Epic air battle over the western front
As 1917 drew to a close, preparations for a major offensive in the following Spring were put in place. It was little surprise that something was definitely being planned by increased air activity and reconnaissance flights over our lines, and regular patrols were mounted to deal with the intruders.
Yesterday, a British DH-9 two seater scout plane was seen heading east over No Man's Land escorted by a pair of Sopwith camels, and our patrolling flight of two Albatross DVa's set course to intercept them. However, the British airmen managed to evade our fighters by flying low and the two seater was able to photograph some of our installations and escape, both sides picking up some minor damage from a few long range shots.
Having easily won the first round, the British returned, this time with one of the new Bristol aircraft, obviously intent on bombing the HQ that had been photographed earlier. Again, the two seater was accompanied by two Sopwiths as it crossed the front lines into German airspace. Our standing patrol formed up and prepared to attack the intruders as the AA crews blow rushed to man their guns.
Our fighters intercepted the enemy as the approached their objective and trading shots with the escorts, managed to deflect the Bristol from its bombing run. Our guns on the ground opened up an despite scoring several hits, were set upon by the camel pilots who strafed them mercilessly and first one then another emplacement was silenced.
The enemy two seater swung around to line up for another run on his intended target, but one of our pilots had managed to shake off the escorts and get into a tailing position; the Bristol's engine started to trail smoke as his observer/gunner dueled with the Albatross. Despite being wounded in the exchange, our pilot determined to press home his attack and suddenly there was no more return fire as the Britisher slumped in his seat. The Albatross closed in for the kill, but the bombs had already been released and 240lbs of high explosive bombs obliterated our HQ even as the British plane was blown apart as its fuel tank ignited and sent it spinning earthwards.
The second mission ended one target successfully bombed, one machine gun and two antiaircraft emplacements destroyed for the loss of one British aircraft and two crewmen. German losses in the air were one albatross heavily damaged pilot WIA
A clear (if costly) allied victory - and yes, it was those 'She Devils' again: well played ladies!
Reply With Quote
Great to see the "She Devils" back in action!
Bookmarks