1917 Eagles Fall

by Griff Hosker

  “And if that doesn’t happen?”

  “Then, Gordy, we will have an easy day and a cold dinner.” I stood, “I can live with that option, can’t you?”

  I poured a large brandy when I reached my room. Ten of the bottles had gone to the mess but two were in my room. The meeting with Major Ramsden had stirred memories I had long hidden. Ramsden had been the only one of my comrades whom I did not miss and now there was just Robbie McGlashan and George Armstrong who were left. Lord Burscough had gone and Charlie too. I felt like the last man at a party. They had all gone and left me alone. When this war was over would there be any whole men left? Would it be a Britain populated by those like Lumpy with visible wounds and the rest of us who had our wounds deep inside? I swallowed the brandy in one. It made the emptiness recede a little and I poured myself a second.

  When Bates came to lay out my clothes he looked at the brandy bottle which was a little over half full. “I want to be up well before dawn tomorrow John.”

  “Yes sir.” He brushed a speck of dust from my tunic. “The cooks were saying it may be rough rations tomorrow.” I nodded, “Is it likely to be dangerous here?”

  I remembered that Bates had transferred from the infantry to be away from the horrors of the trenches. “Yes John, but it will not be like the trenches. If they do come it will be over before you even know it.”

  “I wasn’t worried about me, sir. I was thinking of those new pilots. They are so young.”

  “I know and that frightens me too. They come straight from school and into the meat grinder. If they do survive I wonder what they will be like? What will I be like?”

  He brightened at that. “Oh don’t worry Captain Harsker, you will be fine. You have a lovely young lady and you have your head screwed on.” He picked up the brandy bottle and put it in the cupboard. “You just need to keep the top screwed on the bottle too.”

  I nodded as he left. Gordy had dived into a bottle once and it had cost the squadron dear. I needed to be stronger. I resolved to drink my brandy one small glass at a time from now on.

  Chapter 23

  The Pup looked tiny standing next to the two seater Bristol. Speight saluted me, as he went past me to the machine we had flown together. Young Lieutenant Alldardyce looked nervous. Speight looked as though he wanted to speak and so I gave him an opening. “Now you look after Mr Alldardyce as well as you looked after me and you will come back with another couple of kills under your belt.”

  He grinned, “Too right, sir. I have Lumpy’s record in my sights. We have a pool you know, sir. Half a crown in each! There’s six quid now! That’ll make a nice little wedge at Christmas when the competition is over.”

  The Lieutenant asked, “Who is Lumpy?”

  “He was the captain’s gunner. They were a legend the two of them, sir…” he led the Lieutenant off to their bus telling him of our exploits. It would do them good and make them a better team.

  Johnny walked towards his aeroplane. “I will try to remember what Freddie told me, sir. I won’t let you down.”

  “I know Johnny.”

  I saw Freddie having a word with Lieutenant Alldardyce. His job would be to watch our backs as we engaged the enemy. I saw the young pilot nod earnestly. I remembered that it was not that long ago that Freddie had been our earnest young pilot desperate to please.

  Before he mounted his Pup he came over to me, “I told him that if there were spotters or bombers then he should take them on. If you are right sir then I reckon the rest of us will have our hands full with their fighters.”

  “Good idea, Freddie, I should have thought of it myself.”

  “You have enough on your plate, sir.”

  We were the first flight off and we spiralled into the skies. I wanted us higher before dawn. I saw now that my early morning attack had come back to haunt us. The Hun had seen the benefits too. I could not see the rest of the squadron for it was too dark but I knew that a collision was unlikely until we levelled out. Once we reached ten thousand feet I began to circle. I saw the rest of the squadron arrive. Once I was certain that we were all in position I led the four columns east.

