A History of No.6 Squadron Royal Naval Air Service in World War I

Also hv Mike IIb tm l' A Histor y of No. IO Squadron Royal Naval Air Service in World War I

A HISTORY OF No.6 SQlJADRON ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE IN WORLD WAR I

Mike Westrop

Schiffer Military History Atg len. PA

\~

A cknowl ed /.:CIII en ts T hi s book would not ha ve been pos sib le wit hout the sup po rt and en co ura gement o f my wife and chi ldr en and th e enthu si asm and assista nce of many fr iends a nd co ntac ts around th e wor ld . I w ould parti cu larl y lik e to menti on the foll ow ing wh o hav e pro vided he lp and researc h materi a ls and spurred me on : Le s Roge rs. Fra n k C hees ma n. Stuart Le sl ie . C o lin Hust o n. St ewart Tayl or. J ustin Youn g. Rick Duivcn. Gre g VanWyn gard en . Ton y Me llo r- Ellis. Norman Frank s. Johan Ryheul. Erro l Martin . Nick Ford cr, Hal Gib lin . T revor He nsha w. Frank Ol yn yk . A nd rew and Donn a Smith. Pete Wood . E rn ie J u pe . Mr & M rs W ill ia m Ro the ra . Ton y Tiark s . the m any m embers o f th e forum a t www.th ca erodrom c .com . Jan Keo ha ne at the Flee t A ir Arm Mu seum, Th e R Ae C Trust. the RA F l use um . the New Ze al and A ir For ce Mu seum . T he Ne w Zeal a nd Na vy M use u m. The Royal Ne therl a nds A ir For ce History Unit. The Jo hn Ox ley Libr ar y. C orpus C h risti Co llege - Oxford . 'o tting ham H igh Sch ool. a nd mo st es pe cia lly the three " M"s. M a rk Miller fo r his s upe rb co lo ur a rtwo rk. Mi ke O ' C onn or fo r h is aerodro me layou ts. a nd Mi ck Da v is for hi s sca le drawi ngs .

On th e fro nt cover O n th e 29 th A pril 191 7 th ree Nie upo rts fro m I 0 .6 Sq uadron' s C Flig ht w e re j u mp ed by tw el ve A lbatro s D ill s of Jasta 26 . Flig ht Co m ma nde r EW No rto n findin g h im sel f un abl e to e sca pe . turn ed and (l ew through th e A lbatro s form at ion. A t c los e ra nge No rto n fir ed at th e D i ll of Ltn Her mann Gi iring . s hooting away the m achine 's rudde r co ntro ls . No rto n wa s cred ite d w ith a n "o ut o f co ntro l" c la im and wh ilst Goring may not ha ve cr as he d he wa s placed in se rio us d iffic ulty ha vi ng to put hi s machine do w n ra pi d ly w ithout la ter a l co ntro l. COI'er Artwork hy M ar k Miller

O n the rea r cove r No .6 Sq uadro n's lon ge st se rving o ffic e r. Co lin Temp le M acL arcn . M ac La ren wa s a Fli gh t Co m ma nde r w ith the sq ua dro n from Jan ua ry to A ug us t 19 17 and afte r a peri od as C o m ma nd ing Offi ce r of th e Walm e r Defe nce Fli gh t he re turn ed to c o m ma nd the new ly refo rmed No .6 Squad ron in January 191 S. W he n the sq uad ro n be c ame '0 .20 6 Sq uadron RA F o n th e I st April 19 18. Macl. aren co nti nue d to co m ma nd the sq ua d ro n wi th th e ra nk o f Maj or until May 191 9 .

