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<p>a4701791.html</p><p>2/ formed by our 'planes, some far over, & others nearer, the Hun lines. Above us slowly & steadily manoeuvred several big bi-planes evidently intent on photography or watching the enemy's doings below. "Fritz", from one of his many concrete "block houses (misnamed, "Pill Box") or from a camoflaged position over the big Ridge in front, was potting away with his eternal machine-gun, endeavoring to bring our mechanical-birds down or to "shoo" them away. Of course, no 'plane can ignore that leaden stream or hail, but it seemed as tho. those above us cared little for the ever present danger. A steep bank, a nose dive & an upward dash, & on they continued. It must have been very depressing for the Hun to be continually under that minute observation, as we know by experience what it means when it's the reverse. Away back in the distance could be seen Fritz's big "gas-bags" (observation-balloons) taking the place of the apparently bluffed Gothas, Albatross, or Fokkers, in the spotting of our side of what remains of this part of poor little Belgium. Flocks of 3's, 4's, & 10's. of our 'planes would make dashes across Fritz's lines & pandemonium would reign. His anti's sent up thousands of shrap-shells in a vain endeavor to drive them down & out, or off, but the Huns' luck was out. As soon as the observers in the balloons caught sight of our "flocks" they wasted no time in telephoning the order to those on terra-firma to haul them down out of danger, for they knew that our lads would play the same game as they do whenever they reach far enough back - destroy the balloons with special bullets. Talking of destroyed balloons, reminds me that Fritz forced two observers to hurriedly leave one of ours close by per parachute last week & we saw them as they safely floated thro. mid-air bound earthwards. The Hun is now indulging in a new caper as regards the "eyes-of-the-Army" (observation balloons) & their destruction, & that is to shoot long-range shrapnel @ them. He has to do something, now that his 'planes are refused air-room by our aviators, anti's & 'emma-gees'. Guess he's in for a bad time when the "Tommies" with their legions commence operations - soon now, 'tis said. - unless he's got a big reserve.</p><p>I should now be up in the Front line again on "Fatigue" with the section, only that our officer has asked me to do a clerical job for him. It is very handy I can assure you, as I'd have had some bother tonight in</p><p> </p><p>PTO → [in bottom left hand margin]</p>