1915 Fokker Scourge (British Ace Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

quite clear; unless so ordered there was to be no attacking of ground targets. We were allowed to return fire at aeroplanes but no mention was made of barrage balloons. However to make sure the Major had a briefing with us the next day to make doubly sure that we understood.
    “Gentlemen, yesterday Lieutenant Harsker attacked a German convoy.  I realise that I did not make myself clear and I have remedied the situation.  We will patrol our sectors and report back what we see. Is that clear?”
    The young pilots shouted, “Yes sir.”
    Gordy put up his hand, “What if they put up balloons sir?”
    The major sighed, “We leave them alone.”
    “But sir, they are used to direct the fire of their batteries.  If we do not attack them then our infantry may well suffer.”
    “Lieutenant Hewitt, are you incapable of listening to and obeying orders? We leave them alone!”
    He was wrong and the four experienced pilots all knew that. However we could do nothing about it. We had an uneventful patrol and we saw nothing. When we returned Gordy and I went to see Captain Marshall to have a quiet word.  The adjutant was not a flier but he understood what we did.
    “Sir, can you not reason with the major ?  This is an intolerable situation.  Someone is going to die because of these rules.”
    “Keep your voices down.  He may not be here but he has eyes and ears everywhere. I have tried but he argues that the pilots need more air time before they can engage in combat of any kind.”
    “Captain Marshall, when will the colonel be back?”
    “I have no idea , Bill.  But if you wish I will write to him and tell him that we are all missing him. If he is able to read between the lines then he could well return but he is very close to his son.  You all know that.”
    We nodded.  He was right.  His son came first.  The captain’s hands were tied for he could not put more in the letter without it coming to the attention of the major.  As commanding officer he had to randomly check the vetted letters.  He would be sure to look at one addressed to the colonel.
    The Germans had put balloons up.  As we flew towards them they winched them to the ground but the extra machine guns they had packed around their bases made it a hot area. Sergeant Sharp and I still varied our route and our height.  I would rather be punished than risk our lives for an order which made no sense at all. It was lucky that we did; three Aviatik aeroplanes were waiting for Gordy as he flew over the German lines. They only had a rear gun but three of them could have caused us trouble. Luckily Charlie and I had just gained height and were above them.  They were in Gordy’s blind spot and he could not see them. They attacked in line astern.
    “Sharp, get ready with the Lewis.”
    Because we had the height, when I began to dive we picked up speed. I knew that we would not reach Gordy before he was attacked but I also knew that he was a clever pilot.  I had to hope that he would be able to out fox them until I could come to his aid. I saw the first Aviatik open fire.  Gordy looked around and he began to climb.  I saw his gunner grab the rear Lewis and stand on the cockpit.  The German knew of the Gunbus’ weakness and he was attacking from below.  The climb aided Gordy but also allowed the other two enemy aeroplanes to bring their guns to bear on his engine and rear.
    None of them saw me. “Charlie, wait until we are just forty yards from them before you fire. Short bursts!”
    “Yes sir!”
    I cocked the Lewis in front of me. If I got the chance I would add the fire of our second machine gun to that of Sharp. I saw smoke coming from Gordy’s engine.  He had been hit.  The Gunbus is a solid aeroplane and the new engine was a good one. That said he could not last long with three machine guns firing at him.
    When Charlie opened fire the bullets stitch ed a line along the fuselage of the first aeroplane.  I actually saw one of the cables severed.  It