only hold the controls just on getting off and on landing. I don't like
them [the B.E. machines] in bad weather. They are too automatic. I have
been getting some fine views lately of the lines. It's most interesting
up this way.
Babington went home some days ago and Sippe is now in charge here. He
has been unwell the last three days, so I am left in command of the
station--four officers under me, over 30 men, machines, and seven or
eight motors of various descriptions.
Have hopes of being given a Nieuport in a day or so. They are fast
scouts, supposed to do over 90 miles per hour, and should get a Zepp
with one with any luck. Don't know when I am rejoining Babington.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XXXIII.
_To his Mother._
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B Squadron, B.E.F.
5th June, 1915.
DEAREST MUM,
I think you cannot have been getting all my letters, as I have never let
10 days go by without a line or so. You are so insistent on numerous
letters that you must really excuse the margin or I shall reduce to
postcards. Yes, I got the five pounds all right and am urgently wanting
the other. You don't seem to fully realize yet that I have left Dunkirk,
and that there is not, and never has been, such a thing as a bank within
miles of the place. The camera and papers turned up yesterday, for which
many thanks. Do send _Flight_ and the _Aeroplane_. I have not seen them
for weeks. Am just about fed up with this place. We are being turned out
and having tents up at the aerodrome.
Big haul last night. Warneford [R. A. J. Warneford, V.C., Flt.
Sub-Lieut., R.N.] caught a Zepp at 6,000 feet and did it in, and another
was caught in its shed by Wilson and Mills [J. S. Wilson, D.S.C.; F.
Mills, D.S.C., both Flight Comdrs., R.N.].
There was also a huge fire at the hospital here last night. All the
wounded men were got out, and the sands were strewn with them in beds,
etc.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XXXIV
_To his Father._
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B Squadron, B.E.F.
8th June, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
We are now in tents. Great news about Warneford, isn't it? He certainly
deserves the V.C. Am going to fly a Nieuport to-morrow.
12th June, 1915.
Things have been going on much as usual the last few days, but to-morrow
I am going down south somewhere (I don't yet know where) to do some
spotting for the army. Expect to be away about ten days or perhaps two
weeks. Address all letters as usual. It will probably be some time
before I receive them. I quite expect I shall run across a number of
people I know. It should be an interesting visit, plenty of shell fire
though, no doubt.
I flew a Nieuport the other day and hope later to get one of my own.
Have not yet heard from Babington. Fear our chances of getting away with
him are very slender.
Gramophone going strong.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
[Illustration:
LIEUT. ROSHER FLYING A BRISTOL "BULLET"]
[Illustration:
A FIRE CAUSED BY LONG-RANGE BOMBARDMENT
_Photographed from an aeroplane_]
[Illustration:
FLIGHT-SUB-LIEUT. WARNEFORD, V.C., AND HIS MORANE "PARASOL"]
XXXV.
_To his Mother._
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B Squadron, B.E.F.
19th June, 1915.
DEAREST MUM,
It's ages since I wrote, but it can't be helped, as I have been so
awfully busy. For the last week I have been in the neighbourhood of La
Bassée, and of course by now you have seen in the papers all about the
heavy fighting there. The bombardment was terrific, quite impossible to
describe. One day, in the afternoon, I saw it all from above. The small
section of trenches they were shelling was simply a mass of smoke and
dust, a perfect hell. In the evening of the same day I went out in a car
to a point of vantage about three miles behind the line. It was a
wonderful sight. Though not near enough to see the infantry advancing,
we had, all the same, a fine view. Whenever there was a slight lull in
the firing, we heard the maxims and rifles hard at it.
There is no mistaking the battle line in this part of the world--a long,
narrow winding blighted patch of land, extending roughly N. and S. as
far as the eye can see. In the middle of it two rows of trenches, in
places only 50 yards apart, stand out very conspicuously. These are our
first line and that of the Huns. Behind each are the second and third
lines, with little zigzag communicating trenches between. It is most
interesting. There are some beastly Archies [anti-aircraft guns] though,
which come unpleasantly near first shot. Machines are being hit day
after day.
Am more or less comfortable on the whole, but running short of socks and
hankies. Am also being bitten to death and "hae my doots" about their
being mosquitoes. Terrible trouble with machines. I crashed an
undercarriage the other day and cannot get an engine to go. Isn't it
terrible news about Warneford? He fell out of his machine, not being
strapped in. Babington is in hospital. His foot is giving him trouble
again, so fear we shall not get away with him yet awhile.
