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Fritz von Tralenheim
FA 250
Menen, AF

April 18 1917.


The weather people were right this time Rain.

Busy start of the week. Just had a little time to catch up on the stories. Excellent reports everyone. Keep them coming.
Newly promoted Squadron Commander Cyrus Gold has recently transferred to 1 RNAS stationed at Furnes. He is now learning to handle the Tripe.



Capitaine Dominique Urbain in Marne region is getting used to the SPAD's handling, or more precisely lack thereof.

Albert Earl Godfrey

20 Dec 1916 Training at Farnborough

Today I had my last bombing run test. I aced it, although I very nearly voided my effort, when landing back at Farnborough, I came in a little too right on the runway and narrowly missed a parked Fee as I passed by. A little luck or an angel on my shoulder, and I was fortunate that it went unnoticed.

I parked the single seat strutter and headed over to the hangars to pick up a Nieuport 17 for my first training flight in a proper scout. Today begins my combat training and if all goes well, I will earn my pilots wings.

I hear they are likely sending us to 60 Sqn to fly N17’s. Seems they are forming up the squadron to full strength. That’s good to hear as I will lkely soon be back in France if I do well here.

I like the way you are going through the training Robert. Sure glad Albert missed that Fee! Would be an inglorious end to such a promising career.

Yes, well....There was a pounding in my heart and a lump in my throat and I think I stopped breathing for a moment!


Fullofit; Those are some great screenie's you made Sir!

Albert Earl Godfrey

21 Dec 1916 Training at Farnborough on N17 lewis flight tests

Today I took an N17 lewis up for my first spin. It was exhilarating to finally be in a scout. First order of the day was a couple of gunnery practice runs on an old abandoned farm which I used in bombing practice yesterday. The nimble scout was no problem to aim at the target and I felt I had done well.

The next step was to perform some rate of climb tests, stall speed tests, turning and diving tests. All went well considering the stress creaking I encountered in tight turns and pulling out of a dive. I suspected I would have to watch the G-forces as being the culprit causing the creaking. I had heard of the N17 shedding it’s wings in a steep dive and in over G’s pulling out. I was very conscious to listen to her complaints and ease off when I heard them. I landed back at base safely and headed back to training.

I had heard that select pilots might get a chance to take up the new RAF development, The Sopwith Pup. That was all the encouragement I needed. Indeed, I wanted to be one of the select few.

I flew the N17 twice more today with much success, doing barrel rolls,
split –S’s, loops and dead stick landings. Everything went beautifully.

Thank you Robert, I do enjoy your videos. Always catch myself trying to change the point of view by moving my head and realizing too late that it is only a video.

Fritz von Tralenheim
FA 250
Menen, AF


April 19, 1917


Posted to a recon flight all is well.

Fullofit;

Ha Ha! yeah I know what you mean.

That last pic of your, the SPAD is damn close to the Alb but it looks like you haven't shot it up yet. Is that correct?

Robert, it was a bad case of too much speed, no brakes, bad aim and the Hun evading all rolled into one. You're right, no damage this time around.

Fritz von Tralenheim
FA 250
Menen, AF


April 20, 1917.


Bombardment of the lines. Spotted e/a in flights, but we were able to avoid and slipped on by them. I put in for a transfer to a Jasta

Albert Earl Godfrey

22 Dec 1916 Training at Farnborough on N17

I stepped out of my quarters this morning to a bright clear day. The air was crisp and fresh on my senses. A slight chill ran through my bones and I decided the best way to deal with it was to Jog towards the mess taking a circuitous route around the field. I spotted one of the new Pups being run up for what obviously was another test run. I paused just before entering the mess and turned to watch it takeoff. Several other trainees were standing by doing the same. One of them known as Red, spoke up “I wonder how she handles. They always seem to take her well out of our site for their testing.” I responded “I suspect we will all find out soon enough. If she is any good, we will see plenty of her over in France.” We all turned to head into the mess and Red piped up to say “I suspect some of us will find out sooner than that. It seems the three of us with the highest marks have been told we might take her for a test flight if all goes well”. I responded saying “I hope you are correct on that one. You know how it is for the rank and file, promises, promises.”
One fellow named Will jumped in to say “You are too much of a realist for my liking Art. I daresay hope is what pushes us all to the limits. I do much better when the candy is dangling in front of my nose.” Red responded with “Yes, Will, I saw some of that candy in the Pub last week.” We all broke into laughter and entered the mess.

Following breakfast, it was the standard routing, course training, flight testing, more course training, more flight testing and so it went on for the day.

The highlight of the day for me was that I did manage to acquire a couple of jars of Cooper’s Marmalade from one of the supply truck drivers who recently had made a trip to London. I planned to take those with me when I went back to France. A close friend of mine George, had introduced me to it and I must say it was a bloody good Marmy! It’s something not to be missed. Nice coarse cut rind and a sweet tangy orange/lemon taste. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

I continue to enjoy reading your stories, Robert. Keep up the good work! And good luck to your man Godfrey, he's about to be in the real thick of it. Fun time at Farnborough is over!

Not just yet! Godfrey has one more thing to do before departing!

I think Godfrey is about to come down with a bad case of either Puppy love or Pup envy!

(I'll see myself​ out).

Fritz von Tralenheim
FA 250
Menen, AF


April 21, 1917.


My motor quit while over the lines and had to put her down in a field. A/C is a write off and will take a few to get back to the aerodrome. In short we will be with the Arty people till getting a ride back.

Journal Entry: 21 December, 1916
Pronville

Today we finally were able to fly. We have been snowed in for the last 5 days and tempers were getting short. The break in the weather could not have come at a better time. The frogs have been harassing our railroad networks and stations, so this morning I led the dawn patrol over to fly a defensive patrol over a station that has recently been getting a lot of attention. As luck would have it, the Tommies and Frogs either were still snowed in or had decided to sleep the day away because we saw nothing. The morning was beautiful but it was bitterly cold at 4000 metres, sometimes it takes over 30 minutes for the feeling to return to my feet.

Something I shared with the men after the noon meal, was the news that since September we have downed 86 enemy machines for losing only 10 of ours. I further shared with the men that Leutnant General von Hoeppner was most pleased and wanted me to express his gratitude and praise for their wonderful work. I also praised and congratulated the men and expressed my pride and admiration for their devotion to their duty. I had one final bit of news that I knew would please the men immensely, and that was to tell them that officially we are now known as Jasta 'Boelke'. I think some of the men were surprised that I was as pleased as they were at the name change. I have nothing but admiration for Boelke, and the fact that I am commanding his old Jasta gives me nothing but pride. I imagine if he could see what we have accomplished since his leaving us, he would be as proud as I am.

It was so beautiful this morning that I am including a few photographs.

Nice report and shots Banjoman!

Oooooo, pretty!

Thanks guys. There is one thing that sort of bothers me about WOFF. Have you guys noticed that it can snow for days and then when it stops there isn't any snow on the ground? That kind of bothers me.