Werner Voss

One of the most famous dog fights of World War One started on September 23rd, 1917. The battle took place north of Frezenberg West Flanders. The British ace pilots that were involved in the battle were: James T.B. McCudden, Geoffrey Hilton Bowman, Richard A. Mayberry, Keith K. Muspratt, Arthur Rhys -Davids, and Reginald T.C. Hoidge. The other British pilots that were also involved in the battle were: Harold Hamersley, Robert Chidlaw - Roberts, and Verschoyle P. Cronyn. The German pilots that took place in the battle were: Werner Voss and Karl Menckhoff. The battle was fought to save two SE.5s from Werner Voss. Werner Voss engaged the two SE.5s to protect a German recon plane. He badly damaged both SE.5s and their pilots had to land their planes on the ground below. Then the six British aces engaged Voss causing the battle to begin. The battle took about 10 minutes long. Werner Voss was able to stay in the middle of the British, dodging their attacks and returning fire. About halfway through the battle Karl Menckhoff arrived to help Voss but was quickly shot down by Arthur Rhys - Davids, although Karl Menckhoff survived. The battle ended when Arthur Rhys - Davids shot and mortally wounded Voss who then crash landed. Werner Voss shot holes through all of the SE.5s in his battle against the British. Verschoyle P. Cronyn wrote a letter to his father telling him that his plane was totalled and that he was lucky to be alive. He also wrote that he couldn't sleep that night because of his ordeal. The British pilots regretted Werner Voss`s death. Captain James McCudden said; " His flying was wonderful, his courage magnificent and in my opinion he was the bravest German airmen whom it has been my privilege to see fight". The recognition awards Werner Voss received were; The Blue Max (highest German honor), The Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class, and The House Order Of Hohen Zellern. He had 48 confirmed and 4 unconfirmed kills, second to the Red Baron. Werner Voss was considered by some to be the one pilot who could match Baron Von Richthofen (Red Baron). Werner Voss was also a member of the Red Barons famous flying circus, and a close friend of the Red Baron.

Werner Voss Part 1

Werner Voss Part 2

Werner Voss Part 3