Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

L. W. Sutherland's account of operations of the 1st Squadron, A.F.C., 40th wing, R.F.C., 1917-1919
MLMSS 1046/Item 4

[Page 1]
[Cover]
3 copies done
Orig. with Air Ministry Lond.
1 with Air Board [indecipherable]
& this is the 3rd
retained by Capt. Sutherland who wrote the general account for Major Addison the
Squadron C.O. (Addison is now in Constantinople [indecipherable].
Check off with Cutlack’s
Hist of the Aust. Flying Corps 9 Squads.

[Page 2]
OFFICERS WITH SQUADRON
DURING PERIOD OF
1st July 1918 – 3rd March 1919
A.F.C.
[pasted over typed page]
The only part of this book covered by Cutlack is Addison’s account of the F irst Squadron (ie 33pp. of a total of 75). Cutlack appears to have based his narrative on Addison’s account, which he follows very closely, leaving out, however, details of minor operations, lists of officers taking part in different activities, monthly summaries of the reconnaissances, aerial surveys, raids & other activities of the squadron and similar information which is given in more detail in Addison.

The descriptions of the main events are often almost identical in both narratives which cover the same ground.

All other papers, lists, tables documents etc. including the operations of the 40th wing, are not contained in Cutlack but supplement the information which he just gives very briefly.

[Page 3]
OFFICERS WITH SQUADRON
DURING PERIOD OF
1st JULY 1918 - 5th MARCH 1919
F. C.
Major S.W. ADDISON

Capt. R.W. Smith, M.C., D.F.C. - Capt. A.R. Brown D.F.C.
" G.G. Peters – Capt. F.W.F. Lukis

Lieut. E.P. Kenny D.F.C.
" E.S. Headlam
" D.R. Dowling
" R.S. Adair
Lieut. C.C. Cameron
" G.S. Paul. D.F.C.
" J.W. Walker
" A.W. Murphy
" C.N. Watt
" T. Taylor
" R. Burton
" E. Trevan M.C.
" H.J. Dunstan
" N. Hazelwood
" O. Vincent
" L.B. Carson
" W.A. Kirk, D.F.C.
" J.H. Trail, D.F.C.
" H.A. Letch, M.C.
" E.B.S. Benton
" H.B. Fletcher, D.F.C.
" L.W. Sutherland, MC., D.C.M.
" W.G. Thompson
" H. Johnson
" A.V. McCann D.F.C.
" A.V. Tonkin D.F.C.
" B.A. Nunan
" H.A. Blake
" P.J. McKinnes D.F.C.D.C.M.
" E.C. Stooke, D.C.M.
" H.S.R. Maughan, D.F.C.
" P.G. Hartley M.M.
" A.J. Morgan
" E.L. Spragg
" S.W. Barker, M.C.
" G.M. Elwin
" S.H. Harper
" W.E. Wright
" J.C. Boyle
" P.A. McBain
" V.F. Turner
" G. Finley D.F.C.
" F.C. Hawley
" H. Fysh, D.F.C.
" C.J. Vyner
" E. A. Mustard , D.F.C.
" R.A. Camm
" J. Mc Elligot
" O.M. Lee M.C.
" C.J. Harman

2/Lieuts. G.W. Sheppard
" H.S. Brain
" G. Wright
" A.C. South M.M.
" C.N. Wride
" S,M. Callaghan
" C.G. O’Brien
" D.D. Woodrow

Attached.
Capt. J.F. Harris - A.A.M.C. - 23.10.1917
Lieut. L.P. Kreig - 11th A.L.H. Rgt.- 22. 1.1918
" E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. -12th A.L.H. Rgt. - 28.1.1918
" W.J.A. Weir - 6th A.L.H. Rgt. - 21. 1.1918
" M.D. Lees - 1st Bn. I.C.C. - 19. 4.1918
" W.H. Lilly - 3rd A.M.S.S - 27. 4.1918
" F.C. Conrick - 3rd Bn. I.C.C. - 19. 4.1918

OFFICERS JOINED
A.F.C.
Lieut. S.W. Barker M.C. - From England - 18. 8. 1918
" G.M. Elwyn – From England - 6.10.1918
" H. Trevan M.C. – From England – 10.10.18
Lieut. S.H. Harper - From England - 10.10.18
" N. Hazelwood - From England – 10.10.18
" W.E. Wright - From England – 10.10.18
Lieut. H.J. Dunstan – From England -10.10.18
Lieut. J.C. Boyle – From England – 10.10.18
Lieut. C.M. Vincent - From England – 10.10.18
Lieut. O.M. Lee M.C. - From Turkey (Repatriated) - 5.12.1918
Lieut. E.A. Mustard D.F.C. - To Training Bde. R.A.F. - 26.10.1918
" H. Fysh, D.F.C. - For instruction in aviation – 26.10.1918
" L.W. Sutherland MC. DCM - For instruction in aviation – 26.10.1918
" G. Finlay – For instruction in aviation – 26.10.1918
" E.B.S. Beaton – For instruction in aviation – 26.10.1918 -

[Written margin note: Sutherland 0/0/- 9/2/33]

[Page 4]
Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, MC. D.C.M. from Training Bde. R.A.F. – 15. 2.1919
" A.E. Mustard D.F.C. – from Training Bde. R.A.F. - 17/ 2.1919
" E.B.S. Beaton – from Training Bde. R.A.F. – 17./2.1919 - " G. Finlay D.F.C. – from Training Bge. R.A.F. – 19/2/1919 -
" H. Fysh D.F.C. – from Training Bge. R.A.F. – 19/2/1919 -
Capt. F.F. Turner - from Hd. Qrs. M.E. R.A.F. - 20/ 1/1919
Lieut. J.C. Smith - from A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. Cairo - 2/2/1919
2/Lieut. C.N. Wride - from Training Bde. R.A.F. - 6/ 2/1919
2/Lieut. S.M. Callaghan –f rom Training Bde. R.A.F. - 6/ 2/1919
" G. Wright – from Training Bde. R.A.F. – 6/2/1919
" A.C. South M.M. – from Training Bde. R.A.F. 15/2/1919
" C.G. O’Brien – from Training Bde. - 17/ 2/1919
" D.B. Woodrow – from Training Bde. – 17/2/1919
Lieut. W. Upton, D.C.M. - 14th A.L.H. Rgt. - 1/ 7/1918
Lieut. E.C. Knights - 15th " - 2/ 7/1918
" A.F. McLean - 12th " - 13/ 7/1918
" A.B. Colless - 12th " - "
" A.B. Crawford - 5th " - 11/ 7/1918
" J.B. Smith - 2nd A.M.G.S. - 12/ 7/1918
" L.T. Gregory - 4th " - 9/ 7/1918
" J.C. Murray - 15th A.L.H. Rgt. - 10/ 7/1918
2/Lieut.L.S. Climie - A.L.H. Reinfments - 7/ 7/1918
" F.S. Rochstein - " - 13/ 7/1918
" E. Sullivan - " - "
" E.F. Lumb - " - "
Lieut. J.C. Smith - 14th A.L.H. Rgt. - 27/10/1918
" E.L. Chauncey - 2nd A.M.G.S. - "
" J.H. Walker - 7th A.L.H. Rgt. - 6/12/1918
" J.A. Dowsett - 7th " - "
" L.J. Williamson - 15th " - "
Major W.R.C. Mainwaring- - A.A.M.C. - 4/11/1918
Capt. A.A Lang - " - 6/12/1918

OFFICERS QUITTED
A.F.C.
Lieut. A.J. Morgan - For embarkation to England - 2/7/1918
" E.L. Spragg - " " "
" G.N. Watt - " " "
2/Lieut. H.S. Braim - " to Australia 30/ 8/1918
Capt. A.R. Brown D.F.C. - " " 9/11/1918
Lieut. J.H. Traill D.F.C. - " " "
" W.J.A. Weir D.F.C. - " " 11/11/1918
" H.S.R. Maughan D.F.C. - " " 25/12/1918
‘ J.B. Smith - " " 21/12/1918
" E. Sullivan - " " "
" E.L. Chauncy - " " "
" O.M. Lee, M.C. - " " 22/12/1918
" F.C. Conrick - " " "
" A.V. McCann D.F.C. - " " 24/12/1918
" W. Upton D.C.M.-
" M.D. Lees - " " 25/12/1918
" C.S. Paul, D.F.C. - " " 26/12/1918
2/Lieut.W.E. Wright - " : 22/12/1918
2/Lieut.G.M. Sheppard - " " 26/12/1918
Lieut. H.J. Dunstan - " " 4/ 1/1918
" E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. - " " 22/12/1918
" H.B. Fletcher D.F.C. - " : "
" V.P. Turner - To training Bde. R.A.F. for Duty as instructor in aerial navigation. - 24/ 7/1918

[Page 5]
This note, which also bore the seal of the signatory, copy of which is attached hereto, was ultimately taken by Lieut. Blake to BEERSHEEBA, and there handed to Capt. Nathan, Staff Officer of the area/

Both the Sheikh and the Sheriff displayed a very friendly attitude towards our Officers, and intimated to Lieut. Blake that they would take Lieut. Tonkin and Lieut. Vyner into BEERSHEEBA within three days.

While this discussion was in progress Lieut. Tonkin and Lieut. Vyner accompanied by Lieut. McCann arrived, and Lieut. Tonkin confirmed the statement of the Sheik that they were being well treated. He stated that he was compelled to land as a result of his engine seizing. He made a good landing, but burnt his machine believing that he was in enemy territory. After further cordial salutations from the Sheik and the members of the tribe, Lieut. Blake took off and flew back to BEERSHEEBA.

The following day Lieut. Blake accompanied by Captain Nathan set out from BEERSHEEBA by air , located Major Chetwynd and his party at AIN HASB , and dropped a message upon them telling them of the discovery of the missing officers, and the probably movements. Soon after dropping this message Lieut. Blake flew down to a low altitude, and recognised Lieut. Vyner with this party, together with a number of Arabs, whom he presumed to be the Sherif’s party.

(Signed) S.W. Addison, Major,
Commanding 1st Squadron,
AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS.
In the Field.
16/8/1919.

COPY OF LETTER SENT TO BEERSHEEBA BY SHEIKH

His Excellency,
The Hudir
Beersheeba District.

We beg to inform you that a few days ago the aeroplane had fallen near ENEZ Station, which still belongs to the Turks. As soon as we caught sight of it, we hurried to the rescue before the Turks could arrest or attack them, and the Aviators themselves corroborate us.

We took them to our houses and showed them as much hospitality as we could. We afterwards sent them, accompanied by our sons Motab and Hail riding to lead them to you.

As our Allies are quite sincere to us we should be faithful and grateful to them; we should also serve them to the best of our ability.

Could you please send me with bearer a Mouser Revolver and enough ammunition for it.

(Signed) SHEIKHOEL-HEWETAT,
HAMAD-EL-GAZY.

[Page 6]
RESUME OF OPERATIONS OF THE 40th WING, ROYAL FLYING CORPS.
9.11.’17 - 15 .11.’17

The commencement of the week found the situation which had arisen at the latter end of the previous week, developing rapidly and air reconnaissance reported the enemy retreating precipitately from the line of the WADI HESI in disorganised columns affording excellent targets for bombing, of which full advantage was taken.

It also appeared that the bombing attack on the aerodrome and station at ARAK EL MENSHIYEH reported in last week’s summary had resulted in such extensive damage to aeroplanes and rolling stock that the enemy were compelled during the night to burn their whole equipment, the remains of 5 machines being observed in the morning; a subsequent inspection of the site confirmed this, the attached photographs showing 4 of the burnt machines, the fifth having been completely destroyed by a direct hit from a bomb. In addition to these the destruction of the rolling stock caused the enemy to destroy the whole of the stores of the detachment which were found to have been burnt.

On the 9th the aerodrome at EL TINEH was subjected to a heavy bomb attack with equally satisfactory results, subsequent reports from our mounted troops stating that 3 damaged aeroplanes, a damaged field gun, numerous dead TURKS and a quantity of stores had been found at the aerodrome.

Air reconnaissance on the morning of the 10th, reported that the retreat of the enemy continued but a force of some 2000 troops has assembled in the BEIT JIBRIN AREA and were threatening the right flank of our advance. The reconnaissance at once returned and informed our nearest troops of this concentration but on resuming the reconnaissance found that the enemy had commenced to retire in a N.E. direction, this retrograde movement was confirmed an hour later. The estimate of numbers given by the Observer on this occasion was subsequently almost exactly confirmed by statements of prisoners.

Considerable movement was observed from HEBRON towards JERUSALEM amounting in all to 1200 troops and about 200 horses and motor vehicles.

In the afternoon the retirement still continued but there was evidence that the enemy were preparing to hold a line in the vicinity of KUSTINEH as a rearguard position.

During the day bombing attacks were twice carried out on SURAR JUNCTION with a view to blocking the line, excellent results being observed.

On the morning of the 11th small bodies of troops were reported to be retiring Northwards but the enemy was evidently preparing to make a stand along the Southern branch of the WADI SUKEREIR, some 13,000 to 15,000 troops being observed on this line which was being hastily entrenched in places. Further North in vicinity of DHIKERIN (about 9 miles N. of LUDD) about 1200 infantry were observed entrenching on the high ground E. of the Railway.

A large amount of rolling stock was observed in JUNCTION STATION of which 50% were passenger coaches.

Work during the remainder of the day was interfered with by a sandstorm.

On the 12th the situation showed no marked change the enemy were observed to be still holding the WADI SUKEREIR line but had not constructed any considerable defences. Fresh work had been done on the RAMLEH-JAFFA ROAD, between BEIT DEJAN and YASER and at the former place there was a strong redoubt covering the road from JAFFA to RAMLER & LUDD. At RAMLER the remaining hangars had been removed from the aerodrome. During the day a bombing attack was carried out on the railway at SURAR JUNCTION the station buildings being set on fire.

On the 13th the enemy were observed to have withdrawn from the WADI SUKEREIR to position along the WADI some 7 miles in rear with their left flank covering the SURAR JUNCTION, round which some fresh work had been done on the trenches.

[Page 7]
On the afternoon of this day a very successful bombing attack was made n the railway North of SURAR JUNCTION with a view to blocking the railway line, 3 direct hits being observed on a train on the line between SURAR & RAMLEH, 1 of which considerably damaged the engine.

The train evidently formed part of the 80 rolling stock which were reported in JUNCTION STATION two hours previously and it is significant to note that on the following morning the balance, consisting of 2 engines and 45 rolling stock, fell into the hands of our MOUNTED TROOPS when they captured the station.

On the morning of the 14th JUNCTION STATION was captured and bodies of the enemy were observed to be retiring Eastwards from the station and from LATRON, also Northwards towards LUDD. At RAMLEH indications of a hasty withdrawal were apparent. The temporary aeroplanes shelters had been burnt and numerous dumps were observed to have been left intact.

In the afternoon a successful bomb raid was carried out. A troop train N. of LUDD was successfully attacked and 22 direct hits were obtained on troops in the same neighbourhood.

On the 15th the situation showed only slight alteration. A double line of trenches which commands the JERUSALEM-LATRON ROAD was observed to be occupied. Between HEBRON & BETHLEHEM troops to the number of 650 were observed moving North. There were no indications of intentions of seriously holding the country in the neighbourhood.

The following gives details of the bomb raids carried out during the week:-
No. of bombs dropped - 288
Weight -7648 lbs.
Direct hits on - Transport – 3
Trains - 7
Lines - 9
Stations - 7
Dumps - 8
Engines - 1
Troops - 34
(mostly formed up)
Buildings - 7 Total 76
Effective (i.e. within 20 yards) – Troops - 15
Transport - 11
Hangars - 2
Stations - 2
Buildings - 1
Dumps - 2
Aeroplanes - 8
Railways - 15
Trains - 30
Sheds - 8 - Total 94
Wide or unobserved - 118.

COMBATS.
Subsequent to the effort made by the enemy to challenge our supremacy in the air recorded in last week’s summary the enemy has displayed a very remarkable decrease in activity. On only 2 occasions during the week have hostile aircraft been reported over our lines and on only one occasion have E.A. been encountered behind their lines in this case the combat was discontinued owing to jams occurring in both guns on our machine.

PHOTOGRAPHY.
No photographic reconnaissances were required during the week owing to rapidity with which the operations developed. A few photographs were taken of results of bomb raids and their points of interest.
No. of plates registered - 13.
No. of prints produced - 325.

HOURS OF FLIGHT.
67th Squadron - 181 hours 54 mins.
111th Squadron - 88 hours 40 mins.

270 hours 34 mins.

CASUALTIES.
Lt. Frederick Harvey, 1st Aust. M/G Squadron attd. 67 Sqdn., A.F.C. killed aeroplane accident 12.11.17.

[Page 8]

RESUME OF OPERATIONS OF THE 40TH WING, ROYAL FLYING CORPS
2.11.17 - 8.11.17

RECONNAISSANCE.
The work of the 40th Wing during the week has naturally been intimately connected with the operations subsequent to the fall of BEERSHEBA which culminated in the capture of the whole enemy line from the sea to the E. of HARIERA resulting in a retirement of the enemy which by the end of the period under review was reported by air reconnaissance to have developed into a rout.

The strategical area was kept under constant observation the results being reported by message dropped on the CORPS concerned and, in addition, photographic reconnaissances were carried out daily and any fresh work was at once transferred to the map which was then reproduced photographically by the special staff working at NURAN Aerodrome and despatched together with any information of tactical importance to the CORPS, 6 issues of maps being made during the week.

Reconnaissance of the area affecting the right flank of our operations was rendered extremely difficult owing to the broken nature of the country which made it impossible to discover the presence of enemy troops as long as they remained stationary in the Wadis and movement observed could not be definitely located owing to the inaccuracy of the maps available, the contrast between the accuracy of reports which could be located on maps prepared from aerial photographs being very marked.

A detailed report of the daily information obtained is appended. On the 2nd. three reconnaissances and one photographic reconnaissance were carried out. Behind the KAUWAUKAH and BUSHDI systems and the extensions of and the extensions of the KAUWAUKAH system as far as VII (C.6) 2230 infantry were seen halted. 750 infantry were moving in column from HARIERA towards SHARIA and at the latter place 1025 cavalry were concentrated. In the area between the GAZA-BEERSHEBA road and the WADI HESI bodies of infantry (430 in all) and cavalry (160 in all) were moving E. and S.E. and a small party going W. towards GAZA. 420 infantry and 150 cavalry were halted along the line of the WADI HESI. There were also the usual scattered H.T. movement throughout the area. The shelters behind the KAUWAKAH & RUSHDI SYSTEMS had decreased in number. The railway line was seen to have been blown up in four places between BEIT HANUN & DEIR SINEID and both bridges across the WADI HESI were damaged by the fire of the Navy. There were 7 R.S. at NEJED and 32 R.S. at DEIR SINEID, 6 R.S. at BEIT HANUN, 20 R.S. at NEJED and 32 R.S. at K.22, and 30 R.S. at SHERIA.

Two reconnaissances and two photographic reconnaissances were carried out on the 3rd. The general trend of movement of the TURKISH reserves was towards the E. One column of cavalry 2000 strong was reported moving E. along WADI SHARIA AT 0730 and throughout the strategical area smaller parties of infantry and cavalry were seen converging towards the East flank. The early reconnaissance reported the two hospitals W. of BEIT HANUN gone and a further decrease in the shelters behind the KAUWUKAH & BUSHDI SYSTEMS. A hospital of 16 E.P. was also reported as having been erected at BURBERA. This was probably one of the hospitals from the BEIT HUNAN. 8 R.S. were counted at DEUR SINEID, 4 at HUJ and 30 at K.22.

Four reconnaissances and 2 photographic reconnaissances were carried out during the day of the 4th. Movement behind the enemy lines was not, as on the previous day, towards a particular area. No large parties of troops were seen on the march. The majority of the enemy troops seen were either halted or else moving in small parties, the direction of whose movements were various. The dumps were removed from DEIR SINEID during the night and the Road bridge over the WADI HESI repaired. On the right flank the enemy appeared to be holding a line from the trenches in VII (Sheet C. 6) to MERTINIA but troops were not seen further E. In the KH. UMM. BEGLER and KH. MURRA AREA a total of about 400 tents and shelters were counted.

[Page 9]
A camp of 500 shelters was also reported in N.27 and N.28 (C.6). The headquarters camp in P.7 (C.4) had been removed. In B.24a a new headquarters camp of 14 Marquees had been erected. Another new camp of 20 tents and 1 marquee was reported near HUJ in B.15. The only new trench work reported on the 3rd. was on the left flank. A series of disconnected lengths of trench was seen to have been dug in a line from the trenches N. of HERBIEH to ASKALON along the sand dunes and facing the sea. At SHARIA Station there were 14 R.S. throughout the day and at K.22 there were 18 R.S. in the morning. These had increased to 30 by evening.

The strategical area was reconnoitred four times on the 5th. One photographic reconnaissance was also carried out. No movement of any size was reported throughout the day. On the right in general the line held by the enemy was not changed since the previous day (V.11) (Sheet C.6) to MERTINIA). The tentage in the enemy reserve area had decreased and the chief increases were reported on the right flank and between SIM SIM and BEIT JERJAH where there were also 250 to 300 T.S. reported. A new park of 30. M.T. was reported in K.27 (Sheet D.5). A reconnaissance which went as far as HEBRON reported 150 cavalry 1 mile E. of YUTTA and 80 cavalry at DHAHERIYEH and DEIR EL ABL. The broken line of trenches running E. from HERBIEH was carefully watched for fresh work but none was observed. In the morning 4 white (hospital) Rolling Stock were standing at the siding at DEIR SINEID, by evening they had been removed and 12 ordinary R.S. were in their place. 30 R.S. which were reported at the station in K.22 in the morning had increased to 60 by 1400.

At SHERIA 10 rolling stock were seen.

On the 6th two reconnaissances were carried out. Considerable movement was observed throughout the strategical area. The general direction was N. Camps disappeared and changed so rapidly that it was found impossible to keep a count. During the night a new railway embankment had been built over the WADI HESI to replace the bridge destroyed by the Navy, and 2 rolling stock had been taken to HUJ. The shelters on the right flank began to disappear and practically all the tentage in the SHERIA area was removed. Large numbers of horse transport were seen converging on K.22 from the line the enemy was holding E. of SHERIA. All the hospitals S. of WADI HESI had either been removed or were being struck, Although a close watch was kept on the WADI HESI line of tranches, no fresh work was done. In the morning 2 rolling stock were reported in HUJ. These had disappeared by 1600 hours in the afternoon. 20 rolling stock were seen at DEIR SINEID and 40 at the station in K.22. 10 rolling stock were reported at SHERIA.

2 strategical reconnaissances and two bombing attacks were carried out on the 7th. Infantry, cavalry, mechanical and horse transport were moving N. throughout the area. Camps, M.T. and H.T. parks S. of WADI HESI were being removed or had gone during he night except for one hospital of 40 large tents 2 miles N. of the station in K.22. The bombing raid reported the trenches at ASCALON occupied. A camp of 6 marquees and 20 tents and shelters were reported at ESDUD. An aerodrome and camp consisting of 5 hangars, 4 E.Ps and 7 bell tents was reported at SUARFIR EL GHARBIYEH. The following rolling stock was seen during the day, 10 hospital R.S. at MEJDEL and 33 R.S. (including 10 hospital R.S.) near BEIT DURAS.

On the 8th 40th WING carried out two strategical reconnaissances and two bombing attacks. The situation was reported as similar to that f the previous day except that the enemy was retiring further N. A defence line consisting of broken lengths of trenches was observed running from the coast just N. of ASCALON via NALIA to BURBERAK, with a redoubt at ASCALON. There was nothing to indicate that enemy troops occupying this line. The country between N. and S. tributaries of the WADI SUKAREIR was carefully reconnoitred for trenches but none were observed. An aerodrome of 10 hangars were found just N. of EL TINEH station with a camp of 60 E.P. and 200-250 bell tents and 100 M.T. parked round it. Round the village at EL TINEH the camps were estimated at 500 to 600 tents. Another aerodrome of 10 hangars at ARAK EL MENSHIYEH and a camp of 18 E.Ps 2000 yards N.E. of the station.
/Only

[Page 10]
Only two hangars out of eight remained at the Aerodrome at KH.AJLAN at and the camps here had considerably decreased. A reconnaissance in the morning reported our cavalry advancing rapidly in D35 and K25 (D5). Our cavalry were also reported advancing on DHAHERIYEH from the West. The line of our advanced cavalry in the centre was defined by the evening reconnaissances as follows:-
KH. JELAME – a point 1½ Miles West of ZEIDAN – EH. AJLAN and thence East crossing the railway at KH. ES. SUKRIYEH.
Rolling stock was reported as follows:- JULIS, 30; WADI SURAR JUNCTION 60;
EL TINE 16; and ARAK-EL-MENSHIYE 60,

BOMBING

At the beginning of the week, concentrations of enemy troops, dumps, and centres of activity behind the lines were bombed. On the night of the 6TH/7TH moonlight was taken advantage of to bomb the defences South of GAZA. On the 7th and 8th the 40th Wing assisted by the 5th Wing, and "B" Squadron, bombed and machine gunned retiring columns as far North as MENSHIYE. Many direct hits on formations of troops were registered. The aerodrome at MENSHIYE was also subjected to two heavy bomb raids 8th with very satisfactory results.

On the first raid one hangar was set on fire and numerous bombs were seen to explode in the midst of and near 7 machines which were drawn up close together outside the hangars. The Railway Station alongside the Aerodrome, at which two trains were standing, was also taken as a target. The railway was blown up on the North side of the station, and several direct hits were registered on rolling stock. On the afternoon raid on the same day, six of the seven machines still remained on the aerodrome, being, presumably, in too damaged condition to move. The trains in the station had not been removed, but on the approach of our machines one engine with one truck escaped in a Northerly direction, leaving the remainder.

Bombs were again dropped on the railway and rolling stock with excellent results. In all, during the week, six thousand three hundred an sixty pounds of bombs were dropped, 318 explosives and 2 incendiary with, on the whole exceptionally good results. In addition to bombing troops, machines on many occasions descended to a low height, and scattered the enemy machines gun fire.

COMBATS IN THE AIR.
During the period under review the enemy have shown considerable aerial activity in reply to the large amount of work which has been carried out by the Royal Flying Corps. Eighteen separate fights, with formations varying in number, have taken place, and, on practically every occasion, the enemy aircraft have been either brought down or driven down to within a few 100 feet over their own lines, or in the case of our slower types, the attacks have been repulsed.

On the afternoon of the 6th a determined attempt was made to challenge our supremacy by formations of from 2 to 4 enemy aircraft.

Of these, two were driven down and forced to land away from an aerodrome and thirteen driven off and prevented from crossing our lines, and in only two instances were our machines sufficiently damaged to necessitate abandoning the work in hand.

During the week, the fighting machines of the Army Wing have protected, by offensive patrols, the artillery and contact patrol machines of the Corps Wing, and have escorted reconnaissance and bombing formations with the result that all our machines have returned safely from these duties, and on numerous occasions enemy aircraft have been encountered and prevented from reaching our lines. One enemy aircraft has been brought down in flames, and others forced to land away from their aerodrome.

[Page 11]
Details of the above combats are as follows:-
A Bristol Fighter engaged on Hostile Aircraft patrol on the 2nd, dived on an enemy two-seater which immediately dived and attempted to avoid combat by flying very low over his own troops. The pilot of the Bristol fighter was able to fire several good bursts into it at close range. The enemy machine did not return the fire, but just put his nose down and, owing to his great speed escaped in the direction of HUJ. The second, a two-seater biplane was engaged later in the day, by two Bristol Fighters. 400 rounds were fired at him, and he was driven down to within a few hundred feet of the ground over his own lines.