Bo ok de sign by Rob ert Biondi. Co py rig ht © 20 06 by i\like West rop . Library o f Co ngress Ca ta log Num be r: 200 6923827 . A ll rig ht s rese rved . No part o f thi s work ma y be rep rodu ced o r used in an y forms or by any means - g raph ic. e lec tro nic or mech ani c al. inc lud ing phot ocopyin g o r info rma tio n sto rage and retri eval syste m s - without written perm ission fro m the pub lish er. T he scanning . up loadin g and di st rib utio n of th is book or a ny part th ereo f via the Intern et o r via any othe r mean s wi thout the permi ssion o f th e pu bl ishe r is illega l a nd pun ishab le by la w. Please purc hase o nly a uthor ized ed itio ns a nd do not parti cipate in or e nco urag e th e e lec tro nic pir ac y o f co py righted mat eri al s. " Sc h iffer," "Sc hiffer Pub lishin g Ltd . & Design ," a nd the "Des ign o f pen and ink we ll" a rc registered trade marks o f Sc hiffer Publis hing. Ltd . Prin ted in C hina. IS BN: 0-76-1 3-2-1 25 -X We arc a lwa ys loo king for peop le to w rite boo ks o n new a nd rel ated subjects . If yo u ha ve an idea for a book . p lease cont act us at th e ad d res s be low .

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CO NTE NT S

Introduction Glossary Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chap ter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Expansion of the R AS at Dunkerqu e Formation Worki ng for the RFC - 13 Wing, 3 Brigade Working for the RFC - 14 Wing, 4 Brigade A Demoralising Influence The Coa st and Ca mels Disbandment A New Role Raids Over Belgium The Royal Air Force Appendices A ppendix A : Aircra ft Types Used by No.6 Squadro n Appendix 13 : Color Profiles and Squadro n Markings Appendix C: Roster Of Pilots Appendix f): Roster Of on-fl ying Officers Appendix E: Part ial Roster of Other Ranks Appendix F: Squad ron Claims App endix G: Casualties, Crashes, and Incidents Appendix H: History Of Aircraft Used by No.6 Squadro n Appendix I: Cro ss Reference - Aircraft to Pilot

6 9 II 15 36 44 84 87 11 5 118 132 144

AppendixJ: Cro ss Reference - Pilot to Allocated Aircraft Appendix K: The ieuport Sesquiplanes Design Flaw Appendix L : War Graves and Memoria ls

151 166 178 20 I 203 205 206 209 2 14 2 17 22 1 223

Bibliography

224

I N T RO D UCT IO N

T

h is wo rk . the seco nd vo lume in the author' s se rie s of

by the R ' AS sq uad ro ns th at we re o n loan to the R. F e. o n the

hist or ie s o f Royal l aval A ir Servic e squadrons. deal s

Western Front were unsustainab le and the de cisio n was take n

with No .6 Sq uadro n.

ntil rece ntly. a rel a tive ly ob -

to red uce the numb er o f sc o ut sq uad ro ns. To get he r wi th No . 11

sc ure sq uadro n tha t bri e fly served o n the We ste rn Fro nt in the

Sq uadro n. No .6 Squ ad ron wa s di sb an ded at the e nd or A ug ust

sco ut rol e untiI di sb and ed in A ug us t 191 7 and was then re-

191 7. wi th its a irc ra ft a nd pilo ts be ing used to rei nfor ce o the r

formed as a d ay bomber sq uadro n in 191 8 .

sq uadro ns .

The Naval prese nce at Dunke rqu e d uri ng the ea rly years

RNA S req ui reme nts for 191 8 included ne w da y bo m bing

o f Wo rld War I ha s a somewhat co nf usi ng hi story. no t made

squadrons flyi ng the D.H.9. the firs t of these ne w un its was

a ny eas ie r to co mpre hend by the am big uou s Flig ht a nd Sq uad-

No .6 Sq uadro n. reforme d at Do ver o n the Ist Ja nu a ry 19 18

ro n naming co n ve ntio ns e m ployed by the Roya l Nava l A ir

aro und a sma ll core of ex pe rie nce d personnel. New offi ce rs

Se rv ice at dif fere nt times . Fo rt una te ly.

