Kriegsgefangenenpost

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

                                                                                    Stamp PASSED P.W. 3094

                                                                                    U.K. Postmark Little Lever 23 No 44.

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson

                        Empfangsort:  Little Lever Nr BOLTON 1068 Bury Rd

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street Breightmet

                        Kreis:              LANCASHIRE          Bolton

                        Land;              ENGLAND.

Gebuhrenfrei!

21-8-44

Sweetheart.  Here I am again with another letter, and I am glad to say that I am still keeping in the best of health, and I hope that you are the same, and that your mother and my dad and the rest of them are keeping alright too.  Give them all my regards.  I have not met Jim Booth yet, (you know I mean don’t you? His mother lives opposite my dad) but I have met a few chaps who were with him at another camp and he is going on alright.  We have formed a Lancashire club here, there are quite a number of Lancashire lads on the camp, and we have issued a challenge to the Yorkshiremen to play them at cricket.  So it will be the Battle of the Roses over again.  This is about all for all for now my Darling, so I will say cheerio and God bless you and keep you safe.  Give my love to your mother, and my regards to all.  All my love to you Sweetheart, Yours ever

            Ernest

xxxxxxx

On back

Absender.

Vor und Zuname: Sgt. E. Wilkinson

Gefangennummer: 136. L.7.

Lager-Bezeichnung :  Kriegsgefangenenlager der  Luftwaffe Nr 3

Deutschland (Allemagne)

W

            Programme of Work done by No. 6 Squadron with 11nd Corps.

———————————————–

19-11-14:       No work possible owing to severe snowstorm.

20-11-14:       B.E. 493 – Artillery observation with Vth Division.

                        Other machine started, but forced to return owing to carburettor

                        trouble.

21-11-14:       B.E. 493 – Artillery observation with Vth Division.

                        Other machines started for Artillery observation and tactical

                        reconnaissance, but returned owing to carburettor trouble

Wireless Flight arrived.

22-11-14:       B.E. 241 & B.E. 468 – Artillery observation with Vth Division.

                        B.E. 493 & B.E. 646 – Artillery observation with 3^rd Division.

                        B.E. 636 – Tactical Reconnaissance

                                                            (Report attached).

23-11-14                                                                                (Sd): J.H.W. Becke, Maj.

Cdg. NO. 6 Sqdn. R.F.C.

——————————————-

35A

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE ENEMY 23/11/14.

————————————-

(Enclosed with original).

G.H.Q. 1.,                                                                                      (Sd) G.M.W. Macdonogh,

23/11/14                                                                                            Brigadier General,

General staff.

O.C.  No 5 Squadron.

            From 2/Lt. Powell.

            With reference to target F.F.Q.C. centre to be engaged by 4^th Siege Battery.  I had no difficulty in picking up the target and having done so fired a green light.  An L was placed behind the battery which seemed to point more towards WARNETON than DEULEMONT.

No shells were seen falling near the target.

After an interval of about 5 minutes another green light was fired but with no result.  The flashes of other shells could be clearly seen.  35 minutes after firing the first light we returned home.

(Sd) E.W. Powell, 2/Lt.

22/11/14

29B

O.C.

5 Sqdn. R.F.C.

From Lieut. A.E. Borton R.F.C.

22/11/14

Reference failure to range heavy battery at A in FLEURBAIS on required target this morning.  I was in position over the battery at about 8-15 a.m. and after inspecting the targets returned to battery when my observer fired one green light.  I was unable to see any signals from the Battery.  However I remained in observation for about 40 minutes, and as saw no firing from battery returned.  I went out to battery on a motor cycle, and the O.C. explained that our signal light was not seen owing to haze.  Also I was flying rather high as target was difficult to discern owing to haze.

Work with same battery this afternoon resulted in hit on each target in under 1 hour.

(Sd) A.E. Borton, Lt.

Observer.  

Kriegsgefangenenpost

Postkarte                  

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

Stamp. Postmark Little Lever Bolton Lancs. 22 NO 44. 

