100 Years ago this week in the Balkans

[pete-c]

MARIAN.  'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On the following day [26th May] it was seen that the main cluster of sheds was completely gutted and signs of the other large fires were apparent.  The damage done must have been very considerable.  Again 2 enemy aeroplanes of a larger type than those seen in the morning were observed flying low over LIVUNOVO but did not engage.

 

[Also on the 26th]  A newly discovered enemy aerodrome 7 miles N. of LIVUNOVO consisting of 10 hangars hidden in a gully, and clustered close together, with the landing ground on the opposite side of the road, was selected as the target.  1,445Ibs. of bombs were dropped, 8 large bombs dropping right among the hangars and one obtaining a direct hit on a hangar.  The hangars are so close together that much damage must have been done to others in addition to the one blotted out by direct bombing.  Two enemy machines were seen on the ground but they did not attempt to come up and engage.

 

This completed the work done by 'F' Squadron from MARIAN AIR STATION.    This somewhat concluding statement will be explained fully in tomorrows post.

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 27th. May a flight was made for the purpose of taking panoramic photographs of the coast-line between CHAI AGHIZI and ORFANO. A reconnaissance was made of the area around ANGISTA where several new camps and some transport wagons were locate among the trees.  Another reconnaissance was made of the enemy lines on the lower STRUMA front and proclamations were dropped over enemy territory. 

 

MARIAN.  'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

27th May 1917.  Five Sopwiths  (Type 9700, 1&1/2 Strutters) had been wheeled out and loaded with bombs for a projected attack, but the weather proved unfavourable and, eventually, the aeroplanes were put back in the hangar, where they were left in readiness so set off immediately the weather conditions improved.  In the same hangar as the bomb-loaded Sopwiths were three single-seater fighters (Type 9400 1&1/2 Strutters) with four men at work on them.  Suddenly there was an explosion and within a few seconds the hangar was a furnace.  Other explosions followed as the bombs were detonated and flames spread to a small nearby hangar in which two aeroplanes were housed.  Both hangars, with their contents, were destroyed within three minutes.  In addition to the four men killed in the hangar, four other mechanics and one soldier who were on the aerodrome were wounded.

 

Precautions were taken to prevent the enemy from obtaining knowledge of the disaster: signs of the fire were removed and talk of the accident was forbidden.  The activities of the air services on the Macedonian front, especially subsequent to the arrival of the German bombing squadron, formed a topic of general conversation wherever army officers met together, but it was many weeks before rumours began to spread about the Marian disaster.

 

The above details re MARIAN are taken from H.A. Jones' The War In The Air, Volume 5, and although that publication states that 8 aircraft were destroyed in the explosion and fire, the official weekly listing for June 1st does indeed show a total of 10 'F' Squadron machines - 6 Type 9700 and 4 Type 9400 - as being 'Beyond Repair'. 

Edited 28 May , 2017 by pete-c

[bob lembke]

Pete;

 

I am quite enjoying your narrative. However, the narrative you quoted did mention 10 aircraft being destroyed, eight in the first hangar, two in the nearby shed. But please do not be offended by my observation. 

[pete-c]

4 hours ago, bob lembke said:

Pete;

 

I am quite enjoying your narrative. However, the narrative you quoted did mention 10 aircraft being destroyed, eight in the first hangar, two in the nearby shed. But please do not be offended by my observation. 

 

Thanks Bob for pointing out my error.  What's that old saying - check, check - and then check once more!

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 28th May a reconnaissance was made of the enemy front line where the two guns on the SE bight of TAPEL KOP were clearly seen. 

 

The episode that befell 'F' Squadron at MARIAN, on the 27th, seems to have been hushed up so effectively that I have yet to find any details relating to it (apart that is from the mention in War In The Air - Post # 202) in any official documentation.

 

 

Edited 28 May , 2017 by pete-c

[Gardenerbill]

In May 1917 what became known as ‘The Salonika Trial’ took place. The Serbian Colonel Dragutin Dimitrievic known as Apis had been active in the Black Hand group responsible for the assasination of the Arch Duke Franz Fredinand. Apis was charged with ‘Conspiring with a group of officers to subvert the present government and judicial order under the Karadjordjevic dynasty’. He was found guilty and executed by firing squad 26th May 1917. Further details of this can be found in ‘The Gardeners of Salonika’ page 133.

 

At the London Conference, 28th to 29th May 1917, the French and British agreed to demand the abdication of King Constantine of Greece.

 

As the Malaria season begins in Macedonia, XVI Corps take the decision to evacuate the Struma valley for the summer.

