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11 players, Western Front, Bristols vs. Albatrosses
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| Bristol F2b |
Although the Bristol F2b established itself as the premier
two-seat fighter of World War I by the time hostilities ended, its combat debut was an unmitigated disaster.
A flight of six Bristols from RFC 48, led by Victoria
Cross winner Captain William Leefe Robinson, crossed the lines and met five Albatrosses of JG 1, Manfred von Richthofen's
legendary "Flying Circus." In the famous dogfight that ensued, the Bristol crews naturally used the standard two seater defensive
tactics that he been used throughout the war. But the Bristol was best flown aggressively and offensively, like a fighter.
Using traditional defensive tactics in a Bristol was like using a thoroughbred race horse to pull a cart. One by one,
the Bristols were picked off by the sharpshooting aces of Germany's top fighter unit. Only two Bristols made it home.
- April 5, 1917
- 70 squares in German lines
- wind west 20 mph
- no clouds
- 5 Albatros DIII's at 5,300 feet
- 6 Bristol F2a's (190 hp) at 5,100 feet
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