COMBATS IN THE AIR
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Squadron: No. 60 Date: 2-6-17
Type and No. of Aeroplane: Nieuport Scout Time:
B1566
Armament: One Lewis Gun Duty:
Pilot: Capt. W.A.Bishop DSO MC Height:
Observer: none
Locality:
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Remarks on Hostile Machine:-Type, armament, speed, etc.
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Narrative.
I fired on 7 machines on the aerodrome, some of which
had their engines running. One of them took off and I
fired 15 rounds at him from close range 60 ft. up and he
crashed. A second one taking off, I opened fire and fired
30 rounds at 150 yds, range, he crashed into a tree. Two
more were then taking off together. I climbed and
engaged one at <1,000 finishing my drum, and he
crashed 300 yds. from the aerodrome. I changed drums
and climbed E. A fourth H.A.1 came after me and I fired
one whole drum into him. He flew away and I then flew
<1,000 under 4 scouts at <5,000 for one mile and turned
W. climbing. The aerodrome was armed with one or more
machine guns. Machines on the ground were 6 scouts
(Albatross type I or II) and one two-seater.
Beneath this description, Bishop's commanding officer, Major Jack Scott commented:
Capt. Bishop had been encouraged to catch the H.A.
referred to in VII Corps Daily Intelligence Summary No.
151. His method was not quite what I intended. He was
several times at a height of 50 ft. over this enemy
aerodrome at least 17 miles E. of the lines. His machine
is full of holes caused by machine gun fire from the
ground.
1H.A. refers to Hostile Aircraft.