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Albert Earl Godfrey

17 Nov 1917 @ 08h00 Patrol to St-Andre-Aux-Bois airfield

What was to be another routine flight behind our lines turned out to be quite an adventure. The results were 9 downed enemy aircraft at the expense of the death of Askew, “B” flight’s wingman.

Having formed up north of the field at 08h24 at 10151 ft., the flight headed SSW towards Artois, in very cloudy heavy cumulus. The flight was uneventful all the way to the Foret d’Hesdin. Suddenly seven flecks appeared out of the clouds at 10 oclock and getting closer. They were Albatros D types. Two of them broke to engage “B” flight while the others continued east bound.

“B” flight broke up to engage those Huns who stayed to play. It was a short furious fight that ended as quickly as it had begun and the two Huns went down into the dirt.

“B” flight reformed and began to climb out on the way to St-Andre-Aux_Bois.
Within 5 minutes Godfrey spotted two high flying aircraft that looked like Hun two seaters headed east. They were 1500 ft or so above and “B” flight gave chase. As they approached the Foret d’Hesdin for a second time, Godfrey had managed to position himself directly under the leading DFW C.V.
Pulling back he climbed out and sent volleys into the crate and as quickly dropped down into a safer position under it. He repeated this several times until with his last attack he observed the DFW lose its upper starboard wing and go down. Hamersley and Soden had finished off the other DFW and the flight rejoined again.

Godfrey took the flight once again on course for St-Andre-Aus-Bois, but missing Askew and wondering what had become of him. Cruising at just over 12000 ft they arrived there and then set course for home.

Back at base, claims were put in. every member of “B” flight laid a claim and none knew for sure what had happened to Askew. Jenkins stated he had seen Askew terminate his attack on the DFW and break away but didn’t seem to look as though he was in trouble. Askew’s body was found with the wreckage of his SE near the road passing west of the Foret d’Hesdin. It was surmised from his wounds that he had been badly hit in the chest by return fire from the DFW.

“A” flight who had been trailing, had given chase to the Albatros scouts and caught up with them near Fruges where a melee began that saw all of the Hun scouts downed.