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 29th May the ANGISTA VALLEY was again reconnoitred, the outstanding features noticed being that the dump at TOLOS had increased in size and that the site of ANGISTA Hospital had been doubled.  A flight was made to take a line of photographs from ORFANOS to DEDEBALLI.

 

Following the accident at Marian on the 27th, 'F' Squadron was re-equipped at Mudros.  The squadron resumed operations, from Thasos, in early June.

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 30th May one bombing flight and one reconnaissance were made but no details have yet been received.

 

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

From the 25th to the 29th May the only operations which were carried out were regular reconnaissance's in the GULF of KAVALLA and in the vicinity THASOS for mines and submarines.  At dawn on the 30th May an attack was delivered on GERAVIZ Seaplane Base, but no report has yet been received which indicates the nature or extent of damage done.  This attack was made as a reply to an ineffective attack by one enemy seaplane on THASOS Air Station on 28th May when the seaplanes bombs did not even hit the aerodrome and did no damage.  The crops in this area are almost ripe for burning and measures are being taken to begin an offensive policy.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

A Flight of 3 Henri Farmans escorted by 2 Scouts left THASOS shortly after 3 a.m. on 31st May, arriving over GEREVIZ Seaplane Base soon after dawn, and dropped 15 bombs weighing 864Ibs.  One machine was detailed to drop small bombs at the Anti-Aircraft guns while the other two bombers descended to 3,000ft and attacked the Seaplane Base with heavy bombs, one of which fell 20yds ESE of the main shed, and must have injured it.

A heavy barrage of fire was maintained over the Seaplane Base by the AA guns, two of the machines being hit. 

It was noticed that repairs were in progress on the NW corner of the main shed, probably on account of damage done during the raid of the preceding day.

The look-out station at LIMENA reported enemy aircraft approaching THASOS soon after the return of the machines from GEREVIZ and a Schneider Seaplane and a Sopwith fighter were sent up to await their arrival.  They did not however materialise.

[Gardenerbill]

M Jonnart was appointed by the French as High Commissioner to present the allies demands to the Greek Government, he joined one of two French destroyers at Brandisi and sailed through the Corinth canal on the way to Salonika. He Left Salonika with General Regnault, Troops and Cavalry and headed for Athens. On the 9th June French troops landed near the Corinth canal and were fired on at LARISSA, the British landed a small force at Piraeus. M Jonnart met the Greek Prime Minister M Zaimis and demanded the abdication of the Greek King Constantine in favour of his second son. On the 11th June King Constantine abdicated in favour of his son Alexander and left Athens.

 

In the Struma valley, all the artillery and most of the infantry, except for those occupying the outposts and the bridgehead garrisons, were evacuated from the Struma valley, along with supplies and materials.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron, 'F' Squadron and 'X' Squadron (Greek)

 

During the week the usual establishment at THASOS has been strengthened by the presence of 'F' Bombing Squadron and a considerable amount of offensive work has been undertaken.

 

On 6th June only local patrols were undertaken.  'F' Squadron, newly equipped, left MUDROS for THASOS on 3rd June under command of Flt Lt Bradley.  Machines for the Squadron had previously been sent to THASOS, and the Squadron was reported ready for action on 6th June.

 

On 7th June 'F' Squadron delivered an early morning attack on GERAVIZ Seaplane Base, dropping 1,300Ibs. of explosive bombs and 9 large incendiary bombs.  Six direct hits were observed on tents and sheds round the large hangar, while other bombs fell within 20 yards of the large hangar.

Later in the morning when the wind was strong the squadron made a crop burning expedition in the SARISHABAN Plain and succeeded in starting 15 large fires of which four were seen to be burning strongly four hours later.  Two other incendiary expeditions were made in the afternoon, each by two fighting machines flying in company, both being successful.  One fire was raised West of IRLATI which was still burning furiously when the last machine was over and which had by that time consumed about 400 acres of standing crops.

 

On 8th June 'F' Squadron made one crop burning flight  dropping 16 large and 12 small petrol bombs and again raising several large fires which burnt fiercely for a long time.  Incendiary candles  specially supplied from England were also used in this and the previous day but seemed to have no effect.

 

On 9th June 'F' Squadron carried on the crop burning, on this occasion visiting the area East of the NESTOS and dropping 20 large and 12 small petrol bombs which started 9 large fires.

 

On 10th June the breeze was stronger and more favourable for crop-burning operations, so two expeditions were made by 'F' Squadron, 30 petrol bombs being dropped each time.  The breeze carried the fires along and several were still seen to be burning on the following morning.

