The Spring Offensive 01

SPRING OFFENSIVE OF 1917 – THE BATTLE OF ARRAS

The year 2017 marks a significant anniversary in the history of Naval Eight/208 Squadron. In 1917 the Squadron was heavily involved in intensive fighting during the Battle of Arras, with its heaviest period of operations in July in the run-up to the Third Battle of Ypres. October also marked the departure of the Squadron’s first Commanding Officer, Squadron Commander G R Bromet.

After a period out of the front line, during which the Squadron was re-equipped with the Sopwith Triplane, Naval Eight returned to action at the end of March 1917 in preparation for the ‘Spring Offensive’ better known as the Battle of Arras. The air offensive for the battle opened along the whole front on 4 April, five days before the ground action began. The Squadron’s senior pilots were immediately in action with Flight Commander R Compston and Flight Lieutenant R Little the most prominent. Compston achieved the Squadron’s first success with the Triplane when he forced down a Halberstadt out of control having intercepted it at 17,000 feet.  The following day, Little achieved his first success in the Triplane, which made him an ‘ace’ (five victories) at the beginning of a long run of successes. Naval Eight was to produce several exceptional ‘aces’ during 1917 and their successes started to mount during the fierce fighting of April.

The intense aerial fighting of April (known ever since as ‘Bloody April’) set the tone for the next three months, the most hectic period of activity throughout the war for Naval Eight. On 16 May the Squadron moved to Mont St Eloi, a better airfield where the men were under canvas and the aircraft could be serviced in Bessoneau hangars. With the move, the Squadron’s role changed to some extent. Offensive patrols were still flown but the priority was to attack aircraft directing enemy artillery – often referred to as ‘wireless interception’ - and hostile aircraft over the front line. The Squadron enjoyed a successful period in its new role. During the first two weeks of June, many of the Squadron’s pilots had successes. Not only did Little, Compston and Flight Commander Booker add to their scores but the newer pilots were making significant contributions. The Squadron was now establishing itself as one of the best scout squadrons on the Western Front.

Back to News
Archive

…... Continued

The Spring Offensive Page  1  2

Back to 1916-39 Articles