Combat Report 585

Date: 3-10-18
Time: 17-50
Type and No. of Aeroplane: Bristol Fighter E.2507
Armament: 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis
Pilot: Capt.F.J.Cumminghame
Observer: Lt.R.A.Brunton M.C.
Locality: INGLEMUNSTER and E.
Duty: 0.0. with Bombs
Height: 12,0000 ft
Result: Destroyed 2
Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Fokker Biplanes, white fuselage and black and white tails.

While on O.P. carrying bombs, on the evening of Oct. 3rd, we had just dropped our bombs on ISEHHAM, when 12 Fokker Biplanes were observed approaching us from S and S. They were in two formations one of 5 and one of 7. The formation of 5 commenced to attack the left of our formation. My observer opened fire on this E.A. when still at a good range, and after a very few rounds, the E.A. burst into flames and disappeared.
Immediately another E.A. was engaged and the observer fired a full drum into the E.A. which immediately fell completely out of control and was observed to crash N. of LENDELEDE.
During the fight 2 of our machines were seen to go down, one in flames and one smoking.

(Signed) F.C.CUNNINGHAME, Capt. Pilot & R.A.BRUNTON, Lieut. Observer.

These 2 E.A. are confirmed by Lt.Shurly of the same formation.

Sky their battlefield

In the book Sky their battlefield, which lists all allied aerial casualties of the Great War, Reginald is mentioned three times.

31st August 1918 - Flying Bristol F2b serial E2469 with his pilot 2Lt JB Cowan, crashed after an offensive patrol at Elverdinghe - forced to land after taking a hit by anti-aircraft fire.

1st October 1918 - Flying Bristol F2b serial E2531 with his pilot Lt EC Shurley, shot up during combat on an offensive patrol to Menin. Both OK.

25th October 1918 - flying Bristol F2b serial E-2534 with his pilot 2Lt G Thorneton-Norris, Forced to land at Deerlyck at 2.45pm due to anti-aircraft fire. Both OK.