Jerrymurland Posted 1 April , 2007 Share Posted 1 April , 2007 A reference in my grandfather's diaries for April 12th 1916 says, 'A sentry saw something like an exploding aeroplane in the sky last night, a bright light and a loud crash'. If this was a WW2 crash then the aircraft and pilot would be relatively easy to identify, probably not the same with WW1? Anyone got any info on the RFC and their activities in Mesopot', which squadrons were operational in April 1916 and if there were any British losses on April 11/12th? Jerry Murland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob B Posted 1 April , 2007 Share Posted 1 April , 2007 Jerry Its not just the RFC as the RNAS were very active in the Aegean Theatre area a mix of fighter and bomber squadrons, where specifically does your Grandfather mention? Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 1 April , 2007 Share Posted 1 April , 2007 Jerry In April 1916 the RFC was represented in Mesopotamia by No 30 Sqn, which was heavily involved in dropping supplies into the besieged town of Kut-el-Amara, an activity that commenced on 15 April. Their opposition was the German Fliegerabteilung 2. The readily available references don't mention an incident on the night of 11/12 April; there were no fatal casualties among the airmen on either side. Could it have been a meteorite? Regards Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domsim Posted 2 April , 2007 Share Posted 2 April , 2007 Hi Gareth The unit was actually the Ottoman 2nci Tayyare Bölük (2nd aeroplane company) that operated from the Shamrund Bend against Kut. It comprised Pfalz A.II nos: P2,3,4, Farman MF.7 no.2212 and a 80HP Caudron G.3 (captured British Machine) and a total air crew of 5 pilots and 5 observers:(C/O Capt. von Aulock. Pilots: Capt. Mehmet Ali , Lt. Cemal, Lt. Schäffer, Lt. Baldsum. Observers: Lt. Levin, Lt. Ziya, Lt. Sirri, Lt. Leroz and Lt. Mayer. Source:Ottoman Aviation 1909-1919 by O. Nikolajsen & B. Yilmazer. Cheers Dominic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 2 April , 2007 Share Posted 2 April , 2007 Dominic Thanks for the information. Do you know if the Turks lost an aeroplane on the night of 11/12 April 1916 that could have been the incident seen by Jerry's grandfather? Best wishes Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerrymurland Posted 2 April , 2007 Author Share Posted 2 April , 2007 On April 11/12th 1916 grandfather was at Ali-es-Sharqui - he describes the big mosque with blue tiles. I hadn't thought the aircraft might have been Turkish, had no idea they had an airforce! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domsim Posted 2 April , 2007 Share Posted 2 April , 2007 Hi Jerry & Gareth No records of Turkish losses although my source notes Turkish AA batteries shooting down British aircraft on 7th & 9th april 1916. Jerry- Turks had a very active airforce on all fronts. Attached is photo of the Maurice Farman with Ottoman/ German crew. Cheers Dominic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerrymurland Posted 2 April , 2007 Author Share Posted 2 April , 2007 Looks like we'll never know then! Something was shot down by someone or it exploded in mid-air after some catastrophe or other! thanks for the help though. Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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