by Griff Hosker
“And if we do destroy it?”
“Then we drop our eggs on another target. So keep your eyes open for something suitable.”
“Major, we have hit gas from the air last year. It might be as well for all the other aeroplanes to fly at higher altitude when the strike aeroplane goes in. And I think we need gas masks too.”
“Right Captain, you have done this sort of thing before. I’ll take your advice.”
We took off after making sure that we had all taken a gas mask each. I did not want to use one for it made visibility poor but it might become necessary. We rarely flew in the afternoon and I hoped that would mean we could arrive unnoticed.
Archie led and as eleven of us circled above he dived in to attack. The bombs landed around the tent but did not destroy it. The Hun had placed some anti aircraft guns there. They had not been there in the morning and they began to pepper the sky with shells. Gordy dropped down and his bombs went even closer. I suspect he might have hit it had it not been for the ferocious fire of the German flak. When Ted went in I was preparing Charlie to go next. Ted waited longer than the other two and all four bombs caused direct hits.
“Come on Ted, get out of there.” We watched as Ted climbed desperately to out run the gas, smoke and flames which were rising. He was a canny flier and he flew towards the wind so that the smoke and gas was carried away from him.
We reformed our four flights and followed Major Leach north. He was looking for a target. I saw him point and his two young pilots dived to attack the road which had a line of vehicles on it. Their bombs fell fifty yards from the road. While A Flight circled above Gordy waved for his flight to attack. They dropped their bombs closer but they merely destroyed a field of new sown grain. Ted’s flight was keen to emulate their commander and they hit the middle of the convoy.
Then it was our turn. We had three aeroplanes and I banked around to make a run down the road as opposed to across it as the others had tried. It meant that they could bring all their guns to fire but it also allowed us to have the best chance of hitting them.
“Keep your head down, Charlie, I am going to use my gun.”
“Righto sir. I began to fire short burst and then Charlie dropped the bombs. He dropped his to the right and I knew that Laithwaite would drop his to the left. That would leave Johnny’s gunner to choose which vehicles were the best target. We were low enough to see the faces of the Germans. My bullets had carved a line of dead Germans and when the bombs went off it was like flying through hell. I pulled the nose up and saw Sharp throw one last Mills bomb for good luck.
As I banked I looked over my left shoulder and saw that both my wingmen were safe and half of the convoy had been destroyed. I tucked in behind Ted’s flight and we headed home.
The first we knew of the Fokkers was when they fired, prematurely, as they dived to attack us. “Charlie, rear gun!” The sound of the gun had alerted the others and I saw Archie’s nose begin to turn to port. I prayed that the young pilots would not panic. Archie was trying our defensive circle. Head on we would have been able to fight them but they were coming from our most vulnerable position. I thought we were going to make it but one of the aeroplanes following the Major suddenly left formation and began to dive towards the west. Luckily Gordy was the next aeroplane and he retained the formation. When Archie tucked in behind Lieutenant Holt I breathed a sigh of relief.
The eleven gunners were able to pick their targets and, as the Fokkers tried to get underneath our formation, two or three Lewis guns would make it too hot for them. Gradually the major edged us further and further west. It was hardly rapid progress but, as we were just five miles behind the enemy lines we soon found ourselves over No-Man’s Land. The Fokkers must have run out of ammunition or become frustrated. As we neared our lines they sped east, many of them with wings and fuselage riddled with bullet holes. It was a stalemate but our two bombing raids meant that we felt we were the victor.
When we landed we saw the single forlorn looking aeroplane of Lieutenant Garrington-Jones. I could see Senior Flight Sergeant Lowery inspecting the bus. The colonel would have wondered why one aeroplane arrived back alone. The lieutenant, if he did but know it, was in serious trouble.
As soon as we had landed I went to see Johnny. His Gunbus had been the last in line and I knew that he was more likely to have damage. I found him and his gunner inspecting the tail. He turned as I approached, “We were lucky sir, they just chipped a little from the propeller but they nicked one of the cables leading to the rudder.” We could see that it was frayed where the bullets had struck it. Had it been severed then he would not have been able to stay in the circle.
