Fateful Morn I

It's the early morning of 23rd November 1916 at Bertangles aerodrome. No. 24 Squadron is assigned to offensive patrol in defence of British two seaters carrying out vital reconnaisance before the next desperate push in the closing stages of the disappointing Somme Offensive.

Maj. Lanoe Hawker's crew have just wheeled his DH2, No.5964, out in front of the hangars in anticipation of a busy day ahead. Hawker won't actually fly until the afternoon - he shouldn't, in fact, fly at all being the C.O. - but No. 24 will be a man short. His crew don't know this, though, nor do they know that this is the last day they'll see the machine... or Hawker.

The overnight clouds are clearing and a fine day is forecast but there's a still touch of ground frost lingering... it's early yet. The squadron riggers and fitters are finishing their night's work, apart from one individual who has nipped out for a crafty gasper (cigarette) before the officers arrive for the morning patrol. Inside the hangar behind Hawker's machine, Capt. J. O. Andrew's DH2 isn't quite ready yet after having a cracked airscrew replaced... not that it'll do Andrews any great good, his engine will stop a bullet in the early stages of the encounter in which Hawker will meet his end.