The dust out here is appalling. Will write again as soon as I can.
Best love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XXXVI.
_To his Father._
No. 1 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, B.E.F.
24th June, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
Very little news. From what I can see, we are likely to be down here for
at least another two weeks. I don't much mind, as in a way I would
sooner be here for a little. The change though has rather worn off. Am
not a bit comfortable, my billet being a horrible dirty place, with all
sorts of weird odours. Food pretty fair, but none too clean, and all
eating utensils invariably very dirty.
I suppose tennis is in full swing at home. Pity I'm not due for another
spot of leave yet. I got the parcel of papers all right, but not
_Flight_ and the _Aeroplane_. Think they must have gone astray.
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B.E.F.
21st July, 1915.
I flew my old B.E. back here [Dunkirk] yesterday, as it has been hot
stuffed [requisitioned]. I admit it is rather a dud, but I had no wish
to exchange it for a Voisin. After some little trouble I persuaded the
Commander to let me have a Morane instead, and tried quite a nice one
this morning, the first time I have flown one since I smashed. They are
beastly unstable things, and I fully expect to turn this one over before
the week is out. The Commander is keeping me here for a few days' rest
before returning to the R.F.C. Dunkirk is quite a lively place nowadays.
The Huns have dropped bombs on the aerodrome twice in the last week, but
fortunately none of the lads were killed.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
NOTE.
_On the 25th July, 1915, Harold Rosher arrived home on two days' leave,
having come across to attend a conference._
XXXVII.
_To his Father._
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B.E.F.
28th July, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
Have had a ripping journey back. The country down to Folkestone was just
too lovely for words, especially round Ashford. Saw Milverton [the house
where he was born] on the way. Had a first-rate crossing, and was met by
one of the Rolls [Rolls-Royce car] at Boulogne, so your wire arrived all
right. Had lunch at the "Folkestone" before starting back, and then a
topping run here. Went out to see the lads at F---- in the evening.
Sippe is back again and Baillie in great form. He sends his chin chins,
and I gave him yours.
A Hun came over at midnight last night and bombed us. His eight bombs
fell nearly a mile away, though.
31st July, 1915.
More excitement. I was due for an anti-aircraft patrol this morning, and
just as I was ready, a little before 4.0 a.m., a Hun machine came over
and bombed us. Three bombs fell within a hundred yards of me. I went up
after him at once, but lost sight of him in the air, so continued the
usual patrol. When I got back, I found that six other machines had
followed the first, arriving about fifteen minutes after. None of their
bombs did any damage at all. They seem determined to _strafe_ this
place. A regular cloud of machines goes up after them whenever they
appear, but we haven't had much luck as yet.
Expect to be stationed at Dover again in about ten days, for a little
while anyhow. The Commander seems to think I don't look fit enough to go
out to the Dardanelles. Apparently they are being bowled over with
dysentery.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
[12] Flight Sub-Lieut. Henry Barnes, killed in an accident near London,
4th Oct., 1915.
VII
ON HOME SERVICE AGAIN
XXXVIII.
_To his Father._
R.N. Flying School, Eastchurch.
3rd August, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
I left Dover yesterday afternoon on B.E. 2 C, and had a convenient
engine failure at Westgate. Landed in the aerodrome and had a chat with
Maude before proceeding. Arrived here in due course--it is a most
desolate spot. Shall be here anything between three days and three
weeks. Saw Babington here soon after I arrived.
10th August, 1915.
I don't seem to be able to get away from this damn war. Last night "old
man Zepp" came over here--"beaucoup de bombs,"--"pas de success." Two
machines went up to spikebozzle him, but, of course, never even saw him.
A sub went up from Westgate and came down in standing corn. He turned
two somersaults. Have just heard that he has since died. I knew him
slightly. We have a terrific big bomb hole in the middle of the
aerodrome and numerous smaller ones at the back. Expect to be back in
Dunkirk on Sunday next. "Pas de Dardanelles." We are going into khaki
though.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XXXIX.
_To his Father._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
12th August, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
Have just arrived here from Eastchurch, having been suddenly recalled,
and am now told to be ready to cross to Dunkirk in half an hour--no
gear, dirty linen, "pas de leave"--what a life!
Shall try hard to get some leave in a week or so's time. Anyhow I must
get my khaki outfit.
Love.
Your loving son,
HAROLD.
VIII
WITH THE B.E.F. ONCE MORE
XL.
_To his Mother._
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B.E.F.
13th August, 1915.