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson                            Stamp PASSED P.W. 5894

Gebuhrenfrei!

                                                1068 Bury Rd.

                        Empfangsort:  Little Lever Nr BOLTON Breightmet

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street  Bolton

                        Land;              LANCASHIRE ENGLAND.

Absender:

Vor und Zuname:

Ernest Wilkinson Sgt.

Gefangennummer: 136.L.7

Lager-Bezeichnung:

            M.-Stammlager Luft 3.

Deutschland (Germany)

W

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 27.8.44

Sweetheart.  Here I am again with another card.  But there is very little to write about, except to say that I am keeping well and I hope that you are keeping the same, and you are looking after yourself, and keeping your chin up.  How is old Ben going on is he still living?  Give him a big pat for me.  Also how is your mother?  I hope that she is keeping in the pink.  Give her my love.  Also give my best wishes to Harold, and all at Prestwich and my best wished to all at home.  Well Darling this is all for now.  I hope these two cards reach you together.  I will say cheerio and God bless you my Darling.  My love to you.  Yours always  Ernest xxxxxx

Sent on two cards.

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE ENEMY 22/11/14.

———————————————–

(Enclosed with original)

G.H.Q. 1.,                                                                                      (Sd) G.M.W. Macdonogh,

Brigadier General,

22/11/14.                                                                                                             General Staff.

———————————–

31A

H.Q. R.F.C.

G 124/32

ORDERS FOR RECONNAISSANCE, 23/11/14

========================

No. 2 Squadron.                  (a). Tactical work with IV Corps.

(b). LILLE – SECLIN – DOUAI – LENS, back.

No. 3 Squadron.                  (a). Tactical work with Indian Corps.

(b). ARMENTIERES – MENIN – COURTRAI –

TOURCOING – LILLE – ARMENTIERES, back.

No. 4 Squadron.                  (a). ST. OMER – ROULERS – THIELT – COURTRAI.

(b). ST OMER – LICHTERVELDE – THOUROUT – BRUGES – OSTEND.

No. 4 Sqdn. Det                    Maurice Farmans.  Same as for today.

at ST. OMER

No. 5 Squadron.                  Tactical work with III Corps.

No. 5 Sqdn. Det.                   Nil.

at ST. OMER.

No. 6 Squadron.                  Tactical work with II Corps.

H.Q. Wireless Unit.              Work with II and III Corps.

H.Q. R.F.C.

7-45

22/11/14                                 (Sd) W. Salmond, Major, G.S.

Note:-

            Special attention to be paid to rolling stock at all stations, especially at the following places:-

            COURTRAI, WERVICQ, COMINES, MENIN, LILLE, Tourcoing, MOUSCRON, ROULERS, LICHTERVELDE, THOUROUT, OSTEND, LENS.

26B

Summary of examination by Lieut. Blennerhasset, of 2^nd Lieuts Frobenius and Rahn, 18^th Flieger Abteilung, attached VII Corps, taken prisoners on 21/11/14, in the Indian Corps Lines near NEUVE CHAPELLE.

1. Machine. – Luft Verkehr doppeldecker (biplane).
2. Cause of descent.  – Cooling apparatus burst owing to intense cold.
3. Pilot’s opinion of the machine.  Easier landing than with a Taube, a “new” type.  Both pilot and observer were emphatic in preferring it to a Taube, which rises too slowly and is difficult to force up to any great height.
4. Position of observer – in front of the pilot, as in most machines, certainly all new ones.
5. Special duties of the pilot – Map reading, assisting in fighting if necessary, bomb-dropping and observing as much as possible.
6. Special duties of the observer – Signalling (by smoke balls), photography, fighting (when necessary).  The observer controls, as far as fuel supply allows, the duration and manoeuvres of the flight.
7. Armament – The pilot carried a revolver, the observer a carbine.  No knowledge of machine guns mounted on aeroplanes.
8. Fuel – Benzine only, specially heated (refined for use of aeroplanes only).  The pilot a low-class man, gave away the fact that he had been instructed to economize, but the observer was very keen on pointing out that there was plenty.  The pilot stated he could carry a 6 hours supply in his tank.  No method of carrying an extra supply.