A Bristol Fighter met an enemy single-seater Scout over BEERSHEBA on the morning of the 5th. The enemy aircraft attempted to escape after the first few bursts had been fired at him, but did not succeed in shaking off the Bristol until he was over his own lines at less than 4,000 feet.

On the same day, a two-seater attacked an R.E.8, engaged on reconnaissance. The enemy aircraft dived on the tail of the R.E. 8, but turned out of his dive on receiving several short bursts from the observer’s gun. The pilot of the R.E.8 then fired a burst with his front gun. The enemy aircraft put his nose down and flew off to the North.

A B.E. 12.A. met and engaged a formation of three enemy machines also on the 3rd., breaking it up, and driving the machines off in the direction of RAMLEH.

On the morning of the 6th, a Bristol Fighter engaged an enemy formation of 2 two-seaters and a scout. Early in the fight the observer of the Bristol fired a good burst into one of the two-seaters which turned on its side and then dived, but as both pilot and observer of the Bristol were engaged in fighting the second two-seater the fate of the first was not observed. The second machine was finally chased down to a low height over his own lines, the Scout made no attempt to attack the Bristol.

On the afternoon of the 6th a Bristol Fighter engaged two enemy machines (two-seater) near DABKAL. After firing a long burst at one, the front gun of the Bristol jammed. The enemy aircraft went down in a spin and the second was engaged by the Observer and chased far behind his lines. The Bristol then returned to its patrol area. Half and hour later two more enemy two-seaters were seen and engaged in spite of the fact that the Bristol’s front gun was out of action. After 15 minutes fighting the enemy aircraft broke off the engagement and were pursued to their aerodrome. The Bristol had just resumed it’s patrol when four enemy aircraft were sighted (2 two-seaters and 2 single seaters). They were attacked and one was driven down in a spin but was seen to pull out when near the ground, and fly off apparently under control. The Bristol had then to break off the fight as the observer had exhausted his ammunition and the pilots gun was useless.
/On the 6th

[Page 12]
On the 6th., two R.E.8s engaged in reconnaissance, were attacked by four Albatros Scouts which dived on them from behind. One of the enemy aircraft was hit during the dive. He glided down to his aerodrome with his engine off. The remainder were driven off.

On the same day, two BE12As on photographic reconnaissance, were attacked by three enemy scouts of the Albatros type. One BE12A had great difficulty in shaking a Scout off his tail, so eventually had to spin down. The scout did not follow so the second BE12A also spun down to join the first. The enemy scouts did not again attack. Our machines were considerably damaged in this encounter but landed safely at their aerodrome.

On the 8th. a Bristol Fighter escorting a bombing formation met and engaged an enemy two-seater-machine. The R.A. was driven down and landed at TINER. Shortly afterwards the pilot of the Bristol saw a hostile scout preparing to attack one of the bombing machines. The Scout was taken by surprise by a burst fired by the Bristol at close range. He immediately dived but could not out-distance the Bristol which dived down behind him. After the second burst from the front gun of the Bristol the E.A. caught fire and was seen to strike the ground near HULEIKAT in a sheet of flame.

PHOTOGRAPHY
During the week a considerable amount of photography has been done, the area photographed being principally the RUSHDI and KAUWUKAH SYSTEMS. A series was also taken of the defences North of the WADI HESI.
No. of photographic reconnaissances - 11
No. of negatives registered - 253
No. of prints turned out. - 1863

CASUALTIES.
Nil

HOURS OF FLIGHT.
67 Squadron - 233 hours 19 mins.
111 Squadron – 133 hours 35 mins.
Total - 366 hours - 54 mins.

(Signed) A.E. BORTON, Lieut-Colonel
Commanding 40th. Wing,
Royal Flying Corps.
9.11.’17

[Page 13]
RESUME OF OPERATIONS OF THE 40th WING, ROYAL FLYING CORPS.
26.10.17 to 1.11.17

RECONNAISSANCE :-
TACTICAL AREA.
After the 27th inst. the 40th Wing ceased to reconnoitre the Tactical Area, the reconnaissance of which was taken over in its entirety by the 5th Wing. No developments of importance were reported on the 26th or 27th.

STRATEGICAL AREA.
On the 26th the Northern Area was reconnoitred. There was an increase of 220 tents and shelters in No. 8 area, of which half was near HERBIEH and half between BRITHANUN and TUMBAH. Another increase (from 48 to 140 tents and shelters) was reported near the village in C8. These increases, correspond to the rumoured arrival of the 7th and 19th Divisions on this Front.
On the following day a special reconnaissance was sent to DHAHERIYEH to verify the reported existence of a line of defence from that place to ARAK-el-MENSHIYE, but no trace of this could be seen.

THE BEERSHEBA OPERATION.
During the remainder of the week, the 40th Wing was occupied with the special duties assigned to it in Connection with the BEESHEBA operations, culminating in the attack on and capture of that town in the evening of the 31st.

On the three days preceding the attack, the role of the 40th Wing consisted (a) in reconnoitring twice daily the enemy country South of the WADI HESI between the sea and SHERIA with the object of detecting any movement of enemy troops due either to the preparations for the attack on and envelopment of BEERSHEBA, or to the bombardment of the GAZA Area, and reporting to XX Corps H.Qrs. by message, and (b) the maintenance of constant Hostile Aircraft patrols during the hours of daylight to preclude the enemy from gaining information as to the movement of our troops. These continuous patrols commenced on the morning of the 27th. (c) Photography of the bombardment area in GAZA and SABA and KAUWUKAH Defences.
On the 31st, the whole area of reconnaissance was extended to include the HAREIRA and KAUWUKAH systems and the eastern extension of the latter, and three reconnaissances of the whole area were required. In addition to the usual Hostile Aircraft patrols, the Wing was required to furnish an escort of the machines of the CORPS WING, carrying out contact patrols with the XX Corps, and with DESERT CORPS and artillery machines co-operating with the XXI Corps.

Taking the above duties seriatim:-
(1). Reconnaissance:-
No abnormal enemy movements were reported on the 28th and 29th. On the 30th three new camps of about 140 large shelters were seen North East of
ZUHEILIKA. On the morning of the 31st. a great deal of movement apparently resulting from our threat to BEERSHEBA, was seen throughout the area. The general trend of infantry movements observed was towards GAZA from the North and East, and of cavalry towards SHERIA and HAREIRA from the North. A new camp of 230 tents was seen at BURIER possibly belonging to one of the two Divisions. In the afternoon a battalion of Infantry was observed halted at HULI, but no reinforcements were moving Southwards. /Several

[Page 14]
Several bodies of cavalry amounting in all to about 1450, were seen on a Line stretching East from a point behind the Eastern KAUWUKAH trenches 3000 yards E. of the railway as far as V.16 (Sheet 0.6), 9000 yards further E. and about 150 cavalry were struggling Northwards from the direction of BEERSHEBA towards this line. About 250 cavalry were also in line behind the redoubts in W.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. (Sheet 0.5).

Patrol machines reported the BEERSHEBA-HEBRON Road as far as DHAHERIYEH clear of the enemy at about 1300, with the exception of about 250 cavalry resting to the West of the road, 7 miles N.E. of the town.

The evening reconnaissance reported a certain movement of infantry, amounting to not more than 500, marching S. from HUJ and KOFHKAH, but no serious reinforcements were seen on the move.

(2) Hostile Aircraft Patrols:-
These were carried out continuously in accordance with the programme.

Seven enemy machines were engaged in the course of the four days and whenever met they were hunted back to their lines. not entirely possible to keep machines from crossing our lines, but the enemy aeroplane which reconnoitred the Southern area on the morning of the 30th and was in a position to report the flanking movement of our troops on the right was engaged over KHZALASSZA and brought down just outside our lines and both pilot and observer were made prisoner. There seems little doubt that during the operations the enemy suffered seriously from interference with their aerial observation.

In addition, the patrol and escort machines were able to bring in a great deal of valuable information as to enemy movements.

(3) Photography.
Photographs were taken daily of BEERSHEBA, RUSHDI and KAUWUKAH defences, and the information obtained from them was at once plotted on the 1/20,000 map by a special staff working at the NURAN Aerodrome. The corrected map was then reproduced by photography and copies distributed by air or despatch rider to XX CORPS and DESERT MOUNTED CORPS the same evening.

OPERATIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE CAPTURE OF BEERSHEBA:-

On the morning of the 1st. it was evident that considerable reinforcements had been brought to or were on their way to SHERIA and the left flank. 650 infantry were seen marching South from BUREIR, 1500 to 2000 infantry with horse transport were moving from the N.W. on the village in C* (Sheet D.4). There were about 3000 infantry in and around SHERIA and 600 infantry near the Railway about 3 miles from N.E. SHERIA.

The KAUWUHAH line as far as U15 appeared to be normally held, there were about 270 cavalry in front of and behind the redoubts in U30 and V19.

No movements of importance were reported in the DEIR SINEID area. Seven de-railed trucks were seen at the siding S. of the Wadi, evidently the result of the previous days bombardment.

A patrol machine in the afternoon reported that the Railway bridge at SINEID showed signs of two direct hits on the embankment at the North end, and that it was evidently not in use. No new developments were reported by the evening reconnaissance. The KAUWUKAH system was apparently normally held. Photographic work was done of the KAUWUKAH system on this day and incorporated in maps which were reproduced photographically and distributed on the preceding days.

During the five days from the 28th up to the 1st the flying hours of the Wing amounted to 213 hours 37 minutes.
/Combats

[Page 16]
Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. , D.F.C. - To Hd. Qrs. R.A.F. for temporary Duty – 6.11.1918
Lieut. J.C. Smith - To A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. for duty - 24. 1.1918
Lieut. J.C. Boyle - To A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. For duty 24.1.1918 "
Lieut. L.B. Garson - For embarkation to Australia - 23. 4. 1919
2/Lieut. S.M Callaghan - To A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. for duty - 14. 2. 1919
Lieut. R.S. Adair - For embarkation to Australia - 21. 2.1919
Lieut. J.C. Smith - For embarkation to England - 19. 2.1919
Lieut. H. Johnston - For embarkation to England - 17.2.1919
Lieut. C.R. Harman – For embarkation to England - 17.2.1919
Lieut. P.A. McBain – Fpr embarkation to England – 14.1.1919

ATTACHED
Capt. J.R. Harris - A.A.M.C. to Hospital - 12.10.1918
Lieut. L.J. Williamson - 15th ALH Rgt for embarkation - 17.12.1918
Lieut. J.A. Walker - 7th A.L.H. to Australia - 19.12.1918
Lieut. J.A. Dowsett – 7th A.L.H. to Australia – 19.12.1918
Major W.R.C. Mainwaring - A.A.M.C. to A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. - 31.12.1918
Capt. A.A. Lang -- A.A.M.C. to A.I.F. Hd. Qrs. 5.3.1919
OFFICERS TRANSFERRED.
Lieut. J.C. McMurray - 15th A.L.H. Rgt. Taken on Strength - 1.12.1918
Lieut. J.C. Smith – 14th A.L.H. Rgt. of Squadron from - 1.12.1918
Lieut. J. McElligett - 11th A.L.H. Rgt. - Units shown on graduating as Flying Officers (Observers) – 1.12.1918 "
Lieut. E.L. Chauncey - 2nd A.M.G.S. - Units shown on graduating as Flying Officers (Observers) – 1.12.1918

GRADUATIONS
Lieut. E.A.Mulford, D.C.M. - 12th A.L.H. Rgt. Graduated as Qualified Observer - 13. 7.1918
Lieut. W.J.A Weir - 5th A.L.H. Rgt. Graduated as Qualified Observe – 13.7.1918 "
Lieut. L.P. Kreig - 11th A.L.H. Rgt. - Graduated as Qualified Observer – 13.7.1918
Lieut. M.D. Lees - 14th A.L.H. Rgt. – Graduated as Qualified Observer - 15.10.1918
Lieut. W.H. Lilly - 3rd. A.M.G.S. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 15.`10.1918
Lieut. A.V. McCann D.F.C - 4th A.L.H. Rgt. – Graduated as Qualified Observer - 15.10.1918
Lieut. F. C. Monrick -15 A.L.H. Rgt. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 15.10.19
Lieut. A.P. MacLean - 12th A.L.H. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918
2/Lieut. L.S. Climie - A.L.H. Reinfmts – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918
Lieut. W.L. Gregory - 4th A.M.G.S. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918
Lieut. J.B. Smith – 2nd A.M.G.S. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918
2/Lieut. W. Upton D.C.M. - 14th A.L.H. Rgt. – Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918 " "
2/Lieut. E. Sullivan - A.L.H. Reinfmnts. - Graduated as Qualified Observer – 1.12.1918
Lieut. V.J. Parkinson - A.F.C. - Graduated as Qualified Observer - 1. 1.1919
APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, ETC.
Major R. Williams D.S.O. – To be Lieut-Colonel – 28.6.1918
Captain S.W. Addison – To be Major – 28.6.1918
Lieut.(T/Capt.) R.M.Smith, MC. D.F.C. - Capt. and Flt. Commander – 29.11.1918
2/Lieut. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. (since deceased) – To be Lieutenant - 26. 4.1918

2/Lieut. E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. - To be Lieutenant - 13. 7.1918
Lieut. (T/Capt) A.R. Brown D.F.C. – To be Capt. and Flt. Commdr. - 19. 3.1918
No. Aus/222 Sgt. Harman C.J. - To be 2/Lieutenant - 27. 9.1918
No.Aus/455 Sgt. Coulson O.H. - To be Photographer Aust. War Records (Egypt Section) – 27.9.1918
Capt. F.W.F. Lukie – To be Capt. and Flt. Comdr. - 15. 8.1918
2/Lieut. W.C. Thompson – To be Lieutenant - 25. 4.1918
2/Lieut. H. Johnston – To be Lieutenant - 12. 7.1918
Lieut. G.C. Peters D.F.C. – To be Capt. and Flt. Comdr. - 9.11.1918
Lieut. M.P.J. Turner- To be T/Capt. and remain seconded - 10.12.1918
2/Lieut. E.L. Chauncey - To be Lieutenant - 1.12.1918

[Page 17]
No. Aus/124 F/Sgt. Rogers J.H. - To be 2/Lieutenant – 26.1.1918
2/Lieut. O. Vincent - To be Lieutenant – 25.7.1918
2/Lieut. H.J. Dunstan - To be Lieutenant – 14.8.1918
2/Lieut. J.C. Boyle - To be Lieutenant - 28.8.1918
2/Lieut. C.J. Harman - To be Lieutenant - 27.12.1918
2/Lieut. L.S. Climie - To be Lieutenant - 15.9.1918

CASUALITIES
Lieut. E.C.Stooke. D.C.M. - Killed (Aeroplane Accident) - 19.8.1918
Lieut. L.F. Kreig - Killed (Aeroplane Accident) - 19.8.1918
Lieut. J.M. Walker - Killed In Action - 22.8. 1918
Lieut. H.A. Letch, M.C. - Killed In Action - 22.8.1918
Lieut. D.R. Dowling - Wounded In action -19.9.1918
Lieut. R.A. Mulford, D.C.M. - Wounded In Action - 19.9.1918
2/Lieut. J.C. Boyle - Wounded (Aeroplane Accident) - 18.10.1918
2/Lieut. W.E. Wright - Wounded (Aeroplane Accident) - 26.10. 1918
Lieut. S.W. Barker, M.C. - Wounded (Aeroplane Accident) - 27.10.1918
Lieut. N. Hazelwood - Reported Missing - 26.10. 1918
Aus/B/2640/2/A.M.Parr E.T. - Reported Missing - 29.10.1918
Lieut. N. Hazelwood – Rejoined Unit – 29.10.1918
Aus/B/2640 2/A. M. Parr E.T. – Rejoined Unit – 29.10.1918
Lieut C.C. Cameron - Died of Disease - 18.11. 1918

HONOURS 7 AWARDS ETCETRA. (D.F.C.)
Capt.R.M.Smit h, M.C. & Bar. – 25.7.1918
Lieut. W.A.Kirk - 25.7.1918
Capt.A.R.Brown - 24.8. 1918
Lieut.G.Finlay - 24.8. 1918
Lieut.G.S.Paul - 17.8.1918
Lieut. W.G.A.Weir - 17.8.1918
Lieut. G.C. Peters - 25.8.1918
Lieut. J.H.Traill - 25.8. 1918
Lieut. P.J. McGinness D.C.M. - 25.8. 1918
Lieut. H.S. Fletcher - 25.8.1918
Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan - 2.10.1918
Lieut. E.P. Kenny - 2.10.1918
Lieut. H. Fyah - 2. 9. 1918
Lieut A.V. Tonkin - 2.10.1918
Lieut. E.A. Mustard - 2.10. 1918
Lieut.A.V. McCann - 23.10.1918

BAR TO DISTIGUISHED FLYNG CROSS
Capt. R.M.Smith. M.C. & Bar. D.F.C. - 2.10.1918

2nd BAR TO DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
Capt R.M.Smith,M.C. & Bar, D.F.C. & Bar - 23.10.1918

MERITOROUS SERVICE MEDAL
No.Aus/280.Sgt.Chalmers J.E. - 1.1.1919
No.Aus/128.Cpl. (A/Sgt) Harper D.T. – 1.1.1919
No.Aus/222.Sgt.(now Lt.) Harman C.J. – 1.1.1919

[Page 18]
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES
Capt. A.M. Jones, M.C. - A.F.C. - 3.4.1918
Lieut. W.H. Lilly - 3rd A.M.G.S. – 3.4.1918
2/Lieut 1H.M. Matheson - R.F.C. (S.R.) – 3.4.1918
Aus/275 Cpl. Bennett J.M. - A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus /280 Sgt Chalmers J E - A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus/384 Cpl. (A/Sgt) Kilburn – A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus /14129 1/A.M. Matulich L.C. – A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus/316 Sgt Reilly R. – A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus/158 Sgt (A/F/ Sgt) Thomas J. – A.F.C. -3.4.1918
Aus/182 1/A.M. Wadham H.E. – A.F.C. – 3.4.1918
Aus/330 F/Sgt. Walford B. – A.F.C. – 3.4.1918

Capt. (T/Major) S.W. Addison - A.F.C. - 21.1.1918
Lieut. P.A. McBain – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Lieut. V.P. Turner - A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Aus /141 Sgt. Bell A.R. – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Aus /1!1 Cpl. Benham F.A. – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Aus/ 176 Sgt. Kilburn -A.F.C. - 21.1.1918
Aus/ 281 Sgt. Chadwick – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Aus /446 Sgt. Moore F.P. – A.F.C. - 21.1.1918
Aus/ 241 Cpl. Stooker E.J. – A.F.C. - 21.1.1918
Aus /326 Cpl. Taylor W.L. – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918
Aus /325 Cpl. Thompson A.C. – A.F.C. – 21.1.1918

[Page 19]
LIST OF GIFT AEROPLANES
TAKEN ON CHARGE OF
1st SQUADRON AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORP0S

NO. AND TYPE OF AEROPLANE. – NO. AND TYPE OF ENGINE. – INSCRIPTION.
B.E.2.E. – 6802 – 90 H.P. R.A.F. W.D. No. 2662 – "United Commercial Travellers Association of Australia."

MARTINSYDE A1593 – 120 H.P. B.A.D. W.D. No. 6908 – "Mount Lofty, South Australia presented by Mrs. Bickford.

MARTINSYDE A1595 – 120 H.P. B.A.D. W.D. No. 2478 – "New South Wales No.2. The White Edinglassie."

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1146 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 15767 - "New South Wales No. 1. The White Beltrees".

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4840 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 10469 – "New South
Wales No. 3. The Mrs. P. Kirby and Son"

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4623 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111.) W.D. No. 18592 – "New South Wales No. 7".

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4624 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111) W.D. No. 18560 – "New South Wales No. 12 presented by The Government of New South Wales."

BRISTOL FIGHTER A 7236 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 10522 – "South Australia No. 1 The Sidney Kidman".

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1148 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 15785 – "New South Wales No. 2 The White Edinglassie".

BRISTOL FIGHTER A7237 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 10536 – "New South Wales No. 8"

BRISTOL FIGHTER A1199 – 190 H.P. ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 1.) W.D. No. 12558 – "New South Wales No. 9, The Tweed – Presented by the Residents, District Tweed River".

[Page 20]
NO. AND TYPE OF AEROPLANE. - NO. AND TYPE OF ENGINE. – INSCRIPTION.

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1229 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111.) W.D. No. 18634 – "New South Wales No.11. The Macintyre, Kayuga Estate".

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4626 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111) W.D. No. 18633 – "New South Wales No.15"

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1276 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111.) W.D. No. 32612 – "New South Wales No. 17".

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1147 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.1.) W.D. No. 10545 – "South
Australia".

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4627 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.111.) W.D. No. 39412 – "City of Adelaide, South Australia, Presented by Mrs. Harry Bickford."

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1149 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 1.) W.D. No 15751 – "New South Wales No. 10 Government. Duplicate The Tweed No. 9".

BRISTOL FIGHTER B7200 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 1.) W.D. No. 15755 – "New South Wales No. 12 Presented by the Government of New South
Wales.

BRISTOL FIGHTER A7190 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 1.) W.D. No. 15747 –"New South Wales No. 14. Womens Battleplane, Subscribed and collected by the women of New South Wales.

BRISTOL FIGHTER A1223 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk. 111.) W.D. 18540 – "New South Wales No.16. The Upper Hunter Battleplane. Presented by the Residents of the Upper Hunter District, N.S.W."

BRISTOL FIGHTER C4623 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.111.) W.D. No. 39398 – "Australia No. 20. New South Wales, No. 18. The McCaughey Battleplane, Presented by Sir Samuel McCaughey of North Yanco-Yanco and John McCaughey of Yanabee, Torundah Riverina No. 1"

BRISTOL FIGHTER B1285 – 190 H.P., ROLLS ROYCE (Mk.111.) W.D. No. 18691 – "New South Wales No. 6"

[Page 21]
1st SQUADRON, AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS.
From 1st JANUARY 1918 TILL RETURN TO AUSTRALIA MARCH 1919.
(By MAJOR S. W. Addison – COMMANDER)

The year 1918 was an epoch making period for the Squadron. Its advent saw the passing of the old machines – the early products of ‘R.A.F." ingenuity and enterprise – with which the unit had been so long equipped and which had so seriously handicapped its Flying Officers in the performance of their allotted duties. As disclosed in the review of 1917 operations, the enemy machines were at this time greatly superior to our own in both speed and climb, and what this means can only be accurately conceived by those whose lot it has been to operate in the air in any theatre where the enemy holds this advantage. Right up to the close of 1917 the machines possessed by 1st Squadron were an extremely mixed lot comprised for the most part of types that had been long since pronounced obsolete for the work that the squadron was engaged upon. The most modern type of the ‘collection’ was the venerable R.E.8. which predominated in numbers also. About half the machines were of this type the remainder being B.E.12. A’s and Martinaydes, while even the B.E.2E’s had not been relegated to its merited resting place, having been used in work over the line as late as a few weeks before the close of the year 1917. However, the New Year dawned under infinitely better auspices.

With the GAZA operations at an end, certain re-organisation of the Air Forces operating in this theatre had been decided upon. This included the re-equipment of 111 Squadron, Royal Air Force with scouts (S.E.5.A.) while the Bristol fighters that they were to replace were to be handed over to 1st Squadron Australian Flying Corps. It was considered that these modern two seaters might be more profitably utilised in the work of strategical reconnaissance and photography than if used exclusively for patrols and escorts as had been the case hitherto. Subsequent experience proved this to be a wise decision. Needless to say a good deal of elation was felt by the members of the 1st Squadron when this intention was made known, for it meant that for the first time in the history of the unit, they were to meet the hostile aircraft operating in this zone on something like an even footing as far as machines were concerned. The facts that will be revealed later on in this review, convey a good idea of ‘what might have been’ had this equality been established a little earlier in the units career.

The first of the Bristol Fighters came to us during the last days of December and our old types, giving place to the new, gradually passed unlamented into a more fitting
sphere of activity. The R.E.S’s went to the Corps Squadron to be employed on tactical work, the B.E.12’s and Martinsydes went to the ‘base’ the latter being used in training work. One by one those war-worn relics were written off by they "young idea! Within a few months it was heard that the last of them had passed into this category through having met a tree in landing. The B.E.2.E remained ‘attached’ to the Squadron as a communication machine, being used as a means of rapid transport from one point to another behind our lines. The re-equipment was carried out under a gradual process. As one of the new scout machines was delivered to 111 Squadron, they would hand over a Bristol Fighter to this unit, and we in turn would pass on one of our machines to its new location.

At the end of January 1918 the equipment of the Squadron was as follows:-

9 Bristol Fighters
2 R.E.8’s
4 B.E.12.A’s
5. Martinsydes
1 B.E.2.E.

[Page 22]
By the end of March, however, the full establishment of 18 machines was made up entirely of Bristol Fighters – twelve being fitted with Mark 1 Rolls Royce engines, 190 H.P. and the remaining six with Mark with Mark III Rolls Royce engines 260 H.P. These constituted a special flight intended to carry out patrol and escort work, the remaining two flights being designated respectively Reconnaissance and Photographic flights. This specialisation , however was in name only, as it was impracticable for any single Flight to be devoted exclusively to any particular duty. The work of the squadron was extremely varied, embracing strategical and photographic reconnaissance, Hostile Aircraft patrols, escort duty and bombing.

During the previous year it had been designated an Army Squadron, but in addition to carrying out the whole of the "Army Work" which involved all long distance reconnaissances on the front and all photography for map making purposes, the other duties enumerated above were added to the Squadrons daily work. This necessarily imposed a heavy task upon the flying members of the unit, as it was evidenced by the fact that the Squadron’s flying time was always far in excess of any other squadron, and at some periods equalled the aggregate of the hours flown by the three other Squadrons in the Wing. During the month of September, when the ‘big drive’ was launched, the hours flown reached the substantial total of 866. This constituted a record for the Squadron but on several other occasions the monthly figures were only slightly below this mark. The highest number of hours flown in one day was 68, this figure being recorded on three separate days in September- the 19th, 21st and 25th. This was a record not only for the Squadron but for the front.

For the purposes of this review it is proposed to divide the operations during 1918 into three periods – the first leading up to the capture of JERICHO and the country immediately surrounding it; the second embracing the preparation for the big offensive on the Western Sector, commonly spoken of as the ‘the coastal sector’, and the two memorable assaults upon ES SALT and AMMAN; the third covering the big drive commencing in September and culminating in the annihilation of the Turkish Armies operating in this theatre.

[Page 23]
PART 1.

Throughout the first period the Squadron continued to operate from the aerodrome at MEJDEL, Major R. Williams D.S.O. Commanding with Flight Commanders as under:-
‘A’ Flight - Lieut. A.R. Brown
‘B’ Flight - Captain S.W. Addison
‘c’ Flight - Captain R.M. Smith M.C.

OPERATIONS:
With the close of 1917 came also the end of a series of desperate attempts on the part of the enemy to re-capture JERUSALEM and its environs, the fall of which was not only a great loss to him strategically but, moreover, was politically calamitous. Therefore, it was not surprising to find from documents captured later, that a few days after the ancient city fell into our hands, orders were flashed out by the Turkish higher command that it had to be recaptured at all cost. A strong attack with picked troops was accordingly launched and pressed with marked tenacity for 4 days; but the enemy was beaten off and ultimately driven back on a 12 mile front to a depth of 3 miles. About the same time several smaller enterprises were undertaken by our forces along the Coastal Sector with the object of ‘providing more effectively for the protection of JERUSALEM and JAFFA’. These operations also were successful. Thus the commencement of the New Year saw our front line extending from a point slightly North of ARAUF, passing immediately North of MULEBBIS through ET TIRE, thence through the hills eastward crossing the JERUSALEM-NABLUS ROAD 5 miles North of BIREH, swinging to the South East through MUKHUNAS to a point just West of EL MUNTAR.
The Turkish Armies had been broken into two parts, one force of 5 divisions having halted in the plain to the North of LUDD and JAFFA the remainder, approximately six divisions, having retired down the Eastern slopes of the mountains of Judea, coming to rest in the region of the Jordan Valley.

