Sir:
Sgt Brock and I set out this afternoon to spot for our artillery. Our objectives were in the central and northern parts of our sector, but we were instructed to abandon the northern objective if the weather became too clear. Sgts. Kitchener and Carlton-Metcalf were our pilots.
We flew to our first objective, in the central part of our sector, at 1000 feet. We were not intercepted, and brought our battery on target with the third correction. Carlton-Metcalf had some brief engine trouble about the time we finished up, but he was able to get it running again. As the weather was clearing, I decided to return to Corbie rather than continuing north.
We were attacked by two biplanes with red markings, and Albatros D3 and a Halberstadt D3, while crossing the lines. Brock and Carlton-Metcalf's machine was hit by the Albatros, and smoke streamed from their engine. Brock, however, managed to drive their attacker off after he'd passed by. The Halberstadt appeared to to have a jam, so Kitchener and Carlton-Metcalf took the opportunity to get us out of there.
Two albatros D3's attacked us over Mercatel, on our way to the Advanced Landing Field. Kitchener managed to throw our attackers off rather quickly, but Carlton-Metcalf was having a rough time of it with his damaged engine. When I saw him set down in a clearing, I directed Kitchener to head for home. Arriving there, I was told the news that Carlton-Metcalf was fine, and that Brock would be able to return to active duty in a few days. Their machine will be brought overland to Corbie, and should be repaired by tomorrow.
(signed) Air Mechanic Adam Walker
"A" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 17, 1917
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