THRILLING AIR FIGHT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1912, 7 December 1918, Page 1

THRILLING AIR FIGHT.

ONE AGAINST SIXTY,

BRAVE CANADIAN’S FEAT

Vancouver, Nov. 18

An Ottawa message states that the Canadian Military Headquarters in London announces that the airman who, while desperately wounded, fought (it) enemy machines single-handed, destroying four and bringing down six, is a Canadian, Major W. 0. Barker, D. 5.0., D.F.C., M.C., and Italian Cross of Honour. Major Barker wen) overseas with a New Brunswick unit. -

The full details of the story of Major Barker’s light with a horde of enemy ’planes give particulars of (be most astounding individual

aerial combat on record. While the allied airmen were harrying the enemy’s retreat. Major Barker, when over the Forest of Morval, encountered a two-seater German ’plane, at, an altitude of 21,000 ft., which was travelling at that height to evade the lire of the British “Archies.” He climbed and brought this machine down, hut, immediately, a Fokker biplane whirled on him. The bullets from (he Fokker whistled past him and through his machine, and some stunned turn for a moment, so that bis machine spun uncontrolled. Recovering his senses and control of his machine, lie found 15 more Fokkers hemming him in and tiring point-blank at him. Without hesi-

talion he attacked, and three of his assailants feel, but it shot shattered his thigh-bone. He tainted, and div-

od seemingly.to his death, but again recovering consciousness, he turned upon 15 more enemy scouts which were swooping about him like hounds. He sent one of these hurtling down on fire, when another bullet struck bis left elbow. Enemy machines were now swarming thick about him. He dived, and eight of his foes burl led down like atones, in pursuit. Wounded and half-fainting, yet with bis brain still alert and cool, he realised that bis only chance of safety lay in sheer superior airmanship.

The enemy aircraft Hew above, and about him like a eload of vultures, until (hose watching below counted between fifty and sixty. In the thick of them this amazing Canadian performed every feat that liis ingenuity, - sharpened by dire necessity, could devise. He escaped by the incredible daring of his offensive tactics.

For upwards of ten minutes lie banked, looped, spun, nose-dived, and climbed again in a multitude of star tricks until lie worked his way to the back of the enemy machines. In the midst of all this two moro fell to Ids gun. Then the rest of the flock spread and lied. He came down huddled and insensible, but the victorious hero of as great a light as ever this war witnessed iu the air. His Victoria Cross is secure.