History - World War I (5)
…… our lines, but this policy proved a failure owing to the height and frequency with which they came over. The scheme of keeping one or two machines continually on Line Patrol from 8 a.m. to noon, between Lens and Arras at 15,000 feet or over, was then adopted and proved very successful. The number of enemy machines to cross our lines was considerably reduced, and those which did cross rarely got back without a fight. “The Aviatick has proved a most difficult machine to bring down, and although many have been heavily and closely engaged and must have been badly hit, only five are known to have been brought down - two of which were on our side of the lines. On two occasions fights have taken place at 19,000 feet and over, and it is the rule rather than the exception for engagements, with these two-seaters to start at 17,000 feet or over”. Early in July the Squadron began its conversion from Triplane to the Sopwith “Camel”; the new machines were given their own names in the traditional manner. “Dixie”, “Veda”, and “Peter III” were amongst them. The summer was a hot one