1916 Angels over the Somme (British Ace Book 3) by Griff Hosker Page B

the Headquarters he waved his arm around the field. “You did well today.  They are all down.”
    “But we lost some of the Martinsyde Elephants and there is damage to our aeroplanes.  I nearly lost young Dunston today.”
    Lord Burscough laughed.  “You were always the same Bill; always seeking perfection. Other squadrons are regularly coming back with four and five aeroplanes missing. Another Gunbus squadron had the same job as you yesterday and lost four Gunbuses and had another four badly damaged.”
    We had reached the office and we entered, “Get us some coffee, Flight.”
    “Sir.”
    We sat down and Lord Burscough continued, “It is the main reason I am here. I am sad that the Colonel had a heart attack.  He was a fine old warrior.” The ‘was’ sounded ominous. “However the Brass is not as stupid as some people think; at least not General Henderson and General Trenchard. They are trying to build on success. 41 Squadron is successful.  There are only a handful of pilots who have more kills to their name than you and you have the lowest turnover of pilots.” I began to speak and he held up his hand. “It is not perfect but this squadron has the right idea.  That is why we want to increase the size of the squadron. You chaps have wrested control of the skies over the Somme from the Germans.  Do not let them take it back!”
    “Coffee sir.”
    The orderly poured the coffee and then backed out of the room. I sipped the hot steaming drink and realised how much I had been waiting for this.
    Major Leach went to the cupboard and brought out a bottle of blended whisky.  “A freshener sir?”
    Lord Burscough nodded. Archie poured a generous slug into each of our cups. “Good coffee.” He looked at both of us seriously. “The information you send back is scrutinised back at Headquarters. We do have some fairly bright Intelligence officers. We also have information from Berlin.  The Germans lost Max Immelmann recently but they have another star now, Boelke. He seems a clever chap and we know that he is reorganising his squadrons, Jastas they call them.  Make no mistake, the Germans do not like to lose and they will come back stronger.  I am here to tell you not to get complacent.”
    Archie shook his head, “With respect sir, I don’t think it is in the lads’ nature to get complacent.  They are a good bunch here.”
    “I know but don’t let up on the Hun.  You have your sword in his back.  Keep it there!”
    Archie laughed, “Aye sir, a nice metaphor!”
    Captain Marshall put his head around the door. “Sir, I have the reports in.”
    Archie looked at Lord Burscough who nodded, “That’s fine Archie.  I have just about finished.  I’ll have a chat here to Bill.” When he had gone he tapped my medals.  “Congratulations on your medals.  Lady Burscough told me about it.” He sipped his coffee and a mischievous look came into his eyes.  “She also told me of the pretty little nurse.  She seemed to think that wedding bells would be in the offing.”
    I shook my head, “Not while the war is on. She deserves a nice wedding not something we do quickly because I happen to have a leave. Besides I want her to meet mum and dad first.”
    “I can see that but don’t wait too long Bill. Grasp happiness while you can.  Remember the Marne and Le Cateau; we lost too many friends during the race to the sea.” He finished his coffee.  “You are very highly thought of, you know, Bill.  The General wants to give you your own squadron.”
    I shook my head, “Not yet sir.  Today showed me that I still have much to learn.”
    He nodded, “That is probably a good thing.  Besides we have some new aeroplanes we are just developing.  Nippy little single seater fighters.  Far faster than the Gunbus.”
    “I don’t know sir.  I quite like the old Gunbus.”
    “This is a fast moving war and we have to move with it.  Still they are some months off production yet.  Let’s get to the end of