100 Years Ago Today in WWI Aviation History: 22 August 1914
The first two British airmen killed by enemy action died on 22nd August 1914. They were 2/Lt Vincent Waterfall and Lt Charles Bayly, of 5 sqdn RFC. Both were pilots but Bayly was flying as the observer on this occasion. They were in Avro 504, serial number 390 when they were shot down near Enghein by rifle fire from the 12th Brandenburger Grenadiers. Both were aged 23.
The following day, the British Expeditionary Force entered its baptism of fire at Mons.
Rifle fire , what a way to go, Not even a chance to fight in the skies
I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Sad, but a reflection of the many unexpected ways that so many were to lose their lives during the next few years of bitter fighting.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
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