the re ade r and the

and ne w aircra ft we re fo rmed into a co hes ive unit dur ing Ja nu-

author. the history o f No .6 Sq uad ro n Ro ya l la va l A ir Ser-

ary and Fe brua ry. with o pe ra tio ns over Bel gi um co m me nc ing

vic e . or "Nava l 6". correspon d s to the period whe n the R ' A S

in Ma rch . Th e dr eadful reli abil ity an d poo r pe rfo rmance o f

ado pted the more co nve nt io nal sq uad ro n-na ming regi me n used

the Sidde ley Puma e ngine fitted to the D.H. 9 seri ou s ly af-

by the Roya l Fly ing Co rps .

tcc tcd the sq ua dron' s early effec tiveness. mi rror ing the pro b-

1'01'

No .6 Sq uadro n bri efl y ca me to prominen ce as a scout

le ms e xpe rie nced by the sq uad ro n in the spr ing o f 191 7.

sq uad ro n d uring the spring and s um me r months or 191 7. at a

T he sq uad ro n became

0.206 Squadron o n 1st A pri1 191 8

the Roya l Na va l A ir Se rv ice .

wh en the Ro yal Nava l A ir Se rv ice a nd the Royal Fly ing C or ps

Eq uippe d wi th the first p rodu ctio n tw in g un sco ut to se e Brit-

were amalgamated to for m the Roya l Air Force . No .206 Sq uad -

ish fro nt line se rv ice . the sq uad ro n's pilots se rved o n the West-

ron RA F wa s still in existe nc e at the beg in n ing o f the 2 1st

time or fur iou s expa ns io n

1'01'

e rn Front under RFC con tro l. Due to a lac k of train ed pilots

Ce ntu ry. fly ing the N imrod maritime reconn a issa nce aircra ft .

a nd slo w sup ply or airc ra ft. the sq uadro n was pull ed out or

Sa d ly. the sq uad ro n was di sba nd ed in A pril 200 5 .

the inten se a ir righ tin g e nc o unte red d urin g the ba tt le o r Arras

M y a im in th is work ha s been to de tai l the hist o ry of No .6

in A pri I 191 7 a nd rel ocat ed to a qui et er fro nt. Enc u mbe red by

Sq uadro n R NAS. sta rting with a di scu ssion o r wh y the RNAS

aircru ft that did no t perform to ex pe ctatio ns and two Flight

had to e xpa nd its sc o ut c apability at the e nd o f 19 16 and work-

Co m ma nde rs w ho were no t pulli ng their wei gh t. the sq uad ro n

ing th rou gh to inco rpo rati on int o the RA F o n Ist April 19 18.

strugg led to make its prese nce fe lt.

T he boo k dea ls with the peopl e. the machin es. the pla ces. the

T he poor pcrformun cc o r t he ir tw in-g u n rig ht er. th e

inc ide nts and the day-to -d ay vic to ries and losses .

N ieupor t 17 Bis. prompted a rapid re-eq uipping w ith the new ly

Re ad e rs s ho uld be awa re that the aut hor tak es a sce ptica l

intro d uc ed So pwi th Camel in Jun e 191 7. Th e sq uad ro n' s per-

v ie w o f co m bat cla ims . es pec ia lly w he re the or ig ina l docu -

Io rma ncc sta rted to pick up bu t the hea vy losses experienced

me ntati on does no t sup port the m . T he mo re o utra geo us cl a im s

6

Int roduct ion

II .u a later date by. or on behalf of. certain pilots. have II

discounted. The reference to original docum entati on is 00 BrutJn

· tJa rs~ n n ,u rt

nr hcant. the co ntent of this wor k being base d upon original

o (iliisttffu

o '11iourout

u.ulrun documents. R AS Wing docum ent s and RFC Wing I I Brigade doc uments. backed up by pilot' s log books and II .• , written by the Se nior R lAS Officer at Dunkcrqu c HQ.