“You were lucky but at least we know that the circle works.”
Freddy had joined us, “Yes sir but that idiot over there nearly ruined the plan. If Harry Burrell, Major Leach’s other new pilot, had followed him then the Fokkers would have been inside the circle.”
I smiled at Freddy, he had grown immeasurably. “Criticising keen young pilots? Are you becoming a cynic Mr Carrick?”
“No sir, I just recognise stupidity. It is one of the many things I have learned from your sir.”
“Then there is hope, young man!”
The colonel waited until Archie had made his report before he sent for the young lieutenant. It was a very red faced and angry officer who stamped down the stairs from the office. He glowered at everyone. I went in to speak with the Colonel and the Major.
Archie was lighting his pipe. He chuckled, “I take it yon lieutenant left in a tantrum?”
“Yes sir, his toys are well and truly out of the perambulator.”
“Aye I thought he might. He took the dressing down and the warning the colonel here gave him but I could see that he was not happy.”
“Warn Sharp that he may well be needed for flying duties soon. I warned the lieutenant that any more such acts of disobedience would lead to his suspension as a pilot.”
“But sir, that would leave me without a gunner.”
Archie laughed as he blew out a cloud of blue smoke, “No laddie, you can have Lumpy as promised and we will take a leaf out of your book. Mr Garrington-Jones can have a spell as a gunner. Let’s see if that teaches him humility.”
“You don’t think he will learn his lesson do you sir?”
The colonel shook his head sadly, “No Captain Harsker. I am afraid I recognise the type. I went to school with them and he is cut from the same cloth as Major Hamilton-Grant. He is privileged and no one has ever said no to him. He probably played cricket and rugby for his school, rowed at Henley and was told that he was God’s gift to the world. Had the war not come along he would have had rapid promotions and ended up an ambassador somewhere or perhaps a Member of Parliament. This war has little good to be said for it but it has, at least, levelled the playing field. Men like yourself and Archie have more chance of being rewarded than in the years before the war. Yes, I am afraid that our young lieutenant will think he can continue to disobey and his good looks and name will excuse him.”
I kept the confidence of my commander’s words. It would not help anyone to know what went on behind our closed doors.
Our little foray behind the lines had, however stirred the hornets’ nest. We now had telephone communication with the front line and we were told, the next day that there was a formation of German aeroplanes heading west. It did not take a genius to work out they were coming to bomb us. The message had not specified the types of aeroplane but we knew that it was likely to be Fokkers and AEG G1 bombers.
We raced to our aeroplanes. Archie shouted, as we ran, “Four flights in arrow formation. Ted, you go after the bombers we’ll take the Fokkers.” We all waved our acknowledgement.
I decided to tell Charlie the good news when we landed. I did not want him distracted.
The disadvantage we had was that we were still climbing when we came across the enemy formation. The Fokkers would be able to dive and then turn to attack our rear. The advantage we had was that w
e would have to climb through their bombers and our bullets would aid Ted.
As we climbed Charlie sprayed the first bomber with a short burst. He hit it but I was unable to see the damage. I was too concerned with the twelve Fokkers which dived towards us. With D Flight busy with the bombers we would be outnumbered. I had taken the precaution of having a spare magazine between my knees. When I ran out I wanted a fast reload. Charlie emptied his first magazine at the Fokker who came directly towards us. As he reloaded I fired a burst. I was unlucky. The bullets struck his propeller and then pinged off the top of the engine. The noise did, however, distract him and he banked up and to the right. He would not do a turn and end up behind me.
I banked left and was pleased to see my wingmen had kept formation. The thought flickered through my head that they must be used to me by now and knew which way I would be likely to turn. It proved crucial for three of us with six guns suddenly had the sides of four aeroplanes before us. As we had discussed before we took off the three pilots all fired at the Fokker before us whilst the gunners were able to aim at vulnerable spots on the aircraft.