It might be noted here that throughout these operations the machines of 1st Squadron carried out daily reconnaissances of the enemy’s movements and dispositions to a distance of about 40 miles behind his front line; made numerous machine gun attacks upon Troops, Camps, Transport and other ground targets, in addition to carrying out a number of bomb raids of selected targets. Recognition of this work was officially recorded in a Despatch from the Commander in Chief which stated that during those days the Air Force not only gained valuable and timely information but repeatedly attacked the enemy’s troops and transport with bombs and machines guns from low altitudes, inflicting considerable losses.

During the month of January and the early part of February there was comparatively little fighting on the ‘ground’. Only a few small raids were carried out but, nevertheless, it was by no means a period of inactivity, notably as far as the Air Force was concerned. Extensive and important works were taken in hand in preparation for big events to come. In this work 1st Squadron played a very conspicuous part. Throughout the first four weeks enemy territory back to a line from the coast of TULKERAM, thence to NABLUS, JERICHO, the JORDAN VALLEY and the DEAD SEA was actively reconnoitred. Two reconnaissances were made daily, one over the Coastal Sector, the other over the Eastern Area extending as far as AMMAN while periodically our machines went on as far North as JENIN and AFULE, where two large enemy Aerodromes were located, one of which was apparently new.

A considerable portion of the area reconnoitred during this period was ‘new territory’ over which no British machines had flown up till this stage. Our machines ‘swept’ this country for about 60 Miles behind the enemy’s lines and much information of incalcuable value and striking interest was gleaned by our Observers. New aerodromes, important railway centres, new railway and road works, extensive dumps the transport parks, concentration camps – all these and many other things of great military significance were reported upon for the first time. It soon became apparent that the presence of our machines over this territory caused the enemy

[Page 24]
no small amount of uneasiness. His base depots, camps, various Headquarters and all the other ‘targets’ referred to above were now within the range of our ‘planes’ and he knew from past experience that he could safely look forward to being provided with frequent and very tangible proof of this fact. His perturbation was evidenced by the hasty removal or splitting up of certain camps, the use of all manner of ‘camouflage’ and the concentration of Anti-Aircraft batteries at various points, concerning which more will be said later.

It was not very long before the enemy had the real meaning of this new menace very forcibly impressed upon him. While out on a reconnaissance, two of the largest of the German aerodromes were located at EL AFULE by Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. (pilot) and Lieut. E.A. Mustard (Observer). On January 3rd the flying unit stationed there were duly notified that their haunt had been discovered. Eight of our machines, escorted by Lieut. R.A. Austin, M.C. (pilot) Lieut. L.W. Sutherland M.C. D.C.M. together with about the same number from Royal Air Force Squadrons visited the aerodrome and dropped 1,2000-lbs. of bombs with excellent results. Fifteen hangars were counted, and several bombs were observed to drop in the midst of these structures, while one bomb was seen to drop in the cockpit of a two-seater machine that was standing on the aerodrome and explode.

Our formation was attacked by a number of enemy scouts that were seen to ‘take off’ on the approach of our machines. One of these was shot down out of control by Lieut. R.A. Austin M.C. (pilot) Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, MC., D.C.M. (Observer) flying a Bristol Fighter; while a second enemy aircraft was driven down by Lieut. A .R. Brown (pilot) and Lieut. O.M. Lee (Observer) flying a R.E.8. All our machines returned safely.

It was learned subsequently from Turkish prisoners that on this raid, 40 of the enemy were killed and an ammunition store exploded.

The same day two machines bombed boats and sheds at EL KELAT on the DEAD SEA where considerable damage was done. These boats which were mostly motor-craft, were employed carrying wheat and fodder grown on the plains East and South East of the DEAD SEA, for the use chiefly of the enemy troops operating in the neighbourhood of the JORDAN VALLEY and AMMAN. A noteworthy fact in connection with this raid was that the bombing was carried out several hundred feet below sea level, the target being minus 1,200 feet. Similar attacks on these boats, of which there was a fleet of about 30, were carried out until the service was discontinued. On several occasions our machines, upon observing these little craft en route between Ports, went down and sprayed them with machines gun fire from a few hundred feet, causing no small amount of panic amongst those on board. With the prospect of an experience of this kind ever present, the discontinuance of the service was not altogether surprising.

The officers who took part in the raids on AFULE and EL KELAT on the 3rd, were Pilots:- Lieut. A.R. Brown, Lieut. E.P. Kenny, Lieut. J. Potts, Lieut. C.N. Watt, Lieut. P.J. Sims, Lieut. G.L.F. Rutledge, Lieut. T. Taylor, Lieut. L.W. Rogers, Lieut. A.V. Tonkin and Lieut. F. Haig. Observers:- Lieutenants V.J. Parkinson. E.B.S. Beaton, O.M. Lee and G. Daly.

On the 4th January a formation of 17 machines, 10 of which were from 1st Squadron, raided the German Aerodrome at JENIN, where Scout Flights were reported to be located. We dropped 1,600-lbs. of explosives there, in the form of 25-lb Coopers Bombs, again with good effect. The Officers who took part in this raid were:-
Pilots:- Lieut. A.R. Brown, Lieutenants E.P. Kenny, L.E. Taplin, A.V. Tonkin, T.
Taylor, C.L.F Rutledge, A.A. Poole, H.L. Fraser, J. Potts, L.W Rogers.
Observers:- Lieutenants E.B.S. Beaton. V.J. Parkinson and G. Daly.

[Page 25]
Our formation was again attacked by enemy scouts who were aided by the presence of broken clouds. Two of the machines failed to return, one of which was from 1st Squadron, Lieut. J.D.S. Potts (pilot) and Lieut. V.J. Parkinson (Observer). The first machine – a R.E.S. from No. 14 Squadron R.A.F. and flown by Capt. Hewitt M.C. was attacked by an Albatross Scout. It went into a spin, and in coming down collided with Lieut. Pott’s machine, carrying away part of the extension of the port wing. In the crash that followed, Lieut. Potts was killed instantly, and his Observer Lieut. V.J. Parkinson, severely injured. A day or two later a message was dropped by hostile aircraft, furnishing information to the effect that Lieut. Parkinson was in hospital progressing well, a photograph of the grave of Lieut. Potts was enclosed showing a blade of the propeller of his machine affixed across the headstone. Lieut. Parkinson was repatriated after the signing of the Armistice.

The first close reconnaissance of the AMMAN-KISSIR area was made on January 3rd., when some hundreds of rolling stock, and a considerable force of cavalry and infantry were observed. The railway stations at AFULE, JENIN, MESSUDIEH and TULKEERAH also were closely watched and here too a good deal of activity was noticed. Each of these centres received attention from our bombing machines in turn. On January 10th a formation led by Capt. S.W. Addison, raided the AMMAN and KISSIR stations and several direct hits were obtained on station buildings and rolling stock. Other Officers who took part in this enterprise were :-
Pilots:- Lieutenants R.A. Austin, E.L. Spragg, F. Haig, L.W. Taplin, L.W. Rogers.
A.J. Morgan and A.A. Poole.
Observers:- Lieutenants O.M. Lee and C.J. Vyner.

On the 19th January the railway station and numerous dumps at MESSUDIEH were bombed by a formation led by Capt. R.M. Smith with whom Lieuts. L.B. Carson, E.L. Spragg, L.W. Rogers, A.R. Brown, E.P. Kenny, G.C. Peters and A.A. Poole (Pilots) and Lieuts. E.A. Mustard, G. Finlay and C.J. Vyner (Observers).

The same target was re-visited on the 20th and again on the 22nd.

On the 25th January Lieutenants L.B. Garson, F. Haig, E.L. Spragg, A.V. Tonkin, A.J. Morgan and P.J. Sims, Bombed enemy horse lines at HUWARAN and caused a stampede.

Numerous other objectives received attention from our ‘bombers’ who usually operated in formations of six with an escort. These targets included camps at KUTRANI on the Hedjaz Railway on the 12th and 13th., camps and dumps at SHUNET NIERIN on the 20th; and billets and troops at KERAK on the 25th. At the last mentioned place, which is situated about 15 miles East of the DEAD SEA, it was learnt, a considerable number of Turkish cavalrymen were billetted in the ancient citadel at the South Eastern corner of the town. This was selected as the Primary objective, and Lieut. Haig obtained a direct hit on the building with a 112-lb. bomb. A considerable number of troops were seen to rush out of the building from numerous exits into a big open square adjoining, only to run into a shower of smaller bombs (25 lb) dropped from other machines that were hovering overhead.

Aerial Photographs disclosed that a spacious pagoda which ornamented the centre of the ancient structure before the raid entirely disappeared after this bomb had found its mark. It was learnt subsequently from secret agents, that the enemy suffered heavy casualties on this occasion.

These raids were carried out by the following – Pilots:- Capt. S.W. Addison, Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C. Lieutenants R.A. Austin, A.V. Tonkin, C.N. Watt, A.R. Brown, C.C. Peters, C. le B. Brown, P.J. Sim, L.B. Garson, T. Taylor, H.S.R Maughan, J. Walker, E.S. Headlam, H.L. Fraser, F.W.F. Lukis, L.J. Potts, G.S. Paul, H.A. Blake, and D.R. Dowling. Observers:- Lieutenants H. Fysh, H.B. Fletcher, W.P. Cashman, M.C. G. Finlay , R.T. Challinor and J.H. Traill and W.A. Kirk.

RECONNAISSANCE. During the 59 days ending 28th of February, a total of 68 strategical reconnaissances were carried out – 40 of which were in January and 28 in February. During the latter month flying was possible on 19 days only, owing to frequent severe tropical storms, while observation from the air was often rendered extremely difficulty by the presence of

[Page 26]
dense low lying clouds. Frequently the reconnaissance machines had to fly at very [low] altitudes below the clouds, to gather the information they were seeking. Their trips usually involved flights of from 150 to 200 miles and took them from 50 to 70 miles behind the enemy’s line. The territory reconnoitred during the two months referred to extended to AFULE in the North; AMMAN and KISSIR in the East, thence down the Hedjaz Railway to KUTRANI and ET TAFILE, South East of the DEAD SEA. The whole of this country was closely reconnoitred.

KUTRANI, which was a fairly important station on the Hedjaz Railway, and the Headquarters of the Turkish Force operating against the Arabs in that locality was first reconnoitred early in February, and bombed on several occasions later in the month. This entailed a flight of 200 miles over the most desolate and rugged country, peopled in part by Arab tribes who were notorious for their treachery. It is scarcely necessary to say, therefore, that this was not a very popular neighbourhood with our Airmen.

In addition to all enemy dispositions throughout the whole of this area, all roads, railways, caravan routes and tracks were closely reconnoitred and fully reported upon by our Observers, who from time to time received the congratulations of General Headquarters upon the complete and accurate information they furnished.

On January 17th, while out on a reconnaissance in the neighbourhood of NABLUS, one of our Bristol Fighters – Lieut. L. Potts (Pilot) and Lieut. F. Hancock (Observer) – encountered two formations of Albatross Scouts, one of five machines below, and the other of three above them. The three above showed no inclinations to attack. The Bristol Fighter thereupon dived on the rear machine in the lower formation and after a good burst from the forward gun, the enemy machine was seen to turn over on its back and go down completely out of control. All the enemy aircraft broke off the engagement.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE. The regularity with which our machines flew over the coastal sector, and the AFULE, JORDON and AMMAN areas, soon began to alarm the enemy. He was not long in realizing the futility of relying upon his flying service to drive off our inquisitiblr machines, and accordingly resorted to other means in an endeavour to obtain some means of protection against this persistent observation. This took the form of intensified Anti-Aircraft Fire. Several new batteries were brought to the front and installed at various points, while the batteries that were already ‘covering’ his main defence systems, Railway stations and other places of military importance, were noticeably strengthened. In addition, a number of mobile Anti-Aircraft guns, mounted on motor lorries, made their appearance. It was their special duty to patrol the main roads and devote their attention to any of our machines that might venture along these routes. This new departure was apparently entered upon in the hope of protecting troops on the move against aerial attacks; but subsequent events showed that the crews mobile guns were no better able to withstand the determined onslaught of our machines, than the men in other arms of the service. On frequent occasions they were observed to abandon their guns and join the other forces attacked, in their search for cover.

The Anti-Aircraft Batteries for the most part were manned by Austrian and German gunners, whose shooting at times was ‘uncomfortably’ accurate. Batteries were installed at AMMAN, HERICHO, HUWARA, TULKERAM, MESSUDIEF and KALKILEH, while one or two guns were discovered from time to time, operating from other points which the enemy desired to screen from the searching ‘eye’ of our reconnaissance machines.

The "Hottest’ corner was probably around TULKERAM and KALKILEH, where several of our machines were hit by Anti-Aircraft fire. During each of these successive flights over this area, Lieut. Fraser’s machine was hit, in one instance the damage being such as to necessitate the renewal of two of the planes. On two occasions Lieut. Kenny’s machine was damaged by fragments, while, during a low reconnaissance carried out by Lieut. A.R. Brown escorted by Capt. S.W. Addison, both machines were hit in several places. Capt. Addison’s machine was shot through the lower main spar, the tail plane and one wheel, while Lieut. Brown’s port extension and tail

[Page 27]
plane were hit. While bombing over TULKERAM a machine flown by Lieut. C.C. Cameron received several shrapnel fragments through the upper planes.

On January 10th Lieut. Tonkin (Pilot) and Lieut Finlay (Observer) were heavily shelled when reconnoitring the same area. A piece of shrapnel hit Lieut. Finlay in the forehead but not being seriously hurt he decided to go on with his reconnaissance. A few moments later, however, he was hit, this time in the chest. The front of his leather flying coat was torn away and he sunk into his cockpit stunned. Lieut. Tonkin thereupon flew back to the aerodrom[e] where it was found the machine also had been hit in several places.
On January 20th another of out machines – a Bristol Fighter, Lieut. A.A. Poole (Pilot) and Lieut. F. Hancock (Observer) was hit at 10,000 Feet and forced to land behind the enemy’s lines. The engine was put out of action by a fragment of anti-aircraft shell and Lieut. Poole made an effort to glide back to our lines, which he failed to reach by a few hundred yards only, landing right beside the enemy’s front trenches. They burnt the machine before the enemy got to it and were soon after taken prisoners. Letters dropped over our lines later stated they the two Officers in question were prisoners and well. They were repatriated after the Armistice with Turkey.

At AMMAN also heavy Air-Craft fire was met with, particularly in the later stages of this period.

On numerous occasions, other than those above referred to, our machines sustained minor damage from the effects of Anti-Aircraft fire. However, in two instances only – when Lieut. Finlay was wounded and Lieut. Poole shot down – did it preven[t] our airmen from completing their allocated task. Daily reconnaissances over these localities, in addition to frequent bomb raids, machine gun attacks and photography went on just as before despite the messages of hate that came up in ever-increasing numbers from below.

DESCENT INTO JORDON: The descent of our forces into the JORDON VALLEY commenced on February 19th., and only those possessing personal knowledge of the nature of the country can form an accurate conception of the difficulties that confronted them. These arose chiefly because of the extremely rugged nature of the locality. The enemy, then in strong force, was established in the midst of a series of precipitous hills, divided by deep and sinuous waddies, providing natural and most effective facilities for the concealment of large bodies of troops from ground observation. With rare exceptions all tracks ran along the beds of these ravines, and were, in many places, exposed to the enfilading fire of the enemy. These constituted the only tracks that could be used by mounted troops who had to move along them in single file. In numerous places our men had to alternately haul each other over cliffs, forcing a sort of human chain for the purpose, and finally expel the enemy with hand to hand fighting when they got to the summit.

In view of these circumstances it is abundantly apparent what effective aerial co-operation meant to the other areas engaged in the attack. Without it our troops would have been able to do very little to guard against the danger of surprise attack, for the country was admirably adapted; but this menace was reduced to a minimum, if not disposed of entirely, by the work of our observers. Throughout the whole of the operations, the machines of this section kept a diligent watch over the enemy, harassed him in his movements with bombs and machine gun attacks and furnished frequent reports to 20th Corps Headquarters, then at JERUSALEM, and Advanced Headquarters, disclosing the strength of dispositions of the enemy. These reports were written by our Observers in the air and dropped on Headquarters before the machines returned to the Aerodrome. In cases where it was considered any movement of the enemy called for prompt action on the part of our forces, a digest of these messages was dropped on our advanced troops in the sector immediately effected.

Frequently considerable groups of enemy troops were discovered lurking on opposite hill-slopes, or in the bed of one of the deep waddies, effectively screened from all ground observation. Our troops in the locality were promptly apprised of the fact by means of a message dropped from

[Page 28]
the air, and our machines, in many instances, either drove the enemy from his hiding place, or so disorganised him with the aid of bombs and machine gun fire, that the opposition encountered by our advancing troops was considerably weaker that it would otherwise have been. The information provided in these ‘aerial Bulletins" placed those directing our operations in a position to develop their plans, and at the same time successfully guard against the terrible traps into which our men might easily have fallen in country of this nature under other circumstances.

Our troops, despite the stubborn resistance encountered rapidly dislodged the enemy and drove him down the JUDEAN slopes into the JORDON VALLEY. JERICHO was entered by our forces on the morning of the 21st, and the Turk driven to the bank of the JORDON.

PHOTOGRAPHY: One of the most noteworthy features in the work of this period, was the amount of photography done by the Squadron, notably in January, when a record of the front was created. When our Observers commenced to reconnoitre the country to the North of JAFFA, LUDD and JERUSALEM, it soon became apparent to them that the maps we held of this territory were in many respects inaccurate. The position of important roads, villages, etc. was wrongly shown, while other points of military significance located by our observers did not appear at all. As an outcome of this disclosure, it was decided to obtain an overlapping series of photographers with the object of re-mapping the whole of this locality. It represented the area of 624 square miles, extending to a distance of 32 miles behind the enemy’s lines. The task was allocated to the 1st Squadron and was entered upon on January 15th. Five machines (Martinaydes and B.E. 12. A’s - were detailed for the work, the Pilots being Lieutenants A.R. Brown, H.L. Fraser, E.P. Kenny, L.W. Taplin, L.W. Rogers. They were escorted by three Bristol Fighters flown by Capt. S.W. Addison with Lieut H. Fysh (Observer) Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. and Lieut. E.A. Mustard (Observer) and Capt. Hicks and Lieut. Hartley (Observer). The last named Pilot and Observer were from No. 111 Squadron R.F.C. The photographic machines flew in line 1000 yards apart, at a height of 12,000 feet, thereby ensuring an overlap between each set of exposures.

The work was completed within 14 days despite very unfavorable weather conditions. In one instance the machines went off in a high gale, the velocity of which, at 5,000 feet, was estimated at 65 m.p.h. On occasions certain portions of the area were found to be obscured by clouds. These spots were re-visited by the same pilots later during the day, and the photographs required to fill in the ‘gaps’ were obtained.

At one stage of this work the camer[a] of Lieut. Taplin’s machine (B.E. 12A) jambed. Being unable to remedy the trouble by immediate action, he proceeded to take it to pieces, meantime flying his machine with the control stick between his knees. While thus engaged he was attacked by two Albatross Scouts. He engaged the enemy forcing one down, the second being driven off by the escort. He then rectified the defect in his camera, re-assembled it and restored it to its place on the outside of his fuselage, and competed the photography of his allotted ‘strip’ of territory. For this he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

On the same occasion - January 16th – when our photographic machines were in the vicinity of JENIN Aerodrome, Lieut. H.L. Fraser, who was flying a Martinayde, was attacked by an Albatross Scout. He engaged the enemy machine which was ultimately driven down on the JENIN Aerdrom[e] by the escort. During this engagement Lieut. Fraser’s machine received several bullets, one of which passed through the fuselage, entering two inches behind the pilot’s seat. A second bullet hit one of the instruments in the cockpit.

By completing this task in the time stated the Squadron created a record for the whole front. Some idea of the amount of labor it entailed may be gathered from the fact that 39 photographic reconnaissances were carried out, 1616 plates exposed from which 7783 prints were produced. From these prints the Survey Section were able to produce a new series of maps of the whole of this territory, accurate to the smallest detail.

[Page 29]
The Squadron was warmly congratulated upon its per-formance. The opinion of the G.O.C. Palestine Brigade, Royal Air Force, (Brigadier General A.E. Borton, D.S.O. ) was recorded in a congratulatory letter received from him. Referring to the photographs taken on this occasion he wrote:- "They form a very fine achievement, and probably mark the highest point which has yet been reached in map making photography. They have been completed in a very short time and during a period of unsettled weather, and they reflect the greatest credit on the part of the Pilots, and perseverance in filling the gaps in spite of the high wind. In this connection I should especially like to congratulate Lieut. Taplin on his work. The photographic Sections
have done splendid work in dealing with the large numbers of plates and prints involved, and in turning out the copies without delay."

"Maps like these are of such great value for the Army when operating in a difficult mountainous country like that of Central Palestine, that the 40th Wing may justly be proud of having contributed in such a real and tangible way to the success of the campaign."
In addition to the above, 18 photographic reconnaissances were carried out during February and approximately 194 square miles of country covered. The plates exposed number 507, from which 5,112 prints were produced. A considerable number of Aspect photographs of important enemy town, railway stations, aerodromes, etc. were also taken. The Pilots engaged on this work from time to time were:- Capt. S.W. Addison, Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C., Lieutenants E.K. Spragg, J.H. Butler, A.R. Brown, L.W. Taplin, H.S.R. Maughan, E.P. Kenny, H.L. Fraser, F.W. Haig, L.M. Potts, C.N. Watt, C.S. Paul, E.S. Headlam, C.C. Cameron and C.C. Peters. Observers:- Col. A.E. Borton, D.S.O. Lieutenants H.B. Fletcher, W.A. Kirk, R.T. Challinor, C.J. Vyner and E.A. Mustard.

For the three days following our occupation of JERICHO reconnaissance of this area was rendered impossible owing to dense low lying clouds, as a result of which the enemy was able to carry out his retirement, without molestation from the air. On the 24th JERICHO, SHUNET NUMRIN the JORDON BRIDGE and NEBI MUSA were reconnoitred by Lieut. A.B. Brown, (Pilot) and Lieut. O.M. Lee (Observer) escorted by Lieut. E.L. Spragg (Pilot) and Lieut. C.J. Vyner (Observer) when the Turk was found to be in full retreat. By the close of the month he had been driven across the JORDON. He there concentrated his forces in the foothills, his main defence system being established at SHUNET NUMRIN

STATISTICS
1.1.1918 to 28.2.1918

Number of hours flown - January –February - Total.
Number of hours flown - 647 - 449- 1096
" " Strategical reconnnaissances - 40 - 28- 68
" " Photographic - 39 - 18 - 57
" " Plates Exposed - 1616 - 507 -2123
" " Prints produced - 7783 - 5112 - 12895
" " Bomb Raids - 8 - 5 - 14
Weight of Bombs dropped - Lbs. 10600 - 6050- 16650

[Page 30]
OFFICERS WITH SQUADRON
DURING PERIOD OF

1ST JANUARY, 1918 to 28th FEBRUARY 1918

A.F.C.
Major R. Williams, D.S.O.
Capt. S.W. Addison. - Capt. R. M. Smith M.C.
Lieut. L.W. Rogers - Lieut. L.M. Potts
Lieut. J.D.S. Potts – Lieut. H.L. Fraser
" E.L. Spragg – Lieut. J.H. Butler
" R. A. Austin – Lieut. T. Taylor
" C. le B. Brown – Lieut. A.J. Morgan
" E.P. Kenny – Lieut. C.C. Cameron
" L.B. Carson – Lieut. L.H. Rudd
" A.R. Brown – Lieut. C.C. Peters
" C.N. Watt – Lieut. F.W.F. Lukie
" E.S.H. Headlam – Lieut. L.E. Taplin
" W.A. Coates – Lieut. V.P. Turner
" L.W. Sutherland D.C.M. – Lieut. P.A. BcBain
" Curwen- Walker – Lieut. W.A. Kirk
" E.A. Mustard – Lieut. G. Finlay
" O.M. Lee – Lieut. F. Hancock
" H. Fyan

2/Lieut. P.G. Hartley M.M. - 2/Lieut. F.W. Haig
" P.J. Sims – 2/Lieut. G.L.F. Rutledge
" J. Keane – 2/Lieut. R. Burton
" D.R. Dowling - 2/Lieut. C.S. Paul
" H.A. Blake – 2/Lieut. A.A. Poole
" R.S. Adair – 2/Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan
" J.M. Walker – 2/Lieut S.W. Robinson
" V.P. Parkinson

OFFICERS ATTACHED.
Lieut. H.B. Fletcher - 12th A.L.H. Rgt.
Lieut. C.J. Vyner - 4th Coy. I.C.C.
Lieut. W.P. Cashman M.C. - 1st Bn., I.C.C.
Lieut. G. Daly - 14th Coy. I.C.C.
Lieut. E.B.S. Beaton - 11th A.L.H. Rgt.
Lieut. R.T. Challinor- 2nd A.L.H. Rgt.
Lieut. J.H. Traill - 4th Signal Troop

OFFICERS JOINED
A.F.C.
Lieut. F.W.F. Lukie 29/1/18 - Lieut. E.S. Headlam 29/1/18 - Lieut. J.K. Curwen-Walker29/1/18
2/Lieut, C.S. Paul - 22.12.17 - 2/Lieut. H.S.R. Maugham - 25.1.18
" H.A. Blake 22.12.17 – 2/Lieut D.R. Dowling - 22.12.17
" J.M. Walker 19.2.18 – 2/Lieut. S.W. Robinson - 19.2.18
" R.S. Adair 19.2.18 – 2/Lieut. R. Burton - 17.2.18

ATTACHED
Lieut. R.T. Challinor - 2nd A.L.H. Rgt.- 12.1.18
" J.H. Traill - Anzac Signal Service - 12.1.18
" W.J.A. Weir - 6th A.L.H. Rgt.- 21.1.18
Lieut. L.H. Smith - 1st A.L.H. Rgt. - 21.1.18

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Lieut. A.W.K. Farquhar - 6th A.L.H. Regt - 21.1.18
" H.A. Letch M.C. - 2nd A.L.H. Rgt. - 22.1.18
" F.C. Hawley - 4th Bn. I.C.C. - 23.1.18
Lieut. R.A. Camm – 4th B.I.C.C. - 23.1.18
2/Lieut E.A. Mulford D.C.M. - 12th A.L.H. Rgt. - 22.1.18
" J. McElligott- 11th A.L.h. Rgt. - 22.1.18
" L.J. Kreig – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. - 22.1.18

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, ETC.

2/Lieut. C.N. Watt - A.F.C. - To be Lieutenant - 10.10.17
" P.A. McBain - A.F.C. –To be lieutenant - 5.12.17
" F. Hancock – A.F.C. – To be lieutenant - 22.10.17
" L.W. Taplin – A.F.C. – To be lieutenant - 29.12.17
" S.A. Nunan – A.F.C. – To be lieutenant - 1. 1.18
" G.L.F. Rutledge A.F.C. – To be lieutenant - 20.12.17
" L.F. Kraig (Att’d) - 11th A.L.H. Regt. To be lieutenant - 20. 1.18

GRADUATIONS.

Lieut. E.B.S. Beaton, 11th A.L.H. Rgt. Graded as Qualified Observer - 25.1.19

CASUALTIES.
Lieut. J.D.S. Pott - A.F.C. - Missing, unofficially reported Killed. - 4.1.18

2/Lieut. V.J. Parkinson - Missing, unofficially reported Prisoner of war - 4.1.18

Lieut. G. Finlay – Wounded -10.1.18

Lieut. F. Hancock - Prisoner of War- 20.1.18

2/Lieut, A.A. Poole - Prisoner of War - 20.1.18

2/Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan – Wounded - 13.12.17

HONOURS AND AWARDS.