.~ ........;....

•

'5

->... .-s;.

N_1n.4t

'. f~.a •

St. :\f.JrU(oJpfV{ •

•.:

1(j)u(trs

0

O }rT(~f

I h . author doe s not wish to be dragge d into disput es ove r .. , many victories a ce rtain pilot did or did not score. For

. ~~

rJ ,{

o(oul1'<1;

~ 6~ ~\lt" in ,?:l/tssuu.> 0 '1ourcointJ .

o'

o /ij1u6.Ji t

jlnniR t iufS

hi reason the following notes may cla rify the criteria used in

• L8t' t liu nt

hI presentation of this aspect of the work .

0

'L ifTt'

:0' (a lltuSl'

Lens

-0

Combat claim s were ge nerally regard ed as either "deciivc" or " indecisive". A dec ision that was initially made by th . Squadron's Commanding Off icer after rev iewin g the co mh. 11 and

qlirflto

O
1

"

Henin LiefJrJ

0

o C'!'my

oDoua i O't

•

assoc iated reports. The ultimate decision of whether a

laim was granted wou ld not be made until the cla im and all .1 vociatcd evidence had bee n considered by Wing HQ and R AS HQ. or in the situa tion where a Naval squadron was

,'try

L I IRd Tn11t

0

Cam6ra.

• Cf"l'ifTy •

'F{ez

0

S t. Q!u ntin

• ; Iem fromf s .USOCi.Jtf d u 1t li ~Vo 6 Squadron ft; \ :l1S . • - - q (je ll 1stI'm F ront

work ing for the RFC. by Wing. Brigade and the n RFC HQ.

I \ idcnce migh t well be obt ained from sources such as balloon observers. infantry and artillery unit s. intelli gence age n-

Sketch map showing the area of operation of No.6 Squadron during 1916, 19 I7 and 19 18

cies and other flying unit s. "Apparently Out of Co ntro l": where an opponent' s machine was considere d 10 fall in an uncontroll ed manner with lillie ch ance of recovery but there was no ev ide nce

Dec isive

A dec isive claim ge nerally fell into one of two ca mps:

to support the claim. " Destroyed" : where an enemy machin e was see n to break "Driven Down" : Where an opponent declined co mbat and

up in the air. fell in flames. or was see n to crash.

dived away. "Out Of Co ntrol": where an opponent's machine was considered to fall in an uncontrolled manner with little chance

"Drive n Dow n and FTL" : Where an opponent declin ed

of recovery.

combat. escaped and blatantly landed to wa it for the opponent to go away.

or course. the "out of control" ca tegory

was ope n to signifiWhen discussing victory claims. it help s to re member a few

cant personal interpr etation and abus e. It must be rem em bered however. that whe ther an opponent left the bail ie zone in an inverted spin and after a frigh t recovered at a much lowe r alti-

trut hs: • Most enco unters took place over enemy terr itory mak-

tude or simply stalled his machi ne and spun away to fight another day. he ceded the bail ie zo ne to the victor. An import ant

ing verification difficult. if not impossible.

objective of a sco ut machin e was to make the sky safe to enable the observa tion. spotting and bombing machin es to go about their norm al business . An "Out or Co ntro l" ac hieved

• We now know that gro ss ove r-c lai ming on the part of the Allies was a reg ular occurrence.

this objective. In decis ive

• When trying to match Allied claim s with Ge rman losses. unless the Ger man machin e was destroyed co mpletely.

An indecisive claim ge nerally fell into the following categories:

or the Germ an pilot was unabl e to return to his unit. no loss was record ed in the German record s.

7

A History of No,6 Squa d ron Royal Na val Ai r Service ill lVor ld lVar I

In the heat o f ba ttle. eve n the most ex perie nce d pilot so me -

d o e s not p lace a s tro ng e m p hasis o n R AS a nd R FC

times made mi stak es in observatio n.

