Book 'RAF communiques' , by C. Cole

[gnr.ktrha]

Hello,

Does anyone have a copy of RAF communiques book 1 April- 11 Nov 1918, by C. Cole? Is there an Officer called Lt. Horace Theodore Townsend, of No.4 Sqdr?

Many thanks,

Stewart

[Starlight]

I've not got that version, Stewart, but he doesn't get a mention in the 1917/18 Communiques as edited by Chaz Bowyer.

Regards

Steve

[Starlight]

Lt H T Townsend does get a mention in Henshaw's "The Sky Their Battlefield" however. On 1st October 1918, whilst flying on a counter attack patrol in the XV Corps area near Bailleul with 2Lt R W Lane as his observer, their machine (RE8 Number C2564) suffered an engine seizure and he was forced to land. Both men were unhurt.

At the time, Number 4 squadron was based at Ste Marie Cappel

Steve

[gnr.ktrha]

Thanks for the information, Steve. I know from his service records that he was sent to Hospital and eventually to England, later that month, so I wounder what he was sent for, his papers give no details! If he was shot down again, or wounded, would you book list it?

Many thanks for your time,

Stewart

[Starlight]

Stewart, That was the only mention Lt Townsend received in "The Sky Their Battlefield", but with the hundreds of events that occurred, especially in the latter part of the war, Trevor Henshaw states in the introduction to the book that there was only space to include but a selection. If Trevor happens to read this post he may be able to shed more light on the event from his background notes.

Steve

[gnr.ktrha]

Thank you very much for that, Steve. I am fairly sure that his Observer was killed later in the war. He seems to be recorded on the CWGC website, poor fellow.

Many thanks,

Stewart

[Starlight]

Stewart, In fact his observer, 2nd Lt Reginald William Lane, was killed in action along with his pilot 2nd Lt A V Heslop just over a month later (and only two days before Armistice Day) whilst still serving with Number 4 squadron.

Regards

Steve

[Andrew Smith]

G'day Stewart,

The Australian War Memorial has the Communiques online.

Australian War Memorial

Regards,

Andrew

[gnr.ktrha]

Hello Steve,

Thanks for the extra info on Lt. Lane, it's always good to get more info on all involved.

Andrew,

Thanks for the link, mate. I never thought to look there! I have used that website a lot in the past, it's a pity the Brit museums did not do more of this sort of thing. They always want to see the money first

All the very best,

The hunt goes on,

Stewart