26C

Report of INTERVIEW with 4 OFFICERS of the GERMAN

FLYING CORPS.

***********************************

An Intelligence Officer from G.H.Q. had already had 5 hours conversation with the prisoners, and had elicited a good deal of information.  I only endeavoured to make enquiries on matters not touched upon in the previous interview.

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

All 4 officers maintained that their machines fly faster and climb better then the B.E’S.  as, however, one of them said that he never reached 2,000 metres under 30 minutes, their climbing power is clearly inferior to that of the B.E.s.  All the machines can carry from 5 to 6 hours’ petrol, but at present they rarely carry more that 3 hours’ petrol.

The Aviatik and Albatross are considered the best machines; the Fokker is also good, but not so easy to land.  All other types are old machines and out of date.  A new machine is said to have gone through its trials and to be ready for delivery.  It carries pilot and observer, and will fly at 140 kilometres per hour.

Bombing: is only regarded of value from the moral effect it may produce.  Pilots who make a habit of dropping Bombs have a sighting-apparatus fitted.  One of them remarked that he would never drop a Bomb without a sighting-apparatus.  The pilot always drops the Bomb.

Armour-proof Plating:  Machines are fitted with Armour-proof seats for pilot and observer.  Some machines are going to be fitted or are already fitted with Armour-proof Plating along the floor from pilot’s seat to the engine; the underpart of the engine is also to be protected.

Machine Guns:  One of the officers volunteered that some machines are fitted with machine guns.  but they showed so much surprise at finding that L. Strange’s Avro was armed with a machine-gun, that I came to the conclusion that machines have not yet been flown at any rate beyond German lines with Machine Guns.

Questioned as to the sheds at GHISTELLES near OSTENDE, said that they knew nothing about them.

I was interested to learn that it has been given out that Captain Grey, recently captured, was, in fact Colonel Grey, the Commanding Officer of the British Royal Flying Corps.

They also told me that two British Naval Officers were brought down and killed near DIXMUDE about three weeks ago.  The machine was flying low, the pilot having apparently missed his way.  It was thought that the machine must have been hit by a chance shot from a heavy gun; the aeroplane collapsed suddenly in the air and burst into flames.  This must have been Lt. Beever and his passenger.

The interview was interrupted at this point, as the prisoners had to be removed from ST. OMER.

(Signed): G.S. Shephard, Capt.,

Royal Flying Corps.

—————————-

24/11/14

            They were anxious to learn what effect anti-aircraft guns had on English machines and pilots.  They realised that no machines had been brought down, but thought that several had been hit.

            They were informed that the effect of their anti-aircraft guns, whether moral or otherwise, had, as they must have seen for themselves, been insignificant.

H.Q. R.F.C.                                                                                       Major, G.S.

 8-0 p.m.

            29/11/14.

Reconnaissance No: 781A                                                               24^th November 1914.

Aeroplane: RE. 5 – 380.                                                                       

Squadron No.  2.                                                                                                      

Pilot:  Lieut. Broder;

Observer: Capt Lumsden;                                                        Ref Map:  France 1/80,000

Hour commenced: 8-30 a.m.

Hour concluded:    10-20 a.m.

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

Time                                       Place                          OBSERVATION

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

9-0 a.m.          CAPINGHEM.                       All open spaces in vicinity taken up with

                                                                        bivouacs.  Considerable activity along roads

                                                                        in neighbourhood.

                                                                        Three short lines of earthworks being

                                                                        constructed between CAPINGHEM &

                                                                        PERENCHIES, facing N.W. & W.

                        ENGLOS.                              Disconnected line of earthworks between

                                                                        ENNELLERES and HALLENNES, facing W.

                                                                        & S.W. – digging proceeding.  Activity.

                        SANTE.                                  New semi-circular defence works facing S.

                                                                        and W. 500 yards S.W. of SANTE.

                                                                        Short line of what appears to be gun

                                                                        emplacements 200 yards S.W. of SANTE.

9-50                BOIS DE BIEZ.                     3 lines of gun pits occupied N.E. of wood.

1 – 4 guns – 200 yards N.E. of N.E. corner

of Woods.

1 – 6 guns – 300 W. of village AUBERS.

1 – approx. 8 parked and close to road just

N of NEUVECHAPELLE.

ARMENTIERES.                  Trenches S.E. of CHAPELLE

                                                d’ARMENTIERES being accurately shelled.  

                                                Snow yellow.

(Signed): H.T. Lumsden, Capt.

            Observer.                  

Reconnaissance No 781                                                       24^th November 1914.

Aeroplane B.E.  635.                                                                             

Squadron No  4                                                                                                        

Pilot  Lieut. Roche

Observer        –                                                           Reference Map:  1/100,000

Hour commenced: 1-50 p.m.

   “     concluded:    4-30 p.m.

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

Time                                       Place                          OBSERVATION

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

2-30 p.m.       PERVYSE                 No fighting seen on the line PERVYSE –

                                                            NIEUPORT.  The line PERVYSE –

                                                            DIXMUDE under cloud.

2-50 p.m.       NIEUPORT.                          No activity in town

3-0 p.m.          MIDDELKERKE       (a) About 20 M.T. vehicles in streets.

(b) Nothing seen in area NIEUPORT –

WESTENDE – OSTEND – SNAESKERKE.

3-7 p.m.          OSTEND                   (a) Rolling stock for about 14 trains in railway

                                                            station.  2 engines with steam up.  1 train arriving

                                                            from THOUROUT.  Sidings S.E. of town full of

rolling stock where there was one engine with steam up.

Town appeared quiet.

(b) No sign of activity in inner or outer harbour

between piers.

3-25 p.m.       BRUGES                   (a) Not many people in streets of town.

(b) About 170 transport vehicles in town, About

130 of these M.T. lorries.

(c) Rolling stock for about 8 trains in railway

station.  Smoke from railway works W. of Fort

Lanin and rolling stock for 3 trains on the siding

near these works.  1 train arriving from S.E. or

S.W. (this train was seen from some distance).

GHISTELLES clouds.

3-35 p.m.       COUCKELAERE     (a) 40 M.T. in streets of town.

(b) Column of M.T. halted on N. side of the

THOUROUT – BEERST road, one end at 5 the

other at 7 kilo. Stone.

3-40 p.m.       ZAREN                      18 store tents.

3-42p.m.         STADEN                    (a) Rolling stock for 1 train.  1 engine with steam

                                                            up.

(b) 14 store tents and six small tents E. of town.

STADENBERG        40 transport vehicles parked.

3-45 p.m.       FORET D’HOUTHULST.    Clouds.

On return journey from BRUGES only places mentioned above were visible.                    

(Sd) H. Roche, Lieut.

                                                            Observer.

H.Q. R.F.C.,

G/124/33.

ORDERS FOR RECONNAISSANCE, 24-11-14.

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

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) AMENTIERES – 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.                   (a) 2 machines with Wireless Detachment, BAILLEUL.

(b) Remainder as for to-day.

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.

7-30 p.m.

23-11-14.

W. Salmond

Major, G.S.

Notes:

• When reconnaissances ordered have not been carried out during the day, a report is to be sent in to R.F.C. H.Q. by 7 p.m. stating the cause of failure.
• 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.

            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.  

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.