DEAREST MUM,
Got aboard and were off by 8.0 p.m. last night--our ship a comic old
tramp with absolutely no accommodation. It took us 6 hours to make
Dunkirk and we were not allowed off until 8.0 a.m. this morning. Spent
the night walking about or trying to get a little sleep on deck--thank
God! it was not rough. We are all "fed to the teeth!" In all probability
we shall remain out here another six months now.
The Zepp that was bombed from here had actually been towed right into
Ostend harbour. Everyone that went had his machine hit, and one man is
missing. This place was bombarded again the other day with the big gun.
Expect we are in for a merry time.
Love.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XLI.
_To his Mother._
No. 1 Wing R.N.A.S., B.E.F.
26th August, 1915.
DEAREST MUM,
I am being kept very busy out here. Last night there was a comic raid on
the Forest of Houthulst. It is six or seven miles behind the lines near
Dixmude, and the Huns use it as a rest camp--beaucoup de stores and
ammunition there too. The French idea was to set it on fire with
incendiary bombs. Over forty machines took part, including self--perfect
weather conditions--no clouds but very hazy, so when one got high up one
was almost invisible. I got just over 11,000 feet, but even then had one
or two shots near me. Below me the air was simply a mass of bursting
shrapnel. French artillery also opened fire on the place. There must
have been beaucoup de noise in the forest. Most amusing--a really soft
job as some one remarked.
Love to all.
Your loving son,
HAROLD.
NOTE.
_The French official account of the raid described in the foregoing
letter was as follows_:--
"A remarkable series of air raids against German positions or works of
military value are reported in yesterday's Paris _communiqués_. In two
of them the air squadrons were larger than any previously reported since
the beginning of the war.
In one 62 French airmen took part....
The other great raid was undertaken by airmen of the British, French,
and Belgian armies, and the British and French navies, to the number of
60. Acting in concert, they attacked the Forest of Houthulst, in
Belgium, north-east of Ypres. Several fires broke out. All the
aeroplanes returned safely.... Previously the largest squadron of
attacking aeroplanes was one of 48 machines--of which 40 were
British--which attacked the Belgian coast on February 16th last."
XLII.
_To his Father._
No 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B.E.F.
26th August, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
What do you think of the 40 warships bombarding Zeebrugge? We were all
due out there, of course, some spotting, and fighters to protect the
spotters. As luck would have it, the weather was dud--clouds at 1,500
feet--with the result that no one got there except a solitary fighter,
and he was rewarded by a scrap with a German seaplane. I got just past
Ostend, but gave it up as engine was running none too well.
By the way, Bigsworth [A. W. Bigsworth, D.S.O., Squadron Comdr., R.N.]
this morning dropped a 60 lb. bomb bang on top of a German submarine and
completely did it in--jolly good work.
29th August, 1915.
As things stand at present I understand I am not going out to the
Dardanelles. I must say I am awfully disappointed, as I was always
rather keen to go out there, but I may possibly have a better job. For
all I know it may be to rejoin Babington.
Went out to Furnes yesterday afternoon to collect more of my gear. While
out there, a German machine came over and dropped six bombs on us. One
went right into our tent and three fell within forty yards of me. No one
was hit. We all ran like stags.
2nd September, 1915.
Many thanks for your numerous letters, including two forwarded, and
beaucoup de periodicals. With luck I shall be home in time for your
birthday.
Many alterations are taking place here and we are being sadly split up.
Andreae and I are very soon going to Dover to join a mythical "C" group.
At present Andreae and I are its sole components--even a Squadron
Commander is not yet appointed. I am to be 1st Lieut., good for me, but
fear they may yet put in a Flight Commander. In all probability we shall
be in England over two months. Shall know a heap more in a few days.
9th September, 1915.
Very little news except that we had the monitors bombarding Ostend the
day before yesterday. It was a fine sight from the air. A Frenchman was
badly hit in the leg going out there, but went on, dropped his bombs and
got back. He is not expected to live. Another Frenchman broke his leg
this morning in an accident. Four new subs have turned up here and I am
to go home as soon as they can fly the fast machines--it should be
within 10 days. I ought to have gone home by rights about two weeks ago.
Am flying over when I eventually do come. The last two machines that
went over both crashed at Folkestone--shall probably do the same.
Love to all.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
IX
ON HOME SERVICE ONCE MORE
XLIII.
_To his Father._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
13th September, 1915.
DEAR DAD,
Am back again in England at last and am expecting to get two weeks'
leave in a day or so. I got here at midday yesterday, having flown over
from Dunkirk on a Nieuport. Drove out to Margate yesterday afternoon
with Spenser Grey. Shall probably go out again on the 1st December.