Orders.  When opposing forces are on the move, the report is of the first importance, and fighting is to be avoided.

When the opposing forces are stationary the report is still of the first importance, but bomb dropping and the attack of hostile aircraft may also be undertaken

As a result of the unexpectedly fine performances of British aeroplanes, instructions have been given that a British Aeroplane is to be attacked whenever encountered.

Any machine forced to descend in enemy’s lines to be destroyed.

Observation.  The difference between guns and howitzers was easily recognized by the position occupied.  Difference in size was hard to recognize.  Great contempt for “dummy” guns which were always badly sited.

Signalling the positions of troops, guns etc. was done by smoke balls, but no details could be extracted.

British Anti-aircraft guns were North East of BETHUNE.

British aeroplanes easily distinguished as they always showed fight at once.

Equipment.  Photographic apparatus, when carried, usually GOETZ ANSCHUTZ.

Germans had considered steel arrows, but had decided not to use them, on the ground that they were not effective enough to justify the extra weight.

Distinctive badges on uniform.  Flying badge on shoulder strap – wings and a propeller.

Pilot’s badge – Landscape with Taube, framed by laurels.

Silver for parade dress, brass for Field Service uniform.

Observer’s badge – red, white and black squares framed with laurels.

General.  Both expressed contempt for bomb-throwing as being of little use, except in very special circumstances where the objective was definite and large.

Orders are issued to a Flierger Abteilung, consisting generally of 6 machines, by Corps Staff direct.

They had seen no captured, undamaged English machines.

(Sd) G.M.W. Macdonogh, Brig. Genl.

I.

5-45 p.m.

22/11/14.

Tracing.

29C

G.S.O.2  R.F.C.

Following work done:-

1. Carmichael & Powell. 

2 observations  of artillery fire – very successful – 1 partially so.  Report enclosed signed by Powell.

• Borton & Wilson.

 2 observations artillery fire, 1 successful, 1 not, report enclosed signed by Borton.  I sent Borton and observer to see battery and make things O.K.  It would appear the battery could not see the light.

• Freeman (wireless) 

Did a gun reconnaissance successfully, no avro being available and H.F. useless in high wind.

• Strange and Small. 

2 tactical reconnaissances, special for IIIrd Army Corps.  In the first they discovered an AVIATIK, engaged him and fired 92 rounds just over our aerodrome.  the pilot manoeuvred his craft in a masterly style and forced the enemy to land in our lines.  Both pilot and passenger were captured.  Their machine is not in my hangars. 

This was a most determined onslaught, the observer being slightly wounded in the 3 fingers of the right hand.

(Sd) A.C.H. MacLean, Major,

5^th Sqdn R.F.C.

Reconnaissance No 780                                                       22^nd November 1914.

Aeroplane: No 487 B.E.2                                                                      

Squadron   4                                                                                                 

Pilot –  Capt. G.S. Shepherd.

Observer –                                                                 Reference Map:  1/100000

Hour commenced 11-15 a.m.

Hour concluded    2-0 p.m.

================================================================

Time                                       Place                          OBSERVATION

—————————————————————————————————————-

                        BULTHOEK (W. of               (a). About 30 ammunition wagons and a

FOREST D’HOULTHURST     number of horses tethered.

                                                (b). Transport S.W. of Forest reduced since

            the 18^th November, there are now about 30

            wagons in this area.

N. of the FOREST.               (a). Transport parks between NACHTE –

GAAL and D’HOUTHULST on 18^th November estimated number of wagons in this area 200.

                                                (b). A number of wagons on N.W. corner of

                                                                        FOREST suggested that troops are

                                                                        bivouaced in the forest.

