Roulers 8 August 1916

[AOK4]

Hello,

On 8 August 1916, Roulers (Roeselare) was bombed. According to RFC Communiqué No. 47: "The 2nd Brigade dropped sixteen 112-pound bombs on the sidings and railway station at Roulers. Many of the bombs were seen to explode among the rolling stock in the sidings."

Local sources tend to disagree with the British view (quite a few civilian casualties and destroyed houses).

Anyway, would anyone know which squadron(s) was/were involved. I would assume 20 Squadron?

Does anyone have any information about the bombing raid (I assume the bombing reports haven't been digitized yet by TNA)?

Jan

[LDT006]

16 Sqn was there, Sgt Drew had an issue on landing his 5774 BE2d:

"Landed with LH wheel in ditch after bomb raid to Roulers."

Maybe more later, Luc.

[AOK4]

Hi Luc,

Thanks a lot for this information. I knew 16 Squadron belonged to II Brigade at that time, but thought 20 Squadron was doing the bombing as I had references to 20 Squadron around the same period bombing Ledeghem (a few days earlier).

Unfortunately RFC/RAF files at TNA aren't digitized yet, it seems...

If you would find more details about this particular bombing raid somehow, I would be most grateful. There are some German photocards showing the damage on the ground (which can be found in the book "Oorlogskroniek van Roeselare 1914-1918".

Jan

[LDT006]

Sorry, can't find anything more.

11 hours ago, AOK4 said:

Unfortunately RFC/RAF files at TNA aren't digitized yet, it seems...

No, but WWI aviation experts have copies of these. You might have better luck at "The Aerodrome Forum".