This is a new low. From the last eight claims ... one has been confirmed. Zygmunt wondered if it mattered anymore. Just before their morning briefing to discuss the mission the air raid bell began to ring out. They soon were in their aeroplanes and climbing? As they pierced through the cloud layer, they were greeted by an attacking Brisfit. Zygmunt was one of the last ones to get a crack at him and in the end brought the agile bomber down in flames near Menen.
After watching the Britisher go down and crash they spotted a hive of dots above. Schwarm Zwei was closer and engaged the enemy first. Zygmunt was a spectator at this time. As they closed in he could see the other flight was battling Camels. The large scrap exploded all around him. Hahn continued to observe and search for a target. He found one that didn’t engage but continued to circle above the battle. Ziggy had his target. He came up from behind without being spotted and opened fire. The Camel continued to fly straight and level which indicated to him it had to be a rookie who was ordered to stay high and learn. Well, classes have been cancelled and the student was falling to his doom close to Ceurne.
While trying to rejoin the main fight Ziggy noticed another Camel trying to slink back home. He caught up with him near Menen outskirts and brought it down. The rest of the flight was also done fighting and the survivors on both sides returned to their respective bases
3 October, 1917 16:00 afternoon mission Ceurne, Flanders Sector Jasta 36 Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO 58 confirmed kills Awaiting three claim confirmations
A dignitary from Saxony arrived at noon and presented Zygmunt with the Albert Order. This particular class was the Knight’s Cross 2nd Class with Swords. The dignitary didn’t fail to mention the swords were given for bravery. Ziggy was grateful for the recognition. It significantly softened the blow from this morning claim rejections.
At 16:00 Schwarm Eins and Zwei were sent to patrol enemy front lines between Ypres and Menen. Once over the front they encountered two pairs of Strutters flying above. The enemy machines began to turn back and attempt an escape, but the Albatrosen were quicker and the two-seaters were forced to fight. Zygmunt climbed on the tail of one but another Sopwith came down behind him. What cheek! The two machines began their familiar dance, which was soon interrupted by SPADs. They must have been their escort that was running late. They were here now however wreaking havoc. Strutters were soon forgotten as this more pressing matter of the SPADs had to be dealt with. Four of them went down to Zygmunt’s guns.
"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys, The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain, From out of my arse take the camshaft, And assemble the engine again."
