Bringing down von Richthofen

摘要

On March 12,1918,62 Squadron entered into a large-scale fight with aircraft of JG 1, losing four of its F.2bs, including one each falling to the two von Richthofen brothers. The following day, 62 gained a small measure of revenge. Bristols of 62 and Sopwith Camels from 73 Squadrons were on patrol and again JG 1 came up to engage. The F.2b crews had been stalking a group of enemy aircraft for some time but had been unable to manoeuvre themselves into an attacking position. The leader, Australian Captain G F Hughes, had just decided to give up and head for home when he saw two of his crews start to drop on the Germans. However, what the British chaps had not spotted was several Fokker Triplanes heading for them at the same height. Hughes had no option but to help, so he and the others dived into the fray. In the fight, Lothar von Richthofen engaged Hughes and his gunner, Captain H Claye but as he closed, Henry Claye coolly took careful aim and opened fire. He was on target and he saw parts of the Triplane's top wing begin to tear away and then the whole centre section ripped off.