  That morning the cloud cover would be too high for anyone to hide in its cotton wool fluffiness. I was pleased that we had had the lower wings painted pale blue but I did not think we would reap the benefit that day. The horizon showed the first crack of sunlight and I cocked my Vickers. I stared up and ahead for the dark shadow of an enemy aeroplane. I saw none. The lack of clouds meant that the sun suddenly erupted in the east highlighting the six bombers and ten fighters which emerged ominously from the darkness. We were roughly at the same altitude. The Germans, however, had twice the firepower. I signalled to the other flights that I had seen them. Had we not left before dawn we would have been preparing to leave our airfield just as the bombers arrived. The squadron would have ceased to exist. I had got one thing right, at least.

  The Pups would be responsible for getting amongst the Albatros fighters. This time we would not be able to surprise them and we would have to brave their twin machine guns to get close. Freddie and Johnny closed up with me. The other three flights had spread out to try to outflank the Germans; that way we could use the rear gunner to add to our firepower.

  I saw that these Albatros fighters had their noses painted in four different colours. They were obviously to identify the different flights. I stored that information for Randolph.

  As we approached I raised my nose a little to tempt the German into firing but he did not take the bait. It did not matter for I then lowered my nose and, as his yellow propeller came into view I opened fire. He moved at the same time as I fired and my bullets struck his wing. He had to turn again to fire at me and I gave him a second burst. This time I struck his engine. The two machine guns spat their 9mm bullets towards me. The tracer in them told me that they were going to hit. I pushed the stick down and the rounds hit my top wing. I heard one of the stays as it was severed. Remembering what I had been told about the dangers of the air frame I resisted the temptation for a violent move. Instead I dived beneath the Albatros and banked at the same time.

  I saw a second Albatros firing at Ted. He was beam on to me. I ignored the bullets coming from starboard and began to climb towards the Albatros. At fifty feet I opened fire. He was a huge target at that range and my bullets hit him behind the cockpit. He banked to the right and I turned with him, firing as I did so. My bullets hit his tail and he began to descend. I remembered my advice to Johnny and I banked to starboard. The Albatros which had fired at me was flying a parallel course. I suddenly remembered my Luger and I drew it and fired at the German who was a hundred yards away. He banked to starboard in surprise. I holstered my gun and banked after him.

  It had been a cheap trick but it meant I gained the advantage by being on his tail and not the other way around. My turn was smaller than his and, as his tail came into view, I fired again. I hit his rudder and he juddered. Some of the controls had been hit. I banked to port and anticipated his next move. We had been heading south and he would want to head east. As he drifted into my sights I fired again and hit him behind the cockpit. He began to lose height. I checked my mirror and there was no one there. I glanced to left and right and the sky was clear. I had just decided to follow him and end this when I heard the explosions from behind me. The bombers had got through.

  I banked hard. I could see that there were just three bombers but they could do a great deal of damage. Lieutenant Alldardyce was coming from the south to help me but I would reach them first. The Pup fairly zipped through the early morning air. I had gained air speed by diving down to the same altitude as the bombers. I caught them when they were making their turn at the end of the field. The machine guns on the ground were firing but it is hard to hit a moving aeroplane. I opened fire at a thousand feet. I used short bursts. The bombers had no forward armament; they were just a two seater. The first one exploded in the air. It must have been a lucky shot which detonated the bomb. The concussion threw
the second AEG into the air slightly and my bullets ploughed into its belly. It veered to starboard and plummeted into the field next to the cook house. The third bomber took off north. I saw Lieutenant Alldardyce hurtling after it.

  I banked and began to climb back to join the dogfights in the sky. They were quite high up as each pilot strove to gain altitude. I never reached them for the Germans decided to head on home. Their superior speed meant that the Bristols and Pups would not catch them. I returned to the field and landed.

  Senior Flight Sergeant Lowery was directing operations as the holes in the field were repaired. “What’s the damage, Flight?”

  “Not as bad as it could have been. They made a few holes in the grass and the windows in the Sergeants’ Mess were broken but no casualties. We were ready, sir, thanks to you.”

  I shrugged, “I guessed lucky.”

  He shook his head, “Mind you sir, the broken windows were down to that bomber you blew up.”