At 7 p.m. an enemy aeroplane attempted a feeble retaliation, dropping bombs at THASOS Air Station Camp, none of which did any damage.  Two Sopwith Fighters pursued him, one of which (Pilot - Flt Sub Lt E.P.Hicks [and observer] C.J.Goodwillie, L.M.) [L.M. presumably signifying Leading Mechanic] was able to get within 200 yds. of his tail and give a tray of Lewis Gun ammunition and about 20 round from the Vickers Gun before the enemy dived into a cloud and was lost.

Edited 11 June , 2017 by pete-c

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.

 

The 11th of June was a day of some activity; in the morning three Sopwith Fighters carried out an extended reconnaissance, GEREVIZ, GUNULJINA, XANTHI, NARLI, OKJILAR, BUK and DRAMA all being visited and much useful information acquired.  In the afternoon 'F' Squadron first of all attacked GERAVIZ Seaplane Base 1,300Ibs. of explosive bombs being dropped, 14 bombs fell in a group round the large hangar, none being more than 24 yards from it.  The Eastern end of the hangar was blown in and much damage must have been done to its contents by splinters.  Afterwards the Squadron proceeded with crop-burning.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron. R.N.A.S.

 

On 11th June a reconnaissance of the front line and of ANGISTA Valley was made and shore batteries were spotted on to gun position N.15.  Three direct hits on the emplacement were recorded but only one of shells burst inside.  A flight was also made in a Strutter Fighter to pursue an enemy machine which flew over STAVROS, but the enemy outdistanced the Strutter and could not be engaged.

Edited 11 June , 2017 by pete-c

[Gardenerbill]

The Derbyshire and Surrey Yeomanry and the XVI Corps cyclists began patrolling the Struma valley, part of their job was to stop the Bulgarians re-occupying the villages in the valley.

 

Units of 83rd and 228th Brigades were withdrawn from the Hodza valley east of Lake Doiran to the lower slopes of the Krusha Hills.

[pete-c]

THASOS.  'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 12th June, 4 Sopwith Fighters [Type 9400 Strutter] set out with orders to keep formation as far as the NESTOS River where they were to split up, going in company to make a photographic reconnaissance of GERAVIZ and drop petrol bombs there, while the other 2, in company dropped bombs on cornfields.  The latter two machines lost touch momentarily while picking up their targets and the machine piloted by Flt Lt E.P.Hicks with A.E.King, A.M.1, as gunlayer was attacked by a Halberstadt.  At first the gunlayer did not realise that an attack was imminent, thinking the machine was the other Sopwith.  An engagement took place in which in which A.M.King was able to fire one tray, when a lucky shot from the enemy pierced both tanks and the Sopwith was obliged to glide to try and reach THASO POULO Island.  The Halberstadt made repeated attacks under the Sopwith's tail, obliging the latter to lose height, and the glide which began 3 miles inland finished in the water within 1,000 yds. of the Bulgarian coast.  Pilot and observer started to swim to THASO POULO, both being good swimmers.  Machine gun fire from the shore continued to fire at them.  It appears probable that A.E.King, (A.M.1., O.N. 4373) was struck by a bullet, as, after saying he was alright and talking about how they were brought down he suddenly disappeared.  Flt Lt Hicks was picked up by a French motor boat and the area was thoroughly searched for A.M.King, but only his lifebelt, inflated, could be found.

The second Sopwith could not find Flt Lt HIcks machine and, assuming that he was gliding towards THASOS aerodrome, after dropping his bombs, made a couple of circuits and not seeing anything of him, returned to THASOS.  On discovering that Flt Lt Hicks had not returned, he went over SARISHABAN again in company with another Fighter, but failed to find either the Sopwith or the enemy.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION .

 

On 13th June attacks were made by 'F' Squadron, on store dump and Railway Station at GUMULJINA, two 65Ib. bombs dropping in the station and 10 in the store dump which had been located on the 11th June reconnaissance and which must have been heavily damaged.  Afterwards GERAVIZ Seaplane Base was bombed, two 65Ib. bombs falling within 10 yds. of the main shed.  A third fell immediately over the door of the shed and hit a large seaplane which was lying there, completely destroying it.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.

 

On 14th June only local submarine patrols were made.  Only isolated patches of crop now remain: the crop burning area on both sides of the NESTOS is reported as a whole to be practically destroyed.  The earlier work was accomplished to a large extent by the Greek Squadron, and latterly by 'F' Squadron assisted by scouts from 'A' Squadron.  In these operations 60 large and 220 small petrol bombs were used.  Continued as it has been with severe raids on GUMULJINA and GERAVIZ, this work must have had a marked moral and material effect.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION. 'A', 'F' and Greek Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

... their presence being required elsewhere, ['F' Squadron] were prepared for a long distance flight and personnel of the Squadron prepared to move [if the weather was favourable] by the 16th June. 

