Sgt Ronald W. Hoskier Roadside Plaque
Details:
On the east side of the road.
Plaque
A rectangular metal plaque that is attached to a metal beam, containing an event that commemorates Sgt Hoskier as well as Warrant French Office Jean Dressy. The plaque is inscribed in English and French text in printed and black and red lettering.
Hoskier asked to pilot a Morane Saultier 3 on its final sortie in April 1917 on the French-German line near St. Quentin, France. Hoskier flew in the rear of a small formation and became separated from other fliers, who had faster planes. When he emerged from a cloud, he spied an enemy's Albatros D III below him. He dived on it and was attacked in return. It was an ambush.
Ronald Hoskier fought for 15 minutes, while his co-pilot manned the rear Lewis guns. When his ammunition was gone, Hoskier was struck in the head. His airplane's wings folded and the Morane struck the ground in a field just outside Grugies, France.
Source of information: patch.com
Source of photos: aerosteles.net
Monument Text:
Le 23 Avril 1917
Au dessus de ce champ, a eu lieu un combat aérien au cours du- quel ont péri le pilote volontaire américain de l'escadrille La Fayette Ronald Wood Hoskier agé de 21 ans et son mitrailleur l'adjudant Français Jean Dressy agé de 28 ans.
Leur avion était un Morane-Saulnier.
Leur adversaire allemand était Willi Schenke de l'escadrille Jasta20.
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Above this field, held a dogfight took place in which perished the US voluntary pilot of the Lafayette squadron Ronald Wood Hoskier aged 21 years and his gunner Warrant French Officer Jean Dressy aged 28 years.
Their plane was a Morane-Saulnier.
Their opponent was German Willi Schenke of Jasta20 squadron.
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Commemorates:
People:
Units:
Lafayette Escadrille
Wars:
WWI
Other images :