2nd Lt Jones & Watson

[Alan Peacock]

Last week I posted a request for info. on a Gotha bomber claimed by

2nd.Lt. Jones and 2nd Lt. Watson, however I have made a mistake with the date

of their claim. I posted the date as 02.08.18.in fact it should have read 28.10.1917.

Can anyone help with any info. on this claim ?

Cheers,

Alan.

PS. Apologies to Dolphin and Regulus for giving the wrong date.

[Dolphin]

Alan

The RFC Communiqué for 28 October mentions the incident, but only briefly: "2nd Lts Jones and Watson, 4 Squadron, engaged a formation of two Gothas and eleven Albatros scouts. One Gotha was driven down out of control."

No 4 Sqn RFC was equipped with the RE 8 at the time and was based at Abeele.

It certainly reads as being a remarkable event! Judging from the German casualty lists for 28 October, the Gotha crew escaped unharmed.

Regards

Gareth

[Starlight]

Hi,

As a bit of a 'filler' to the story, in October, Abeele aerodrome was having a bad time with regards enemy bombing on the aerodrome and this may have given them added incentive when attacking such a large formation of enemy aircraft. Abeele was bombed twice during that month (the second time only three days after the air action when Lts Jones and Watson downed the Gotha) and as a result several men from Number 6 squadron - also based at Abeele - were killed. I don't have any casualty figures for Number 4 squadron.

Steve

[Alan Peacock]

DOLPHIN & STARDUST,

Thanks to you both for your replies, much appreciated.

Cheers,

Alan.