Co m muniques which we re basica lly mor ale boost ing sum ma -

T hc clai ms pre sen ted in this book arc pilot s' dec lara tions,

rics prod uced by clerica l staff and were ofte n unre liab le. It

lIotnccessarily co rro bora ted victo ries . T he cl aim s arc all sup-

doc s not place any emphas is at all upo n sec ondary pub lish ed

port ed by primar y docu me ntatio n sources, squadro n record

sources , many o f whic h have fed off their predecessors.

book s and Co mbat In Th e Air Rep orts (C ITA RS ). Thi s wo rk

8

GLOSSARY

Anti-A ircra ft Aircr aft Accep tance Park

FA .U. FCdr

Ae rop lane Depo t

FlgOb ll/

Aircraft Depot Dunkerquc (situated at SI. Pol) Air Force Cross Air Mechani c Aeroplane Park Aeroplane Suppl y Depot

FIS FLt FSgt FSL FfL 1"11'

Feldll'ebel (Se rge a nt)

Bdc

Brigade

FII'LI

Feldwebell.eutnant (Master Sergeant )

Capt C BE Cdr CFS COL CPO Cpl CSD

Ca ptain Comma nder of the British Empire

GHQ

General Headquarters

Co m mander

HA H aupt HOP Hp HQ Hrs

Hostile Aircraft Hauptmann (Captain) High Offe nsive Patrol

Jasta

Jagdstaff el (scout unit)

KB

Kitc Balloon

AA AAP AD DD AFC AM AI' ASD

Central Flying School Crashed on landin g Chief Pett y Officer Corporal Central Supply Depot

DD DFC DFM

Driven Down Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Mcdal

DFIV

Deutsche FIII gzellg -lVerk e

DSC DSM DSO

Disting uished Service Cross Distinguished Service Meda l Distinguished Ser vice Order

EA Eng Lt

Enemy Aircraft Engineer ing Lieutenant

9

Friends Ambulance Unit Flight Commander Fl ugmaat (flying Mute) Flying Instructors School Flight Lieutena nt Flight Sergeant Flight Sub-Lieutenant Forced to Land

Hor sep o wer

Headquart ers Hours

LAM

Lead ing Air Mechani c

LFG

Luftfahr z eug Gescllsc haft

LM Lt 2Lt LI //

Leadin g Mechanic Lieutenant Second Lieutena nt Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)

L VG

Luft- verkehrs Gesellschaft

II llistorv Id'No.6 Squadron NO."111 NII\'II I Ai r Sen -ice ill \l'or ld \l'lI r l

MBE

ivlM

Memb er Of the British Empire Military Cross J'vla rinefcldjasta ivl iiitary Meda l

NAD NADD NAP

Nava l Aero plane Depot Naval Aerop lane Depot Dunkcrq ue 1 ava l Aerop lane Park

OB E OM

Ohcrleutnant ( I st Lieutenant)

M A1F/

RN R AS RNR RNVR RzT

Royal Navy Royal Naval Air Ser vice/Roya l Nava l Air Station Royal Nava l Reserve Royal Nava l Volunteer Reserve Radio Telep hony

SCdr SD SDF

Squadron Co mmander Stores Depot Sea plane Defence Flight

TDS TPFO TP FSL TS

Training Depot Stati on Tem porary Probationary Flying Officer Temporary Probationary Flight Sub- Lieutenant Trainin g Squadro n

U.f/'z. USAS

Unteroffizier (Corporal) nited States Air Service

V;/III

\Ii zef lugmeist er

V;/Il'

vizefeldw ebel (Acting Sergeant)

WCapt WCdr

Wing Captain Wing Co mmander

WIT

Wireless Telegraphy

Order Of The British Empire

O.!TI"1/,-/r

o.m ~ ierS/e ll rer/ re/ er

OOC 0 1'