A.F.C.
Capt. A.W.L. Ellis - Awarded Military Cross - 1. 1.18
2/Lieut. J.V. Tunbridge – Awarded Military Cross – 1.1.18
Aus/105.Flt. Sgt. Robertson R.S. - Awarded Meritorious Service Medal – 1.1.18l
Aus/332 Flt. Sgt. Johnston H. – Awarded Meritorious Service Medal – 1.1.18 Aus/296 Sgt. Horsecroft L. – Awarded Meritorious Service Medal - 1. 1.18

Major E. Williams D.S.C. - Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17
Capt. A.W.E. Ellis, M.C. – Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17
Capt. A.M. Jones, M.C. - Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17
Lieut. V.F. Turner – Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17
Aus/332 Flt. Sgt. Johnston, H. – Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17
Aus/105 " Robertson R.S. – Mentioned in despatches - 28. 6.17

ATTACHED
Lieut. H.A. Letch - 2nd. A.L.H. Rgt. - Awarded Military Cross - 1. 1.18
" O.M. Lee - 4th Bn. I.C.C. - Mentioned in Despatches - 28. 6.17

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PART 11.
The Squadron continued to operate from the Aerodrome at MEJDEL until early in April when the unit commenced to move forward to RAMLER. On April 25th the Squadron was established on this new ground, situated 1½ miles East of the town of RAMLER, which was formerly used as an aerodrome by the Germans.

Our occupation of the JORDON VALLEY brought our forces within striking distance of the Hedjaz Railway which constituted the enemy’s main line of communication with that portion of his Army operations South of ANNAM. With this artery threatened, it was not surprising to find him extremely uneasy. This was one of the primary factors that actuated our hastened advance in this region. Had we gone no further than the Western bank of the JORDON, the operation would have exercised an important influence on developments in other zones, for it would have still compelled the enemy to maintain a strong force East of the River to protect his Southern armies against this new menace. He was not slow to realise that if we penetrated to the Railway, the fate of his forces at KUTRANI, MEDINA and the vicinity, numbering several thousands of all arms, would be sealed. Therefore, troops which might otherwise have been available for other sectors, were retained with his Eastern army, while the apparent nervousness produced by the presence of our troops in force in the Valley, induced him to weaken other portions of his line from time to time, bu t withdrawing troops for reinforcements in the AMMAN Area.

This anxiety was further indicated by the increased activity of his air service. The German Flying Service at this period was organised in four ‘flights’ or ‘squadrons’ and had approximately 80 machines on the front. These units were stationed at AFULE, JENIN and AMMAN, with advanced aerodromes at BALATA and TULKERAH; while No. 14 Turkish Squadron was located at KUTRANI. The latter were equipped with ‘A.E.G.’ machines. Enemy aircraft made their appearance in strong formations, as if stimulated by the hope that numerical superiority might enable them to force an entrance to our aerial domain and gain information of our movements. The only outcome of this enterprise, however, was that air-battles were of frequent occurrence, with a result that will be found recorded in the references to those combats appearing later in this review. Suffice it to state here, that the enemy air service suffered very savage losses in personnel, material and morale, from which he never recovered.

It was during this period that we established absolute supremacy in the air, and reduced the German Flying operation in this theatre, to an impotent force. Hostile aircraft were attacked by our pilots whenever seen, regardless of the balance of numbers, and the impression that this aggressiveness made upon the German pilots is clearly reflected in the official documents captured later. In the official diary of the German Flying Corps, a copy of which was found at Turkish General Headquarters, frequent reference is made to our aerial superiority. Under date of April 4th, it is said "The situation in the air is still unfavourable for us; the A.E.G. and Rumpler C.IV., do not satisfy demands any longer", and later it is recorded that their machines "are no longer a match for the British". Special reference is made to the activities of the Bristol Fighter’s during the period, in which the German pilot’s impression of these machines is given. Writing after the close of the June operations, the following opinion was officially recorded. "The enemy who possesses in his Bristol Fighter an exceptionally fine machine, has made himself lately very redoubtable. Nearly always flying in two’s the Bristol Fighters present an extraordinary fighting force, and their harassing of our activities became more and more felt." As 1st Squadron was the only one equipped with the Bristol Fighters on the front, this may be accepted as a direct reference to the work of the unit.

The ‘aggravated shortage of reinforcements, especially of pilots is referred to from time to time in the German diary, and under date of May 6th., is reported that ‘302 Squadron has to discontinue its flights all pilots being either wounded or sick’. Three weeks later Turkish Headquarters were furnished with a report seemingly intended to prepare them for

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further dimunition in the amount of co-operation they might expect from their air service. It read "As long as the English use two seaters which are superior to our machines in climbing capacity, successful activity on our part is very much in question owing to the impossibility of the single seater even to attempt to make an attack on higher flying and better climbing two-seaters, and owing to the impossibility during the attack of the enemy, to take over the attack ourselves."

It may be noted here that, at this time, the enemy was equipped with ‘Rumplers’ (two-seaters) fitted with Mercedes engines of 260 Horse Power. ; L.V.G.’s (two seaters) fitted with Benz engines of 260 H.P. Halberstaters (two seaters) Albatross D.Va. Scouts, with 160 H.P. Mercedes engine. These two-seaters were about equal in speed to our Mk. 111 Bristol Fighters, but were invariably out-manoeuvered. Our pilots had good opportunity of judging the comparative speeds of these machines in the numerous ‘running’ fights they were engaged in, for in the majority of cases, if the enemy succeeded in getting a clear run, the combat developed into a stern chase. On a number of occasions enemy aircraft were hunted right back to their aerodromes where they landed under fire from our pursuing machines.

MARCH OPERATIONS: Throughout the month of March the territory East of the JORDON engaged the major part of our attention. In preparation for further operations in this sector, the whole of the country East of the river and South of DAMIE to KUTRANI was reconnoitred continuously all roads and tracks were fully reported on and photographed. The AMMAN-ES SALT-ZERKA area was visited on 26 occasions, 4 reconnaissances of the DAMIE-ZERKA area was visited on 25 occasions, 4 reconnaissances of the DAMIE-ZERKA-ES SALT area was made; while the MADERS-KUTRANI-KASTAL sector was visited 8 times. Those reconnaissances involved non-stop flights of from 160 to 220 miles over very mountainous country. The Western area NABLUS-TULKERAM, KALKILEH – was – reconnoitred on 10 occasions, but no developments of importance were reported here, practically all activity being confined to the Eastern Sector.

During the month 23 photographic reconnaissances were carried out, in the course of which 194 square miles of country was covered. These photographs were chiefly of roads, caravan routes and tracks between ES SALT and AMMAN, and an overlapping series of the KAKON defence system.

A good deal of bombing was done, 17 raids being carried out, and 7,598 l.bs. of bombs dropped. Early in the month hangars and machines were reported at KUTRANI for the first time. The aerodrome which was situated close to the Railway Station, was bombed on the 4th with good effect by pilots, Lieuts. A.V. Tonkin and R. Burton escorted by Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. (Pilot) Lieut. E.A. Mustard (Observer) and Lieut. T. Taylor (Pilot) and Lieut. W.P. Cashman M.C. (Observer) Aspect photographs of the aerodrome and station were obtained.

While on a reconnaissance near JILJILIE on the following day Lieuts. E.S. Headlam and C.N. Watt (Pilots) and Capt. T.C. Macaulay, R.A.F. and Lieut. E.B.S. Heaton (Observers) in 2 Bristol Fighters, were attacked by 5 Albatross Scouts. The combat was indecisive.

Pending an attack upon the HEDJAZ RAILWAY at AMMAN, the bridge of DAMIE, the crossing over which enemy reinforcements to this area could be expected to pass, was bombed on the 14th again on the 20th., twice on the day of our attack on AMMAN, the 21st and finally on the 26th and 27th when operations were in progress. This was the first occasion upon which 230 lb. bombs were used on this front, the largest bomb available previously being 112 lbs. One 230 lb. was fitted to a Martinsyde machine, flown by Lieut. F.W. Haig. He visited this target on 3 occasions to reach which the machines had first to fly over the Judean Mountains and then descen[d] into the JORDON VALLEY, the target being 1,000 feet below sea level: Other officers who took part in these raids were:- Pilots:- Capt. S.W. Addison, R.A. Austin, M.C., R.M. Smith, M.C., Lieuts. H.S.R. Maughan, A.J. Morgan, R.S. Adair, J.H. Butler, C.S. Paul

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R. Burton, J.K. Curwen-Walker, A.R. Brown, H.A. Blake, A.W. Murphy, C.C. Cameron, P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. , L.M. Potts, H.S. Brain and G.C. Peters. Observers – Lieuts. H. Fysh, G. Finlay, R.T. Challine[o]r, C.J. Vyner, L.W. Sutherland, MC., D.C.M. and Cpl. N.P.B Jensen.

On the 9th and 10th troops at SINJIL, BIREH, HUWARAH and LUBBAN, were attacked with bombs and machine gun fire by Pilots:- Lieuts. D.R. Dowling, R.S. Adair, J.M. Walker, C.C. Cameron, G.C. Peters, R. Burton, A.J.Morgan, E.L. Spragg, J.H. Butler, L.B. Gordon, H.A. Blake, and L.M. Potts. Observers:- Lieuts. W.P. Cashman, M.C., W.A. Kirk, O.M. Lee, J.H. Traill and Cpl. N.P.S. Jensen.
Good results were reported, several bombs being observed to drop in the midst of large groups of the enemy.

Whilst returning from a raid on the aerodrome at KUTRANI on the 19th, Capt. E.G. Evans M.C., then in command of No. 142 Squadron R.F.C. flying a Martinsyde, was forced to land in enemy territory owing to engine trouble. Capt. R.A. Austin, M.C. (Pilot) and Lieut. O.M. Lee (Observer) who had been escorting the raid in a Bristol Fighter, at once went down to his assistance. In landing one of the wheels of the machine struck a rock and buckled, with the result that they could not get off again before the arrival of hostile Arabs, who made all three officer’s prisoners and ultimately ‘sold’ them to the Turks. Other officers on this raid were Lieuts. F.M. Haig, A.W. Murphy, and A.J. Morgan and A.V. Tonkin (Pilots) and Lieut. Dawson R.F.C. (Observer)

On the same day, while escorting R.F.C. Machines on a bomb raid near WADI AYJA, Lieut. C.C. Cameron (pilot) and Lieut W.A. Kirk (Observer) attacked an enemy two-seater and an Albatross Scout. The enemy machines succeeded in getting away in the clouds.

The raid on the HEDJAZ RAILWAY was launched on the 21st when our forces advanced from the Valley towards AMMAN. One of the main objectives was to destroy a large viaduct South West of AMMAN. Stubborn opposition was met with and our troops were considerably handicapped by heavy rain, which rendered the tracks almost impassable. Our machines co-operated closely in this operation and despite the unfavourable weather, made numerous attacks on the enemy with bombs and machine gun fire, and reported their movements to our own force. Frequently our pilots flew beneath low-lying clouds, literally skimming the mountain tops, in these attacks. In addition to the raids already referred to, troops at SHUNET NIMRIN were bombed on the 24th., troops and camps at DAMIE, cavalry South West of KUTRANI and rolling stock at KASTAL on the 27th., rolling stock at ZERKA on the 29th. These raids were carried out by Pilots – Capts, R.M. Smith, MC. S.D. Addison, Lieuts, A.J. Morgan, E.P. Kenny, S.A. Nunan, C.S. Paul, E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. C.C. Peters, and H.L. Fraser. Observers:- Lieuts. E.A. Mustard, J.H. Traill, W.P. Cashman, M.C. H. Fysh and Cpl. N.F.B. Jensen.

On the 26th a report was received that a large body of cavalry had moved out from KERAK, and that their whereabouts was unknown. A reconnaissance of the area was made by Capt. S.W. Addison (pilot) and Lieut. H. Fysh (Observer) and the enemy was located in three groups of about 250 each, in the hills South West of KUTRANI. A direct hit on the largest of these groups was obtained with a 25-lb. bomb thrown from the cockpit of the machine, and 220 rounds from machine gun were also fired into their midst causing a general stampede.

The same day Lieut. E.S. Headlam and D.R. Dowling, (Pilots), Lieuts. W.A. Kirk and C.J. Vyner (Observers) while on a reconnaissance attacked two enemy two-seaters, and drove them down on to the aerodrome at AMMAN. While reconnoitring KISSIR the same morning Capt. D.N. Rutherford and Lieut. J.M. Walker (Pilots) and Lieut J. McElligott and C. Finlay (Observers), engaged a hostile two-seater North of KISSIR, and forced it down near the railway. Information was received from the Australian Light Horse later on to the effect that this machine was destroyed by the Germans.

Patrols were carried out from time to time over our troops in the vicinity of ES SALT, to protect them against attack by hostile aircraft.

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Our troops withdrew to the West Bank of the JORDON on April 2nd. The raid had resulted in several miles of the railway South of AMMAN being destroyed, but the viaduct remained intact, we having failed to penetrate that far.

In the course of the operation, Medical Stores were dropped from the air on our advanced troops. This was rendered necessary owing to the fact that all roads and tracks became impassable for wheeled traffic after the heavy rains. The only means available for the transport of these supplies was on pack camels – a slow tedious process.

APRIL: During April our machines kept a diligent watch over the enemy East of the JORDON, where interest was still chiefly centered. Altogether 47 strategical reconnaissances were carried out, of which 29 were of the country between DAMIN, AMMAN and SHUNET NIMRIN. Several important series of photographs of roads, caravan routes and tracks in area were completed. They were required for mapping purposes in connection with a plan for further operations here. These maps were subsequently published and used for the operations against ES SALT, which commenced on April 30th. Altogether 23 photographic reconnaissances were carried out, 609 plates exposed, and 5,397 prints produced.

Up till this period hostile aircraft patrols had been carried out by No.111 Squadron, R.F.C. on an intermittent system, and when our troops concentrated in the JORDON VALLEY, enemy machines succeeded in dashing over our lines on one or two occasions during the interval between these patrols, when they bombed the Light Horse. To guard against a recurrence of this, arrangements were made for a continuous patrol throughout the day over this area. 1st Squadron performed a share of this work, carrying out 27 patrols during the month in addition to the usual reconnaissances. The patrols were from 2½ to 3 hours duration.

Escorts, consisting of two or three Bristol Fighters were supplied on four occasions during the month, when machines from R.A.F. Squadrons bombed AMMAN Station. No bomb raids were carried out by this unit.

While on a reconnaissance near KALKILIEM on the 15th, Lieut, G.C. Peters and Lieut. R.S. Adair (pilots) and Lieuts. J.H. Traill and R.A. Camm (Observers) attacked 3 Albatross Scouts, two of which they shot down. When on similar duty over NABLUS 28th., Lieut. E.P. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut. F.C. Hawley (Observer) were attacked by 4 Albatross Scouts, one of which they shot down in flames, while a second enemy machine was driven down and crashed on landing. The remaining two enemy aircraft broke off the engagement.

On April 30th, operations were commenced against ES SALT.

The development of this attack attracted chief attention during the first days in May. The motive behind this operation was the seizure of ES SALT, which was to be held with the object of encircling the enemy force at SHUNET NIMRIN, which since the former raid had increased from 3,000 to 8,000 rifles. This was to be effected with the aid of the Beni Sakr tribe who were reported to be concentrated at MADEBA. Unfortunately, however, this assistance was not forthcoming, with the result that the plan failed. Indeed, at one stage of the operations, certain of our forces found themselves in a most precarious position. The 60th division was held up at SHUNET NIMRIN, where they suffered heavy casualties, while an Australian Light Horse Brigade left to guard the left flank was cut off by Turkish cavalry who crossed the JORDAN at DAMIE during the night. The mounted force which was entered ES SALT were also in a serious position, being heavily attacked by troops brought up from AMMAN. Effective aerial co-operation went a long way towards enabling these forces to extricate themselves from this ugly situation. Our machines attacked the enemy from low altitudes with bombs and machines gun fire, harassing him considerably in his movements and inflicting heavy casualties. All available machines were employed in this way and these attacks proved extremely hopeful in

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covering the withdrawal of our forces to position of security. By the 4th all our troops employed in this raid were once against West of the JORDAN. [Sometimes spelt JORDON]

There was no further operations of importance on the ground during the month, but aerial activity remained undiminished. Forty strategical reconnaissances were carried out, of which 29 were of the Eastern area. Photographic reconnaissances carried out numbered 16, plates exposed 367, and prints produced 4,819. These embraced a series in the DAMIE area, and a number of strips of country in the Western Sector.

On the morning of the 1st two Bristol Fighters – Pilots: Capt. D.W. Rutherford and Lieut. F.W. Haig, Observers, Lieuts. J. McElligott and R.T. Challinor, left to reconnoitre this area, and failed to return. While over AMMAN both petrol tanks in Capt. Rutherford’s machine were shot through and he was forced to land. He at once burnt his machine, Lieut. Haig landed alongside and the four officers endeavoured to take off in the one machine, but just before ‘flying speed’ was attained one wheel collapsed and the machine went over on its nose. This machine was also burnt. The officers were captured by Circassian Irregulars who handed them over to the Turks. Ultimately they passed into the hands of the German Flying Corps. Letters written by these officers, describing their misfortune, were dropped over our line by enemy aircraft on May 15th.

On the following day Lieut. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (Pilot) and Lieut F.C. Hawley (Observer) while escorting a reconnaissance machine, engaged an Albatross two-seater which they shot down North of JISH ED DAMIE.

The same day two Bristol Fighters – Pilots, Lieuts. A.W. Murphy and H.S.R. Maughan, Observers, Lieuts. R.A. Camm and H. Fysh – attacked 3 Albatross Scouts over AMMAN and drove them down on to the aerodrome there.

On May 3rd an enemy two-seater was driven down near SUWEILLEH by Lieut, A.R. Brown and G.V. Oxenham (Pilots) and Lieuts. G. Finlay and H.A. Letch, M.C. (Observers) Our machines followed the enemy aircraft down and machine gunned it from a height of 300 feet. Only one of the occupants was seen to leave the machine, and later our reconnaissance machine reported that the enemy machine was being dismantled. Later in the day Lieut. G.C. Peters (Pilot) and Lieut. J.H. Traill (Observer) drove an enemy two-seater down near JENIN aerodrome.

In referring to the combat in which Capt. A.R. Brown was concerned, the German Flying Corps diary records that a Doctor Jaffe, first class medical officer, went up in the enemy machine engaged ‘without his badges to defend AMMAN’. Both he and the pilot were wounded during the combat. A further entry dated a few days later records the death of the Doctor from the effect of the wound he received.

While on a reconnaissance over AMMAN on the 4th, a Bristol Fighter, Pilot Lieut. A.W. Murphy, Observer, Lieut. H.A. Letch, M.C. was hit by enemy machine gun fire from the ground. One bullet ignited a smoke-ball in the Observers cockpit. This was extinguished with the aid of small "Pyrene’ fire extinguishers, carried in the machine, the only damage resulting being a small hole burnt through the fabric and one charred ammunition box.

On the same day two enemy machines, when attacking our troops West of SHUNET NIMRIN, were shot down with machine gun and rifle fire from the ground.

When starting out on a reconnaissance at 0530 on the same day, Lieut. J.K. Curwen-Walker got his machine into a ‘spin’ at about 200 Feet and crashed into the ground near the aerodrome. Both he and his observer (No.Aus/506 Cpl. Jensen D.P.B.) were killed. They were buried at RAMLEH cemetery.

The same afternoon a Martinsyde from No. 148 Squadron, R.A.F. turned back from a bomb raid, and when landing crashed into some trees near

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the edge of the aerodrome. One bomb exploded, and the machine burst into flames. A number of officers and men ran to the assistance of the Pilot, and when they approached the machine a second bomb burst wounding 6 men. Amongst them was No. Aus/607, 1/A.M. Dell, W.R. (Photographer) who was admitted to hospital, but succumbed to the effects of his injuries before morning. He was buried in the RAMLEH cemetery.

On the 7th Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. (Pilot) and Lieut. E.A. Mustard (Observer) accounted for an enemy two-seater near JENIN. The enemy machine crashed into the side of a hill and burst into flames. On the same day Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. R.A. Camm (observer) accounted for two Albatross Scouts.

On the morning of the 8th hostile scouts shot down one of our Observation Balloons near BIREH, and the following afternoon they attacked two of our Balloons North of JAFFA, both of which were sent down in flames.

On the 16th Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. (pilot) with Col. Lawrence as passenger, and escorted by Lieut. C.S. Paul and Sgt.. Mechanic Horscroft, flew to KERAK and KUTRANI. The machine landed at WADI HUFIR, 10 miles South East of KUTRANI, for the purpose of allowing Col. Lawrence to get into touch with the Arab forces belonging to the Sheriff of MECCA.

On the 22nd Capt. R.M. Smith M.C. (pilot) and Lieut. W.A. Kirk (observer) accounted for another enemy single seater near NABLUS, while on the following day Lieut. C.S. Paul (pilot) and Lieut. W.A. Weir (observer) attacked 4 enemy scouts at 11,000 feet over BIREH, two of which were shot down. The German diary records that one of these scouts crashed badly in their lines, the pilot being severely wounded.

On the 29th, Lieut. G.C. Peters (Pilot) and Lieut. J.H. Traill (observer) accounted for another two-seater near BIREH.

Very little was heard of the Turkish Squadron located at KUTRANI. Their machines were only twice seen in the air by our pilots – one by Capt. S.W. Addison, and some days later by Capt. A.R. Brown. On both occasions they were driven down.

Referring to a bomb raid on the aerodrome at JENIN carried out on May 9th, the German Flying Corps diary states that the machines of the 303 Squadron were ‘mostly considerably damaged’; while 2 lorries, 2 motor cars and a quantity of mens clothing were destroyed, and one man wounded.

JUNE: The month of June was a period of even greater activity than the preceding months. This will be evident from the fact that the Squadron’s total flying hours for the four weeks increased to 716. Matters having now become comparatively quiet in the Eastern Sector, this area was reconnoitred less frequently; but the KERAK, KUTRANI, MADIERA area where developments were expected, was more closely watched than at any time previously. In the course of this reconnaissance, which was made on 13 occasions during the month, our machines usually swept the country up to a point just South of AMMAN. It involved a flight of approximately 240 miles, across the DEAD SEA and over large tracts of mountainous country.

The NABLUS, TULKERAM, KAKON, area, together with the whole of the coastal sector, was reconnoitred 13 times. A special reconnaissance of JENIN and AFULE was carried out, while HAIFA was visited by our machine for the first time.

There was a falling off in the amount of photography done. During the month 14 photographic reconnaissances were carried out, chiefly of the SHUNET NIMRIN sector, 365 plates were exposed and 4647 prints produced, covering an area of approximately 85 square miles. This completed a specified area required for mapping purposes. It embraced the whole of the enemy’s defence system at SHUNET NIMRIN.

The number of hostile aircraft patrols for the month increased to 133, in addition to which, escorts to bombing formations from

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other Squadrons were supplied on 24 occasions. These escorts usually comprised the two Bristol Fighters.

A number of aerial combats took place, while enemy troops were frequently attacked with machine gun fire from the air. In the course of the month, 43,000 rounds were fired from our machines.

On the 2nd, a formation of hostile machines dropped 50 bombs on the AUJA bridgehead, but did little damage. We replied with a raid on the AMMAN aerodrome on the following day. Three Bristol Fighters Pilots Lieuts. G.V. Oxenham, H.A. Blake and R. Burton, Observers: Lieuts. H.A. Letch, M.C., C.J. Vyner and L.P. Kreig – dropped 240-lbs. of explosives, several of the bombs falling within effective range of hangars.

Our machines on the same occasion attacked troops and cavalry with machine gun fire. The same target was again bombed on the 4th with good effect. The latter raid was escorted by:- Pilots, Lieuts. E.L.S. Spragg, S.A. Nunan, and J.M. Walker, Observers: Lieuts. C.J. Vyner, A.W.K. Walker, Observers: Liets. C.J. Vyner, A.W.K. Farquhar and L.H. Smith.

While on a reconnaissance of the Eastern area on the 4th., Lieut A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. R.A. Camm (observer) attacked an Anti-aircraft Battery with machine gun fire near AMMAN. They fired 400 rounds into the Battery from a low altitude and put the crew to flight. When returning from this reconnaissance they encountered an enemy two-seater machine near JERUSALEM. During the combat that followed, Lieut. Camm was wounded, and the enemy got an effective burst into the engine of Lieut. Tonkin’s machine. He landed near RAMALLAH. A new engine, together with mechanics were sent out and Lieut. Tonkin flew the machine back to the aerodrome two days later. As a result of the wounds received in this combat, Lieut. Camm was subsequently invalided to Australia.

The station and aerodrome at AMMAN was again[st] attacked on the 6th , by our reconnaissance machines, Cooper’s and 15-lb incendiary bombs were dropped.

On the 7th while flying a B.E. 2.E. from JERICHO to RAMLEH Lieut. R. Burton ran into thick clouds over the JUDEAN Mountains. His machine got into a ‘spin’ and he crashed badly near SHAFAT, on JERUSALEM BIREH road. He was badly injured and later invalided to Australia.

The town and port of HAIFA, nestling at the foot of the historic MOUNT CARMEL at the Southern end of the bay of Acre, was first reconnoitred on the 8th . Pilots. Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C. and Lieut. C.S. Paul, observers: Lieuts. W.A. Kirk and J.H. Traill. A number of aspect photographs of this new area were taken, furnishing such valuable information.

On the 11th , three Bristol Fighters – Pilots Capt, A.E. Brown and Lieuts. G.C. Cameron and D.R. Dowling, Observers: Lieuts. H.A. Letch, M.C. , E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. and H.B. Fletcher, escorted machines from R.A.F. Squadrons on a bomb raid on AMMAN station and aerodrome. When over their target the bombing machines were heavily ‘archied’, whereupon Capt. Brown flew down to a low altitude and his observer (Lieut. Letch) silenced the Anti-Aircraft guns with machine gun fire. The bombing thereafter went on without interruption, and good results were obtained. Capt. Brown and his observer were congratulated by the G.O.C., R.A.F. for their action in this matter. (See Appendix ‘A’).

On the 13th, Lieut. C.S. Paul (Pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir, (Observer), engaged an enemy two-seater (Rumpler-26D H.P.) North of NABLUS. After a combat which lasted 20 minutes the enemy machine was sent down out of control and crashed on the side of a hill. Captured enemy documents in reference to this combat, showed that the enemy machine ‘crashed near JENIN, crew dead.’

[Page 39]
On the 16th the KUTRANI Railway Station, where increased movement had been reported, was bombed three times. These raids were carried out by machines from the Corps Wing, escorted by Bristol Fighters from 1st Squadron. The escort machines were flown by:- Capts. S.W. Addison and A.R. Brown, Lieuts. S.A. Nunan, R.S. Adair, E.S. Headlam and G.W. Sheppard, with the following observers:- Lieuts. H. Fysh, G. Findlay, H.A. Letch M.C., A.W.K. Farquhar, H.B. Fletcher and E.P. Kreig. During these raids a train leaving the station was attacked by Lieut. Adair and Lieut. Farquhar with machine gun fire, 450 rounds being fired. A similar attack upon a train standing in the station was made by Lieut. Fletcher, 330 rounds being fired.

On the 19th, a special reconnaissance from KEER KARA, LEJJUN AFULE was carried out by Lieuts. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. (Pilot) and L.W. Sutherland, M.C., D.C.M. (observer) escorted by Lieut. G.C. Peters, (Pilot) and Lieut. J.H. Traill (observer) with the object of locating a new railway line that had been reported by agents to be under construction. The construction works were located and fully reported upon.

