The sole combat mission of the DH.10 in WWI

[Zoe Brain]

‘I took up the DH 10 and went to bomb Sarrebourg aerodrome on my own. I’d dropped my bombs and was coming back at 100 mph when four scouts dived around us. Bottrill let off a few bursts from his double-barrell [sic] Lewis, and suddenly we realized they were French SPADs! Lucky we didn’t shoot them down or they shoot us, as the DH 10 was not known to them at the time and the SPADs undoubtedly mistook us for a Hun bomber. The SPAD chaps didn’t report us for firing on them as far as we know, so all’s well that ends well. What might have made things worse is that I was not supposed to take the DH 10 on a job but wanted to use it “on active service” on the last day of the war.’

Diary of Captain Ewart James Garland

[clipper1801]

How cool is that! Looks like a fun addition to the hanger, seems I saw one on the Shapeways site long ago . . . Thanks Zoe!

[john snelling]

Great find.

[Jager]

Certainly something for Plan 1919 or other what-ifs.
Karl

[milcoll73]

it lines certainly do favor german bombers. i can see why french pilots might have been confused despite the markings.

[gully_raker]

Good one Zoe!
i had not heard of that story before so thanks for posting.

[Baxter]

Interesting information thanks Zoe. I have to wonder though ..... last day of hostilities ........ would you not be focussing on not being one of the last casualties? Why risk your life when it was all nearly over.

[milcoll73]

Interesting information thanks Zoe. I have to wonder though ..... last day of hostilities ........ would you not be focussing on not being one of the last casualties? Why risk your life when it was all nearly over.

and its too bad that the american high command didnt feel this way instead of pushing attacks right up to the 11am deadline.

['Warspite']

Certainly not a pretty aircraft, that's for sure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airco_DH.10