5 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1427: Flew up and down the lines again. Low patchy fog. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0509: Moved from Fere-en-Tardenois to Amiens. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0823: Moved with No 3 Sqdn to new field at Amiens. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1207: Extended scouting flight all the way to Paris and back. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0637: Short familiarization flight. 55 minutes."

6 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Fog and rain. No flying today. Amazing news though. Two Frenchmen mounted a gun to their Voisin and after several tries yesterday managed to shoot down a German Aviatik. The crew were both killed. It's the first time ever that one airplane has shot down another, and it was two of ours who did it!."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0659: Flew west to the sea, then around the area and back. 2 hours 3 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1015: Flight up around Abbeville area. 1 hour 37 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1434: Another long flight around the front. Not much to see. 4 hours 11 minutes.

Esquennoy
Jelimor Hance writes: "0747: Longer flight exploring area. 2 hours 19 minutes.

7 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0740: Beautiful day. Flew to Sedan, then a pass down the lines. 2 hours 5 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0918: We had a group of senior Army officers show up today. Our orders were to give them rides to various towns and back. I drew a Colonel Healey and was told to take him up to Doullens. He took me aside just before we took off and asked if, once we were out of sight of anyone who could get us into trouble, I could take him for a loop. I said that was certainly possible. After we had turned around over Doullens and were above farm country coming back, I granted his wish. A ways further one we did another. He had told me he had never been up in a plane before and likely never would again, so how could I refuse. As we were returning to Amiens he practically begged me, via vigorous signs, to break off and go around one more time. I had to explain myself to Major Salmond later, but when I told him the poor fellow reminded me of an eager puppy begging for a treat he said it would have been easy enough to just lie about my approach or something, and since he appreciated my honesty he could forgive me "Just this once". 1 hour 12 minutes.'

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1207: Interesting day today. A group of Army dignitaries paid us a visit. We were assigned to fly them around the area. I was given a General MacFreign, an Artillery commander. We were not supposed to take our charges anywhere near the lines, but I had special orders to show him what his guns were doing so he could better decide how to dispose of them. We flew over to Peronne, then south to Laon and Sissonne, and then back to Amiens. I gave him a good long look and he seemed happy enough about what he saw. 2 hours 40 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0559: Another flight almost to Paris. We witnessed a large artillery duel between the lines, and received some pretty heavy Flak near Villers-Totterets. 2 hours 32 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1021: Short flight around local area. 46 minutes."

8 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0950: Up to Sedan again. No fighting going on at the moment. 2 hours 31 minutes."

Abbeville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1044: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 32 minutes. "

Abbeville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1502: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 34 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0848: Reconnaissance to Soissins and back. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain. No flying today."

9 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1246: Another trip to Sedan, then over to Reims and back along the lines. 2 hours 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1130: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 17 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1051: Long patrol up and down the lines. 2 hours 49 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1121: Long flight around extended area. 3 hours 3 minutes."

10 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1511: Short trip over the lines. Eduard took some pot-shots at a balloon. 47 minutes. The Germans have taken several towns up north."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1202: Flight over to the lines, patrol and back. 2 hours 36 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1620: Flew up to Lens then patrolled down to Cappy. 1 hour 32 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1356: Patrolled the lines from Baupaume down to Soissins. 2 hours 44 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1439: Followed the leader all over the area, 2 hours 13 minutes. I'm starting to wonder again if we'll ever be allowed into the war. I asked myself the same question a month ago, and nothing has changed."

11 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1613: Short dusk flight to check for enemy crossing the lines. Landed just before dark. I've made one night-time landing, and I don't want to do it again. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes. "0606: Short flight around the area. Moving again tomorrow. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1452: Flew up to Saint Omer scouting for a new field. 3 hours 10 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1655: Gave a new pilot a quick tour of the area. 23 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0506: Took off in pitch dark with Capitaine Jannerod to look for a new field. He already has one in mind. All we need to do is check it out. It started snowing while we were aloft, fortunately not bad enough to make us land and seek shelter. It looks like he picked a good one, and if the weather doesn't get worse we'll be moving tomorrow. It's up near the coast where the Germans are advancing. 2 hours 43 minutes."

12 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0837: Flight up to Sedan again. No unusual movement. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0917: Transferred from Moyenneville up to Saint-Omer. 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1302: Followed No 3 Squadron up to Saint-Omer. 50 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0748: Long flight scouting our side of the lines. 2 hours 46 minutes."

Ostende
Filimor Hance writes: "0804: Transferred from Esquennoy to Ostende. 1 hour 15 minutes. We are now right at the front. Capitaine Jannerod informed us that the Germans have moved all the way to the coast and our forces are right behind. Our job now is to see where the enemy moves next so our troops will know immediately. We are the front line."

13 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rainstorm moving through. No flying."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Massive storm moving through. No one is able to fly."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Rain everywhere. Both our squadrons are grounded."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1048: Raining, but not enough to cancel our patrols. We flew south across the lines and down to Epernay. Saw an entertaining show along the way. We heard an artillery barrage while crossing the lines, and witnessed an enemy truck convoy racing helter-skelter down what was left of a road, being hounded by our shells all the way. We even got a couple of them. Flying down to Epernay and back we encountered a lot of Flak. It was pretty wet down there. I suspect they were bored, and we provided the perfect diversion. The rain picked up on our way home but we made it back safely. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "0934: I've been complaining about ever getting to the war, and now we're desperate to get away from it. We woke up to the sound of thunder, and it wasn't just the storm, it was the German guns. The Germans moved up to the outskirts of Oostende during the night and were now preparing to attack the city. Packing everything up took far longer than we would have liked, and we could hear the sound of infantry firing at each other by the time we were ready to take off. The trucks moved out and we took off down the coast to Dunkerque. We had to fight rain and stiff winds all the way, but 57 minutes later we were safely back on the ground again and well behind the lines."

