Wings of Glory WWI News Wire,
05/17/1917
Both Escadrille de 49 aviators, Armand de Turenne and René Paul Fonck cheated
death itself over the skies of Watermark France.
Armand de Turenne was able to log one kill against a Red DR1 sustaining minimal
damage to his machine in the process.
Rene Fonck was scrambled later that day on reports of a German Rumpler
running recognizance over our recent French troop concentration stationed
North of Watermark's railway depot.
Fonck quickly found out that the German Rumpler was escorted by a slower
(but deadly) Pfalz D.III.
Initially Fonck ignored the slower Phalz and concentrated on the Rumpler.
It was not the Rumpler's first flight as demonstrated by the evasive
German pilot's maneuvering prowess.
Both Fonck and de Turenne landed safely, but Fonck wasn't bragging.
Fonck had dropped both the Rumpler and the Phalz, but judging from the
extent of Fonck's aircraft and wounds, he had to earn the kills.
Fonk was becoming deleterious as he stumbled from his aircraft.
He recapped how the Phalz took up a defensive posture and waited for Fonck
to make a move. Fonck said that he was able to time sniping runs on the
Phalz and although he damaged the Phalz's rudder and pilot, Fonch miss
timed several attack runs and paid the price.
Escadrille personnel were amazed Fonck was able to land that battered
aircraft in his condition.
Fonck will be on the reserve list until his wound are able to mend.
Escadrelle Wire, May 17th 1917.
(Author's note, no attempt at historical accuracy was exerted, just having fun)
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