Tom when and where do you fly out of? I am based in Newbiggen Sports Centre, South East Northumberland Wargames Group. Meet Thursdays 7pm-10pm. Always welcome if you want to take on the mighty JaSta 2.
Sold! (To the mug in the Sopwith Camel) Hi Rob Now look, you've just gone and cost me £6.67 at Amazon with that quote and I can't afford to buy books on RFC pay. Seriously though, thanks for reminding me about 'Bloody April'. It'd been at the back of my mind but I've got a few things on the go at the minute so I'd pretty much forgotten about it. Now I'm busting to check it out 'cos there's a couple of things about that extract that interest me. I'll drop you a line later if that's ok & maybe you can give an opinion? Tom
Hi Tom. Just found this extract about your namesake in "Bloody April" by Peter Hart. p 201. "At 8a.m. Booker led C flight on a patrol to escort the FEas of 25 Squadron, R F C, who were on photographic duty. My engine was running badly and I could not keep up with the formation. At about 9a.m., when a long way on the German side of the lines, I saw two machines flying parallel to the west. I had never seen a type of aeroplane quite like them. They looked somewhat like Nieuports but much bigger. I realised they were probably Huns which C flight had not seen. I was a bit scared because I was a straggler all on my own and these ominous looking aeroplanes blocked my way to safety. I was at a great disadvantage because my engine was running so badly. I realised I must make a decision. The thought of being taken prisoner terrified me, so I decided to go and have a look and sell my life as dearly as possible if I had to fight" After a fierce battle he manages to shoot down both planes, which turned out to be German two seaters. He then limps his battered triplane back over the lines and manages to land it with only one bullet hole in it. Rob.
Central England Command Squadron Leader & Librarian