Combat Report

Combat Report
Date: October 9th 1918
Time: 16-50 pm
Type and No. of Aeroplane: Bristol Fighter E.2510
Armament: 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis
Pilot: Lt, H.Thomas
Observer: 2/Lt. F.H.V.Coomer
Locality: COURTRAI
Duty: Bombing & Offensive Patrol
Height: 11,000 ft
Result: Driven down out of control: One (Partly destroyed in the air)
Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Fokker Biplane – Yellow Camouflage

Whilst on Offensive Patrol, our machine was separated from the formation as I had left it for a short time in order to drop my bomb on COURTRAI. After dropping the bomb we were attacked by four Fokker Biplanes. My Observer engaged these with the rear gun and fired one complete drum into one at a range of about 100 yards. The E.A. was diving as us and the observer continued to fire as it drew nearer. The E.A. then partially broke up, first the right wheel and then the left wheel and un-dercarriage dropped off. The E.A. then went down completely out of control.

(Signed) H.THOMAS 2/Lt. Pilot. F..H.V.COOMER 2/Lt. Observer

1 Decisive

Combat Report 588

Date: October 9^th 1918
Time: 10-55 pm
Type and No. of Aeroplane: Bristol Fighter E.2608
Armament: 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis
Pilot: Capt. F.J.Phillips
Observer: 2/Lieut. J.W.London
Locality: N.W. COURTRAI

Duty: Offensive Patrol and Bombs
Height: 13,000 ft
Result: Destroyed One
Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Fokker Biplanes.

I was leading a formation of 12 Bristol Fighters on an Offensive Patrol. Having dropped our bombs at COURTRAI we turned W. towards the lines. Shortly after turning West we met seven Fokker Biplanes which we engaged. The E.A. formation was very soon joined by another formation of five Fokker Biplanes. Having gathered our formation together after the first engagement I led them at hte E.A. formation. During the fight which ensued I saw one of our formation being attacked from the rear, I immediately sat on the tail of the E.A. and fired a short burst of 30 rounds into it. The E.A. turned over on its back and went down completely out of control finally crashing between HEULE and COURTRAI. After it crashed a large cloud of smoke came from the machine, I then turned to attack another E.A.

(Signed) E.J.PHILLIPS Captain Pilot. J.W.LONDON 2/Lieut. Observer

1 Decisive

Confirmed by:-

Lieut Rae and Sergt. Perkin, pilot and observer in another machine of the formation.