54 Sqdn A Flight AAR: Offensive Line Patrol (Zone B) 14 APR

Sir:

It is plain that we were far too conspicuous in these clear skies. I led a formation of five SPAD VII's from "A" Flt., No. 54 Sqdn., on a low-level raid on ground targets between Arras and Mercatel. Visibility was good, with unlimited ceilings, for most of the operation. We were intercepted by three Halberstadt D3's before we'd even reached Mercatel. I managed to damage one of the machines before the fight broke up.

We strafed the enemy trenches as we passed over, and then turned south behind the lines to look for targets. Nothing presented itself, and I was just about to give the return signal when the sky filled with German aircraft. Every squadron in the area must have sent their ready machines when we were reported. I counted two Albatros D3's, three Albatros D2's, and a Halberstadt D3. It was a disaster from the start. The Halberstadt got on my tail, and by the time I shook him off, I'd lost track of the action. By the time I collected the flight again, Justice and Burns had suffered some serious damage, and Barbieri was gone. Pyrtle and I escorted Justice and Burns toward the Mercatel Advanced Landing Field, making another pass at the enemy trenches as we crossed back over — just to put icing on the cake, my guns jammed. We saw Burns down safely, but Justice lost control when landing and hit the ground hard.

Back at Corbie, Pyrtle told me that Barbieri was putting up a good show against the two D2's when one finally got a good shot off at him. He set down nicely and was able to set his machine alight before being captured. A telegram from Burns at the Advanced Landing Field informed me that he'd get back to Corbie this evening, but Justice was seriously injured in his crash and wouldn't be with him. It's all quite a sobering change from our successes of yesterday.

(signed) Lieutenant Walter Goodhew
"A" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 14, 1917