Mixed Company
oil on linen, 17" x 22 "

(private collection)

Mixed Company is a depiction of an event that took place in August, 1918. Earlier that month British Forces began an offensive that marked the beginning of the end for the German Army. During the offensive the British flew numerous bombing missions against targets along the Somme. Among the Jastas defending those targets was Jasta 12 led by Ltn Hermann Becker. On August 14, 1918 the Jasta received an alert that a large formation of British DH9s and SE5s were crossing the lines near Bray-sur-Somme. A unique mix of aircraft could be seen that day as the blue and white fighters Jasta 12 took to the air to interecept the raiders. Depicted here from front to back are: Ltn Alfred Greven in a Siemens Schuckert DIII; Ltn Hermann Becker in a prototype Siemens Schuckert DIV, Ltn Hans Besser in a Fokker DVII; and an unspecified pilot, also in a DVII.

Mixed Company was featured as the cover for the winter 2006 issue of Over the Front, Vol. 21. No. 4.