  “Oh that reminds me, there is a second bomber in the field yonder. Best to send someone and see if there are any survivors and if there is anything worth salvaging.”

  “Righto sir.”

  I took off my helmet and goggles and jammed them into my greatcoat pocket. I watched the Bristols and Pups land as I filled my pipe. There was one missing. It looked to be Lieutenant Ellis. I had hoped to avoid any losses. I strode over to Harry when he landed; Ellis had been in his flight.

  “What happened to Ellis?”

  “His engine began to smoke and he crash landed in a field to the north of us. I’ll take a lorry and some mechanics. We might be able to repair it.”

  “Good man.” He jogged off shouting to a group of mechanics and riggers to join him. He was growing into his role. He did not wait for orders he just got on with things. I headed to the office. There were a couple of windows blown out and a little damage in the office itself. I saw a medical orderly dealing with some cuts to Randolph’s face. I laughed.

  “It’s all very well for you to laugh! I am supposed to be safe on the ground. I shall have to start wearing a tin lid!”

  The orderly chuckled as he left us.

  “That’s not such a daft idea, Randolph. Until this sort of thing stops we might be as well to make sure that the ground crews are protected.”

  “You think this will happen again?”

  “The Germans are on the offensive now. They do not want us spotting for our guns. I have learned that they are an efficient bunch. The Teutonic mind must realise that by getting rid of us first they can do pretty much as they please. I am going to take the squadron up again this afternoon. Find out where the Huns have attacked and we will see if we can help out. Get Lowery to refuel and rearm the buses.”

  “Right, Bill.”

  I went to the cookhouse where the cooks were clearing up. The senior sergeant leaned against his broom. “It is a good job we were not cooking, sir, or we might have had more damage and casualties.”

  “Well we won’t need a hot meal. I am taking the squadron out soon so just get some sandwiches for the men. We will have a hot meal this evening.”

  “Will they be back sir?”

  “I doubt that they will return today but they might repeat this again.”

  “In that case I’ll put some tape over the windows. We can’t be having flying glass in the kitchen. The blokes moan enough as it is but finding a piece of glass in a stew would mean they would have my guts for garters!”

  When I reached the office the others were already there. “You want us out again this afternoon, Bill?”

  “Just C and D Flights. Ted and Harry can keep an eye out in case the Hun comes back.”

  “Do you think they might?”

  “It is a possibility. They must be desperate if they are resorting to using the old AEG.”

  Randolph put the telephone down. “The Germans are attacking the Australians at Lagnicourt.”

  “Then that is where we will go. Gordy have your gunner take his signalling lamp with him in case we can direct the artillery.”

  Ted looked around, “Where is Harry?”

  “Collecting Ellis and his broken bus.” He nodded. “I have arranged for sandwiches. We eat now and as soon as the buses are refuelled and rearmed we will take off.” I nodded to Freddie and Gordy, “Come with me and we will eat on the hoof.”

  I led them to the cookhouse where half of the cooks were still clearing up while the other half was preparing sandwiches and tea. I grabbed a handful and a mug of hot sweet tea and went outside. Freddie followed me.

  I bit into the cheese and pickle sandwich and pointed towards the buses. “I want you and Johnny to be our umbrella this afternoon. I’ll have Alldardyce as my wingman.” I pointed to Gordy’s buses, “You and I will ground attack.”

  “Do you want us to bomb?”

  I shook my head, “We haven’t got time to fit the racks. I suppose we could take a couple of Mills Bombs.”

  Gordy laughed, “Give them a Lumpy special eh?”

  “Something like that. You can liaise with the artillery. If you have to spot then I will lead your flight in.”

  “I can always get one of the others to spot.”

  “They haven’t done it yet. You know how to do it and do it right.”

  He saw the sense in it. “Right. I’ll go and get Randolph to telephone the artillery and find out what the call sign is.”

  After he had gone I finished my tea and lit my pipe. “Freddie, you may need to split up if we get jumped. Make sure that Johnny doesn’t get carried away with a pursuit. We can’t afford to lose experienced pilots.”