14th September, 1915.
Just a line to let you know my probable movements. Though I am due for
two weeks' leave, it seems improbable that I shall get it just yet
awhile, but shall not be returning to Dunkirk until December 1st, when I
shall remain out there for two months.
I have just taken over the 1st Lieutenant's job on this station, and
this is keeping me busy no end. I am the senior officer, bar the C.O.,
in fact 2nd in Command, and am responsible for everything going on at
the station, _i.e._ all executive work, etc. It is, of course, all new
to me, and I find myself at sea every now and again. It is, however, a
great opportunity. You should see me take parades (divisions, we call
them), swish!
Please send me on, as soon as possible, my new monkey jacket and new
pair of trousers, also new hat. My present uniform is most disreputable,
covered in oil, etc., and must be scrapped at the earliest opportunity.
29th September, 1915.
I knew I should forget it, your birthday I mean. I suddenly remembered
it whilst shaving this morning. I have been carrying a two-year-old note
book about with me too, to remind me, as it was marked in it--pas de
good though, and it's such a long time ago now. Beaucoup de work, or I
would have written sooner.
I have just heard a nasty rumour that I am returning to Dunkirk on
October 15th. We are getting 40 subs down here in a few days. That means
tons more work for me.
4th October, 1915.
I think I shall get my leave (10 days only) next week. Risk [Major C. E.
Risk, Squadron Commander, R.N.] asked me if I would like to remain here
as 1st Lieutenant, an awful question to decide. I think I shall let
things stay as they are and take my flight out to Dunkirk on October
15th. It seems too much like giving in to stay here.
30th October, 1915.
You picked me out a ripping train! It took me four hours to get down
here with a change at Faversham. When I arrived at the Priory Station I
was told it would be half an hour before the train could proceed to the
Harbour, so had to get out and walk. I got in here at ten past ten, and
the last straw was that Betty had no sandwiches left.
Graham [C. W. Graham, D.S.O.,[13] Flt. Lieut., R.N.] nearly killed
himself this afternoon. He got into a spinning nose dive on a Morane
parasol, and by the Grace of God got out again at 500 feet. In all
probability I shall get my leave after this next lot of pilots have gone
out to Dunkirk, but that remains to be seen.
14th November, 1915.
Am postponing my leave until still later, as it is rather important for
me to stay here at the moment. Good things so very rarely come off
though. I shall be most bitterly disappointed, however, if another two
months does not see me on Active Service again.
30th November, 1915.
Can you come down this week-end? I have great hopes that Husky and
Baillie will be back from the other side.
Apparently they had quite a good bag a day or so ago, one Hun seaplane,
one submarine, and a bomb bang in the middle of a T.B.D. [torpedo boat
destroyer].
Risk is away most of this week, but should be back by Saturday. He flew
a Maurice over from Dunkirk last week and made quite a landing on
arrival.
15th December, 1915.
I so much enjoyed my too short week-end. I fear I shall not be able to
get up to Town again until after Xmas. Had quite a nice journey down,
making Stewart's [W. S. Stewart, Flt. Sub-Lieut., R.N.] acquaintance on
the way, likewise his wife's.
Risk said he thought I had been away months, and seemed quite relieved
to see me back again. Graham and Ince [S. Ince, D.S.C., Flt. Sub-Lieut.,
R.N.] have put up a first-rate performance. They were not shot down.
Graham came down low to see the Huns in the water, and his engine never
picked up again. The Hun machine caught fire, and must have had bombs on
it, for it exploded on hitting the water. Both machines fell bang in the
middle of the fleet, which was duly impressed. Graham, of course, turned
a somersault, and both he and Ince were nearly drowned.
1st January, 1916.
Had a great evening last night. A crowd of us went to dinner with G----
to see the New Year in. We did it in style. To-morrow I am lunching with
the Bax-Ironsides.[14]
I looped on a B.E. 2 C. in great form the other day. If I had not been
very securely strapped in, I should have fallen clean out. As it was,
the cushion in the passenger's seat fell out and vanished. One seems to
be upside down for a frightfully long time. I did the trick out in the
country at between three and four thousand feet. The first time I had
barely enough speed, so had a second shot and got up to over 100 knots.
I really thought the wings would fall off! We had two topping crashes
yesterday, but neither of the pilots hurt.
