Read Online 1915 Fokker Scourge (British Ace Book 2) by Griff Hosker - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Griff Hosker
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chance to build a great squadron but we need well trained pilots who gain the right sort of aerial combat experience. Not just lucky pot shots. Be patient gentlemen.”
I rolled my eyes at Gordy as we left. Words were immaterial. He was having another dig at us and attempting a rousing speech for the troops. He failed in both. The lieutenants did not look inspired and we were now immune to his criticisms.
Johnny Holt walked with me to the aircraft. “I say, I am to fly next to you. I feel safer already, Bill.”
Since I had watched over him when he had crash landed he had become my semi-permanent shadow. He was immensely grateful for what he saw as a life saving intervention by me. He had made too much of it. It was what soldiers had always done; watch out for their comrades.
“Don’t worry Johnny. You will find it much easier today. The first combat is always the hardest. If you see any Germans just make sure they can’t get in your blind spot. How is your sergeant?”
“Oh he is a good sort. Still he is not as good as Sergeant Sharp but I have high hopes for Bert.”
I wagged a finger in his face. “Now do not let the major hear you being so familiar with the staff!”
He laughed but added, in a quiet voice, “You know when I joined the squadron I was so excited to be serving with the major. During training he was terrific. He was kind and understanding but out here… well he has changed.”
I nodded. “It does that to a man. Now you have to learn to be a combat pilot and that is totally different from training.”
“I know but you are next to me and you are the leading ace in the squadron.”
It was the first time I had heard the term although the newspapers were filled with the idea of someone who could shoot down enemy aeroplanes. The papers were full of praise for Major Lanoe Hawker who had shot down or destroyed more than seven aeroplanes. “Don’t let the major hear you say that. He would not be happy. Now fly safe Johnny.”
We took off. Once we reached the correct altitude I hear d Sharp say, “I managed to acquire some extra magazines sir. They are just behind my seat. The balance should be fine but let me know if you need them moving.”
“Righto.” Sharp had put them in the best place. We did not want them at the front, even though they would have afforded some protection from a head on attack.
We had been flying for half an hour when he pointed towards the German lines. What do you think they are up to sir?”
I saw where he pointed and there were two aeroplanes; an Aviatik and a Fokker. They appeared to be flying lazy circles about fifty feet above the German lines. “I have no idea Charlie unless they are doing what we are doing and watching for us.”
“No sir, I think that they would be higher.” I liked that in Charlie he was a thinker and not afraid to contradict me.
Just them we heard the unmistakable chatter of a German machine gun. There, just five miles away was Johnny Holt and he was being attacked by a Fokker which had come from the west! The young pilot headed east.
“The bastards! It is a trap Charlie. They are driving Mister Holt towards the other two. They will be able to rake him when he flies over them.” There was a heartbeat when I considered obeying orders. “Let’s go and help him!”
“Yes sir!”
I heard the delight in Sharp’s voice. I began to climb. I needed the extra speed that the dive would give me. Johnny was doing his best to avoid the monoplane which followed him. He climbed, he dived and he banked but the Fokker kept after him like a sheep dog. No matter which way Johnny attempted to go he was forced further and further east and the two waiting vultures.
“Charlie I want you to fire as soon as we are in range. We have spare ammo and I can fire the rear Lewis while you change magazines.”
“Sir!”
If I could fire then Holt might realise I was coming to his aid and turn towards me.
I rolled my eyes at Gordy as we left. Words were immaterial. He was having another dig at us and attempting a rousing speech for the troops. He failed in both. The lieutenants did not look inspired and we were now immune to his criticisms.
Johnny Holt walked with me to the aircraft. “I say, I am to fly next to you. I feel safer already, Bill.”
Since I had watched over him when he had crash landed he had become my semi-permanent shadow. He was immensely grateful for what he saw as a life saving intervention by me. He had made too much of it. It was what soldiers had always done; watch out for their comrades.
“Don’t worry Johnny. You will find it much easier today. The first combat is always the hardest. If you see any Germans just make sure they can’t get in your blind spot. How is your sergeant?”
“Oh he is a good sort. Still he is not as good as Sergeant Sharp but I have high hopes for Bert.”
I wagged a finger in his face. “Now do not let the major hear you being so familiar with the staff!”
He laughed but added, in a quiet voice, “You know when I joined the squadron I was so excited to be serving with the major. During training he was terrific. He was kind and understanding but out here… well he has changed.”
I nodded. “It does that to a man. Now you have to learn to be a combat pilot and that is totally different from training.”
“I know but you are next to me and you are the leading ace in the squadron.”
It was the first time I had heard the term although the newspapers were filled with the idea of someone who could shoot down enemy aeroplanes. The papers were full of praise for Major Lanoe Hawker who had shot down or destroyed more than seven aeroplanes. “Don’t let the major hear you say that. He would not be happy. Now fly safe Johnny.”
We took off. Once we reached the correct altitude I hear d Sharp say, “I managed to acquire some extra magazines sir. They are just behind my seat. The balance should be fine but let me know if you need them moving.”
“Righto.” Sharp had put them in the best place. We did not want them at the front, even though they would have afforded some protection from a head on attack.
We had been flying for half an hour when he pointed towards the German lines. What do you think they are up to sir?”
I saw where he pointed and there were two aeroplanes; an Aviatik and a Fokker. They appeared to be flying lazy circles about fifty feet above the German lines. “I have no idea Charlie unless they are doing what we are doing and watching for us.”
“No sir, I think that they would be higher.” I liked that in Charlie he was a thinker and not afraid to contradict me.
Just them we heard the unmistakable chatter of a German machine gun. There, just five miles away was Johnny Holt and he was being attacked by a Fokker which had come from the west! The young pilot headed east.
“The bastards! It is a trap Charlie. They are driving Mister Holt towards the other two. They will be able to rake him when he flies over them.” There was a heartbeat when I considered obeying orders. “Let’s go and help him!”
“Yes sir!”
I heard the delight in Sharp’s voice. I began to climb. I needed the extra speed that the dive would give me. Johnny was doing his best to avoid the monoplane which followed him. He climbed, he dived and he banked but the Fokker kept after him like a sheep dog. No matter which way Johnny attempted to go he was forced further and further east and the two waiting vultures.
“Charlie I want you to fire as soon as we are in range. We have spare ammo and I can fire the rear Lewis while you change magazines.”
“Sir!”
If I could fire then Holt might realise I was coming to his aid and turn towards me.
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