A vigorous attack on enemy troops and transport at MESSUDIEH station and NAKURAH was made by Pilots:- Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C. and Lieut. C.S. Paul. Observers: Lieut. W.A. Kirk and W.J.A. Weir, while out on a reconnaissance on the 21st. During these attacks, which were made from a few hundred feet, 2,000 rounds were fired from our machines, the officers concerned reported the shooting ‘effective."

While on enemy aircraft patrol on 23rd. Capt. S.W. Addison (pilot) and Lieut. H. Fysh (observer) attacked 4 Albatross Scouts at 10,000 feet over BIREH. One enemy machine was shot down out of control, and two others were driven downs in a valley North of NABLUS. It was ascertained from enemy official documents captured later, that in this combat, ‘one machine broke up, another was shot up and had to break off the combat; the remaining two landed damaged by machine gun fire. One pilot was wounded.

During the period, machines of 1st Squadron for the first time entered upon the duty of ‘hopping off’ in response to hostile air-craft alarms which were received by wireless. Having been ‘intercepted’ on a number of occasions under this system, enemy aircraft began to adopt new tactics. When seeking a reconnaissance of our line, they would approach it from the coast, and at an altitude of from 16,000 to 18,000 feet, having apparently gained this height over the sea. They would sweep along our line, taking photographs, and having the advantage of this height when first observed, they were often able to make a hurried exit before our machines could get up to their level. However, to combat this new tactic, application was made to Wing Headquarters by 1st Squadron for permission for machines to patrol behind our line at the height named at the times at which the enemy aircraft usually appeared. This was granted, and the enemy machines several times fell into the trap.

While up on one of these patrols on the 26th Lieut. A.F. Murphy (pilot), and Lieut. A.E.K. Farquhar (observer) engaged a two-seater "Rumpler 260.H.P." at 17,000 feet over our aerodrome at RAMLEH. An exciting combat ensued, in which the enemy machine was driven down to 5,000 feet. At this stage, the pilot in the enemy machine fired a Very’s Light, and was heading for our aerodrome, evidently with the intention of landing, his observer in the meantime had been wounded. Lieut. Murphy simultaneously noticed that his observer had sunk into the cockpit, and as his own gun had ‘jammed’ he broke off the engagement. The enemy pilot, observing this, swung his machine round, made a bolt to his lines and made good his escape. Lieut. Farquhar was found to be dead when our machine landed on our aerodromes.

Two enemy two-seaters were forced down near KUTRANI on the 27th, by Capt. A.R. Brown, and Lieut. G.T. Oxenham (pilots) and Lieuts. G. Finlay and L.H. Smith (observers). One of the enemy machines was followed down to within a few feet of the ground by Lieut. Oxenham. The enemy machine landed and both occupants got out and ran, leaving the propeller turning over.

[Page 40]
While engaged firing ‘tracer’s’ into the enemy machine Lieut. Oxenham was hit by a bullet fired from the ground and crashed. He was killed and his observer, who was slightly hurt, was taken prisoner. Lieut. Smith was repatriated after the Armistice.

A formation of 6 Albatross Scouts was met over AMMAN on the following day by our reconnaissance machines; Pilots: Lieuts. S.A. Nunan and R.S. Adair, Observers: Lieuts. G. Finlay and C. J. Vyner. Our enemy machine was shot down by Lieut. Nunan and burst into flames, a second was crashed in the hills by Lieut. Adair, and the remainder were driven down on to the aerodrome at AMMAN.

COMMAND: On the 28th Major R. Williams, D.S.O. assumed command of the 40th Wing, R.A.F. vice Col. Shekleton, to England, and was granted the rank of Lieut. Colonel (temporary).

On the same date Capt. S.W. Addison, assumed command of the 1st Squadron, A.F.C. and was granted the rank of Major (temporary)

These promotions were subsequently confirmed as from the dates above mentioned.

In addition to the aerial combats already referred to, Capts. R.M. Smith, M.C. and A.RL. Brown and Lieut. E.G. Stooke, D.C.M. were engaged in indecisive combats.

A good deal of aspect camera work was done during June, in addition to the usual vertical photography. Machines while on reconnaissance, patrols, bomb raids and other duties, made oblique exposures of enemy aerodromes, railway stations, dumps, camps and other points of military significance. These photographs furnished information of considerable value.

[Page 41]
STATISTICS.

1.3.1918 to 30.6.1918

March - April – May – June - Total
Number of hours flown – 632 – 594 – 445 – 716 – 2387
Number of Strategical reconnaissances – 48 – 47 – 29 – 42 – 166
Number of Photographic – 23 – 23- 16 – 16 -78
Number of plates exposed – 518 – 609 – 367 – 400 – 1894
Number of Prints produced – 4560 – 5397 – 4819 – 4647 – 19423
Number of Bomb raids – 17 - - - 4 – 5 – 26
Weight of Bombs dropped – Lbs.7598 - - - 840 – 830 – 9268
Number of attacks of troops on the ground. – 9 - -1 – 8 – 16 – 34
Number of rounds fired – 3500 – 420 – 3390 – 43000 – 50310
Number of enemy aircraft patrols – 5 – 27 – 32 – 133 – 197

[Page 42]
OFFICERS WITH SQUADRON

DURING PERIOD OF

1st March 1918 to 30th June 1918

A.F.C.

Major Williams, D.S.O.
Capt. S.W. Addison – Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C.
Capt. D.W. Rutherford, - T T/Capt. R.M. Austin M.C.

Lieut. L.W. Rogers – Lieut. L.M. Potts
Lieut. J.D.S. Potts – Lieut. H.L. Fraser
Lieut. E.L. Spragg – Lieut. J.H. Butler
Lieut. T. Taylor – Lieut. C. le B. Brown
Lieut. A.J. Morgan – Lieut. E. P. Kenny
Lieut. C. G. Cameron – Lieut. L.B. Garson
Lieut. L.H. Rudd – Lieut. A.R. Brown
Lieut. A.V. Tonkin - Lieut. G.C. Peters
Lieut. C.N. Watt – Lieut. L.E. Taplin
Lieut. E.S. Headlam – Lieut. F.W.F. Lukie
Lieut. J.K. Curwen-Walker – Lieut. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M.
Lieut. W.A. Kirk – Lieut. E.A. Mustard
Lieut. G. Finlay – Lieut. O.M. Lee
Lieut. F. Hancock – Lieut. H. Fysh
Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, M.C., D.C.M. – Lieut. V.F. Turner
Lieut. P.A. McBain

2/Lieut. P.G. Hartley M.M. – 2/Lieut. R.S. Brain
2/Lieut. F.W. Haig – 2/Lieut. P.J. Sims
2/Lieut. J. Keane – 2/Lieut. R. Burton
2/Lieut. D.R. Dowling – 2/Lieut. C.S. Paul
2/Lieut. H.A. Blake – 2/Lieut. A.A. Poole
2/Lieut. R.S. Adair – 2/Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan
2/Lieut. J.M. Walker – 2/Lieut. S.W. Robinson
2/Lieut. J.T.T. Stevens – 2/Lieut. G.V. Oxenham
2/Lieut. G.W. Sheppard – 2/Lieut. W.C. Thompson
2/Lieut. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. – 2/Lieut. S.A. Nunan
2/Lieut. A.W. Murphy – 2/Lieut. F.J. Parkinson

ATTACHED.
Lieut. H.B. Fletcher – 12th A.L.H. Rgt. – 25.10.1917
Lieut. C.J. Vyner – 4th Coy. I.C.C. – 25.10.1917
Lieut. W.F. Cashman – 1st Bn. I.C.C. – 25.10.1917
Lieut. G. Daly – 14th Coy. I.C.C. – 25.10.1917
Lieut. E.B.S. Beaton – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – 26.10.1917
Lieut. R.T. Challinor – 2nd. A.L.H. Rgt. – 26.9.1917
Lieut. J.H. Traill – 4th Sig. Troop – 20.10.1917
Lieut. A.W. Farquar – 1st. A.L.H. Rgt. – 21.1.1918
Lieut. L.H. Smith – 1st A.L.H. Rgt. – 21.1.1918
Lieut. L.P. Kreig – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – 22.1.1918
Lieut. E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. – 12th A.L.H. Rgt. – 22.1.1918
Lieut. W.J.A. Weir – 6th A.L.H. Rgt. – 21.1.1918
Lieut. H.A. Letch M.C. – 2nd A.L.H. Rgt. - 22.1.1918
Lieut. F.C. Hawley – 4th Bn. I.C.C. – 23.1.1918
Lieut. R.A. Camm – 4th Bn. I.C.C. – 23.1.1918
Lieut. Lees – Ist Bn. I.C.C – 19.4.1918
Lieut. F.C. Conrick – 3rd Bn. I.C.C. – 19.4.1918
Lieut. A.V. McCann – 4th A.L.H. Rgt. – 19.4.1918
Lieut. W.H. Lilly – 3rd A.M.G.S. – 27.4.1918
2/Lieut. J. McElligot – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – 24.3.1918

[Page 43]
OFFICERS JOINED
A.F.C.
Capt. D.W. Rutherford – 18.3.1918 - 2/Lieut. H.S. Brain - 5.3.1918
2/Lieut. A.W. Murphy – 16.3.1918 - 2/Lieut. J.T.T. Stevens - 17.3.1918
2/Lieut. P.J. McGinness. D.C.M. - 22.3.1918 – 2/Lieut. S.A. Nunan - 16.3.1918
2/Lieut. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. – 22.3.1918 – 2/Lieut. G.V. Oxenham – 25.4.1918
2/Lieut. G.W. Sheppard – 1.5.1918 – 2/Lieut. W.C. Thompson – 13.6.1918

ATTACHED
Lieut. M.D. Lees – 1st Bn. I.C.C. – 19/4.1918
Lieut. F.C. Conrick – 3rd Bn. I.C.C. – 19/4.1918
Lieut. W.H. Lilly - 3rd. A.M.G.C. – 27.4.1918
2/Lieut. A.V. McCann – 4th A.L.H. Rgt. – 19.4.1918
2/Lieut. J. McElligott – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – 24.3.1918

OFFICERS QUITTED
A.F.C.
Lieut. T. Taylor – Embarked to Australia – 3.4.1918
Lieut. L.M. Potts – Embarked to Australia – 3.4.1918
Lieut. J.H. Butler – Embarked to Australia – 3.4.1918
Lieut. C. le B. Brown M.C. – Embarked to Australia – 3.4.1918
Lieut. H.L. Fraser, M.C. – Embarked to Australia – 3.4.1918
2/Lieut. P.J. Sims – To Moascar for Embarkation – 31.3.1918
2/Lieut. J. Keane – To United Kingdom – 31.3.1918
2/Lieut. S.W. Robinson – To Training Group, R.A.F. – 13.4.1918
2/Lieut. J.T.T. Stevens– To Training Group, R.A.F. - 13.4.1918
Lieut. E.A. Mustard – To 40th Wing. R.A.F. FOR DUTY. – 13.5.1918

ATTACHED
Lieut. W.P. Cashman, M.C. – 1st Bn. I.C.C. – To unit – 10.4.1918

OFFICERS TRANSFERRED.
Lieut. L.W. Rogers. - Pilot – A.F.C. – to 1st A.L.H. Rgt. – 18/3/1918
Lieut. E.B.S. Beaton – Observer – 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – To 1st Sqdn. A.F.C. – 25.1.1918
Lieut. H.B. Fletcher – Observer – 12th A.L.H. Rgt. – To 1st Sqdn. A.F.C. - 1.6.1918
Lieut. H.A. Letch M.C. - Observer -2nd A.L.H. Rgt. – To 1st Sqdn. A.F.C. - 1.6.1918
Lieut. R.A. Camm – Observer – I.C.C. - To 1st Sqdn. A.F.C. - 1.6.1918
Lieut. F.C. Hawley – Observer – I.C.C. – To 1st Sqdn. A.F.C. – 1.6.1918

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS ETC.
Notification of the following was received during the period.
Lieut. R.A. Austin, M.C. - A.F.C. – To be T/Capt. & Flight Comdr. – 1.2.1918
Aus/332 F/Sgt. Johnston H. - A.F.C. – To be 2/Lieut & E.O. CI.111 (Wireless) – 12.4.1918
Lieut. A.R. Brown – A.F.C. – To be T/Capt. & Flight Commander – 19.3.1918
2/Lieut. P.J. McGinness – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 21.3.1918
2/Lieut. A.W. Murphy – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 24.1.1918
2/Lieut. R. Burton - A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 13.2.1918
2/Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 19.2.1918
2/Lieut. D.R. Dowling – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 16.2.1918
2/Lieut. J.M. Walker – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant - 20.2.1918
2/Lieut. C.S. Paul – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 24.1.1918
2/Lieut. H.A. Blake – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant - 26.1.1918
2/Lieut. R.S. Adair – A.F.C. – To be Lieutenant – 5.3.1918

[Page 44]
APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, ETC.

Major R. Williams, D.S.O. – A.F.C. Assumed Command of 49th (Army) Wing – 28.6.18
Capt. S. W. Addison – Assumed command of 1st Squadron A.F.C. – 28.6.18

CASUALTIES.
Capt. R.A. Austin, M.C. – Prisoner of War – 19.3.1918
Lieut. O.M. Lee – Prisoner of War – 19.3.1918
Lieut. L.B. Garson – Wounded (Aeroplane accident) – 27.3.1918
Lieut. J.M. Traill – Wounded (Aeroplane accident) – 24.4.1918
Lieut. F.W. Haig – Prisoner of War – 1.5.1918
Capt. D.W. Rutherford – Prisoner of War – 1.5.1918
Lieut. R.T. Challinor – Prisoner of War – 1.5.1918
Lieut. J.K. Curwen-Walker – Killed (Aeroplane accident) – 3.5.1918
Aus/506 Cpl. Jensen N.P.B. – Killed (Aeroplane accident) – 3.5.1918
Lieut. R. Burton – Wounded (Aeroplane accident) – 7.6.1918
Aus.607 1/A.M. Fell W.H. – Killed (Bomb accident) – 4.5.1918
Lieut. G.V. Oxenham – Killed in action – 27.6.1918

ATTACHED
2/Lieut. J. McElligott, - 11th A.L.H. Rgt. – Prisoner of War – 1.5.1918
Lieut. R.A. Camm – 4th Btn. I.C.C. – Wounded in action – 4.6.1918
Lieut. A.W.K. Farquhar – 1st A.L.H. Rgt. – Killed in action – 26.6.1918
Lieut. L.H. Smith – 1st A.L.H. Rgt. – Prisoner of War – 27.6.1918

HONOURS AND AWARDS, ETC.
A.F.C.
MILITARY CROSS
Lieut. C. le B. Brown – 1.1.1918
Lieut. W.A. Coates – 1.1.1918
Lieut. H.L. Fraser – 1.1.1918
Lieut. O.M. Lee – 1.1.1918

ORDER OF THE NILE 4th CLASS
Lieut. E.A. Mustard – 18/3/1918

MILITARY MEDAL
Aus/319 1/A.M. Ries W.E. - 2.3.1918
Aus/607 a/A.M. Brown P. – 2.3.1918

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
Aus/106 Sgt. Beard W.A. – 1.1.1918
Aus/455 F/Sgt. Coulson O.H. – 1.1.1918
Aus/124 A/F. Sgt. Rogers J.H. – 1.1.1918
Aus/320 R/Sgt. Sleeman H.L. – 1.1.1918
Aus/104 F/Sgt. Watkins T. – 1.1.1918

[Page 45]
PART III

The final period covered by this Review is notable for a series of events which will doubtless stand out amongst the most dramatic achievements of the War. Not only did it embrace the operations which led to the utter collapse and ultimate annihilation of the whole of the Turkish Armies engaged here, the capture of practically all their equipment and Stores, and the occupation of several thousand square miles in the enemy territory, but, moreover, it afforded one of the most striking demonstrations in the whole war, of what is possible of accomplishment by mounted forces in open warfare when working in co-operation with a powerful aerial arm. Following up the memorable ‘break through’ the enemy’s front line in the coastal sector on the morning of September the 19th., our cavalry swept on like a tidal wave over the plain of SHARON, thence through the hills of SAMARIA to the historic plain of ESDRAELON and on to the valley of JEZREEL. It was regarded as imperative that this stage of our advance over a distance of about 60 miles should be carried through before the enemy could effect his escape, if our whole plan was to materialise. A rapid and decisive advance meant the closing of practically all the routes available for the retreat of the enemy, and with this accomplished, the collapse of his armies was considered inevitable. All objectives were reached by our cavalry in accordance with the official programme and the result was as predicted. Within 36 hours of the commencement of the battle JENIN, AFULE, NAZARETH AND BEISAN were in our hands, and all the main outlets of escape remaining to the Turkish VIIIth Armies therefore had been closed. These armies had been completely enveloped and reduced to a state of general demoralisation; all organised resistance had ceased. Chaos reigned everywhere behind the Turkish line and even at this early stage the retreat of the enemy had assumed the form of a common stampede.

The work of our air craft during the battle was a paramount factor in making this meteoric advance possible. Our machines vigorously attacked the retreating enemy columns with bombs and machine gun fire. The enemy on many occasions dispersed, abandoning all transport and guns, and fled into the hills, where they were ultimately captured in disorganised mobs. In one case a column of approximately 5000 of all arms was caught retiring along the BALATA-FERWEH road. The passes were completely blocked by motor and horse transport that collided and overturned in the confusion that reigned when attacked by our machine. The troops broke up and made for the hills, and when our cavalry swept over this area a day or two later, the following materials were found abandoned on the road,-
87 Guns
55 Motor Lorries
4 Motor Cars
75 Two Wheeled Waggons
837 Four Wheeled Waggons
20 Water Carts and Field Kitchens.

Every available machine was ultilised for this attack, and their departure from the aerodrome was so timed that groups arrived over the target every three minutes. The head of the column was bombed as it was proceeding through a deep gorge, and once the leading section was wrecked there was no escape for the remainder of the column. The attack continued for several hours, until the scene became known amongst our pilots as the ‘eight miles of dead’.

Results of a similar character to this were produced in several/other localities. The outcome of this work was that the enemy was unable to effect any appreciable concentration to obstruct our progress, which proceeded with little or no opposition. It meant also, that our cal[s]ualties, which, in an advance of this sort might otherwise might have been extremely heavy, were extraordinarily light.

The influence that the aerial arm had upon the general turn of events, however, was not confined to the period of operations. While the attack was actually in progress, our machines, were always prominent, a great deal of the work being performed within the full view of our advancing troops; but this was regarded merely as the ‘limelight display’.

[Page 46]
It was only a small part of the work they carried out in connection with these operations. For some months before the curtain actually rose they were engaged upon the work, the efficient performance of which had a vital bearing upon the ultimate result of our scheme of action. The months of July and August were an extremely busy period for all branches of our Force. All the vast preparations necessary for a big attack were in progress immediately behind our line, and it was obviously of paramount importance that the enemy should be kept as much in the dark as possible as to what was going on there. This was successfully accomplished, owing chiefly to the efforts of the Air Force. Referring to this matter, General Allenby, in his despatch on the operations says:- ‘That the enemy expected an offensive on my part about this date is probable. That he remained in ignorance of any intention to attack in the coastal plain with overwhelming numbers is certain.’ While the concentration in the coastal plain was being carried out, every precaution possible to prevent any increased movement becoming apparent to the Turk was taken. Full use was made of the groves around RANLEH, LUDD and JAFFA to conceal troops during the day, but, says the Commander-in chief ‘the chief factor in the secrecy maintained must be attributed, however, to the supremacy in the air which had been obtained. The process of wearing down the enemy’s aircraft had been going all through the summer. During one week in June, 100 hostile aeroplanes had crossed our lines. During the last week in August this number had decreased to 18. In the next few days a number were shot down with the result that only 4 ventured to cross our lines during the period of concentration.’ For several days prior to the commencement not a single enemy machine got over our line.

When any enemy aircraft did venture over our line during this period, it was invariably on the ’tip and run’ principle, and they were usually pursued home, though not always overtaken. Moreover, they came over at altitudes from which accurate ov[b]servation was impossible, generally from 16,000 to 18,000 feet. In compiling a report on a reconnaissance made from this height, the observer would need to rely more upon his imagination than any other faculty. The value of the information they handed in on these occasions may be gathered from the following extracts from those reports appearing in the German Flying Corps Diary, referring to observations taken of movements and dispositions of our forces from 1st to 16th September – ‘The total camp capacity of the enemy had remained as before! ‘only unimportant regrouping of troops without change of strength’. These refer to the
period when the greatest concentration carried out during the whole campaign was in progress.

The parlous state to which the German Flying Service had been reduced at this stage, as an outcome of the unceasing aggressiveness and enterprise of our pilots, is also reflected in this diary. Under date of August 31st it is recorded that owing to the activity of the Bristol Fighters far behind the enemy’s lines, the short distance reconnaissance work of the enemy machines had been rendered ‘extraordinarily difficult’ . It is complained that the Bristol Fighters were continually over their aerodrome, while on the 27th the men’s tents on the aerodrom[e] at JENIN were attacked with machine gun fire. It is further stated that ‘the loss of two machines of 301 Squadron compelled the suspension of all flying of other machines in front of the VIIIth Army. The carrying on of flights on the rest of the front will be attempted to be maintained occasionally.’ According to enemy records, this shortage of machines was soon overcome by the arrival of ‘replacements’ at the front; but it seems that the pilots necessary to fly them were not forthcoming. Frequent reference is made to the scarcity of pilots ‘owing to sickness and other causes’, while under date of September 15th four days before the commencement of our offensive, the following entry appears:- ‘Owing to the extraordinary lack of pilots, limited flying only can be carried our [out] in spite of the arrival of 20 new "D.F.W. ‘s"

In view of the achievements of our airmen, it is not surprising to find this official intimation of the unpopularity of the enemy service. During the eight weeks immediately proceeding the date upon which our attack was launched, members of this Squadron destroyed 15 enemy machines and drove down 27 others.

[Page 47]
Many of these last that were forced to land were damaged by machine gun fire that they could not be repaired before our advance, with the result that, ultimately they also fell into our hands. The remains of a considerable number of machines that had been burnt at enemy aerodromes just prior to our occupation, were also found.

As illustrati[o]n the great part that 1st Squadron played in these operations, it may be noted here that during the two months immediately preceding the opening of our offensive, every enemy machine accounted for on the whole front went to the credit of this unit. In addition this Squadron was responsible for 11 strategical reconnaissance and photography, carried out numerous attacks on ground targets with bomb and machine gun fire, escorted all bomb raids, and carried out hostile aircraft patrols daily. From the commencement of July until the date of the Armistice with Turkey – October 31st, 1918 – the flying hours of the Squadron reached the substantial total of 2,862 – an average of ob[v]er 700 hours a month. 157 strategical reconnaissances and 77 photographic reconnaissances were carried out, 604 Square miles of enemy territory was photographed, 1,903 plates being exposed and 21,581 prints produced. Bomb raids to the number of 150 were carried out, 45,948- lbs. of bombs were dropped while a total of 241,000 machine gun rounds were fired from our machines. During the same period the members of this Squadron destroyed 17 enemy machines in aerial combats, and drove 33 down.

When this period opened the Squadron was still located at the RAMLEH aerodrome.

JULY: The month of July was an active time for the Squadron, the flying hours increasing to 727. In all 37 strategical reconnaissances were carried out including 9 special reconnaissances, in the cours[e] of which a good deal of new ground was covered. On the 6th JAUF ED DERWISH, a station on the HEDJAZ Railway between KUTRANI and MAAN was reconnoitred by Lieut. E.F. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut, L.W. Sutherland, M.C. D.C.M. (observer) involving a flight of about 225 miles. Two days later this station was bombed by machines from R.A.F. Squadrons, escorted by Lieuts. H.A. Blake (pilot) and H.A. Letch (Observer). The latter flew South of JAUF ED DERWISH to reconnoitre the railway to MAAN. On both these occasions the old German aerodrome[e] at BEERSHEBA was used as an advanced landing Ground.

SEMAKH, which is situated at the Southern end of the sea of GALLILEE was visited for the first time on the 21st by Lieut. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (pilot) and Lieut. H. Fysh (observer) A considerable concentration of cavalry was found there, also an aerodrome. These targets were machine gunned from a few hundred feet, 900 rounds being fired apparently with good effect. The country round AMMAN and DAMIE was reconno[i]tred on 13 occasions, the Western area on 10 occasions, AFULE JENIN and BEISAN were also visited several times.

Photographic reconnaissances to the number of 24 were carried out and 156 square miles of country covered chiefly in the TIREH area, and in the vicinity of WADI ISKANDEHUNEH, 524 plates were exposed and 7,028 prints produced. In addition a number o[f]s aspect photographs were taken.

Members of the Squadron were engaged in the 10 aerial combats in the course of which 5 enemy machines were destroyed and 10 were driven down. 31 attacks on enemy troops were made. Escorts to bombing formations from other Squadrons were provided on 31 occasions, and 140 hostile aircraft patrols were carried out.

On the 3rd. Capt. A.R. Brown (pilot) and Lieut. G. Finlay (observer) while on patrol attacked an enemy two-seater machine near HUWARAH. They drove the enemy machine down to 500 feet over the Turkish lines, but after firing a few bursts at close range they were compelled to break off the engagement owing to heavy machine guns fire from the ground. Their machine was hit in several places.

When the reconnaissance and escort machines – Pilots;- Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C. and Lieut. C.S. Paul, Observers:- Lieut. W.A. Kirk and W.J.A. Weir – were over JENIN aerodrome[e] on the 9th., a motor car was seen moving rapidly amongst the hangars.

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Shortly after 6 machines were wheeled out, four of the engines were started, and the machines ‘taxied’ out on to the aerodrome. Our machines went down and opened fire on the enemy machines, whereupon the motor car approached them and the engines were stopped. During this proceeding 600 rounds were fired at the machines and other targets.

Two days later the advanced aerodrom[e] at BALAATA and horse lines and camps along the BIREH-NABLUS road were attacked from low altitude, by the same pilots and observers. 1,300 rounds were fired and panic was produced in the various camps attached.

On the same day Lieuts. S.A. Nunan and R.S. Adair (Pilots) and E.A. Mulford D.C.M. and L.P. Kreig (Observers), while out on reconnaissance, went down a few hundred feet and attacked horse and camel transport in the WADI FARAH. Later in the day the same target was attacked by Lieuts. E.P. Kenny and P.J. McGinness, D.C. M. (Pilots) and L.W. Sutherland M.C. D.C.M. and H. Fysh (observers). On each occasion horses stampeded, many were seen to fall and general panic prevailed. 1,850 rounds were fired into these targets.

While on the Eastern reconnaissance on the 12th Lieuts. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (pilot) and H. Fysh (Observer) located 2,000 camels and 500 cavalry near KISSIR Station moving South, into which they fired 800 rounds. This target was bombed and machine gunned by a formation of our machines later in the day. Several direct hits were obtained, and the camels and horses dispersed in all directions, many being seen to fall. On the 15th the reconnaissance machine reported that the camels had been again collected and were moving Southward. They were again attacked and scattered 1,250 rounds being fired into them from our machines.

Camps, cavalry, trains and other ground targets were similarly attacked by our machines on several other occasions during the month.

On the 16th Capt. A.R. Brown and Lieuts. G.O. Peters (pilots) and Lieuts. G. Finlay and J.H. Traill (observers) drove 4 Albatross Scouts down on to the aerodrome at TULKERAM. Enemy records, captured later revealed that all enemy machines were damaged by machine gun fire on this occasion.

Lieuts. C.S. Paul (pilot) and W.J.A. Weir (observer) chased an enemy machine (two-seater) to JENIN, but were unable to overtake it before it landed there. On the return journey they flew along several roads at low altitude and fired 1.450 rounds into various targets causing no small amount of commotion.