Tons of love and a prosperous New Year.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
[Illustration:
A BRISTOL SCOUT BIPLANE (OR "BULLET")]
[Illustration:
THE MORANE "PARASOL" MONOPLANE
Flown by Flight Sub-Lieut. Warneford, V.C., when he destroyed a
Zeppelin]
XLIV.
_To his Grandmother._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
27th September, 1915.
DEAR GRANNY,
Am so sorry to hear you have been having such a rotten time, but trust
you are by now well on the road to recovery.
I have been having an awfully busy time lately. The King came down here
to inspect us on Thursday, and shook hands with all the officers in the
afternoon.
Am by degrees helping to get together another squadron to go out to
Dunkirk. We are due across there half way through next month. I am not
particularly anxious to go out again just yet, unless we can really get
a move on.
I hope before I go to get a little leave. I am due for two weeks, so may
see you in the near future.
Heaps of love.
Your loving grandson,
HAROLD.
XLV.
_To his Father._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
3rd January, 1916.
DEAR DAD,
I have got wind of something rather priceless ... for when the war is
over, I will tell you a little about this scheme, only remember it's
strictly private and confidential, so you must not mention it to any one.
In a nutshell it's this, a flight from ---- to ----. It sounds rather
impossible at first, but I think quite a number of people would have a
shot if they could get some one to pay expenses. This is where I get a
look in. The experience anyhow would be wonderful. One of the subs here
has just put me up to it, and says he has everything arranged. That
sounds rather rapid, but he has written for an appointment, so I shall
be able to let you know later how things go. In the meanwhile lie doggo
and do come down this week-end, if possible, so that we can talk things
over.
Very best love.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
XLVI.
_To his Mother._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
4th February, 1916.
DEAREST MUM,
Just a short line to let you know I am crossing to Dunkirk to-morrow,
weather permitting. I am flying a R.A.F. B.E. across and returning the
same day, in a Nieuport if available, otherwise in a destroyer. Am quite
looking forward to the trip. Have already crossed the Channel three
times by air and about twelve by water.
Beaucoup de love.
Your loving son,
HAROLD.
XLVII.
_To his Father._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
5th February, 1916.
DEAR DAD,
Had a most interesting day yesterday. Started off across Channel for
Dunkirk soon after 8.0 a.m. in a R.A.F. B.E.--engine running badly at
first, but picked up. A most priceless morning with a slight following
wind--5,000 feet at Calais, and made Dunkirk in about ¾ hour from here.
All the lads in great form, but Petre [J. J. Petre, D.S.C., Flt. Comdr.,
R.N.] and Peberdy [W. H. Peberdy, F. Sub-Lieut., R.N.] in Paris, and
Mulock [R. H. Mulock, D.S.O., Flt. Comdr., R.N.] in hospital with a
chill. Baillie going strong, also Beard [G. H. Beard, D.S.C.,[15] Flt.
Comdr., R.N.], Haskins [F. K. Haskins, D.S.C., Squadron Comdr., R.N.],
Graham, Peal [Lieut. E. R. Peal, D.S.C., R.N.V.R.], etc., etc. Breakfast
and then a good look round. The Baby Nieuports are priceless. I flew one
and went up the coast to La Panne and Furnes. When I got back I drove
out to Caudekirk to the new aerodrome, and then back for lunch.
At 2.0 p.m. I started home in a Nieuport and made Folkestone in just
over the hour--rather a strong head wind. At Folkestone I spent 1½ hours
trying to restart my engine, but with no success, so telephoned for a
car--tea at the Grand and back here in time for dinner. Have been to
Folkestone this afternoon with Ince and his brother and Husky.
Heaps of love.
Ever your loving son,
HAROLD.
P.S.--Flew back at 2,000 feet.
XLVIII.
_To his Mother._
Hotel Burlington, Dover.
9th February, 1916.
DEAREST MUM,
Many thanks for letter. Am still going strong. Flew four different types
of machines to-day, two of them new ones, one a Shorthorn Maurice, and
the other a Blériot. The Blériot is the first monoplane I have flown
other than a parasol.
You have heard me mention Graham (with Ince he brought down the German
seaplane). Well, he has just had an awful bad crash at Dunkirk. Penley
[C. F. B. Penley, Flt. Sub-Lieut., R.N.] also has crashed badly twice
out there, and is now back on sick leave. Ford [E. L. Ford, Flt.
Sub-Lieut., R.N.] too is home on sick leave with his head cut open, as
the result of a bad crash, and his passenger is not expected to live. If
one goes on flying long enough, one is bound to get huffed [killed] in
the end.