26B
Summary of examination by Lieut. Blennerhasset, of 2nd Lieuts Frobenius and Rahn, 18th Flieger Abteilung, attached VII Corps, taken prisoners on 21/11/14, in the Indian Corps Lines near NEUVE CHAPELLE.
- Machine. – Luft Verkehr doppeldecker (biplane).
- Cause of descent. – Cooling apparatus burst owing to intense cold.
- 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.
- Position of observer – in front of the pilot, as in most machines, certainly all new ones.
- Special duties of the pilot – Map reading, assisting in fighting if necessary, bomb-dropping and observing as much as possible.
- 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.
- Armament – The pilot carried a revolver, the observer a carbine. No knowledge of machine guns mounted on aeroplanes.
- 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.
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