The same afternoon Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. A.V. McCann (observer) drove three enemy scouts down near NABLUS, and on this occasion also, according to enemy records, all enemy machines were hit by machine gun fire.

Later in the day two enemy two-seaters were driven down on to the AMMAN aerodrome by Lieuts. D.R. Dowling and G.V. Sheppard (pilots) and E.A. Mulford D.C.M. and L.P. Kreigh (Observers.)

On the following day two enemy scouts (Albatross) were met at 11.000 feet over BOREH by Capt. R.N. Smith M.C. (pilot) and Lieut. W.A. Kirk (observer). Both enemy machines were destroyed. The Officers concerned were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

An enemy two-seater was shot down by Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. L.W. Sutherland M.C., D.C.M. (observer) on the 22nd. The enemy machine, close[l]y pursued by our machine, flew along a deep gorge about 20 feet above the ground. Lieut. Sutherland here fired a burst of 100 rounds into the enemy machine which crashed in the bed of a Wadi.

Acting upon information received from an Agent, a special reconnaissance of the country round ZIMMERIN was made by Lieut. E.P. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut. L.W. Sutherland M.C. , D.C.M. (observer) escorted by Lieut. C.S. Paul (Pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir (Observer). It had been reported

That there was an enemy aerodrome here and this was located near KUSKUS. The aerodrom[e was attacked with machine gun fire.

While on patrol near MEJDEL YABA on the 24th Lieut. G.C. Peters and Lieut. H.M. Walker (pilots) and Lieuts. J.H. Traill and H.A. Letch, M.C. (Observers) attacked an enemy two-seater, which they shot down. An enemy account of this combat stated that the enemy machine was found to have 23 bullet holes in it.

In response to an enemy aircraft alarm, two of our machines – Capt. A.R. Brown and Lieut. C.S. Paul (pilots) and Lieuts. G. Finlay and W.J.A. Weir (Observers) – went up on the 28th., and met an enemy machine flying North of SELWAD. They drove the enemy machine down North of the WADI FARAH, and machine gunned it after it landed.

While on the 30th Lieut. E.P. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, M.C., D.C.E. [M] (Observer) accounted for an enemy two-seater in the JORDAN VALLEY. An enemy report of the fight stated that the enemy pilot was killed and the observer wounded.

While reconnoitring BEISAN on the 31st. Lieuts. J.M. Walker, (pilot) and H.B. Fletcher (Observer) attached a transport part and passenger train, firing 400 rounds into them.

In a similar attack upon the aerodrome[e] cavalry, station buildings and rolling stock at SIMAKH made the same day by Lieuts. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (Pilot) and H. Fysh (Observer) considerable panic was caused amongst the enemy. It was the first occasion upon which our machines had appeared over SAMAKH and when the station buildings were attacked from a height of a few hundred feet, people were seen to run wildly in all directions. Upon the aerodrome being machine gunned, men rushed out of hangars and other shelters and were observed running about and lying down on the aerodrome. Dumps near the aerodrome were machine gunned and several Very’s Lights and Smoke balls were seen to go off causing an outbreak of fire. Altogether 900 rounds were fired in this attack.

AUGUST: A conspicuous feature[e] in the work carried our[t] during August was the amount of photography done. A total of 39 photographic reconnaissances were made, in the course of which 959 plates were exposed covering 384 square miles of country. 7,068 Prints were produced. This was confined chiefly to main roads and railways in enemy territory not previously mapped from the air, chief amongst which were:- DAMIE-BEISAN, NABLUS-BEISAN, BEISAN-EL AFYLEH and EL AFULE-JENIN. Several other areas were re-photographed and small gaps left in other series, thereby filled in. These photographs enabled the Survey Branch to issue new editions of the SAMARIA, TULKERAM and TELFIT sheets, with special attention to roads and railways which proved of incalculable value in subsequent operations.

A considerable number of aspect photographs of enemy aerodromes railways, camps and other points of military importance were also taken. This work was done chiefly by Lieut. W.A. Kirk.

During the same period regular reconnaissances were made of the Western Sector as far North as AFULE and SEMAKH, and of the Eastern area embracing WADI FARRAH, DAMIE, ES SALT, AMMAN and MADEIBA. The South Eastern sector also was watched, KERAK, KUTRANI, and JAUF ED DERWISH and MANN being visited. In addition, escorts for bombing formations were provided on 15 occasions, while 74 hostile aircraft patrols were carried out.

During the month our machines were engaged in numerous aerial combats, in the course of which they destroyed 10 enemy machines and drove down 11. 24 attacks were made upon troops, cavalry, camps and other ground targets. The number of rounds fired for the four weeks totalled 29,489 while 1,080 –lbs. of bombs were dropped.

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A special reconnaissance of the KUSKUS area was made on the 3rd by Lieut, E.P. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut. L.W. Sutherland. M.C. D.C.M. (observer) escorted by Lieut. P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (pilot) and Lieut. H. Fysh (observer) as an outcome of a report received that the enemy aerodrome was being removed from KUSKUS. When approaching KUSKUS, our machines saw a formation of 4 enemy two-seaters flying North. The enemy machines were overtaken and attacked, one was shot down out of control and seen to dive headlong into the ground, and two others were driven down. The fourth broke off the engagement and escaped. Over to the enemy aerodrome at AFULE and attacked it with machines gun fire, firing 900 rounds into the hangars and other targets in the vicinity from a low altitude.

On the 5th Lieut. R.S. Adair (pilot) and Lieut. E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. (Observer) drove an enemy scout down on to the aerodrome at AMMAN.

While escorting a bomb raid to AMMAN on the 8th Lieut. E.A. Numan (pilot) and Lieut. F.C. Conrick (observer) attacked an anti-aircraft battery that was shelling the bombing machines. 150 rounds were fired into the battery which ceased fire, and the gunners were seen to scatter; Lieut. Nunan continued to circle over the battery until the rail was completed. The guns did not resume firing.

On the 9th Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. C.J. Vyner (observer) took off in response to an enemy aircraft alarm call. North of DIER ALLA they saw an enemy two-seater machine at 13000 feet which they pursued for 50 miles behind the enemy’s lines but were unable to overtake it. When they gave up the chase the enemy machine had climbed to 18,000 feet and was still flying North.

A formation of 6 Pflaz Scouts were encountered over JENIN the 14th of our reconnaissance machines – Pilots: Lieuts P.J. McGinness, D.C..M. and W.C. Thompson, Observers: Lieuts. F. [H] Fysh and M.D. Lees. This was the first occasion that machines of this type had been met on the front. When attacked by our two machines the formation broke up, and all enemy machines were driven down onto the aerodrome at JENIN. In breaking off the engagement they were aided by low lying clouds.

A large concentration of cavalry was observed on the coast near MUKHALID, where horse lines and mens shelters were cleverly ‘comouflaged’ and concealed on the steep hillsides near the foreshore. This target was attacked with machine gun fire from the air on the 14th by Capt. A.R. Brown (pilot) and Lieut. G. Finlay (observer) and considerable panic caused. They again visited the locality, later, the same day accompanied by a second machine – Lieut. C.S. Paul (pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir (observer) – when they found a large number of troops and horses swimming at the beach. These were attacked from a height of a few hundred feet, and the greatest consternation prevailed. When gunning this target our machines were at times below the height of the cliffs. They were enfiladed by enemy machine gun fire from the high ground, and both our machines were damaged. Lieut. Paul’s machine landed with 27 bullet holes in it. In these attacks a total of 2,350 rounds were fired from our machines.

On the 16th Lieut. C.S. Paul (pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir (observer) destroyed an enemy two-seater over JEZIL. After receiving two ‘bursts’ from our machines from close range, the enemy machine fall to pieces in the air. For this and former aerial victories these officers were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

During a bomb raid on AMMAN on the 21st the anti-aircraft batteries were again attacked by our escort machines – Pilots:- Capt. A.R. Brown and Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan, Observers, Lieuts. G. Finlay and H.A. Letch, M.C. The guns were silenced. Six of our machines dropped t00-lbs. of bombs on the AMMAN Station and aerodrome on this date, several direct hits being obtained.

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Later the same day three of our machines bombed KASTAK Railway Station with good effect. The same day AMMAN Station and Aerodrome were bombed by machines from other Squadrons. Altogether five raids were carried out. An entry in the German Flying Corps diary referring to these raids states:- "On the 21st AMMAN was attacked with bombs five times. Two machines of 305 Squadron and one of the Turkish Squadron was strongly damaged, and several men were killed and wounded."

On the same day Lieut, E.S. Headlam (pilot) and Lieut. W.H. Lilly (observer) drove an enemy two-seater down near the AMMAN Aerodrome.

The 22nd is a red-letter day in the history of the unit, being the date upon which the Squadron claimed its first enemy machine shot down in our lines. In all previous cases, even when the combat commenced our territory, the end came behind the enemy’s lines. On this occasion the two Bristol Fighters, Pilots: Capt. A.R. Brown and Lieut. J.M. Walker Observers: Lieut. G. Finlay and H.A. Letch M.C., were patrolling our line when an enemy two-seater appeared over RAMLEH at a height of 17,000 feet. They attacked the enemy machine, and in the fight that ensued immediately over our aerodrome, one of our machines was shot down out of control, and both the occupants, Lieuts. J.M. Walker and M.A. Letch M.C. were killed. The other machine carried on the combat and a few minutes later drove the enemy machine down in our lines. The enemy Pilot and Observer were uninjured and were taken prisoners. There were several bullet machines in their machine and engine. One bullet passed through the enemy pilot’s glove, and three others through a map board that the observer had on his knees. For this work Capt. Brown and Lieut, Finley were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The 24th August is notable for the great aerial battle fought on the front. Taking off in response to a hostile aircraft alarm, Lieuts G.C. Peters and P.J. McGinness, D.C.M. (pilots0 and J.H. Traill and H.B. Fletcher (observers) met an enemy two-seater at 11,000 feet over JELIL. As our machine approached the enemy machine turned Westwards and fired a signal light. Shortly afterwards our machine found that they had been led under a formation of 6 scouts which were about 3,000 feet above, having come in from the coast[.] The leader of this formation fired a light and then dived on our machines followed by the others. By smart manoeuvring our machines evaded the onslaught, and got above the enemy machines. In the combat that ensued the enemy two-seater was crashed, one scout was sent down in flames, two others were shot down and destroyed, while a four[th] was forced down on to a road where it collided with a motor lorry and crashed badly. It was ascertained from enemy records that of the seven enemy machines engaged in this combat, only one scout got back to its aerodrome. The four officers named above were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for this performance and were personally congratulated by the General Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force, (Middle East), upon their ‘brilliant achievement.’

On the 27th the JENIN Aerodrome was vigorously attacked by Lieut. S.A. Nunan (pilot) and Lieut. F.C. Conrick (observer). When approaching the enemy aerodrome seven scouts and 1 two-seater were observed on the ground. Our machine patrolled immediately over the aerodrome at a few thousand feet for about an hour, and as none of the enemy machines showed any inclination to come into the air, Lieut. Nunan went down to a lower altitude and he and his Observer proceeded to machine gun the machines and hangars. Men were seen to run away from the enemy machines as the Bristol Fighter approached. 500 rounds were fired at this target and traces were seen to enter the machines and hangars.

On the 29th a Handly Page machine ‘09681’ recently flown from ENGLAND to EGYPT by General A.E. Borton, D.S.O. was taken on the strength of the Squadron. This was the first of this type of machine to arrive on the front.

Two enemy two-seaters were destroyed in aerial combat on the 31st by Lieut. P.J. McGinness, D.F.C., D.C.M. (pilot) AND Lieut. H. Fysh (observer). Both the enemy machines were shot down by the ‘rear guns’ one crashing in our lines. For this Lieut. Fysh was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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SEPTEMBER: This was a month of records. During the two final weeks of September the work of the squadron was particularly strenuous. It was the first stage of our great advance, and all machines were pressed into service. The flying hours reached the substantial total of 866 – the highest figure registered in the history of the unit. The activity that prevailed after operations were entered upon is evident from the fact that for the first 8 days after the battle started the flying time was 409 hours, while 106,000 rounds were fired and 3,700-lbs. of bombs dropped by the machines of this Squadron. 159 attacks were made upon retreating troops and transport and other ground targets. The country both East and West of the JORDAN was closely reconnoitred early in the month, and during the advance of our troops our machines covered a very considerable area of new territory, over which no British machine had been previously. This extended from our old line up to Beirut on the Coast, thence across to DAMASCUS, and East of the JORDAN to SHEIKH SAAD, DERAA and BOSRA ESKI SHAM. Altogether 53 reconnaissances were carried out during the four weeks, many of which involved flights over distances up to nearly 300 miles, and the consequent use of advanced landing grounds. Two special reconnaissances were made to locate missing machines from other Squadrons, and in each case the search was successful. Eight photographic reconnaissances were carried out, during which 64 square miles of country were covered. Free use was made of the aspect camera also, photographs being taken of suitable bombing targets behind the enemy’s lines, some while bombing was actually in progress; also of important roads, railways, stations, dumps, camps and other points of military significance in the new country penetrated during the advance. Many of these photographs furnished especially valuable records. Our line was patrolled from dawn till dusk with the object of concealing our concentration from the gaze of enemy aircraft. By this stage, however, the enemy machines had ceased to be very inquisitive, and were only seen on rare occasions. These patrols were carried out conjointly by this Unit and No. 111 Squadron, R.A.F.

The following statistics, showing the full amount of work done during this months by 1st Squadron, are of interest:-

Number of hours flown during the month – 866 Hours 30 mins.
Number of Strategical Reconnaissances – 53
Number of Photographic Reconnaissances – 8
Number of Special Reconnaissances - 2
Number or Escorts to bomb raids - 5
Area photographed (Sq. Miles). – 64
Number of Plates exposed – 387
Number of Prints produced – 6235
Number of Aspect Exposures – 104
Number of Enemy Aircraft patrols – 59
Number of Attacks on Troops – 156
Number of Aerial Combats – 8
Number of Rounds fired – 116684
Number of Bomb Raids – 140
Number of Bombs dropped 25-lb Coopers – 1311
Number of Bombs dropped 112-lb R.L. – 64
Number of Bombs dropped 15- lb Incendiary - 45
Total weight of Bombs dropped Lbs. – 41618 (18.5 tons)

When returning from a reconnaissance on the 2nd Lieut. C.S. Paul, D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir, D.F.C. (observer) paid a further visit to MUKHALID and attacked the cavalry camp there. They flew low over the horse lines, firing 750 rounds into them and causing a stampede.

A special trip to AZRAK was made on the 11th by Lieuts. G.C. Peters, D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut, J.H. Traill, D.F.C. (observer). This was the Headquarters of Col. Lawrence’s force at this stage, and the object of this mission was to equip him with a supply of carrier pigeons which had been already trained from our machines. This constituted Col. Lawrence’s only form of communication with the rest of the Army.

Throughout the early part of the month the whole of the enemy strategical area was regularly reconnoitred, sometimes twice daily.

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This, together with patrols, formed the major part of the work until the start of the battle. While on one of the reconnaissances on the 14th, Pilots: Lieuts. P. J. McGinness, D.F.C., D.C.M., and D.R. Dowling, Observers: Lieuts. H. Fysh D.F.C. and E.A. Mulford, D.C.M. attacked a Runpler two-seater which they drove down near the JENIN Aerodrome. The enemy machine appeared to crash on landing.

When returning from a bomb raid on DERAA on the 17th a ‘D.H.9’ from No. 144 Squadron, R.A.F. crashed in enemy territory and two of our machines – Pilots: Lieut. H.A. Blake and D.R. Dowling, Observers: Lieuts. E. Sullivan and E.A. Mulford D.C.M. were detailed to destroy it before the enemy had time to remove it. This was deemed advisable particularly in view of the fact that this new type of machine had just arrived on the front. When our machines reached the locality they found that the crashed machine had been camouflaged with branches of trees. Lieut. Blake went down over the machine and succeeded in setting it alight with tracer ammunition. It burnt fiercely and was completely destroyed.

Early on the morning of the 19th, the big offensive was started by the Handley Page machine. Leaving the aerodrome at 1.15 a.m. this machine, from by Capt. R.M. Smith D.F.C., with Observers: Lieut. C.A. Mulford, D.C.M., M.D. Lees and A.V. McCann, proceeded to the important Railway junction at AFULE, where 16 – 112 –lbs. Bombs and several incendiary bombs were dropped. Considerable damage was done to the station buildings and the railway line. The Handley Page returned to the aerodrome just before dawn. That night the same machine, with the same Pilot and Observers, paid two visits to the JENIN aerodrome where they dropped 32 – 112-lb. bombs. When our troops occupied this centre a day or two later, it was found a good deal of damage was done on this raid.

Throughout the remainder of the day all machines of the Squadron were engaged ‘strafing’ the retreating enemy with bombs and machine gun fire. 26 Bombing flights were carried out during which 3 Tons were chiefly troops and transport on the TULKERAM-ANEBTA road, troops at TULKERAM, JENIN and AFULE aerodromes. A total of 16,900 machine gun rounds were fired during the day at various ground targets causing the greatest consternation. A number of our pilots made several trips over the line, merely returning to the aerodrome to replenish their stocks of ammunition.

When returning from one of these raids Lieut. H.S.R. Maughan, saw a ‘D.H. 9’ go down behind the enemy’s line, where the pilot burnt the machine. Lieut. Maughan landed and under hostile rifle fire picked up the Pilot and Observer, whilst the enemy was kept off by machine gun fire from his Observer, Lieut. L.W. Sutherland M.C., D.C.M. Numerous dead were observed after the Bristol ‘took off’. Lieut. Maughan flew his double load back to our aerodrome. For this he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

A similar experience befell Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. L.C. Climie (observer). Their machine was hit from the ground while they were gunning enemy troops from a low altitude. They came down in enemy territory and were captured by the Turks who started to take them back with the retreating troops. They had not gone far, however, when the enemy saw our cavalry close on their heels. They thereupon galloped, forgetting all about Lieuts. Tonkin and Climie, in their hurry. These officers were overtaken by our cavalry and escorted back to our line.

By the following day the resistance of the enemy had been completely broken, and on all routes of retreat were large columns of retreating Turks. These were everywhere vigorously attacked by our machines with the result that the wildest possible confusion prevailed. Horses bolted over precipices, followed by motor lorries that were assisted on their way by the bombs; men ran excitedly in all directions, and in numerous cases deserted their convoys and fled into the hills. During the day 7.5 tons of bombs were dropped and 32,000 rounds were fired into these targets. This unit’s proportion of these figures were: Bombs dropped 4,500 lbs., Rounds fired – 24,000. The balance is the aggregate of the remaining squadrons in the Wing.

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Similar attacks were carried out by our pilots on the 21st with unabated vigor. This day, attention was centered chiefly on the road leading from BALAATA to KHERBET FERWEH. Then, making a dawn reconnaissance of this area, Capt. A.R. Brown D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut. G. Finlay D.F.C. (Observer), observed a column of about 5,000 of all arms retreating along this road towards BEISAN. They notified the aerodrome, using the wireless apparatus specially fitted to the machine for this purpose. A bombing formation was at once despatched to the locality with instructions to attack the head of the column and block the road on which there were several passes. This was followed by other machines at frequent intervals, and a continuous attack on this force was kept up for several hours. The column was brought to a halt, and subsequently the whole of its transport and equipment was captured as related earlier in this report. During the day machines from this Squadron dropped 6,600 –l lbs. bombs and fired 23-500 rounds. Several of the pilots made four and five trips over the lines. These attacks were made from heights varying from 2,000 feet to 200 feet, while in a few cases the machines went even lower than that.

Our reconnaissance machines on the 22nd reported the first movement of importance observed East of the JORDAN, when a big increase of transport was observed going North East to ES SALT and East to AMMAN. During the preceding three days, despite the sensational developments, in the coastal sector, there had been a surprising absence of movement in the Eastern area that suggested complete ignorance of the developments elsewhere. This may have been due to the fact that on the morning the battle opened, the Turkish Head Quarters at NABLUS, which was known to be the nerve-centre of all telegraphic and telephonic communication between the Eastern and Western theatres, was heavily bombed at dawn by machines from 144 Squadron, R.A.F. AND COMPLETELY WRECKED. A SIMILAR ATTACK WAS MADE UPON THE Telephone Exchange at AFULE through which the Northern lines passed leading to enemy Headquarters at NAZARETH. In these raids two tons of 112 lb. and 25-lb. bombs were dropped and 44 direct hits registered.

In the meantime the small force operating East of the HEDJAZ Railway under the Command of Col. Lawrence, C.B., D.S.O., had made good progress. On the 22nd its Headquarters were at UN ES SERAB, about 25 miles South East of BERAA [?DERAA], where 8 two-seaters and three Scouts were reported to be located. On the following day three Bristol Fighters - Pilots: Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C., D.F.C. and E.S. Headlam, Observers: Lieuts. J.H. Traill, D.F.C. and E.A. Mustard and W.H. Lilly – proceeding to UM ES SERAB and landed there (bent on cleaning up this newly discovered nest of enemy aircraft). The same day Capt. R.M. Smith, MC, D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut. E.A. Mustard (observer) encountered an enemy two-seater which they forced down in the desert. After the enemy machine landed both occupants got out and ran away, whereupon our machine flew over at a low altitude and Lieut. Mustard set the enemy machine alight with tracer bullets. After it had been burning for a short time, its load of bombs exploded, with the result that very little of the machine remained. Soon after returning to UM ES SERAB 3 Pfalz scouts were seen flying near the same locality, Capt. Smith and Lieut. Mustard again took off and overtook the enemy machines. Two dived and landed in the desert, and the third was driven down on to the aerodrome at DERAA.

The same day Lieut. G.C. Peters D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut. J.H. Traill, D.F.C. (Observer) chased and attacked an enemy two-seater which had been bombing Sheriffian Forces. The enemy machine was shot down in the desert North of DERAA [spelt BERAA in above paragraph] was attacked with bombs and machine gun fire on several occasions. This was the last that was heard of enemy aircraft in this sector, and when our troops occupied DERAA a few days later, the remains of several enemy machines that had been destroyed were fo[u]nd there. Thus within three days two of our machines had succeeded in completely exterminating this detachment of the German Flying Corps, and from this onward the Sheriffian Forces were able to carry out their plans without molestation from the air.

[Page 54]
To enable our machines to co-operate with this force, the difficulty of petrol supplies had to be faced. This was overcome by despatching the Handly Page to UM ES SERAB with a ‘cargo’ consisting of 40 tins of aviation spirit, 8-25-lb. Coopers Bombs, several tins of oil, spare wheels and bomb racks for the Bristol Fighters and rations for six officers and four mechanics for six days, together with their kits. The machine was flown by Capt. R.M. Smith M.C., D.F.C., who had with him General A.E. Borton, D.S.O. Lieut. E.A. Mustard, and two mechanics. The arrival of the Bristol Fighters had already caused considerable excitement amongst the Arabs; But when this aerial leviathan landed, they sang, danced, cheered and fired frequent volleys into the air from rifles and revolvers. The Handly Page returned to RANLEH the same afternoon, but the Bristol Fighters remained with Hedjaz force for five days. While there, in addition to effacing aircraft, they made frequent attacks on enemy outposts along the Hedjaz Railway, bombed and machine-gunned parties engaged on repairing the demolitions effected by Col. Lawrence’s force, and carried out a number of reconnaissances in co-operation with this force. Col. Lawrence intimated later that prior to the arrival of our machines the Arabs operating with him were on the verge of desertion owing to the frequent attacks being made upon them by enemy aircraft. However, not only was the confidence of these natives restored by the work of our machines but it was the means of attracting all sorts of offers of assistance from the Druse tribes and other inhabitants of the Hills.

A large column of troops was attacked on the SHIBLEY-BEISAN Road on the 22nd. The whole column consisting of 3,000 or 4,000 troops scattered in wild confusion, but later it was reported to have reformed and to be marching back towards WADI FARRAH, headed by a large while flag. None of these troops escaped.

The following day attention was concentrated on movement East of JORDAN. It seemed that the enemy Armies here had at last awakened to the gravity of their position and preparations for a hasty exit from this sector seemed to be in progress. Our reconnaissance machines reported large columns of transport moving from ES SALT and the vicinity towards AMMAN, the aerodrome at AMMAN being dismantled, while there was considerable activity on the AMMAN-DERAA railway. The AMMAN station where there was considerable congestion was attacked with bombs and machine gun fire, and general panic resulted. Similar attacks were made upon troops and transport on the ES SALT-AMMAN road where large quantities of transport was wrecked and a good deal were abandoned. During the day machines from this unit dropped 6,270-lbs of bombs and fired 15,500 rounds from machine guns.

On the night of the 23rd. DERAA station was bombed by the Handly Page: Pilots, Ca
Capt. R.M. Smith MC, D.F.C. and Lieut, C.C. Cameron, Observers:- Lieuts. M.D. Lees and A.V. McCann. 16-112-15 bombs were dropped, several of which fell within effective range of the station buildings and railway lines.

When reconnoitring DERAA on the 23rd. Lieut. E.P. Kenny (pilot) and Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, MC., D.C.M. (observer) drove away an enemy two-seater down. Both the occupants of the enemy machine got out and ran away after landing, but one was hit and seemingly killed by a bullet from our machine.

The evacuation of AMMAN was in full progress on the 25th. During the previous night a large number of troops had departed Northward, and on the morning of the 25th were located by our reconnaissance machines at MAFRAN. There was a big concentration of troops, transport and rolling stock here, and it afforded a great target. It was vigorously attacked by our machines from which 4,480-Lbs. of explosives were dropped and 13,200 machine gun rounds fired. The troops scattered, and the line was blocked with the wreckage of rolling stock upon which our bombers had made ‘direct hits’. Further trains arriving from the South loaded with troops and camels were held up by this obstruction, and they, in turn, were similarly attacked.

In the meantime our troops in the Western Sector had been pressing on. By the 25th the Port at HAIFA was in our hands, while the Desert Mounted /corps was well on the way towards the sea of GALLILEE. By this

[Page 55]
time the last of the Turkish V11th and V111th Armies had been collected. On the 25th the Desert Mounted Corps were ordered to advance on DAMASCUS occupy the City and intercept the retreat of the remnants of the Turkish Army. The corps was to advance on DAMASCUS in two columns, one of the South end of the Sea of GALLILEE via IRBID and DERAA, and the other around the Northern end of the sea via KUNEITRA. At the latter place enemy aircraft appeared and dropped a few bombs but no damage resulted. As soon as the enemy machines were reported, two of our machines – Pilots:- Lieuts. A.V. Tonkin and S.A. Nunan, Observers:- Lieuts. M.D. Lees and F.C. Conrick – proceeded to KUNEITRA where they landed alongside the Australian Light Horse and ‘stood by’. The following morning an enemy machine came over flying at about 15,000 feet but as soon as our machines were observed to take off, the enemy machine headed back into his own territory, and was not seen again. On the 28th. Our cavalry occupied DERAA, and on the night of 30th were on the outskirts of DAMASCUS, entering the city the following morning.

On the 27th British machines appeared over DAMASCUS for the first time. An aerodrome was located there and this was bombed and machine gunned by four Bristol Fighters the following day. 22 cwt. of explosives were dropped, and several direct hits on buildings obtained.

Owing to the hindrances resulting from the frequent aerial attacks made upon them, the destruction of their transport with bombs, and the obstruction of the railway caused by bombs and other demolitions, a very small portion of the IVth Army succeeded in getting through DERAA to DAMASCUS before our occupation. The result was that practically the entire Army were taken prisoners.

In order to keep in close co-operation with our rapidly advancing armies an aerodrome was selected at NAIFA, the foot of MOUNT CARMEL. ‘C’ Flight moved forward on to this ground on the 26th and the whole Squadron were established there about a week later.

