark and I each drove one off, but Glenn's machine was hit in the oil line, starting a small fire. Since we'd lost touch with the DH4's during the dogfight, I decided the entire flight would escort Glenn to the South Advanced Landing Field. Seeing him safely down, the rest of the flight returned to Corbie.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

*        *        *        *        *

Sir:

A/M Burley and I were detailed to obtain photographs of a site deep behind the center of our sector this afternoon. Sgt Hill was my pilot, and Sgt Pointer had Burley's machine. "B" Flt, No. 54 Sqdn, provided our escort. Burley took us up to 17,000 feet, while our escorts flew 4000 feet below us. Crossing the lines southwest of Cambrai, our escorts were intercepted by HA and disappeared into the clouds. Burley took us up to 20,000 feet and continued toward our objective.

We approached the site from the southeast, avoiding the Archie known to protect the southwest approach. Each of us exposed a plate in light rain at 5000 feet, then two more plates at 4000 feet as the rain stopped and the cloud ceiling dropped. Burley brought us away to the northeast, climbing and heading toward the North Advanced Landing Field. We'd reached 14,000 feet when six HA climbed up from below us. One was an all-red Albatros D3, and the other five were Albatros D2's. The D3 shot Burley and Pointer down on his first pass, then turned for us. Our machine took some holes, but Hill managed to get us away.

I had Hill take us up to 20,000 feet to pass over the front, and then descend to the North Advanced Landing Field so our plates could be processed without delay. Both plates exposed at 4000 feet were first-quality, a cold comfort after the loss of Burley and the highly-experienced Pointer.

(signed) Air Mechanic Harrison McLean
No. 5 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

****************

Victory Points

Two Allied Aircrew Captured (Burley, Pointer) -50
Allied Two-Seater Destroyed (Pointer) -15
Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (Glenn) -3
First Quality Photographic Plate (McLean) +50

Total -18

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Artillery Spotting - 4 April, 1917.

Objective: Artillery Spotting (Zone “C”)
Taking Part:
Pilots:
Capt. Everett Hopewell
Lt. Harry Brandt
2nd Lt. Wendell Austen
2nd Lt. Darren Bayliss

Two-Seater Aircraft (5 Sqdrn.):
Sgt. Brian Cornell w/ A/M Paul Pressing
Sgt. Owen Cadell w/ Lt. Max Faraday


Comments:
• Lt. Hopewell led us due east under overcast skies towards the German side. Nearing the lines at 5ooo feet we saw a lone Hun craft off to the south which declined to attack; Lt. Hopewell did not permit us to attack either as it would have taken us well off the route to our assigned spotting area.
• We crossed the lines and then all hell broke lose! Five Alb. D-II’s with the Baron leading came down out of the clouds in near vertical dives. We hadn’t seen them, and Lord knows how they saw us, but they were on us before we could even turn into them. After that initial attack they had difficulty pulling out fast enough to keep us off their tails. I went into a tight diving circle starboard in an attempt to get behind the plane that dove in front of me. I was able to get on his tail, actually within about thirty feet, pulled the firing mechanism and nothing happened! I went into another dive to gain speed and momentum and then back up into the clouds. While I worked to clear the jam I could see below what was happening to most of the flight. Our two scouts were trying to engage as many enemies as possible to keep them off the two-seaters.
Even in the dull grey light I could see the red of Richthofen’s machine as he was climbing back to finish off his victim whom I knew instinctively was Capt. Hopewell. Captain must have been badly wounded at the outset as he took no evasive action until the Baron had put more rounds into his plane. Suddenly Captain nosed over and went into a high-angle dive. That was all I could see, but according to Faraday who was lower, at the very last moment before he should have crashed he was able to pull the nose up enough that his plane skidded and then began burning. Faraday says he is certain he saw Captain crawl out from the plane before it burst into flames.
• I cleared my jam and re-entered the fight - or at least tried to; both scouts were involved in duels off in the distance. I saw the Baron stoop to dive on a two-seater being chased by an Alb., but the observer put so much lead in his direction that he left the fray for good. (From what I am told the new observer, A/M Pressing not only drove off Richthofen, but earlier had driven off a scout; also Lt. Faraday in Sgt. Owens’ a/c made it very hot for another scout who decided he should cool off on the periphery.) The fight broke up with no other damage to either side.
• We were deep in Hun territory and about halfway to the assigned area when Sgt. Cornell’s DeHaviland developed serious engine problems. (I sent Austin off with him and they eventually made it to the southern emergency field where Cornell’s engine stopped just as he started his descent. He landed alright and both a/c will be back by late evening.)
•As we began our spotting duties we were set upon by two Alb. D-II’s. Bayliss and I were able to keep them off our recon. machine long enough for the spotting to be done.
• Nothing further occurred of note.