  “He seems a little better these days. He stayed right on station this morning and managed to damage a couple. He resisted the temptation to follow them back to Germany.”

  I laughed, “Well that is an improvement anyway.”

  Gordy ran back. “We had better get there quickly, Bill. The Huns have overrun the Australian guns. There is a danger of a breakthrough.”

  Right! Let’s go!”

  Freddie ran into the mess and brought out the pilots and gunners. I saw Senior Flight Sergeant Lowery. “Are we good to go?”

  “All ready, sir and I have the German’s effects. Their bodies are being buried this evening.”

  “Good. Give them to me.” He handed me two bundles. There were two helmets secured by the goggles. Inside were the papers, identity tags and watches as well as wallets. I noticed that they were both bloody. I dropped them into the bottom of the Pup’s cockpit. “Lieutenant Alldardyce you are my wingman today. Stick to me like glue.”

  “Yes sir!” I smiled. I could imagine his fear of falling foul of his commanding officer. Speight would keep him straight.

  I led the two flights high into the sky. I looked in my mirror and saw Freddie leading Johnny high towards the thin wispy clouds above us. I doubted that Gordy would need to signal the ground forces for if the Germans had overrun the guns the artillery would have no target.

  It took us twenty minutes to reach the village which was at the southern end of the line. I saw the grey lines as they swarmed forwards towards our forward trenches. The Australians were doggedly resisting but I could see that they were being forced back. I swung around so that I could fly along their lines. The Pup was a really small aeroplane and I was able to descend to tree top height. I was not certain that Alldardyce would be able to get as low. I began firing my machine gun. There were so many Germans I could not miss. They dropped to the ground searching for somewhere to hide but the only place was behind their dead comrades. As I zipped across at a hundred and five miles an hour the German bullets were striking where I had been and not where I was.

  When there were no more Huns I lifted the nose and banked to starboard. As I did so I glanced aloft. I saw the two Pups but they appeared to be alone. We had caught the Jastas napping or, perhaps, licking their wounds.

  As I descended again I saw knots of fresh Germans kneeling and firing into the air. The Vickers cracked away and s
cythed them down. I glanced in my mirror and saw Alldardyce doing the same while Speight was spraying any who emerged from behind. I clicked on empty. I lifted the nose and surveyed the scene below. The Australians had stopped retreating. I saw them digging in. I was not certain if the others had any bullets left but our very presence would halt the attack. I descended again. I suddenly remembered Lumpy’s grenades. I still had one in my great coat pocket. Flying as low as I dared I dropped the bomb close to a huddle of machine gunners who were trying to set up a Spandau.

  The sharp crack of the grenade which exploded just above their heads showered them with shrapnel. I saw them I my mirror. The gun would never fire again. Alldardyce did not fire this time. He was out of ammunition too. I saw Gordy leading his flight to continue the attack. We had slowed down the German advance and allowed the Aussies time to dig in.

  I climbed to a reasonable height. I signalled for him to come alongside. When he did so I pointed to the north west and mouthed, ‘Home!’ He nodded and turned the Bristol. Speight gave me a cheery wave. I turned east. I had another task to complete.

  I kept my Pup low and headed east. I knew there were four of five German airfields close by. I reached down to pick up the bloody helmets and goggles and placed them on my lap.

  As I sped across the French countryside I saw lines of grey heading west towards the battle. They raised their rifles to fire but I was gone before they could aim. I knew I was close when I saw the windsock ahead. I raised the nose a little. I saw lines of Fokkers on the green field and grey uniforms running to man their guns. As I flew down the centre of the parked aeroplanes I hurled the two helmets over the side and then banked to starboard. As I returned down the field I saw two men lift the helmets and then wave at me. I waggled my wings. They would know what had happened to their comrades.

  Chapter 23

  I was, of course, the last to land. The others were anxiously watching for me. As I stepped out and they crowded around me I said, “I returned the effects of the dead bomber crew.”