PIERKENSHOEK.               (a). Park of 20 ammunition wagons.

VYFWEGEN (S.W. of           (a). 20 ammunition wagons.

STADEN)

12-30  p.m.     STADEN.                               (a). Rolling stock for 5 trains, 2 with steam,

                                                                        wagons round station loading or unloading.

                                                                        (b). 12 store tents.

                                                                        (c). 70 wagons parked round town.         

                        CORTEMARCK.                  Rolling stock for 5 trains – no signs of

                                                                        activity here.

                        LICHTERVELDE.                (a). Rolling stock for 8 trains (14 trucks each

                                                                        on average) 1 with steam, carts round

                                                                        station.

                                                                        (b). 60 motor lorries parked E of station.  A

                                                                        few motor busses in the town, 40 wagons

                                                                        parked E. of town.

                        THOUROUT.                         (a). Rolling stock for 6 trains – 1 train steam

                                                                        up heading Southern & Western most

                                                platform in station.  About 200 horses on

                                                platform opposite train.

                                                                        (b). 12 store tents.

                                                                        (c). 50 wagons parked N. of town.  30 motor

                                                                        transport halted outside THOUROUT on W.

                                                                        side of COURTEMARCK road.

                        Railway lines.                       (a). ROULERS – THOUROUT line clear.

                                                                        (b). THOUROUT – OSTEND line clear with

                                                                        exception of one engine and one truck

                                                                        going to OSTEND.

                                                                        (c). THOUROUT – BRUGES line clear.

                        AERTRYCKE.                      About 200 horses tethered in fields E. of

                                                                        AERTRYCKE.

                        WYNENDAALE.                  One squadron of Cavalry with transport

                                                                        moving towards THOUROUT.

12.55 p.m.     BRUGES.                              (a). Rolling stock for 17 trains (one under

                                                                        steam) on sidings S of town.

                                                                        (b). Rolling stock for 13 trains on and South

                                                                        of Station: no signs of any loading at

                                                station; no carts about, but there were about

                                                100 men formed opposite a train which was

                                                on E side of station.

                                                                        (c). About 10 wagons in market square

                                                                        (d). Rolling stock for 4 trains about 2 miles

                                                                        N of BRUGES.

                        Line BRUGES –                   Clear with exception of one train (30 trucks)

OSTEND                               going from OSTEND to BRUGES and

                                                another train (3 engines 20 trucks) entering

                                                OSTEND.

1.10 p.m.        OSTEND.                              (a). Rolling stock for 14 trains on siding S of

                                                                        town.

                                                                        (b). Rolling stock for 12 trains in station and

                                                                        S of it.  No signs of any loading at station. 

                                                                        Some trucks were being shunted from

                                                                        BRUGES line to THOUROUT line.

                        HARBOUR.                           Boom down between piers, 2 small tugs

                                                                        and a paddle steamer moored in outer

                                                                        harbour.  Small pinnace proceeding along

                                                                        canal to BRUGES.

                        GHISTELLES.                      17 large wooden sheds N of town, 9 of

                                                                        these are in position and 8 are in process of

                                                                        erection.  A few motor lorries near the

                                                                        sheds, one train on line opposite sheds. 

                                                                        These sheds appear to be intended for

                                                                        aeroplanes.

                        EERNEGHEM.                     (a). 10 trucks on sidings.

                                                                        (b). 20 Motor lorries going N on

                                                                        THOUROUT – OSTEND road.

                        COUCKELAERE.                40 wagons parked N.W. of village.

(Sd) G.S. Shepherd. Capt.

                                                            Observer.

Reconnaissance No. 779                                                                  22^nd November 1914.

Aeroplane: R.E. 5 No. 659.                                                                  

Squadron No.  2.                                                                                                      

Pilot.  Lt. Broder.

Observer. Capt Lumsden.                                                  Ref Map: France 1/250,000

Hour commenced: 10-35 a.m.

Hour concluded:    1-5 p.m.

