 The Australian squadrons played a limited role in the allied advance from Amiens on 8 August 1918 , with No. 3 Squadron engaged in reconnaissance and contact patrols to help identify the locations of forward troops . They also undertook extensive aerial photography to aid in remapping and the locating of German artillery positions . During this period Nos. 2 and 4 Squadrons were in the Ypres – Arras area and were involved in patrols and raids on the railways in the vicinity of Lille . With the Germans in retreat during September 1918 , the squadrons felt considerable pressure just keeping up . Regardless , No. 4 Squadron took part in , perhaps its most spectacular action , in the very last weeks of the war . On 29 October , 15 Australian Sopwith Snipes encountered more than 60 German Fokkers , in an action which became one of the largest air battles of the war . The Australians gained the upper hand and 10 Fokkers were shot down for the loss of one Snipe , and the damage of several others . 
