and so I joined the air force at the end of May 1915.

‘I'd been holding out like this for a few months, when one fine day there was some movement in our shop. We were planning a small offensive on our front. I was really pleased, because now the orderly had to come to his orderly! But cake! I was given something completely different, and that was the last straw. Now I wrote a request to my commanding general, and evil tongues claim that I said: ‘Dear Excellency, I didn't go to war to collect cheese and eggs, but for a different purpose.’ At first they actually wanted to snap at me, but in the end they granted my request and I joined the air force at the end of May 1915. My greatest wish was fulfilled.’