OCTOBER: With the remnants of the Turkish Armies now scattered over all parts of SYRIA, the work of reconnaissance became increasingly arduous. Our machines, which for some time had been the only air-craft in touch with the enemy, were called upon to cover an exceptionally wide area of country, embracing RAYAK, DAMASCUS, HOMS, BIERUT, TRIPOLI, HAMA, ALEPPO, MUSHALE, KILLIS, and ALEXANDRETTA. All these places were reconnoitred during the month, a task that meant flights over great distances, rendered possible only by the use of various A.R. Brown D.F.C. was detached to HOMS on the 15th and a little later it went on to HAMA. From there an officer and Mechanics were sent out and established advanced landing grounds at various points as far North as MUSLIMIE.

One of these reconnaissances – to MUSHALE, 24 miles North of ALEPPO – carried out by Major S.W. Addison (pilot) and Lieut. F.C. Hawley (observer) escorted by Capt. R.M. Smith M.C., D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut. W.J.A. Weir, D.F.C. (observer), necessitated a flight of 640 miles, in the course of which landings had to be made at three advanced landing grounds. The object of this reconnaissance was to co-operate with a Squadron of armoured cars that were attacking ALEPPO, and to prevent enemy aircraft from discovering the weakness of our force. Numerous other reconnaissances at this stage involved flights of between 300 and 500 miles. Moreover, they took our machines over the LEBANON Mountains where severe storms were often encountered. These mountains soar up to a height of 10,000 feet and at this time they were snow-covered. In one case a machine was flown about 100 miles off its course, and the pilot (Lieut. Hazelwood), after racing ahead of a terrific storm, eventually succeeded in landing close to the village of TADMORE, about 20 miles East of HOMS, the nearest point in our line of communication. In other instances our machines, after ‘pushing’ into the teeth of such storms, exhausted their petrol supply and had to come down in the hills, crashing badly in two cases.

[Page 56]

After our triumphant entry into DAMASCUS at dawn on October 1st, it was found that the remnants of the Turkish Armies in PALESTINE and SYRIA, numbering about 17,000 of whom only 4,000 were effective rifles, had fled Northwards in the form of a disorganised mob, without transport or the equipment necessary to enable it to offer any serious opposition. It was thereupon decided to further exploit our success and on the 5th the Desert Mounted Corps moved on to RAYAK, which was occupied, without opposition, on the following day. At the aerodrome here, which had been used as the German Aircraft Repair Park the remains of 32 aeroplanes were found. All but three had been burnt before abandonment. They included many of the most modern type, and it was learnt later that a number of them had been taken there for repairs after being damaged in the serial combat with our machines, but could not be got ready for the air in time to be flown away before our occupation. Others were damaged by bombs when the aerodrome was raided by eight Bristol Fighters on the 2nd. A vast amount of aircraft stores also had been burnt.

From here our cavalry moved up the RAYAK VALLEY, capturing in turn HOMS, HAMA and finally ALEPPO. The later city, which fell on October 25th was 300 miles from our former front line, and our cavalry to reach it, had covered 500 miles between September 19th and October 26th.

In the meantime our forces operating in the Coastal Sector continued its advance to BEIRUT and thence on to TRIPOLU. This was greatly facilitated by reports made on all coastal roads, which were reconnoitred and photographed by our machines. BEIRUT was occupied on October 8th and TRIPOLI five days later.

Hostile aircraft made their appearance on October 19th for the first time for several days. Two Bristol Fighters: Pilots:- Capt. R.M. Smith, M.C., D.F.C., and Lieut. E.S. Headlam, Observers: Lieuts. A.V. McCann and W.H. Lilley – attacked an enemy two-seater about 25 miles South of ALEPPO. The enemy machine succeeded in landing in some open country, when the pilot and observer got out and ran about 300 yards, and held their hands up. Capt. Smith thereupon landed and ‘taxied’ up to the enemy machine, into which Lieut. McCann fired and Very’s light and set it on fire: Capt. Smith then took off and returned to our lines. The German pilot and observer stood by and watched the performance. For this Capt. Smith was awarded a second bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross and Lieut. McCann was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Our machines at once set out to locate the aerodrome from which these enemy aircraft were then operating. This was found on the 22nd near MUSLIMIE Junction, about 12 miles North of ALEPPO, where 8 enemy two-seaters were seen. At daylight on the following morning one Bristol Fighter – Lieut. S.H. Harper (pilot) and Lieut. W.H. Lilley (observer) which had remained at HAMA overnight, flew to MUSLIMIE. Two of the enemy machines were met and forced down on to the aerodrome, where there were four other enemy machines out in the open, apparently just preparing to take off. Lieut. Harper then went down to 200 feet and attacked the enemy machines with bombs and machine gun fire. Several bombs fell within effective range of the machines. Three hours later Major S.W. Addison (pilot) and Lieut. H. Fysh D.F.C. (Observer) escorted by Capt. R. M. Smith, M.C. D.F.C. (pilot) and Lieut, W.J.A. Weir, D.F.C. (Observer) who took off from HAIFA at dawn arrived over MUSLIMIE and found the enemy aerodrome deserted. The remains of several machines and stores that had been burnt were seen from the aerodrome. When the place was occupied by our troops a day or two later, the charred remains of the machines and five fuselages were found there.

An Armistice with Turkey came into operation at noon on the 31st.

NOVEMBER: Following upon the suspension of operations, a comparatively small amount of flying was done. The chief occupation of our machines was the maintenance of an aerial despatch service from HAIFA to ALEPPO and intermediate centres of importance.

A special reconnaissance was made on the 13th to locate our

[Page 57]
troops advancing up the EUPHRATES. Our machines – Pilots: Lieuts. S.A. Nunan and A.V. Tonkin, D.F.C. , Observers: Lieuts. C.J. Vyner and L.S. Climie – proceeded to AKHTERIN, ARCHE, BIRIJIK and VASLE. No troops were observed, but roads, rolling stock and bridges were reported on.
On the 25th "A" Flight moved from HAMA back to RAYAK and at the end of the month ‘C’ Flight proceeded from HAIFA back to RAMLEH.

During December the remainder of the Squadron moved to RAMLEH where the unit remained until orders were received to proceed to KANTARA.

On December 1st, Lieut, Col. R. Williams D.S.O., O.B.E., assumed command of Palestine Brigade, Vice Brigadier General A.E. Borton was accompanied by Capt. R.M. Smith MC. D.F.C. and Sgt. Mechanic J.M. Bennett and Air Mechanic W. Shiers of 1st Squadron, A.F.C.

On December 23rd a formation of seven machines flew from RAMLEH to CAIRO to take part in an aerial review held there in connection with the Armistice celebrations – Pilots: Lieut. Col. R. Williams, D.S.O., O.B.E., Lieuts. A.V. Tonkin, D.F.C. Capt. G.C. Peters D.F.C. Lieuts. H..S.R. Maughan, D.F.C., P.J. NcGinness, D.F.C., D.C.M., S.A. Nunan and E.S. Headlam.

A special trip to DAMASCUS and TADMORE was made on January 10th by Pilots:- Lieuts. S.A. Nunan and H.S. Harper, Observers: Lieuts. L.S. Climie and Air Mechanic E.T. Parr, with the object of selecting permanent landing grounds at those centres for use in connection with the CAIRO-BAGDAD route. They had a very adventurous journey, but ultimately completed their allocated task. TADMORE was about 220 miles from the RAMLEH Aerodrome and on the way out our machines encountered severe storms and dense clouds, and were twice forced to land in the desert and wait till these disturbances passed over. On the return journey the machines had to fly against a gale, which prevented them getting back to DAMASUCS before nightfall. One machine landed on the aerodrome there in the dark, without flares while the second (Lieut, Harper) ran out of petrol and was compelled to land in an orchard 6 miles East of DAMASCUS. Before he could take off again 12 trees had to be chopped down, and a track of wire netting strips laid over the soft muddy ground. In neither case was any damage done to the machines.

Towards to the end of January, orders were received to arrange to hand over all equipment to No.111 Squadron, R.A.F. to prepare for early departure to Australia.

The Squadron was relieved by No.111 Squadron, R.A.F. early in February, and on the 6th the whole of the personnel moved to KANTARA, where they remained till
March 5th. On this date the unit embarked on H.M.A.T. ‘Port Sydney) and sailed for Australia.

Before the Squadron embarked, it was inspected by the Commander-in-chief, General Sir Edmund Allenby, G.C.D., G.C.M.G., who expressed a wish to personally address the Officers and other members of the unit prior to their return to Australia. On February 19th he journeyed from HAIFA to KANTARA a distance of about 250 miles, with this special object. In Addressing the Squadron on parade, General
Allenby said:-

"Major Addison, officers and men. It gives me considerable pleasure to have this opportunity of addressing you prior to your return to AUSTRALIA. We have just reached the end of the greatest war known to History. Today we see our enemies so thoroughly beaten that it will not be possible for them to renew hostilities against us. The operations in this theatre of the war have been an important factor in bringing about this victorious result. The victory gained in PALESTINE and SYRIA has been one of the

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"Greatest in the war and undoubtedly hastened the collapse that followed in making this achievement possible. You gained for us absolute supremacy of the air thereby enabling my cavalry, artillery and infantry to carry out their work on the ground practically unmolested by hostile aircraft. This undoubtedly was a factor of paramount importance in the success of our arms here. I desire therefore to personally congratulate you on your splendid work. I congratulate not only the Flying Officers, but also your mechanics for although the Officers did the work in the air, it was good work on the part of our Mechanics that kept a high percentage of your machines serviceable. I wish you all ‘bon voyage’ and trust that the peace now attained will mean for you all future happiness and prosperity. Thank you and good-bye."

Three cheers were then given for the Commander-in-Chief, who thereupon proceeded to return direct to JAIFA.

WIRELESS: Throughout the whole of the operations covered by this report, wireless stations, manned with personnel from this Squadron, were maintained with all R.H.A., R.F.A. and R.G.A. units. In addition, continuous watches for hostile aircraft alarms were kept throughout the hours of daylight. This section, under the supervision of Lieut. H. Johnson, also carried out a considerable amount of experimental work in connection with the transmission of signals from our machines, which were received for distances up to 100 miles.

MISCELLANEOUS: During January 21 reinforcements arrived from Australia, and 28 from England. On March 1st 47 other ranks, chiefly Men who originally left Australia with the Squadron, and had remained in the East throughout, embarked for England.

67th Squadron became 1st Squadron on 6.2.1918.

The Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force on 31st March/1st April 1918.

1st Squadron re-mustered to Royal Air Force nomenclature 13th December 1918.

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STATISTICS

1.7.1918 to 31.10.1918

Number of Hours flown - July: 727 - August: 512 - September: 866½ - October: 757 - Total: 2862½.

Number of Strategical Reconaissances – July: 37 - August: 31 – September: 53 – October: 36 – Total: 157.

Number of Photographic Reconaissances – July: 24 – August: 39 – September: 8 – October: 6 – Total: 77.

Number of Special Reconaissances – July: 0 – August: 0 – September: 2 – October: 1 – Total: 3.

Number of Plates Exposed - July: 524 – August: 959 – September: 387 – October: 33 – Total: 1903.

Number of Prints produced – July: 7028 – August: 7068 - September: 6233 – October: 1250 – Total: 21581.

Number of Aspect Exposures – July: 43 – August: 0 – September: 104 – October: 20 – Total: 167.

Number of Machine Gun attacks on ground targets – July: 31 – August: 24 – September – 136 – October: 9 – Total: 200.

Number of Aerial Combats – July: 14 – August: 15 – September: 8 – October: 3 – Total: 40.

Number of Rounds fired – July: 49835 – August: 43504 – September: 116684 – October: 32000 – Total: 241023.

Number of Bomb Raids – July: 1 – August: 1 – September: 140 – October: 8 – Total: 150.

Weight of Bombs dropped – Lbs. – July: 250 –August: 1080 – September: 41618 – October: 4000 – Total 46948.

Number of Escorts to bomb raids – July: 31 – August: [Page15 – September: 5 – October: 0 – Total: 51.

Area photographed – July: 156 – August: 384 – September: 64 – October: 0 – Total: 604.

Number of Enemy Air-craft patrols – July: 140 – August: 74 – September: 59 – October: 0 – Total: 273.

[Page 60]
Report of 1st Squadron A.F.C.

to 5TH March 1919.

The attached congratulatory messages were addressed to C.O. 40th Wing R.F.A. of which this unit then formed a part – they concern work done by 1st Squadron, A.F.C., and were sent by C.O. 40th Wing R.A.F.

R.F.C.
23.2.1918.
"The whole of the photography referred to in the above communication was done by 1st Squadron A.F.C."
2. At the conclusion of his inspection of the Squadron on 7th March, 1918, Major General W.H.G. Salmond, D.S.O., said:-
"I desire to convey to the Officers and men of the Squadron my warm congratulations upon the splendid work they have done in the past, and are still doing. Their work generally is magnificent, and I feel that I cannot compliment them too highly upon it. The Officers, N.C.O’s and men at all times display conspicuous ability in the discharge of their respective duties, with the result that they have rendered service of incalculable value throughout the operations on this front."

3. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY:
H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught personally commanded the G.O.C. to convey to all concerned his regret that the weather conditions had prevented the parade at which H.R.H. had intended to present medals. H.R.H. expressed his admiration for the magnificent work which has been done on this front by the R.F.C. and A.F.C. in spite of the difficulties of the country, climate and novel conditions.
(Signed R.O. No. 76 dated 29 March 1918)

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES.
RECEIVED
By
1st SQUADRON, AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS 1918.
Copy of letter received from G.O.C. Palestine Brigade, R.F.C., to O.C. 40th Wing, R.F.C.
Photography.
The two sheets (J 9 and J 10) of the 1: 20,000 maps have now been published, and as they are entirely compiled from R.F.C. photographs, with the exception of a few hundred square yards, they form a very fine achievement, and probably mark the highest point which has yet been reached in map-making photography.

They have been completed in a very short time and during a period of unsettled weather, and they reflect the greatest credit on all concerned.

The photography involved considerable skill and care on the part of the Pilots, and perseverance in filling the gaps in spite of the high wind. In this connection, I should especially like to congratulate Lieut. Taplin on his work. The photographic sections have done splendid work in dealing with the large numbers of plates and prints involved, and in turning out the copies without delay.

Maps like these are of such great value for the Army when operating in a difficult mountainous country, like that of Central Palestine, that the 40th Wing may justly be proud of having contributed in such a real and tangible way to the success of the campaign.
(Signed) A.E. BORTON, Brigadier-General
G.O.C. Palestine Brigade,
Royal Flying Corps.
Hd. Qrs.
Palestine Brigade,
R.F.C.
23.2.1918.

"The whole of the photography referred to in the above communication was done by 1st Squadron A.F.C."

2. At the conclusion of his inspection of the Squadron on 7th March, 1918, Major General W.H.G. Salmond, D.S.O. , said:-
"I desire to convey to the Officers and men of the Squadron my warm congratulations upon the splendid work they have done in the past, and are still doing. Their work generally is magnificent, and I feel I cannot compliment them too highly upon it. The Officers, N.C.O’s and men at all times display conspicuous ability in the discharge of their respective duties, with the result that they have rendered service of incalculable value throughout the operation on this front."

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY:
H.R.H.The Duke of Connaught personally commanded the G.O.C. to convey to all concerned his regret that the weather conditions had prevented the parade at which H.R.H. had intended to present Medals. H.R.H. expressed his admiration for the magnificent work which has been done on this front by the R.F.C. and A.F.C. in spite of the difficulties of the country, climate, and novel conditions.
(
Signed R.O. No. 76 dated 29th March 191

[Page 62]

4. Copy of telegram received from G.O.C. Palestine Brigade, R.F.C. O.C. 40th Wing, R.F.C.

O.110. 23rd May

Will you please convey General Salmond’s congratulations to Capt. Ross Smith and Lieuts. Kirk, Paul and Weir’.
"The above named officers on 22 May 1918, accounted for an Enemy Scout near NABLUS.’
5. Copy of telegram received from G.O.C. Palestine Brigade, R.F.C., to O.C. 40th Wing, R.F.C.

O.132 14th May.
Telegram received begins Convey my congratulations to Lieuts. Paul and Weir on their aerial victory General Salmond. Ends also please convey congratulations to O.C. Palestine Brigade.

"Lieut. Paul and Weir met an Enemy aeroplane near NABLUS, and after a running flight which lasted for 20 minutes, forced the enemy machine down apparently out of control which crashed violently into the side of a mountain."

6. Copy of letter received from G.O.C. Palestine Brigade, R.A.F. to O.C. 40t Wing, R.A.F.

PHOTOGRAPHY.
I am very pleased with the results of the photography done on the 14th inst., in the DAMIEH area. The success of the Pilots in covering so completely such a large and difficult area is most praiseworthy, and their energy and perseverance in going out again in the afternoon to complete the work was very commendable. I am also glad to notice that the prints are of such good quality and reflect such credit on the Photographic Staff.
Kindly convey my congratulations to the members of the A.F.C. and R.A.F. Concerned.
(Sgd) A.E. Borton Brigadier-General,
Commanding Palestine Brigade,
Royal Air Force.
In the Field
16.5.1918

"The above refers to photographs taken by Lieuts. Cameron, Watt, McGinness, Lukis, Fletcher, Beaton and Kirk."

7. Copy of letter received from O.C. Palestine Brigade R.A.F. to O.C. 40th Wing R.A.F.

Yesterday’s report from you shows an exceptionally fine piece of work on the part of Capt. Smith, Lieuts. Kirk, Paul and Weir.
Individual action of this description reflects the greatest credit on those concerned, and the demoralisation of the enemy in attacks of this nature will, I am sure, be felt.

(Sgd.) G.A. Burnett, Lieut. Col.
Commanding Palestine Brigade,
Royal Air Force.
In the Field,
22.6.1918.

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The Officers mentioned in the above attacked with machine Gun fire from the air a number of camps and horse lines and Transport in the neighbourhood of HUWARA and along the NABLUS-JERUSALEM ROAD causing considerable consternation. They carried out this attack from a height of 200 to 300 feet."
8. Copy of telegram from Head Quarters Palestine Brigade, to O.C. 40th Wing, R.A.F.

0.143
29TH June.
Telegram received begins Convey congratulations to Lieuts. Nunan, Finlay, Adair and Vyner on their aerial victories yesterday. General Salmond end. Also convey congratulations to O.C. Palestine Brigade.

"Refers to a combat that took place over AMMAN Aerodrome. These officers, in two Bristol Fighters met 6 enemy Scouts Lieut. Nunan shot one down in flames and Lieut. Adair crashed one in the hills: the remaining 4 were driven down on their Aerodrome."
9. Copy of letter received from Headquarters, R.A.F. Middle East, to Headquarters, Palestine Brigade, R.A.F., and forwarded to O.C. 40th Wing R.A.F.

Reference your GS/2978 dated 24.6.1918, detailing the action of Capt. A.R. Brown and Lieut. H. Letch, M.C. of No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Crops. Please inform these officers that their action in this matter was exceedingly good, showed a quick grasp of the situation and brought out the advantage which can be obtained from pilots using their judgment. Their co-operation on this occasion undoubtedly assisted to make the whole operation a success.
(Sgd. W. SALMOND. Major-General,
Commanding Royal Air Force.
Middle-East.
Gezira,
28.6.1918.

"During a bomb raid on AMMAN on 11.6.18 these Officers machine gunned the Anti-aircraft Batteries which caused them to cease fire."

10. Copy of letter received from 40th Wing R.A.F. to O.C. 1st Squadron, A.F.C.

With reference to the Combats of Capt. Ross Smith and Lieut. Kirk which took place on 17.7.1918.
Major-General Salmond wishes his congratulations to be conveyed to these Officers on their Aerial Victories.
Officer Commanding Palestine Brigade also wishes to express his appreciation,
Please inform these Officers in terms of above.
(sgd.) E.A. Mustard, Lieut,
A/Staff Captain,
40th Wing, Royal Air Force.

19.7.1918
"Capt. Rodd Smith and Lieut Kirk (observer) met two enemy Scouts at 11,000 feet over BIREH. Both Scouts were shot down."

[Page 64]
11. Copy of letter from Headquarters. Palestine Brigade, R.A.F. to O.C. 40th Wing, R.A.F.

With reference to the Combat of Lieut. Tonkin and Lieut. Sutherland, which took place yesterday, Major-General Salmond wishes his congratulations to be conveyed to these Officers on their Aerial Victory.
The Commanding Officer of this Brigade also wishes to express his appreciation.
(Sgd.) Wyndham Birch,
Major, Brigade Major,
Palestine Brigade R.A.F.
In the Field
23.7.1918.
"The above refers to a two-seater enemy machine which was shot down near BEIT LIBB."

12. Copy of letter from Headquarters, Palestine Brigade, R.A.F. to O.C. 40th Wing, R.A.F.
With reference to Combat of Lieuts. Peters, Traill, Walker, and Letch, which took place yesterday, Major-General Salmond wishes his congratulations to be conveyed to these Officers on their Aerial Victory.
The Commanding Officer of this Brigade also wishes to express his appreciation.
(Sgd.) Wyndham Birch,
Major, Brigade Major,
Palestine Brigade R.A.F.
In the Field,
25.7.1918
"refers to a combat with an enemy two-seater encountered North of MULEBBIS. The enemy machine was finally crashed East of TANTURA."
13. Letter received from Headquarters, Palestine Brigade, R.A.F. to O.C. 40th Wing, R.A.F.
With reference to the combat of Lieut. Paul and Lieut. Weir today, Major-General Salmond wishes his congratulations to be conveyed to these Officers on their Aerial Victory. The G.O.C. also wishes to express his appreciation.
(Sgd.) J.M. Glen,
Captain, Staff Captain,
Palestine Brigade, R.A.F.
In the Field,
16/8/1918
The above refers to an enemy machine that was shot to pieces in the air 16/8/1918 over DIER ALLA."
14. Copy of telegram received from Headquarters R.A.F. Middle East, to Headquarters, Palestine Brigade, R.A.F. and forwarded to O.C. 40th Wing, R.A.F.
\Arm Wing. A.G. 150 24th. AAA.
The following congratulatory message has been received from the C. in C. ‘Please congratulate Officers of the Australian Flying Corps, 1st Squadron A.F.C. and particularly the following Officers:- Lieut. McGinnness, Fletcher, Peters and Trail to which are added those of the G.O.C., Palestine Brigade.

[Page 65]
"The foregoing relates to an engagement by two of our machines with 6 Enemy Scouts and 1 two-seater, from which only one scout regained his own aerodrome, the remaining six being all either destroyed or driven down. Our machines returned intact."
15. To O.C. Palestine Brigade, R.A.F.
Lieut. C.S. PAUL – A.F.C.
Lieut. W.J.A WEIR – A.F.C.

You’re A/65 of 18.8.1918 and enclosures received.
The G.O.C. directs me to send his congratulations to those two officers, which please convey to them.
(Sgd.) W.D. Long, Major S02 (B)
Royal Air Force, Middle East.
H.Q. Egypt.
23.8.1918

Officer Commanding H.Q. Palestine Brigade,
40th Wing Royal Air Force,
Royal Air Force A.65 25.8.1918

Reference above copy of letter.
Please also convey the congratulations of the General Officer Commanding, Palestine Brigade, R.A.F.
(Sgd.) H.G. Clougston
Captain, Staff Capt.
In the Field 25.8.1918 For G.O.C. Palestine Brigade R.A.F.

Officer Commanding General Staff,
1st Squadron H.Q. 40th Wing R.A.F.
A.F.C. No. 2100

For your necessary action and return please.
This is in connection with the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, to these Officers.(Sgd.) H. Williams Lieut. Col.
Commanding 40th Wing R.A.F.
In the Field.
26.8.1918

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
16. The G.O.C. wishes to record his admiration of the work of all units in the Brigade during the recent operations. The work in the air has been carried out with a gallantry and determination which have been beyond praise, and the devotion to duty displayed in the work on the ground both in the production and maintenance of Aircraft has resulted in a remarkably large proportion being kept serviceable
All ranks may feel satisfied that they have by their efforts materially assisted in the magnificent success of recent operations.
(Issued with Palestine Brigade Routine Order No.24 dated 30.9.1918).

17. The following congratulatory letter dated 3rd October 1918. Received from Major General Salmond, D.S.O., G.O.C., R.A.F. Middle East is published for the information of all ranks.

[Page 66]
"I wish to express my great pride in the work of the Palestine Brigade during the operations. The work of the Officers, Warrant Officers, N.G.O’S and men was magnificent. It is not too much to say that the recent operations mark an epoch in the history of the Royal Air Force and the Australian Air Force as a decisive arm.
The high efficiency which has been attained is a tribute to yourself’ and to every member of the Brigade, and is a direct outcome of the keenness which inspires you all."
(Lieut. Colonel R. Williams, D.S.O.)
(Palestine Brigade Special Order dated 7.10.1918).

18. From Headquarters R.A.F. Middle East.
To Aeronautics GH. Q.

Following cable received from Chief of Air Staff, Air Ministry begins. ‘Congratulations to your Palestine Brigade also Training Brigade and all R.A.F. units who contributed to fine achievement of Royal Air Force in recent fighting ends.

(Issued with Squadron R.O. No. 237 dated 8.10.1918)

19. Copy of telegram from Desert Mounted Corps.
to O.C. 40th Wing R.A.F.

G.A. 813 4TH November 1918.
Very many thanks for most excellent report on Railway HAMA-ALEPPO.

"Above refers to reconnaissance of the Railway from HAMA to ALEPPO made by Lieut. A.V. Tonkin (pilot) and Lieut. L.S. Climie, (Observer) they flew at a height of about 500 feet over the full distance – approximately 160 miles to make close observations and report on bridge, culverts, etc. and general conditions of the line."

[Page 67]
Headquarters,
Royal Air Force,
Middle East.
GS 742 24/7/1918.

The General Officer Administering,
Australian Imperial Force in Egypt,
General Headquarters,
E.E.F., 1st Echelon.

I forward herewith a Report which I have received from the G.O.C. Palestine Brigade on No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps.

I wish to associate myself most emphatically with the remarks of General Borton.

The Squadron arrived in Egypt on 13th April 1916. The majority of the personnel had never seen an aeroplane or engine in their lives. Some of the Officers had flown machines to a limited extent, whilst others had never flown at all. They arrived without equipment or machines.

The procedure adopted to train the Squadron in the duties that were before them was as follows:-

The whole Squadron was divided up into detachments under their effective officers and were attached to the existing two R.F.C. Squadrons in the country. Each man and Officer understudied a corresponding man and officer in the R.F.C. Squadrons. At the end of each week’s training the personnel was reported upon under three headings, A.B. and C. representing different standards of efficiency.

being good workmen, efficient – could do work without supervision.
being promising, but requiring further supervision
requiring training.

Under these conditions, the Squadron worked for six weeks and their progress was very remarkable. At the end of the six weeks practically 80% of the Squadron had attained (a) standard of efficiency. This being the case, I decided to mobilise the Squadron.

For this purpose, I concentrated the Squadron at Heliopolis, and at the end of the first six weeks mentioned above, the first Flight mobilised.

By 14/6/1916 the first Flight was despatched to Suez, and the mobilisation of the second Flight took place. In a very short time the whole Squadron was mobilised and on active service, some units being despatched as far out as the Kharga Oasis and operating over Dakhla Oasis. This rapid training and mobilisation of the Squadron reflected great credit on the industry, keenness and discipline of the Officer and all ranks.

Major T.F. Rutledge was in command of the Squadron at the time, and to him is largely due the fine spirit evinced by the Squadron as a whole.

From these early days up to the present time the Squadron has never looked back. It has improved in efficiency until I have no hesitation in saying that, at the present moment, this Squadron ranks as one of the best Squadrons in the Royal Air Force.

On the 1st July 1918 I inspected this Squadron at its present aerodrome at Ramleh. Its interior economy workshops, and discipline are excellent. The Turn out of its mechanics, transport, and above all of its aeroplanes are models of their kind.