I aimed the Gunbus at the engine of the Fokker and fired. As it banked right to avoid me the bullets stitched a line along the fuselage and I hit the pilot. The aeroplane plunged to the ground. Two of the other three had been hit too and one was spiralling to its death whilst the third was limping east. As with all such aerial combats the sky had cleared as aeroplanes followed each other to battle it out in the blue skies over France. Our flight was the only one together. I saw three Fokkers to the east and they were pursuing Archie and one of his flight. I banked to lead my flight to his rescue.
I could see that the second of the aeroplanes was taking hits on the engine. The gunners of both aeroplanes were standing and firing at the Fokkers but they were below the two Gunbuses. It would only be a matter of time before they struck something vital.
The monoplanes were so engrossed on their victims that they did not see us as we screamed down to attack them. Six Lewis guns can cause massive destruction and the last aeroplane in their line was hit by at least three guns. It slowly spun to earth. Sharp sprayed the next aeroplane and I saw Sergeant Laithwaite targeting the first. With Holt and Carrick firing at the first Fokker I aimed our Gunbus at the other and fired. It too was hit and caught fire.
The Fokkers all destroyed, Archie turned around and headed west. I took station behind the damaged Gunbus. I saw that it was Lieutenant Reed. He waved as I circled him. He was telling me he could still fly. His rudder looked to have been damaged and there was a little smoke coming from his engine. Rolls Royce, however, built good engines. He would get back.
I saw one Gunbus lying in No-Man’s Land and wondered if it was Garrington-Jones. I could see movement near it which meant that it was possible that the gunner and pilot had survived. There were the burning wrecks of a couple of bombers. Ted had done his job.
As I came in to land I saw Lieutenant Garrington-Jones’ Gunbus on the ground. He had not been hit; I wondered whose was the aeroplane I had seen in No-Man’s Land. When I saw Ted and a second Gunbus, I knew it had to be one of his flight. I was a little disappointed it had not been the arrogant Lieutenant and then immediately felt guilty. I was dong him a disservice. He might change and become a good pilot. It could happen.
Archie strode over. “Thanks Bill. I owe you and your laddies a glass of malt each.”
“My pleasure.”
His smile turned to a scowl as he scanned the field, “And I will have that young cockerel’s balls for this.” I cocked my head to one side. “When we climbed to engage the Fokkers he chased a bomber off to the north. That is why we were outnumbered. They did the turn and came up on Godfrey’s rear.”
When we reached the office Lieutenant Garrington-Jones was cheerfully telling Captain Marshall of his success. “And we got on his tail and the two of us filled him with lead. The pilot and observer both died and I saw it crash.” He looked triumphantly in my direction. “One aeroplane on my second flight out, I think I will soon be in double figures!”
I thought Archie would explode, “Not as a pilot you won’t. You are suspended from flying and, until further notice you will be my gunner!”
“But you can’t do that! I am a pilot and I destroyed an enemy aeroplane.”
“And you disobeyed orders and nearly got Lieutenant Reed killed.” He turned to me, “Tell Sergeant Sharp he is now a pilot in A Flight.”
The young lieutenant turned to the others crowded in the office to look for some support. There was none. Reed was popular and no one liked the arrogance of Lieutenant Garrington-Jones. Once again he stormed, petulantly from the office. Captain Marshall said, “I think, so long as the lieutenant is based here I had better get the door strengthened.”
Chapter 24
The only person who was unhappy about the decision was Garrington-Jones. Charlie was now a pilot and Lumpy was happy to be back with me and his best friend Sergeant Laithwaite. I wondered how the petulant schoolboy that was Garrington-Jones would take his punishment. Lieutenant Holt had appreciated the experience and was a better pilot because of it. I am not sure that the one kill wonder would do so.
The colonel decided to increase our patrols. The Germans had shown that they were, once again, active. Perhaps the stalemate at Verdun had released more Fokkers for our sector but the Colonel was a clever man and he would not allow the Hun to steal the initiative.