14 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1122: Patrolled behind the lines. Nobody is moving, nothing is happening. Both sides are sitting in their trenches, seemingly just waiting. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This is the second day in a row we are rained in."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Raining again, not flying. There is a big difference."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1256: Patrol over to Soissons, then down the lines to Reims, then home. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Flew back up to Oostende to see what the damage was. Our forces have dug in a couple of kilometres up from Niewpoort. The Germans are blocked there, and exchangingartillery fire. The Germans will dig in now too, or be forced to pull back. 52 minutes."

15 October 1914

The entire front has closed down again. To the north lies a heavy overcast and rain. The Marne and Verdun regions are silent, with a heavy fog lying everywhere. Even it anyone could fly there's nothing to see.

16 October 1914

While the Verdun sector is still fogged in, to the north the rain has lifted a little

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1023: Capt Williamson and I took a familiarization flight around the area. North to the coast and Dunkerque, then south to Clety and back to our field. I hadn't realized just how big the Saint-Omer complex is. It's HUGE!! Hangars everywhere, around thirty BEs parked or flying. It's an interesting place. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0906: Orientation flight east to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up the coast and around to Calais, then home again. We are at the Saint-Omer extension, which is at the west end of a very large field. The main base is at the east end, with the hangars being about a half-mile apart. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1151: Flew up to Oostende again. Artillery exchange going on just east of Niewpoort. Looks like more trenches being dug. 1 hour 23 minutes.

17 October 1914

The rain has closed back in in the north, and today there is no flying again at all.

18 October 1914

While the fog continues over Verdun-Sedan and environs, the rain has lifted in the north.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1047: Group flight over to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up to Calais, over to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Starting to get a feel for the area. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1201: The rain lifted long enough for us all to make another flight. We flew west to Boulogne, up to Calais and Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1028: Flight up to Niewpoort and the lines. South as far as Diksmuide and the westward back to Dunkerque. Several artillery engagements. 59 minutes."

19 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. We have been told that as soon as the weather clears a little we are being moved west, to Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, for some rest."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Reis Meismer writes: "1318: Another familiarization flight, over to Bailleul and back. 1 hour 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1436: Another short flight around the area, this time by ourselves. 45 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us. Don't know what the officers are doing, but we enlisted pilots played a game of football. Not so easy when you can't see from one goal to the other, but a lot of fun."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1433: Transferred from Dunkerque to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, only a few miles away. 14 minutes."

20 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur -Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1333: Fog lifted just long enough to take off. Sgt Pelliers, the camp cook, made sure we had bottles of hot coffee and sandwiches for the flight. We flew west to Soissons, northwest to Amiens, then turned north to Doullens. Arrived at Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise after a flight of 2 hours 38 minutes.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1435: Flew over to Boulogne, then down to Hesdin, then back home. 1 hour 20 minutes. Time in aircraft: 78.17 hours."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1536: Late afternoon flight over to Boulogne, back up to Calais, then up the coast to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Landed just as it was getting dark."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1511: Still following the same plan - from our new field up the coast to Dunkerque and Niewpoort, then down the lines to Diksmuide, then home. There was a heavy bombardment going on by the British against the Germans, with no reply. After only a week of artillery fire the land is starting to look like a desert. The town of Diksmuide appears to be abandoned, and many of the houses are levelled. No infantry activity. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is a little less today, but still too much to fly. We played some more football. Ltn Boelcke was at the field, working personally with the mechanics on his machine. He came over and watched our game for a few minutes, then went back to work. The rest of the day was spent reading, playing cards and chatting with each other.

21 October 1914

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0821: We made an experimental run today. As part of the coordinated patrol plan No 3 Squadron will be covering the area from Diksmuide down to Bailleul. We started a run at 6,000 feet to avoid Archie fire, and slowly descended through the cloud cover to 2,500 feet. Nobody shot at us anyway, but the recommendation for now seems to be only flying on clear days, so we can be high enough to guarantee a safe run. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0842: Another patrol from the coast down to Diksmuide. 1 hour 1 minute."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0910: We have been set up in a rotation to patrol distinct areas, giving the maximum coverage possible. Our part of the lines is between Bailleul and Loos. We made our first flights in that role today. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0925: We've been transferred not for rest but to get us into the fight! High Command has organized a plan for squadrons to start flying patrols up and down the lines based on sector. Our patrol area is from Lens south to Arras. When we arrived on station there was an artillery exchange going on just to the north of us. We didn't get to watch as our patrol took us to the south. 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still fogged in. We had a couple more games today. Ltn Boelcke was back to watch, and had two more officers with him."

22 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0857: Flew once again from the coast to Diksmuide. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1010: Started our regular patrols today, Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Second patrol from our new field. Heavy artillery exchange west of Lens. Quiet around Arras. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1045: Patrolled from Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather turned good today, and we made good use of it. We all got to fly one patrol. The Boelcke brothers, in the other hand, flew five times, mainly because Hptm Wilhelm Boelcke was working with our artillery to develop better reporting techniques, without much luck. Our one patrol came in the mid-afternoon.
1428: Flew to Reims, then west along the lines to Verdun. 1 hour 35 minutes."

23 October 1914

The rain has returned to the Front, and once again the entire Flanders district is grounded. The Germans however are flying despite a light rain.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0717: Despite a light rain the visibility is good.Patrolled from Laon to Reims. 1 hour 41 minutes. The Boelcke brothers had success with the artillery today, guiding ours to destroy three enemy batteries."

24 October 1914

The Flanders district is still grounded due to the rain.

Meanwhile, at Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0912: Despite some haze we were able to get aloft for awhile. Patrolled from Verdun some way to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."