2nd Lieutenant Edward Wilson 48 Squadron Bertangles East airfield
21st May 1918
Morning sortie
Major Park took the briefing and confirmed both A and B flights would be heading down to the lines east of Amiens. There were several units based there and the Huns were showing a bit too much interest.
The weather was still good but more cloudy than previous days.
Edward spoke with Hector, "If we do meet any enemy aircraft make sure your shouts are clear and concise" said Edward. "I will do, and likewise" said Hector as he climbed into the Brisfit. Edward climbed up also and started the engine.
A few minutes later 48 Squadron was in the air and forming up. They climbed high, upto 14000 feet before heading out south east towards the lines.
Edward kept a keen eye as they progressed south east. They reached the patrol area and turned south along the lines.
There were some monstrous clouds and B flight flew through one such cloud.
Just as they emerged Hector looked up and gave a loud shout to Edward...."Hun scouts! Diving down now! Break right!" shouted Hector. Edward looked up and broke right. He'd seen a formation of Albatros aircraft diving down at him.
Edward pulled a tight turn and heard Hector firing his Lewis guns. He looked for an opportunity and found one as the rest of B flight joined the fight. An Albatros dove down in front of Edward who fired into the enemy aircraft.
The Albatros rolled and dived down but Edward smiled as he knew the Brisfit could dive like the wind.
He followed him down and shouted to Hector "keep our six clear!".
The Albatros zoomed down but had to level out and Edward swooped onto his tail and put a long burst into him. The Albatros slowed right down but instead of slowing Edward pulled under the Albatros and shouted at Hector. "Get ready we're going underneath him!".
Hector saw the Albatros above him now and poured both Lewis guns into him.
It stalled and fell down. Edward turned tightly and fired into the descending enemy. The Albatros nosed down and smashed into the ground.
Edward levelled the Brisfit out and looked around. He couldn't see any other Bristol Fighters but just then Hector shouted "Another Hun, 4 o'clock!".
Edward turned right and saw another Albatros a little higher than him and making for the lines.
The Brisfit caught up with the Albatros quickly and Edward fired into him causing the Albatros to swing left.
Edward fired again and the Albatros pulled up. Hector saw a chance and fired into the enemy aircraft. The Albatros rolled and crashed down into the ground.
Edward took stock and saw nothing else and Hector shouted that he saw nothing else either.
Edward decided to head home which they reached without further incident.
As they landed they saw more Brisfits coming in.
Edward and Hector climbed down. "You can sure as hell fly Edward" said Hector, "You're pretty good too Hector, you did excellently back there" said Edward.
They made their way in to clean up and submit their claims.
Four Albatros scouts had been downed and although several Brisfits were damaged none were lost.
Afternoon sortie
Major Park again took charge of B flight who were tasked with patrolling along the Somme river upto the lines.
The weather had closed in and rain was splattering Edward's windshield as they took off.
They formed up and headed out without incident and the patrol went the same way.
On landing Edward was ordered to report to Major Park in his office.
"Good show Wilson, you did very well there today. I'm impressed" said Park.
"Thank you sir, it was quite a ride but all went well" said Edward.
"Well we'll have to wait for confirmation of your claims Lieutenant" explained Park.
"I understand sir" said Edward who saluted and left.
Later on he was enjoying a drink with Hector and some of the other pilots.
"Where are you from Hector" asked Edward.
"Stratford-upon-Avon" said Hector
"We worked well there today I thought" said Hector
"We did indeed. Clear concise shouts and good shooting. This could be the start of something good" said Edward smiling.
"I hope so" said Hector downing a scotch.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