Its present high state of efficiency is largely due to the ability of its Commanding Officer, Major R. Williams, D.S.O. and to the energy and enthusiasm which all Officers, Warrant Officers and other ranks display in their work.

On this Squadron has always fallen a large portion of the work which has had to be performed by the Royal Air Force in Palestine, since the day that the Egyptian Expeditionary Force left the canal. The results that have been achieved by the Royal Air Force have been to a very marked degree due to the fine work of the No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps.

I wish to place on record my high opinion of the efficiency of this Squadron, and associate myself fully with the remarks of General Borton that it is a matter of pride to me to have had this Squadron under my command since the days of its formation.

(Signed) W.G. Salmond, Major General,
Commanding Royal Air Force.
Middle East.

Gezira,
23.7.1918.

[Page 69]
Headquarters, Palestine
Brigade.
Royal Air Force.

General Officer Commanding,
Royal Air Force
Middle East.

Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report on the work of No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, with a view to its being forwarded to G.O.C., A.I.F for record in the documents of that Squadron.

On assuming command of the 5th Wing, R.F.C., in Sinai in January 1917, my command consisted of No. 1 Squadron, A.F.C., then known as No. 67 Australian Squadron, R.F.C. and two Flights of No. 14 Squadron R.F.C. The Australian Squadron was equipped with B.E 2.C and Martinayde and carried out all the various forms of aerial work, reconnaissance, photography bombing and artillery co-operation.

This combination of the various duties in one unit entailed such addition[al] strain on all concerned, but these duties were invariably carried out with the greatest gallantry, and initiative by pilots and observers concerned and great devotion to duty and high technical skill on the part of other ranks.

During the first operations of GAZA on 25th to 28th March 1917, owing to a series of casualties and other causes, practically the whole of the aerial work during the operations devolved on the Australian Squadron, and it was only due to the devotion of all concerned in keeping the maximum proportion of machines serviceable and the untiring determination of all Officers, combined with the finest leadership that made possible the results achieved. It is sufficient to mention that on three days during these operations 59½, 64 and 42 hours flying was done respectively by the Squadron.

Similarly during the second operations on GAZA on 17th and 19th April, owing to the large number of calls for aerial work the Squadron was called on to work at abnormally high pressure: the results achieved again formed the most satisfactory testimony to the efficiency of the unit.

It must be borne in mind` that not only during the period of active operations there was a heavy strain on the unit, but even during a lull in the operations on the ground, aerial operations of reconnaissance, bombing etc. were incessant, and for seven months in the summer flying was possible on practically every day. The strain of this, coupled with the heat and the fact that at this time units were equipped with machines inferior in climb and speed to those of the enemy, was very great, but throughout the six months elapsing between the second operations of GAZA and the operations commencing on October 27th the Squadron maintained a very remarkably high state of efficiency.

The gallantry and resource of pilots and observers when carrying out long and dangerous flights under most difficult conditions, the high technical skill and energy of every branch of the Squadron, and the devotion of wireless operators of the Squadron attached to Batteries, was worthy of the very highest praise.

This high standard has been maintained with remarkable consistency and the advent of more up to date machines and the expansion of the R.F.C., making specialisation possible, has given the Squadron an opportunity of achieving even more valuable results.

It is unnecessary to mention details, but some idea of the work of the Squadron may be gathered from the fact that, during the successful advance of the Forces in Palestine after the battle of GAZA which commenced on October 26th., the Squadron maintained throughout the month of November a daily average of 29 hours service flying, a record which has in probability not been equalled on any front with the same numbe[r] of available

Throughout the period of my command, I have had the pleasure of conveying to the Squadron special messages of congratulation too numerous to mention in detail, including messages from the G.O.C., C-in-C, G.O.C. Middle East, R.F.C. and the G.O.’s C. the formations with which the Squadron has from time to time been co-operating and I am extremely proud of having had under my command No. 1 Squadron, A.F.C., whose record is one of magnificent achievement and worthy of the very highest praise.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) A.E. Borton, Brigadier General,
Commanding Palestine Brigade,
Royal Air Force.

In the Field
16/5/1918

[Page 71]
A.G., A.I.F. 1/41 dated 2.7.18

Officer Commanding 1st Squadron A.F.C.

The attached copies of letters are forwarded in confirmation of my 1/41 dated 11/3/1918.

(Signed) E.G. Chauvel, Lieut. General,
Commanding A.I.F. in Egypt.

A.A.G., A.I.F., same reference & date.

The report of the G.O.C. Palestine Brigade R.A.F. and the remarks in your covering letter G.S. 74 of 24/7/18, on the 1st Squadron Australian Flying Corps, are extremely gratifying to me, and will be forwarded by me to the G.O.C., A.I.F. so that the Head quarters of the Australian Imperial Forces may be appraised of the high standard which this Squadron has attained.

(Signed) H.G. Chauvel, Lieut. General
Commanding A.I.F. in Egypt.

[Page 72]
(issued with M.E. Routine Orders dated 17/12/1917).
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY.

G.E.Q., B.E.F.
15th December 1917.

With the capture of JERUSALEM another phase of the operations of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force has been victoriously concluded.
The Commander-in-Chief desires to thank all ranks of all the Units of services in the Force for the magnificent work which has been accomplished.
In forty days many strong Turkish positions have been captured and the Force has advanced some 60 miles on a front of 30 miles.
The skill, gallantry and determination of all ranks have led to this result.

1. The approach marches of the Desert Mounted Corps and the xxth Corps (10th, 53rd, 60th and 74th Divisions) followed by the dashing attacks of the 60th and 74th Divisions and the rapid turning movement of the Desert Mounted Corps. Ending in the fine charge by the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, resulted in the capture of BEERSHEBA with many prisoners and guns.

2. The stubborn resistance of the 53rd Division, unit of the Desert Mounted Corps and Imperial Camel Brigade in the difficult country north east of BEERSHEBA enabled the preparations of the xxth Corps to be completed without interference, and enabled the Commander-in-Chief to carry out his plan without diverting more than the intended number of troops to protect the right flank, despite the many and strong attacks of the enemy.

3. The attack of the xxth Corps (10th, 60th and 74th Divisions) prepared with great skill by Corps and Divisional Commanders and carried out with such dash and courage by the troops, resulted in the turning of the Turkish left flank and in an advance to a depth of 9 miles through an entrenched position defended by strong forces.
In this operation the Desert Mounted Corps, covering the right flank and threatening the Turkish rear, forced the Turks to begin a general retreat of their left flank.

4. The artillery attack of the XXIst Corps and of the ships of the Royal Navy, skilfully arranged and carried out with great accuracy, caused heavy loss to the enemy in the GAZA sector of his defences. The success of this Bombardment was due to the loyal co-operation of the Rear Admiral S.N.O. Egypt and Red Sea, and officers of the Royal Navy, the careful preparations of plans by Rear Admiral and G.O.C. XXIst Corps, and the good shooting of the Royal Navy and of the heavy, siege, and field artillery of the XXIst Corps.

5. The two attacks on the strong defences of GAZA, carried out by the 52nd and 54th Divisions, were each completely successful, thanks to the skill with which they were thought out and prepared by G.O.C. XXIst Corps, the Divisional Commanders and the Brigade Commanders, and the great gallantry displayed by the troops who carried out the attacks.

6 The second attack resulted in the evacuation of GAZA by the enemy and the turning of his right flank. The 52nd and 75th Divisions at once began a pursuit which carried them in three weeks from GAZA to within a few miles of JERUSALEM.

8. The final operations of the XXth Corps which resulted in the surrender of JERUSALEM were a fitting climax to the efforts of all ranks.
The attack skilfully prepared by the G.O.C. XXth Corps and carried out with precision, endurance and gallantry by the troops of the 53rd, 60th and 74th Divisions, over country of extreme difficulty, in wet weather, showed skill in loading and gallantry and determination of a very high order.

9. Throughout the operation the Royal Flying Corps have rendered valuable assistance to all arms and have obtained complete mastery of the air. The information obtained from contact and reconnaissance patrols has at all times enabled Commanders to deep in close touch with the situation. In the pursuit, they have inflicted severe loss on the enemy; and their artillery co-operation has contributed in no small measure to our victory.

10. The organisation in rear of the fighting forces enabled those forces to be supplied throughout. All supply and ammunition services and Engineer Services were called upon for great exertions. The response everywhere showed great devotion and high military spirit.

11. The thorough organisation of the Lines of Communication, and the energy and skill with which all the services adapted themselves to the varying conditions of the operations, ensured the constant mobility of the fighting troops.

12. The Commander-in-Chief appreciated the admirable conduct of all the transport services and particularly the endurance and loyal service of the Camel Transport Corps.

13. The skill and energy by which the Signal Service was maintained under all conditions reflects the greatest credit to all concerned.

14. The Medical Service was able to adapt itself to all difficulties of the situation, with the result that the evacuation of wounded and sick was carried out with the least possible hardship and discomfort.

15. The Veterinary Service worked well throughout, the wastage in animals was conspicuously small considering the distances traversed.

16. The Ordinance Service never failed to meet all demands.

17. The work of the Egyptian Labour Corps has been of the greatest value in contributing to the rapid advance of the troops and in overcoming the difficulties of the communications.

18. The Commander-in-Chief desires that his thanks and appreciation of their services be conveyed to all Officers and men of the Force which he had the honour to command.

(Sd) G.P. Dawney. B.G.G.S FOR Major-General,
Chief of the General Staff.
Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

[Page 74]
BAVARIAN FLYING SQUADRON 304

Extracts from report on the Evacuation of the Aerodrome at

ARAK EL MANSHIJE

In a conference with the Officer Commanding Air Forces on the 4.11.17 a move to an Aerodrome in Rear was decided upon. This was postponed owing to the urgent need of Pilots. In order to meet the prospect of enveloping attacks, all unnecessary material was sent to a rear Depot as soon as Railway carriages were at or disposal, and the situation demanded it.

On 7.11.17 the moving of material and preparing of a new Aerodrome at WADE SERAR was ordered by the Squadron Commander, reported to Headquarters, and their sanction granted. Transport of 301 and 302 Squadrons was asked for. The transport of 301 could not be taken as it was required, on account of RAMLEH being threatened, to move two Squadrons from there.

At 10,00 a hostile cavalry regiment was reported to have broken through at SHERIA and to be now at UMM DASKAL. About the same time the Commander of a Water Column reported that he had been shot at by hostile cavalry from 2 km. South of the Aerodrome. On account of this report 8 machine guns were placed in position to defend the Aerodrome. On the hill an Observation Post was set up and connected by telephone to the Squadron. The men were at once paraded and taught how to behave on the appearance of hostile cavalry. Ammunition was issued. The ‘Place of Assembly’ of the Squadron was the dug-outs near the Medical Tent. The Machine Mechanics placed the A.E.G. machines ready in front of the tent, so that the Observer’s Machine guns could be used. After the Parade the men resumed their work, keeping their rifles and ammunition at hand.

At 11,00 the report that Hostile Cavalry were at DASKAL was stated to be false. At 12.00 an Officer of 302 Squadron arrived with lorries, which after being loaded, began to move to the Depot, erected at WADI SARAR. After moving back of transport had already begun, and order was received from Headquarters to start moving back at once. Only one of the Railway wagons could be loaded, and then only with the Photographic stuff and a part of the Wireless and Telephone material because for a day and half, loaded trains only, with engines, had been standing in the Station of ARAK EL MANSHIJE. Loading and dismantling of the camp was continued, also during the night.

2/lt. ULLRICH and 2/lt, SCHELER, as well as Viffw SPIEL and 2/lt. SARADETH, started on a Reconnaissance.

2/lt. ULLRICH returned with the Observer, severely wounded (Shot in the stomach).

In a machine gun attack on hostile camps, the aeroplane had to fly along the sloping bank of a hill and only by climbing against a strong wind was able to escape with difficulty the effect of hostile M.GIs on the slopes of the hill. 2/lt SCHELLER died in the night of 7/8.

The transport of 304 unloaded in the WADI SARAR, returned to be loaded again on the morning and afternoon of the 8th and was sent off again. 303 promised by wire to send their transport again but was held back because later reports came in to effect that the situation was also threatening for EL TINE and the Squadron itself had to be moved also.

The Squadron had then to make use of its own transport, which consisted of 14 wagons of 3 tons, of which 2 had to be trailed owing to their breaking down.

At 0800 the Commander of a Water Transport Column of the 20th Army Corps reported that he had seen dismounted hostile cavalry near the farm about 100 metres South of the Aerodrome. Shortly afterwards Capt. Felmy, the Group Commander, informed us that yesterday’s report of the Hostile

[Page 75]
Cavalry at DASKAL had now been verified. The enemy was attacking WADI HESI with particularly strong forces. There was no further information on the situation both sides of the Railway, as well as between BEERSHEBA, JERUSALEM and the Dead Sea since yesterday morning.

The reconnaissance activity of the Squadron, corresponding to the number of machines ready to start, was in no way interrupted by the move. The reconnaissance Area, allotted by H.Q., was chiefly, the Area SCHERIA-BEERSHEBA-DEAD SEA, in particular the roads of advance of the enemy on JERUSALEM. Vizfw SPIEL and Lieut. BERTHOLD started. The report of the Lieut. Of the Water-Column of near hostile forces was proved to be completely false.

The Squadron asked for 10 lorries from 301 Squadron to move material but 301 had to hold itself in readiness to move both 301 and 300. The move in the morning of the 8th suffered a delay owing to an air attack of 15 machines, which dropped from 50-60 bombs, damaged 2 machines and made a lorry unserviceable. The men, owing to the numerous and practical dug-outs were unhurt. A direct hit on an Aeroplane tent, tore it completely up, but the machine which was inside was hardly damaged.

The Officers Store was almost completely destroyed. As the bombs interrupted telephonic communication, the report of the long distance reconnaissance in the morning of Lieut. BERTHOLD was dropped near JERUSALEM and forwarded. About 16.30, there were two air attacks of about 25 machines, 120 bombs. Again, no losses in men of the squadron. The losses in material also (I machine destroyed, several light hits, a few tents damaged by splinters) in proportion to the strength of the enemy, was unimportant.

On the other hand, several Turkish Soldiers, encamped near the Aerodrome, suffered severe injuries by Bomb splinters, as well as machine gun bullets. They were bound up by the Squadron Doctor and put into the train, which was stopped for some time in the Station of ARAK EL MANCHALE.

At 1800, an Officer on the Staff of the 8th Army, driving up in a car, gave the Squadron Commander, ‘the order to retreat’ to read, according to which our line to be taken up an 2300 was about 8 km. North of ARAK EL MANCHIJE near SOMEIL.

In this state of affairs, a complete move was only possible if Railway wagons could be placed at our disposal. The Commander of a Transport Column, who was on his way to Army H.Q. and had to return to TINE, gave up 3 lorries, which we loaded with material and sent back to TINE. A demand made to the Commander of the 20th, Corps on the Station of ARAK EL MANCHIJE was almost without success.

The request that wagons loaded with corn, should be set free for valuable Flying material, was met with the reply, that the Army Group had ordered that it was of the utmost importance to send back provisions. Lieut. BERTHOLD, thereupon, threatened the Military Commissioner that the Squadron would place the Station under fire with machine guns if wagons were not handed over. Without listening to any further contradiction, the Squadron had a corn wagon emptied and loaded with Flying material. The only lorry left, on account of this night loading, went into a trench the axle breaking, and the lorry became unserviceable. As there was nothing else at our disposal, the men had to carry to the Railway heavy material and clothing cases. The departure of the train was held up by seizing the engine until the wagon was loaded.

As the situation meanwhile had become more and more threatening, the Squadron Commander, who by landing in WADI SARAR was convinced that the place was not suitable as an Aerodrome, reconnoitred a new Aerodrome North of RAMLEY, and had a temporary Aerodrome prepared there.

In order to prevent a splitting up of the Squadron EL TINE was made an Assembly place for machines for 9.11. There was s shelter etc. there for machines. WADI SARAR was made the Assembly Point for transport.

[Page 76]
During the night the tents were struck in order to send them back in the lorries of the Squadron, which were expected to arrive shortly. Machine guns were mounted on the Aerodrome, and during the night manned by Officers and men. The lorries did not arrive; they had, unfortunately, as was heard later, been stopped and sent to TINE, as it was thought ARAK EL MANCHIJE had been occupied by the enemy.

At 0600 came the report that the Commander of the 26th Corps, a Turkish Lieut. Colonel, had halted in the Station of ARAK EL MACHEIJE, and was directing the retreat from there. The Squadron Commander learned from him that the Station was ready to be blown up and a speedy retreat must be reckoned with; the hills of ARAK EL MACHIJE were occupied by 2 companies; Hostile Cavalry was reported 3-4 Km. S.W of the place. To the question ‘how much time the Squadron had to move in’ the reply was ‘the enemy is expected in at least an hour.’ The Squadron Commander had everything left set on fire at 0700 (which could not be taken away in the expected lorries.) At 0800, the Station was blown up and the line wrecked; the Turkish Commander informed us it was now time to retreat, and as there was no sign of this expected transport all material still on the Aerodrome was set fire to. The men had collected several horses and bullock carts, on which the most necessary kit was put and marched to EL TINE on foot under Lieut. BERTHOLD and 2/lt SARADETH. The serviceable machines, 5C and 1D, were flown back to EL TINE between 0500 and 0700.

An Air Mechanic got into a machine, without orders, started and made a good landing at RAMLEH, He had never been a Military Airman, but years ago, had been trained as an Airman in France.

The Squadron Commander left last at 0900, and landed at EL TINE, stopped the transport column of the Squadron, and drove with 3 wagons to SOMEIL to pick up the Officers and men on the march and drive back to the Assembly place WADI SARAR.

Near SOMEIL they were picked up and the journey to WADI SARAR was continued.

About 1630, as the men had had nothing to drink all day, a halt was made near a watering place, S. of EL TINE, near where, on a hill, the 8th Army H.Q. was situated.

During the halt, suddenly, there ensued a flight, all the Turkish men in the direction of EL TINE, for which hardly any reason could be seen; to the question of the Squadron Commander to Turkish Officers galloping past, most no reply was given; only one Officer shouted ‘nous ne sarons pas’. On receiving this enlightening answer on the situation, the Squadron continued getting water, until suddenly some shells, coming from the direction of EL TINE, whistled close over the wagons and burst 100 metres behind; the men were sent under cover, and the Officers ran on to the hill on which the 8th Army H.Q. was stopping.

On the Squadron Commander reporting the arrival of the Squadron from ARAK EL MANCHIJE, the further journey was forbidden, as it was feared that the dust clouds of the driving lorries would increase the panic, and in consequence lorries would probably come under fire again. Only towards 1730 did things quieten down a bit; the lorries drove on towards TINE: on the way these overturned lorries, lost things bore witness of the panic that ensued.

The Squadron Commander enquired in TINE from the Officers of the Squadron, whether all machines, as ordered, had been flown over to the new Aerodrome at WILHELMA, and whether the machines of the Squadron still there had been damaged by the bombing in the afternoon. These Gentlemen explained that the one-seaters were undamaged, but that on the other hand C. machines had been damaged; if the machines were not taken away as soon as possible, they would have to be burnt. The Squadron Commander sought not to do this, because they would be taken away the next morning.

Between 2000 and 2100, the column of 4 lorries and 1 car drove to WADI SARAR. At a Railway Crossing just N.E. of TINE, a halt had

[Page 77]
to be made, as the road was barred by 8 lorries, of which the foremost was on fire. The attempt to save the lorries by fire extinguishers was unsuccessful, however, the remaining lorries were able to be get out of the way. As some of the lorries had been completely abandoned with the motor running, and would have been lost unless taken charge of by the Squadron, the Squadron Commander ordered all supernumerary drivers to man them.

After these lorries, which had plenty of room, had been loaded with barrels of petrol lying around, the journey to WADI SARAR was continued with an additional 2 lorries, and WADI SARAR was reached after midnight.

The road EL TINE-WADISARAR offered a sad spectacle with material strewn along the whole road, stationary lorries, broken up carts, dead horses, camels, bullocks and sheep, lying around, with fugitives and wounded here and there.

On the 10/11, several Officers drove back to TINE, partly to fetch the machines, partly to transport the tents which had arrived only as far as TINE. The remainder had been burnt including one machine of the Squadron, with still two Observer machine guns in the Observer’s seat against the express wish of the Squadron Commander. The other 5 machines arrived at RAMLEH on the 9/11.

A quite extraordinary performance was accomplished by 2/Lt. TEMMANN, although several times wounded by bomb splinters during an air attack on TINE (1 stomach wound, 1 bullet in the lung, 2 splinters in the thigh) during a new bombing attack, he had himself lifted into his machine, started with it towards RAMLEH, which place, he, also, reached, in the attempt to land, his strength left him; the machine was seriously damaged. As the Doctor considered operation necessary 2/lt TAMMANN was brought by machine to DAMASCUS.

The one-seater still in TINE belonged to 302 Squadron, its pilot could not get the motor to run at once, and thereupon the machine belonging to 304 Squadron flew off. Capt. WALZ flew this machine over to RAMLEH, gave it up to 302 Squadron and flew with the one-seater to 304 on to WILHALMA.

The transport reached RAMLEH, to go on from here to the new Aerodrome at WILHELMA.

The order to go back to AFOULE then became known; as the roads through WILHELMA were so sandy, that wagons of 303 were stuck there for over 1 day. Lieut. BERTHOLD, naturally decided to go back through JERUSALEM.

In RAMLEH, a part of the material had to be taken from the train and the lorries again loaded, as owing to a collision 2 railway wagons had become unserviceable and new wagons could not be obtained. A part of the material, Depot cases and Wireless material was damaged and partly unsuitable for further use. The transport through JERUSALEM, NABLUS to AFOULE could therefore only be carried out by road.

After inspecting the Aerodrome at WILHELMA, the Squadron Commander, drove by car to the transport of the Squadron, and superintended the bringing back of material. After the Squadron Commander had found out for himself where the rest of different sections of the Squadron were and given the necessary orders for the next few days and seen their execution commenced, he went to the ‘Commander of the Airman’ to report on the state of the Squadron, the measures that had been taken, and to receive new orders.

The Aeroplanes, 1 D and 4 C, machines reached the new Aerodrome, AFOULE, by Air; the material, already in WILHELMA, went by rail, by several small stages to the new Aerodrome.

On the 12/11, at 1500 the transport column halted on the hill of LUBAN, about 18 km. South of NABLUS, and collected before descending the steep hair-pin bends. The last lorry, driving rather fast, went over the side of the road.

[Page 78]
Some of the men who jumped off received only small injuries. Those who were sitting on the front part of the lorry were most seriously injured, being crushed by falling cases. After a half hour’s work the wagon was able to be turned round. Under the debris, there lay two men seriously hurt, and three dead.

The wounded were taken to the Turkish hospital at NABLUS. The lorry was almost completely destroyed. A few parts, still serviceable, were dug out the following day.

On the 20/11, a 1 Sections of the Squadron were again collected on the Aerodrome at AFOULE.

[Page 79]
DISTANCES FLOWN FROM POINT TO POINT
BY
1st SQUADRON, AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS.

KANTARA – EL ARISH – KANTARA – 184 Miles
KANTARA – GAZA – KANTARA – 280 Miles
KANTATA – BEERSHEBA – KANTARA – 306 Miles
KANTATA – AUJA – KANTARA – 260 Miles
ISMALIA – NEEHL – ISHMALIA – 208 Miles
SUEZ – NEEHL – SUEZ – 144 Miles
RAFA – RAMLEH – RAFA -118 Miles
KILO 143 – RAMLEH –KILO 143 - 210 Miles
KILO 143 – KERISALEM – KILO 143 – 224 Miles
MEJDEL –AMMAN - MEJDEL – 168 Miles
MEJDEL – AFULE – MAJDEL – 156 Miles
RAMLEH – JAUF ED DERWISH – RAMLEH – 204 Miles
ARSUF – AFULE - ARSUF – 82 Miles
AFULE – DAMASCUS – AFULE - 178 Miles
AFULE – RAYAK – AFULE – 208 Miles
AFULE – HOMS – AFULE – 362 Miles
AFULE – ALEPPO – AFULE – 578 Miles
HAIFA – BETRUT – HAIFA -164 Miles
AFULE – BERAA – AFULE -104 Miles
HAIFA – MUSHALE – HAIFA – 620 Miles

[Page 80]
REPORT OF FORCED LANDINGS
BY
LIEUT. A.V. TONKIN

On returning from Strategical Reconnaissance on MAAN-KALAAT EL HASA area on the 13th August 1918, Lieut. A.V. Tonkin who was accompanied by Lieut. C.J. Vyner as Observer, was compelled through engine trouble to land about 10 miles E.N.E. of AT TAFILE.

They were seen to go down by Lieut. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. and Lieut. A.V. McCann (Observer) who were in escort machine. They followed them down and flew over them at a height of about 50 feet. They saw both occupants get out of the machine, and shortly after the machine was set on fire. A ground signal in the form of an arrow pointing West was then put out, indicating that Lieut. Tonkin and Lieut. Vyner were walking in a Westerly direction.

Lieut. Stooke, who by this time was running short of petrol flew to BEERSHEEBA, where he landed. He returned later in the afternoon, and found the remains of the machine, but was unable to locate the missing officers.

In the meantime, the Military Governor of BEERSHEEBA, to whom the matter had been reported, took prompt measures to arrange for a search to be made for the missing officers. He organised a party under the charge of Bimbashi Chetwynd, who left BEERSHEEBA the same evening with a number of men, and 40 camels to carry out the search.

The following morning, three machines flown respectively by Capt. R.M. Smith, MC., D.F.C., and Lieut. H. A. Blake, and Lieut. E.C. Stooke, D.C.M. with Lieut. L.W. Sutherland, M.C., D.C.M. and Lieut. A.V. McCann as Observers were sent out to fly over the area in question. They succeeded in locating the missing officers in a Bedouin encampment near EL BUSIERA. Messages were dropped on them and they replied by means of ground signals that the Arabs they were with were friendly. Lieut. Blake then landed about 1½ miles from the encampment. Bedouins came from all round the neighbourhood in the direction of his machine. The first of these to arrive covered him and his observer with a rifle, and at the same time asking if they were ‘Sherif’. They replied in the affirmative, whereupon the Bedouin lowered his gun, approached them, and greeted them in a very friendly manner. Lieut. McCann then went off to get into contact with Lieuts. Tonkin and Vyner.

In the meantime several Bedouins, led by a local notable, came up to the machine, and intimated to Lieut. Blake that they had two British Officers who were to stay there until ‘bakhshish’ was forthcoming. Lieut. Blake informed them that a reward of £50 (fifty pounds) would be paid at BEESHEEBA to whoever returned these Officers there. He further stated that a party had already left BEERSHEEBA in search of them. He told the Sherif the route the party proposed to follow. The leader of this band thereupon invited Lieut. Blake to a neighbouring village, but he politely declined to go.

By this time, a large concourse of Bedouins, a great number of whom were armed with rifles many of them were of the Lee-Metford type) and knives, had assembled in the vicinity, together with eight Turkish prisoners. SHERIF MUSTUR and SHEIK HAMD ABN GAZI were among the company. The Sheikh wrote a note which he handed to Lieut. Blake and directed that it be taken to BEERSHEEBA.

The note was in Arabic, a translation of which is as follows:-
"The men who have now got the flying officers are the Arabs of the IBN GAZI HAMD. The men who claim them are SHEIKH HETAB IBN and YEM IBN GAZI. After three days we will mount them and send with Sheikh to BEERSHEEBA. Do not be anxious about the. Salaams to the General and to Parker"
(Signed) HAMD ABN GAZI
Sherif of the Howeitat.

[Transcribed by Jean Hart, Betty Smith for the State Library of New South Wales]