Meanwhile in France…
While Greg was at Hursley Park, an RE8 of 42 Sqn RAF saw aerial combat this day while Lts Puckle (Pilot) and Nicolson (Observer) were on artillery registration duty at 6:30am. “Artillery registration” was more informally known as a “shoot” – the process of directing fire from a battery onto a target, typically a hostile battery, as practised by Greg at Yatesbury on 4 May 1918:
Lts Puckle and Nicolson’s report was as follows:
Time: 6.30am Locality: Between NIEPPE FOREST and
MERVILLE
Pilot: Lt H. Puckle Observer: Lt J. F. W. Nicolson
Two seater, either an Albatros or resembling one
The E.A. was first fired on when flying north from
MERVILLE and 500 feet above us. Two drums were fired
at him when he turned and flew towards MERVILLE,
and in flying somewhat across his track 1½ drums were
fired, and the E.A. disappeared into the haze over
ESTAIRES apparently undamaged.
The area between the Nieppe Forest and Merville, on the River Lys. Merville is 17 miles (30 km) west of Lille. Map credit: Imperial War Museum/Great War DigitalSo no harm done (or inflicted). But a nervous moment for the crew of an RE8, which was not built for elective aerial combat. The risks were never far away.
The combat report was signed by Major H. J. F. Hunter MC, who on 17 April 1918 had taken over as the new CO of 42 Sqn from Major R. G. Gould MC. Major Hunter would be in charge when Greg was posted to the squadron in June.