Help finding name of crew and any other details

[john-g]

This Bomb raid was one of many that 66 squadron took part in during the conflict in Italy.  What I am trying to establish is, what happened to the crew of the C type, what was their names and their fate . The aeroplane was described in the O.R.B. as an Aviatik? 

 

Bomb Raid departed at 06.45.  Those taking part were Capt Montgomery (B4628), Lt Eycott-Martin (B5623), 2/Lt Apps (B5190) and 2/Lt Reade (B2514).

The first of the raids was to target the aerodromes of Gaia and Cinto Caomaggiore which was attacked, results unknown.  Whilst flying low down Eycott-Martin saw a C type reported as a two seat Aviatik proceeding east north east from Motta di Livenza at about 1500 ft.  The E.A. flew directly over Eycott-Martin who was low down at about 100 ft. without E.A. pilot seeing him.  Eycott-Martin turned and climbed to attack the E.A., who when he saw the Sopwith put his nose down and went away N.E., Eycott-Martin closed the distance and fired several bursts in to the E.A. which went down and nose-dived into the ground, this was witnessed by Montgomery and Apps.  Canadian “Eain” Reade whilst diving was seen to hit a tree and crash.  Later the Luftfahrtruppen dropped a message confirming his death. The cause of his death was given was that he was killed by rifle fire whilst flying at a height of 10 meters near Portogruaro[ii].

 

john-g

 

www.66squadron.co.uk

 

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Called “Eain” by Hilborn in his letters to his brother Clarence March 1918.

[ii] WO339/125293

[hmsk212]

Hi John

 

What date ?    

 

 21/02/18 ?

 

Steve

Edited 23 December , 2017 by hmsk212

[topgun1918]

Hi John

 

Although described as an "Aviatik", I have seen this given as Zgsf Eugen Ziegler, Flik 51J, Kia.

 

Strange that Arnold Baillie Reade should be called "Eain"; must be a good story behind it.

 

Graeme

 

[john-g]

Sorry chaps, the date was 21 February  1918.

 

Not sure what the back story is re the nick name?  It might just be young men for some reason larking about, who knows.

 

John

 

 

[john-g]

Graeme,

 

Was this action dated 21 Feb 1918?

 

John

[josquin]

The RAF Museum casualty card for Arnold Baillie Reade lists 21 February as the date of his loss in Camel B2514, at the location in Italy you

specified in your post.

 

Josquin

[topgun1918]

Hi John

 

Yes, it was the same day that Reade was lost; given as "hit a tree while diving during bomb raid".  I assume you know that 2nd-Lieut W F Hargreaves was killed the same day when B5172 crashed and was wrecked outside the aerodrome on landing from OP.

Graeme

[john-g]

Hi,

 

Yes I know about Hargreaves, crashed outside the aerodrome after he turned back at 200ft, although I am not sure why he turned back?

 

According to my research he took off with the patrol at 10.35, after five minutes he attempted to return, possibly stalled and he crashed outside the aerodrome. Replacement,  Lt Rudge took of and joined the patrol, they all returned at 12.45.

[john-g]