The 27th of May 2001 I finally managed to follow Captain Johns last war-time mission track of 16th September 1918 in France followed by his prang near Alteckendorf.

I have started at the Azelot aerodrome, which still exists near Nancy and now is in use by parachutist, which start from that aerodrome with a Pilatus Porter.

The entrance of the village.

The Azelot aerodrome.

From there we drove to Raon le Etappe where Johns flight passed the lines. 

Raon le Etappe WWI mémorial

Our next stop was Alteckendorf. Near this village Johns was attacked by several Fokker DVII fighters and shot down.

Alteckendorf entrance.

Was Bill Johns prang here?

After Johns was captured by the Germans he was transferred to Ettendorf.

Ettendorf entrance.

After Bill Johns was captured he was locked up in the cellar of a school and had to spend the night together with his observer AE Amey who was killed during the fight.

Ettendorf school building "Ecole Marie" Was this the school?

From there we drove to Sarralbe to visit the Sarralbe Military cemetery where Johns observer AE Amey is buried in 1918.

Sarralbe Military cemetery entrance.

Finally we reached Captain Johns observers grave where we signed the register.

 I was a long drive through France and It took us almost 12 hours to reach all the points mentioned but it was very worthwhile.

If people are interested in the pictures just contact me off list.

I hope that you will enjoy this report.

Eddy van Driel