“Combat Report: 1615 hrs, near Metz-en-Coûture. Sopwith one-seater (lying south of this place), No. LTR5193. Motor: 80 hp Le Rhône No. 5187. A new type plane, never seen before, but as wings broken, barely discernable. Occupant: Lieutenant Todd, killed, paper and valuables enclosed.

About 1615, just starting out, we saw above us at 4.000 metres altitude four plaes, unmolested by our artillery. As the archies were not shooting, we took them for our own. Only when they were approaching we noticed they were English. One of the English planes attacked us and we saw immediately that the enemy plane was superior to ours. Only because we were three against one did we detect the enemy’s weak points. I managed to get behind him and shot him down. The plane broke apart whilst falling. Weather: low clouds and rain in the morning; bright in the afternoon.”