Scout, Aleck is learning just how slowly the wheels turn at the War Department when it comes to innovation. I hope he and his squadron mates will have the new equipment soon. Fingers crossed.
MFair, it was far too close for Swany's liking. He is currently of the opinion that the entire Hun air service is out to get him, that opinion being further enforced this morning by yet another go-round with the dreaded Fokkers. He and Captain Craig and one other crew of B Flight were sent up to Armentières to assess the situation there, and this time they actually had escort, provided by a pair of Nieuport 10s from Escadrille 15. As it turned out it did little good keeping the Eindeckers away from them. About twenty minutes into the recce of the area Swany was shocked to see one of the Nieuports plummeting down in flames. It was a horrible thing to watch, but the young pilot had little time to dwell on it as he had to shake the Hun attacker swooping in on them. Swany did his best to give the Captain some clear shots, which the stout fellow quickly took full advantage. Within two minutes the EIndecker was looping out of control towards the mud below. Swany and his G/O scanned the skies but no other aeroplanes, hostile or friendly, could be seen anywhere, so they turned their attentions to finishing up the recce. Just as they were getting ready to return to camp their flight mates rejoined them and the two Moranes headed home without further trouble. Swany and the Captain now have two outstanding claims and there is much debate about whether either, both, or neither will be awarded them. Swany has taken very much a "wait and see" attitude about it. On a high note, the young airmen has received a cash reimbursement of £75 for his civilian flight training. His two mates, Collins and Jericho, who were also with him back in Canada for said training, have received the same. There will no doubt be some rounds bought in the mess tonight!