(Signed) Lt. Harry Brandt, ‘B’ Flight, 19 Sqdrn.

Mission Points:
Zone “C” spotted: 20
Non-Jasta a/c driven off: 3
Scout pilot (Hopewell) captured: - 25
Sopwith Pup destroyed: - 10
2-seater aborted (engine problem: - 3
(landed at south. emerg. field)
Mission Deduction: - 0
Mission TOTAL: - 15

Personal note from Colonel J.B. Wagner-Stowe to:

Captain Matthew Edeline, 'B' Flight 54 Sqdrn., etc.

Dear 'Mattie',

There exist at least a few at HQ who can read, and I have heard, actually do so from time to time. One has to consider that AAR's are occasionally read there and should your Dawn Patrol report fall into the hands of one of the literate I know I will be asked if this is the way I run things – to point, does one allow young men of questionable ancestry into the officers' mess? In time of war with all its attendant democratic proclivities I suppose it's necessary to have fishmongers' spawn, lorry drivers' offspring, etc. spotting the linen, but someone called 'Wolfgang' is hardly the thing, old man.

Perhaps, if 2^nd Lt. Barrington is so keen to stay occupied during his convalescence, assign him the task of getting to know this 'W. G.' Grun. Where did he go to school - his bona fides, in particular, his family's history, political affiliation, etc.? And if W. G. is to be piloting one of HM's a/c, I suppose we should know if he's actually on our side, what?

(As to young Barrington, it had been my intention to suggest he be mentioned in a dispatch, but obviously today's little adventure precludes that; you might make him aware of it.)

Regards,

'Waggie'

Colonel J.B. Wagner-Stowe DSO, etc. etc.

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Artillery Spotting - 4 April, 1917

Sir:

As the new DH4's and their crews will not be ready for operations until this afternoon, the assigned Artillery Spotting operation cannot be conducted.

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
"B" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

****************

Victory Points

Failure to Undertake Mission -20

Total -20

Addendum to previous Dawn Patrol AAR

Sir:

2Lt Barrington has violated the MO's orders by flying while wounded. You can be assured that the remainder of his convalescence will be strictly enforced!

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
"B" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Dawn Patrol - 4 April, 1917

Sir:

I took 2Lt Phillip Barrington on a Dawn Patrol for B Flt, No 54 Sqdn, this morning. We flew toward the trench lines in alternating overcast and light rain at 1000 feet, intending to cross between Bapaume and Cambrai. Just before reaching the lines, however, we were set upon by three HA from Jasta 11, two Albatros D3's and a Halberstadt D3. I became fully occupied with one of the Albatrosses, while Barrington took his first opportunity to escape (as was appropriate, being outnumbered and on a mission to gather information). I did manage to get one burst off at my opponent before the scrap broke up, but did not manage to hit.

We crossed the lines and continued our patrol without incident until we were between Beaumont and the railyard. Here, no less than six Halberstadt D3's dove on us from out of the clouds. Fortunately, the confusion in that initial attack was so great that Barrington and I both got away.

Other than my wings being holed by ground fire as we passed over Lens, there were no further incidents and we both landed at Corbie aerodrome.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 4, 1917

****************

Victory Points

Patrolled 12 Hexes +120
Mission Offset -80

Total +40

April 4 Assignments

WEATHER: #7 Overcast; cloud clearing later (AM 10+ / PM 9+)

No. 19 SQUADRON (Amiens Aerodrome)
'A' Flight: Transferred to Coastal Sector
'B' Flight: 66 Artillery Spotting (AM), Defensive Line Patrol, Bombing Raid

No. 54 SQUADRON (Corbie Aerodrome)
'A' Flight: 13 Balloon Bursting (AM), Defensive Line Patrol, Bombing Raid
'B' Flight: Dawn Patrol, 14 Artillery Spotting (AM), Long Recon.

Replacements:
19/B: Scout Pilots: #45, 35; 2-Seater Pilot: #15; Observer: #13; A/c: 1 DH-4
54/B: Scout Pilots: #45, 16; 2-Seater Pilots: #25, 56; Observers: #24, 35; A/c: 2 DH-4

Flight Leaders keep in mind that replacements are not available until the afternoon.

AAR's and End of Day Reports due the evening of March. 1, 2010