September Evening by Barry Diggens

Author:Barry Diggens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisac Code 1: HIS027140
ISBN: eBook ISBN: 9781908117878
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
Published: 2003-12-18T16:00:00+00:00

In the mess of 56 Squadron that night there was much speculation about the identity of the triplane pilot. Although opinions varied as to whether it could have been Wolff, Voss, or even the great Richthofen himself, there was no doubt in anybody’s mind that he was one of the best, but no news had yet come through from Wing Intelligence. Over at 60 Squadron’s mess at Bailleul a similar discussion was taking place, though ‘Grid’ Caldwell had little doubt as to who the pilot was. Years later he recalled: ‘I, for one, felt it could only have been Voss as I had experienced him before. He was a terrific chap, and rated easily No. 1, including Richthofen.’

The celebrations held at 56 were decidedly muted; there was none of the gay frivolity that usually followed such a hard fought victory, although as to be expected, Arthur Rhys Davids came in for a shower of congratulations from his squadron mates, all accepted in his usual modest manner. Not surprisingly, the applause came from those who had not been involved in the fight. Those who had been were in a more sombre mood. After the war Cronyn wrote: ‘During the discussion at dinner, we somewhat theatrically stood and toasted a very courageous and tenacious fighter, who could have disengaged himself from the combat at any time. To detract from the tribute or credit deservedly received by Rhys Davids is the last thing I would wish to do. I had a great admiration for him as a brave young man of high moral courage. On the other hand, it is inconceivable that no one else who took part in the fight with Voss contributed by gun fire to his defeat. In truth, such horrible glory must be shared between Rhys Davids and 56 Squadron.’

Bowman recalled: ‘Our elation was not nearly as great as you might have imagined. It was an amazing show on the part of Voss. I remember at the time feeling rather sorry it had to end the way it did. Rhys Davids, I think, was genuinely upset.’ This is evidenced by the comment he made during dinner. Turning to McCudden, Rhys Davids mumbled: ‘Oh, if only I could have brought him down alive.’ An emotion surely felt by all who took part in the action. In stark contrast to these noble sentiments, when news of Richthofen’s death reached the mess of 74 Squadron in April 1918, a junior officer rose from his seat at table to propose a similar toast to their gallant foe. Edward Mannock, a flight commander at the time, was less charitable and refused to join in. Remaining seated, he coldly expressed the hope that ‘the bastard sizzled all the way down’.

At Heule airfield there was also speculation, but of a different kind. Ernst Weigand and the pilots of Jasta 10 milled about on the grass watching as the sun slowly dipped to the horizon. Voss had not returned and the hour was getting late – too late to hope that he was still in the air somewhere over the lines.

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