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

Low clouds and rain over the mountains on the lower STRUMA front have hindered reconnaissance during the week.  On 16th June spotting flights were made for MONITOR 32 firing on an enemy battery position.  A spotting flight was also made for a Field battery, but the number of low fleecy clouds made visibility bad, and after a few corrections had been given, spotting was abandoned and a reconnaissance of new battery positions carried out.  This was also interfered with by clouds, but valuable information was gained nevertheless.

Later in the day, a reconnaissance of enemy lines of communication and of MAGISTA and PRAVI areas was made but nothing more than the normal amount of transport was disclosed.

 

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 17th June, a further attempt was made to spot shore batteries on the an enemy battery position, but heavy clouds being found at 1,000 feet the attempt had to be abandoned.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION. 'A', 'F' and Greek Squadrons.

 

The week has been a quiet on at THASOS Air Station, no offensive operations of any magnitude have been attempted.  During the previous week 'F' Squadron had completed their work in crop burning and bombing various local objectives.  On 18th June, weather being favourable, the Squadron left for MUDROS by air, all machines arriving there safely.

Daily local anti-submarine patrols have been undertaken by 'A' Squadron and the THASOS Seaplanes. 

[As the 'F' Squadron machines had done a considerable amount of hard work, a thorough overhaul of engines and machines was undertaken at the Repair Base at MUDROS, preparatory to further operations.]

 

STAVROS AIR STATION. 'D' Squadron.

 

On 18th June, spotting flights were made foe MONITORS 32 & 28 the former having to be curtailed on account of engine trouble with the aeroplane.  A reconnaissance was also made to locate an enemy battery firing.  The battery, however, ceased firing as soon as the aeroplane got into the air, and could not at the time be discovered.

[Gardenerbill]

The 7th Mounted Brigade (except for the Derbyshire Yeomanry) left for Palestine.

 

Anti Malaria measures were now in full swing including; daily doses of quinine,the construction of Mosquito proof huts, issue of sleeping nets, canalisation of streams, draining of stagnant water and the cutting and burning of long grass. Despite these measures at the end of June there were 11,000 cases of Malaria.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.

 

On 20th June a photographic reconnaissance of the coast from CAPE DUTHERO to CAPE BRASSIDES was effected.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.

 

On 20th June enemy aircraft reconnoitred the STRUMA front.  Two Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters were immediately sent in pursuit, but were unable to bring the enemy to action.  Accordingly they carried out reconnaissances of the front line during their return journey.  Two further reconnaissances were carried out later in the day.  On both occasions the machines carried bombs which they dropped on camps and bivouacs.

 

[It would seem that cases of Malaria at both these air stations during this period were far less frequent than had been the case the previous year.  Thasos was apparently always the worst affected: numbers affected at Thasos reduced considerably after the accommodation site was moved to a more healthy location.]

 

 

Edited 23 June , 2017 by pete-c

[pete-c]

HMS ENDYMION.  6th Detached Squadron.

 

On Wednesday and Thursday, 20th and 21st [June] the Royal Field Artillery, 80th Brigade Group, held some sports, mounted and foot, at the White House, midway between STAVROS and TASLI, for which the Military Railway authorities kindly placed a train at the disposal of libertymen from the Squadron.

 

 

 

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron.

 

On 22nd June 3 enemy machines bombed STAVROS.  [One man was killed and eight wounded]  These were pursued by a Sopwith Fighter [Type 9400 Strutter] which chased the enemy to ANGISTA valley, but owing the their superior speed, it was unable to bring them to action.  A reconnaissance of ANGISTA valley and the region around RAZOLIVOS and PROVISTA were subsequently undertaken by the Sopwith machine on the return journey. 

 

THERMI AIR STATION [Mitylene] 'B' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 22nd June 520Ibs. weight of bombs were dropped at the Granary at AIVIALI, no direct hit was, however, obtained.  Bombers were accompanied by Nieuports which dropped light bombs at A.A. gun emplacement to keep down fire and by the Triplane as escort.  [This machine was Sopwith N5431 - the only Triplane to be used outside the Western European Theatre of operations.]

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron & Greek Squadron.

 

On 22nd and 23rd June no operations were undertaken except Submarine and Mine reconnaissance in the vicinity of THASOS and towards the Westward.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.

 

On 24th June an extended Submarine patrol was made along the coast of Mt. ATHOS and thence to MUDROS.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.

 

On 24th June a reconnaissance was made of enemy battery positions and a photographic reconnaissance was made of targets which can be reached by guns in Ships guarding [the] British right flank.  A further reconnaissance was made of the lines of communication which showed a considerable amount of activity.