History - World War I (7)
...... work once more with the same RFC. Wing and Brigade as before. Then on 1st April, 1918, on the amalgamation of the RFC and RNAS to form the Royal Air Force, the Squadron became No. 208 RAF. Traditions die hard, and the change of uniform, rank and
customs was not popular. In fact some continued to wear the old uniform, as this photograph of the Squadron taken after the Armistice bears witness. Seven days after the Squadron arrived at La Gorgue tragedy occurred. The best account available of this is Major Draper’s official report to OC 10th Wing:
No. 208 Squadron,
ROYAL AIR FORCE
In the Field.
10th April, 1918
“THE OFFICER COMMANDING,
10th Wing, RAF.
Sir, — With reference to the destruction of the 16 machines of this Squadron I have the honour to submit the following report. About 4.00 a.m. on the morning of the 9th we were aroused by the sound of very heavy gun fire which increased in intensity towards dawn. There was considerable hostile shelling of Merville and La Gorgue and the surrounding districts. A large number of French civilians were passing west through our Camp, followed by considerable quantities of Portuguese Troops in open disorder without either rifles or equipment and apparently un-officered. By about 7 o’clock the shelling became very intense, but owing to the fog it was practically impossible to ascertain definitely where the shells were falling. I gave orders to have the machines removed from the hangars and spread out over the Aerodrome in case of a concentrated shelling of the hangars. I gave orders to Officers and men to pack all gear and stores as quickly as possible. As far as I remember, it was between 8 and 9 o’clock when I ordered officers, officers’ stewards and as much
Christopher Draper’s report, and an account of his service with Naval 8 / 208 Squadron is contained in his Autobiography ‘The Mad Major’.
Now out of print, but occasionally available from AbeBooks
