The Battle of Aubers Ridge commenced this day, the purpose for the allies to advance onto an earlier objective of the battle of Neuve Chapelle. This day would prove to be the busiest day of the air war to date. The plan was to use aerial bombing prior to the general bombardment with the intention of disrupting enemy communications, results were limited due to the lack of effective bomb aiming techniques at that time.
Additionally 16 sqn provided reconnaissance for army headquarters, as troops arrived at various key positions they were to deploy white signal sheets. The aeroplanes were able to send some 42 messages to special ground wireless receiving stations.
Nos 2 , 3, 4, 5 & 6 sqns were also fully deployed.
As one might expect the day was not without loss as the following illustrates.
Aeroplane Crew
4 Sqn Voisin LA Capt E F Unwin Hit through boot OK
5 Sqn Vickers FB5 Lt W H D Ackland / Lt Andrews Reconnaissance
5 Sqn Vickers FB5 Lt S Graham-Gilmour / 1AM Sutcliffe Shot down Albatros
6 Sqn BE2a Lt Hargrave / Capt Bovill Shot up but OK
6 Sqn BE2b Capt Macdonnell / Capt B T James Combat
16 Sqn Voisin Lt H F Glanville Wounded in leg
16 Sqn Voisin Lt F H Eberli / Lt S A Sanford Shot down became POWs
16 Sqn Voisin 2ndLt Hon F W Rodney / Lt C B Spence Killed in action
16 Sqn Voisin LA Capt A G Fox Killed in action
Our aeroplanes of the day
BE2a
Vickers FB5
Voisin
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