================================================================

Time                                       Place                          OBSERVATION

—————————————————————————————————————-

11-20 a.m.     HERLIES.                              Small bivouacs round village.

                        FOURNES.                                                  “

                        HAUBOURDIN.                    New position being dug between

RADINGHEM & HAUBOURDIN, about 1 ½ miles in length & facing South.

                        SAINGHIN.                            Small bivouac.

                        GONDECOURT.                              “

                                                                        Columns of motor transport wagons

                                                proceeding N about ¾ mile in length on

road GONDECOURT – WAVRAN, head ½ mile S of WAVRIN.

                        CAMPHIN.                            Bivouac.

11-40 a.m.     SECLIN.                                8 motor cars proceeding at intervals N

                                                                        along CARVIN – SECLIN ROAD.

                        OIGNIES.                               Small bivouac.

                        EVIN                                       Train on DOUAI – LILLE Railway

proceeding N. 30 trucks.  Train on above railway proceeding to DOUAI, 15 trucks followed by 15 white covered carriages.

                        TAUMONT.                            Transport column proceeding N about 1½

miles in length along RACHES – LILLE Road, head at FAUMONT.

12-15 p.m.     DOUAI.                                  About 400 railway trucks and wagons in

                                                                        station, but only one engine.

                        HENIN LIETARD.                 Bivouac S.E. of town & another on LENS

Road 200 yards E of BILLY.  About 60 vehicles in each.

12.20                                                              German line reconnoitred for Gun pit                 to                                                                     positions already located and reported.

12-50. p.m.                                                    Columns of smoke seen coming from town

                                                                        of YPRES.                

(Sd) H.T. Lumsden. Capt.

                                                                                    Observer.

Reconnaissance No. 778                                                                  22^nd November 1914.

Aeroplane No. B.E. 242.                                                                       

Squadron No.  4.                                                                                                      

Pilot:  Lt. Morgan.

Observer:                                                                   Reference Map:  1/250,000.

Hour commenced: 10-30 a.m.

Hour concluded:    1-50 p.m.

================================================================

Time                                       Place                          OBSERVATION

—————————————————————————————————————-

12-25 p.m.     OOSTNIEUWKERKE.         About 40 M.T. vehicles parked NW. of

 village.

12-30 p.m.     ROULERS.                           Rolling stock for 9 trains, no movement of

                                                                        trains and no Transport Parks seen.

12-50 p.m.     RITTHEM                               (a).  Rolling stock for three trains, engine

and 3 carriages moving W towards LICHTERVELDE.

(b). About 40 M.T. vehicles facing South, (i.e., on W of road), half way on road between RITTHEM and MEULEBEKE.

12-55 p.m.     THIELT                                  Rolling stock 3 trains.

1. p.m.          ISEGHEM.                            6 store tents on canal bank, rolling stock

about 3 trains.  About 2 trains at junction just South of INGELMUNSTER.

1-5 p.m.          LENDELEDE.                       Rolling stock about two (2) trains on line

                                                                        immediately East of LENDELEDE.

About 12(twelve) horse transport carts or limbers moving South from ISEGHEM to LENDELEDE, about 1 mile S of ISEGHEM.

1-15 p.m.       COURTRAI                           Rolling stock (in station and on line) for

about 23 (twenty three) trains, one engine going N towards HEULE.

1-20 p.m.       WEVELGHEM.                     Rolling stock 4(four) trains.

1.20 p.m.        MENIN.                                  Rolling stock about 5 (five) trains.

1-24 p.m.       WERVICQ.                            Rolling stock about 2 (two) trains.

1-26 p.m.       COMINES.                            Rolling stock about 4 (four) trains, one

engine and 3 or 4 carriages going E.  Two (2) miles S of COMINES on road to QUESNOY-SUR-DEULE.  Park about 50 (fifty) M.T., four going S.

sausage observation balloon just W of COMINES.                  

(Sd) T.W.M. Morgan, Lieut.

                                                            Observer.