Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-22
THE CUNNING HUN
IN AERIAL CRAFT
IS DESCRIBED BY
FRANK GOODRICH
Methods of War.
fare in the Air Explained in a
Vivid Manner-Travels with
Escort of Four Machines
Goodrich Plans to Be at Home
Next Christmas - The Mill
tary Cross

Hallowell, Me, June 21.-(SpeciaD -
Frank Goodrich. the Hallowell boy, who
is in France fighting for the English
with an arship, writes home again to
tanning as we'll as instructive tells of
the daily life Of the soldier in the
trenches and in the air. The summer
spirit has evidently invaded even the
world Of the fighter for Frank de-
scribes in a most realistic way the
French summer morning. AT the time
the letter was written he was confined
by a severe cold but was eager and
anxious to be out and flying. To us all
as a revelation comes young Goodrich's
description of the methods of 1mmel-
man, the invincible German aviator
who has so many figurative scalps to
his belt. His story throws a new light
on the German warfare and gives one
a better opportunity to appreciate the
war bulletins and dispatches. Franks
station is designated only by the fol-
lowing; - Flight. No. 3 Squadron,
Royal Flying Corps. British Expedition
AIRY Force" which comprises the letter
heads Of his communications.
Goodrich's Letter
May 16, 1916
Mother OMine: Che writes
AS | am at present confined to my
room with a severe cold will improve
the occasion by writing a line or two
to YOU Have been waiting anxiously
for another letter from you-but
week has passed and l am still waiting.
This is perfect morning, warm and
sunny as only a perfect French morn
ing can be. France in the spring is
glorious. | should like to he flying. but
have been ordered to remain in my
room 50 that is settled. Was out early
yesterday morning and after making
sure there were no Huns flying over
but now and then they try it if they
see none of our machines abouD went
over to their side and eventually met
two. They did not show fight it was
simply a ruSe to entice me we'll into
their country typical German cum
ning) then when they met another ma
chine or two they could all attack me
and being alone ] would have very lit
tie chance Of getting back. Several of
our fellows have allowed themselves to
be caught this way, and have been
shot down for their carelessness. I
don't blame the Huns, we would do
the same l suppose. if we could entice
them over to our side, but they are too
crafty.
inmeImann's Way
l suppose you have read of that
German airman, 1mmelmann, who
is supposed to be such marvel, hav-
ing shot down something like Is al
lied" machines. according to German
reports. This is his method of working:
behind and we'll above them. They
travel together, always well within
their own lines. Sooner or later, they
probably meet one Of our machines,
over there on a reconnaissance or TAX
ing photographs, they proceed to en-
gage it from both front and rear, and
each side. While the pilot and observ-
CI VI Jul iildNliiiC diS StiS " hoAN
off these other four machines, Immel-
mann, above. seizes his opportunity
and dives straight down upon our ma
chine, shooting as he dives and usu
ally his victims are dead before they
realize that he is above them. Then,
all the Germans shout for Immel-
mann.
A Significance
But it is significant to anyone
who knows, that Herr Immelmann
has never brought down a machine on
our side of the lines, whereas almost
every Hun machine shot down by
us Is over their ground. Almost
every officer in the Royal Flying Corps,
myself included, would sell our souls
to meet this wonderful Cd man, and
many Of our men have dropped letters
to him, asking him to meet any one
of the in single combat over the
trenches at a stated time and place
But he knows better and he necer goes
out without his escort of four ma
chimes. He reminds me Of some assas-
sin who hires four thugs to worry his
victim until such time as he can with
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