Lieutenant Holmes and Flight Sergeant Arkwright arrived with their broken aeroplane. It was wrecked beyond repair but Senior Sergeant Lowery could use the parts for spares. Both pilot and gunner were shaken up and a day or two off flying duties would be welcome. Landing in No-Man’s Land was like playing Russian Roulette with three rounds in the chamber. They had both been lucky and their state of mind would not be conducive to efficient flying. We would fly with eleven aeroplanes and patrol three sectors. C Flight would fly with A Flight. They would have a new pilot in the shape of Sharp and a new gunner in the form of Garrington-Jones. It made sense to give them Gordy’s two aeroplanes.
Ted and I celebrated in the mess that night. I had two kills to my credit as did Ted. He was as modest as ever. “Yours have more value, Bill, they were fighters. I could knock a bomber out of the sky with a catapult.”
“I think you are exaggerating. They have a rear gunner and can do some damage.” He shrugged, “By the way where is Gordy?”
“He had a letter waiting for him. It smelled of roses and so it must be from his lady love.”
“Mary?” He nodded. I began to fill my pipe. I wondered what the letter would bring. I hoped, for Gordy’s state of mind that it would be good news.
Just then Archie walked in with a bottle of malt. There was a large dinner gong on the table. I suspect someone had stolen it on a leave. He banged it loudly and the mess servants came rushing in. Archie waved them away.
“Gentlemen,“ I noticed Gordy come in, drawn by the noise, “come in Lieutenant Hewitt and join your friends.” He came over and sat next to Ted and me. It was then I noticed the colonel in the corner smoking another of Colonel Berthier’s cigars.
“Gentlemen as I was saying. Captain Harsker and his flight saved my bacon and that of Lieutenant Reed today. I promised him a glass of malt!”
Ted grumbled, loud enough for Archie to hear, “Miserable bloody Scotsmen. Tight as!”
Archie was in a good mood and he chuckled, “There is a reason why we are so thrifty with our malt, laddie. It is the life blood of Scotland we only share it with those who deserve it. We are honouring Captain Harsker.”
I saw Lieutenant Garrington-Jones begin to rise. Archie roared like a Sergeant Major, “That officer sit down, sir, and learn some manners! I am the President of the Mess!”
A red faced lieutenant sat, reluctantly, down.
“Now where was I before I was so rudely interrupted?” He gave a mock glare in Ted’s direction. “Ah that is right, honouring Captain Harsker. However, while I was getting the m
alt from the safe in my sporran,” he was warming to the task and everyone laughed, “we received a message from the French.” Johnny and Freddy must have exchanged a look because the major wagged the finger of the hand holding the glass. “No Lieutenant Holt, they do not need you again. They contacted us to tell us that Captain Harsker has been awarded their highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur, Chevalier.” There was stunned silence. He walked over to me. “This is rarely awarded to someone who survives a heroic act.” His voice became so sincere I thought his voice might crack. “You are a brave laddie and I am proud to serve with you.”
He turned to the mess, “So I will give him the whole bottle and he can give me a glass in return!”
The mess, with one exception, erupted. I was patted on the back and showered with praises. My head swam. To win one medal was beyond my wildest dreams but to win two was unthinkable. The bottle of malt was soon emptied and we went on to the brandy. Garrington-Jones made an early exit and was the only one not to toast me. It was one of the best days of my life; not just winning the medal, although that was something to be proud of, it was the respect of my peers which meant more to me. The Colonel, the Major, Captain Marshall, Gordy, Ted and all the lieutenants, bar one held this estate worker from Lancashire in high esteem. The colonel was right. War was a great leveller.
Despite the drink we were all ready for our morning patrol. We did not make it a dawn patrol. The colonel thought we had more chance of catching the Germans if we flew later. Now that we had communication with the front we had a better idea of when they would be out and about. We were ordered to fly as far into German territory as we could manage. Our recent successes had made us more confident. The middle sector was taken by the Major and his two flights. Ted took the northern flank and I was given the southern flank.
Lumpy was delighted to be back with me and he was also happy about Sergeant Sharp’s elevation. “And he’ll be an officer too. He’ll be a decent one. Not like some I know who are not a million miles away and sat in my former seat.”