Tag: German

GOTHA G.V

John Preedy

GOTHA G.V. The Gotha G.V was a heavy bomber used by the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service) during World War I. Designed for long-range service, the Gotha G.V was used principally as a night bomber. Operational use of the Gotha G.IV demonstrated that the incorporation of the fuel tanks into the engine nacelles was a mistake. In a crash landing the tanks could rupture and spill fuel onto the hot engines. This posed a serious problem because landing accidents caused 75% of operational losses. In response Gothaer produced the G.V,…

Fokker E.I

John Preedy

Fokker E.I The Fokker E.I was the first fighter aircraft to enter service with the Fliegertruppe of the Deutsches Heer in World War I. Its arrival at the front in mid-1915 marked the start of a period known as the “Fokker Scourge” during which the E.I and its successors achieved a measure of air superiority over the Western Front. The E.I was essentially an armed version of the Fokker M.5K single-seat reconnaissance aircraft (military designation A.III), which was in turn very closely based on the design of the 1913 French…

Ten Planes Brought Down during 1940 air battle

Pam Preedy

Another week of heavy bombing was felt over London in early Autumn 1940.  While thousands of people travelled to work in London one Friday morning, enemy aircraft and British fighters fought in the skies overhead. The Bromley & District newspaper reported that 10 German planes were brought down in the London area. This report was published on 4th October 1940 and the Friday mentioned is possibly be the previous Friday – the 27th September. Over Chislehurst ad Orpington Two near Biggin Hill It was officially announced that ten German planes were brought…

Rambler Captures German Airman

Pam Preedy

Although no actual date is given for when this ‘capture’ happened, it is likely to have been shortly after the 15th September 1940 as it mentions ‘Sequel to Air Battle.’  The 15th September 1940 (now known as Battle of Britain Day) was a key date in the Battle of Britain, as the RAF saw off waves of attacking Luftwaffe bombers and fighters. The Germans suffered a heavy loss during this attack, in which the Luftwaffe lost 75 aircraft.  On the 18th September (known at The Hardest Day),  a second large attack by the Germans saw…

Ramble with a Thrill

Pam Preedy

Ramble with a Thrill “Bomber Came Out of the Clouds” A lady who was walking with a friend in a park towards a village in Kent described her experiences to the Kentish Times. “A German bomber came out of the clouds. Immediately after anti-aircraft guns went into action, and we walked under the trees until we got to the main road. We decided to make for the village public-house, and order our lunch of shandy and bread and cheese – shandy is better than shrapnel and beer better than bombs! While we were seated…