Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 7, 2017 13:44:58 GMT 12
Here are a couple of interesting stories of the chivalry and respect shown between opposing Air Forces during WWI.
From the EVENING POST (Wellington, NZ), dated 13 JANUARY 1917
And this comes from the SAMOANISCHE ZEITUNG, 27 APRIL 1918
From the EVENING POST (Wellington, NZ), dated 13 JANUARY 1917
CHIVALRY IN THE AIR
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
LONDON, 17th November.
According to a Berlin official telegram, a British airman on 11th November dropped behind the German lines on the Somme front, a wreath, to which were affixed a dedication and a letter. The dedication said: "In memory of Capt. Boelcke, a brave and chivalrous enemy. The Royal British Flying Corps." The letter was as follows.:— "To the Officers of the German Flying Corps at the Front, We hope that you will find this wreath. We regret that it comes so late, but the weather prevented us from sending it earlier. We mourn with his relatives and friends. We all acknowledge his bravery. Please remember the Morane Squadron to Capt. Evans and Liout. Long."
The German Superior Command has sent the wreath, with the dedication and the letter, to the parents of Capt. Boelcke. The correspondent of tho Kolnische Zeitung expresses a pained regret that there is none of this chivalry in other branches of the war.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
LONDON, 17th November.
According to a Berlin official telegram, a British airman on 11th November dropped behind the German lines on the Somme front, a wreath, to which were affixed a dedication and a letter. The dedication said: "In memory of Capt. Boelcke, a brave and chivalrous enemy. The Royal British Flying Corps." The letter was as follows.:— "To the Officers of the German Flying Corps at the Front, We hope that you will find this wreath. We regret that it comes so late, but the weather prevented us from sending it earlier. We mourn with his relatives and friends. We all acknowledge his bravery. Please remember the Morane Squadron to Capt. Evans and Liout. Long."
The German Superior Command has sent the wreath, with the dedication and the letter, to the parents of Capt. Boelcke. The correspondent of tho Kolnische Zeitung expresses a pained regret that there is none of this chivalry in other branches of the war.
And this comes from the SAMOANISCHE ZEITUNG, 27 APRIL 1918
French and Germans Meet.
OVER GRAVE OF HERO.
"La Nazione," of Florence, has received from Paris the following particulars respecting the funeral of the famous French aviator, Guynemer, who fell behind the enemy lines: "The disappearance of Guynemer was made known throughout the whole of the French air service, but no news of his death was to hand until on one of the French aerodromes a German aeroplane dropped a package. This packet contained a uniform, a pocket case, and a letter. The uniform, which was blood-stained, belonged to the heroic and unfortunate aviator. In the pocket case were bank notes. The letter came from the commander of the German aviation corps on the western front. It contained an invitation to the French aviation corps to come and assist at the obsequies of Guynemer. The most complete security and absolute liberty to passage over the lines of fire were guaranteed, both for the journey out and return. It was expressly stated that the French aviators could fly close to the ground. No shot would be fired."
"On the day fixed, at dawn, fifteen French aviators, an entire squadron, with a captain at the head, traversed the enemy lines and made for the place indicated in the letter of invitation. After descending the aviators, accompanied by their adversaries, made for the village close by where the body of Guynemer lay. In the modest church Frenchmen and Germans joined together in the religious ceremony, which was brief but moving. Wreaths sent, in some cases by the families of the German aviators, were then placed upon the coffin.
"In the adjoining cemetery a German officer paid tribute to the fallen aviator. Nor was a tribute of homage to French aviation omitted. The officer declared that German aviation felt itself to be the disciple of the French, who were masters of courage and hardihood in the realm of aeronautics. 'Germany,' he added, 'will never forget Guynemer.'
"Many eyes were wet. Many were the handclasps when the ceremony finished. Thereupon the guide accompanied the Frenchmen to the field where their machines were, which, during the ceremony, had been refilled with petrol, started the engines, and got ready for return. An hour afterwards the French aviators descended behind their own lines." — " North Queensland Telegraph."
OVER GRAVE OF HERO.
"La Nazione," of Florence, has received from Paris the following particulars respecting the funeral of the famous French aviator, Guynemer, who fell behind the enemy lines: "The disappearance of Guynemer was made known throughout the whole of the French air service, but no news of his death was to hand until on one of the French aerodromes a German aeroplane dropped a package. This packet contained a uniform, a pocket case, and a letter. The uniform, which was blood-stained, belonged to the heroic and unfortunate aviator. In the pocket case were bank notes. The letter came from the commander of the German aviation corps on the western front. It contained an invitation to the French aviation corps to come and assist at the obsequies of Guynemer. The most complete security and absolute liberty to passage over the lines of fire were guaranteed, both for the journey out and return. It was expressly stated that the French aviators could fly close to the ground. No shot would be fired."
"On the day fixed, at dawn, fifteen French aviators, an entire squadron, with a captain at the head, traversed the enemy lines and made for the place indicated in the letter of invitation. After descending the aviators, accompanied by their adversaries, made for the village close by where the body of Guynemer lay. In the modest church Frenchmen and Germans joined together in the religious ceremony, which was brief but moving. Wreaths sent, in some cases by the families of the German aviators, were then placed upon the coffin.
"In the adjoining cemetery a German officer paid tribute to the fallen aviator. Nor was a tribute of homage to French aviation omitted. The officer declared that German aviation felt itself to be the disciple of the French, who were masters of courage and hardihood in the realm of aeronautics. 'Germany,' he added, 'will never forget Guynemer.'
"Many eyes were wet. Many were the handclasps when the ceremony finished. Thereupon the guide accompanied the Frenchmen to the field where their machines were, which, during the ceremony, had been refilled with petrol, started the engines, and got ready for return. An hour afterwards the French aviators descended behind their own lines." — " North Queensland Telegraph."