Out Of Co ntrol Offensive Patrol

PFO PFSL PO POW PRO

Probati onary Flying Officer Probationary Flight Sub-Lie utenant Petty officer Prisoner of war Public Records Office (National Arch ive)

RAE RAF RFA RFC Rittm

Royal Aircra ft Establishment Royal Air Force Royal Fleet Auxi liary Royal Flying Co rps (Military Wing) Rittmeister (Cavalry Captain)

(Warrant Of ficer )

10

C H A PTE R ON E

EXPANS IO N OF T H E RNAS AT DUN KERQ!JE

T

he hist ory of the Roya l Naval Air Servi ce 's prese nce

The Wings we re struc ture d as s ho w n:

at Dunkcrque is beyond the sc o pe o f this bo ok . how e ve r. in or de r to understa nd w hy ne w sco ut sq ua dro ns

I W ing

A Sq uadro n

we re int rodu ced durin g 191 6 and 19 17. we need to briefl y

No . 1 Flig ht No.2 Flig ht

lo ok a t th e po lici e s and re -organ isa t io n o f th e Dover -

B Squadron

D un ke rq ue command .

No .3 Flig ht No.4 Flight

By the la te sum me r of 191 5 . W ing Captain C L Lambe

C Squad ron

No . 14 Flight

was in c ha rge o f tw o reconn ai ssa nce sq ua d ro ns at Do ver and COI11-

Rc sp o nsi biIitie s inc lud cd photo reco nna issa nc e. an i Iler y

prise d two spo tt ing a nd reco n na issance sq uad ro ns . two bomb-

spo tt ing (by d ay and nig ht ) a nd fighter patro ls o ve r fron t

ing sq uad ro ns a nd two figh ter sq uadro ns. Lambe had a m bi-

and fleet.

s ix sq ua d ro ns at Dunk erq uc. T he Dun ke rqu c sq uad ro ns

tio us plan s fo r hi s co m mand a nd by Decembe r 19 15 had ob 4 Win g

tained Ad mira lty approva l to form tw o mor e Wings. Eac h Win g

A Sq uadro n

was co m prise d of four sq uad ro ns to con cen trat e o n o ffe ns ive

No.9 Flig ht o. 10 fl ight

o peratio ns . It is import ant to reali se that at thi s stage an RNAS

B Squ adron

Sq uadro n wa s the eq uivale nt o f a more co nvent iona l Flig ht

10 .

II Flight

o. 12 f lig ht

a nd was co m p rised of s ix ai rcr a ft. Duri ng 1916 the Do ve r - Dunk crq ue command ex pa nded

Res pon sibilit ies inc luded bo mbi ng a nd fig hte r pat rol s.

ra pid ly under Lambe 's d irec tio n. Its three main o bjectives 5 Wing

be ing:

A Sq uadro n

No.5 fli g ht No.6 F lig ht

• To prot ec t the cro ss-c han ne l s up p ly rout es of the Britis h

B Sq ua dro n

Exped itio na ry Fo rce .

0 .7 F lig ht No .8 Fl ight

Re spon sibiliti es were pri maril y bo mbin g but incl uded

• To ha rass e ne m y sub ma rines usin g Be lgi an port s .

so me fig hte r pat ro ls and reco nna issa nce . • To tak e o ffen si ve actio n aga ins t the channe l e nd o f the Ge rma n line s.

In June 19 16. the tw o flights of A Squadron I Win g mo ved nea rer to the front at Fum es aerodrome in Bel gium . the sq uad-

By m id 191 6. Win g Ca pta in La m be had established I Win g at

ro n qui ck ly becomi ng know n as the " De tac hed Sq ua d ro n" .

Du nke rqu e. 4 Wi ng at Petite Synth c and 5 Wing at C o udc kc rkc ,

The Det ach ed Sq uadro n wa s eq uip ped so le ly w ith

/I

icupo rt

A His!OI:1' olNo.a Sq uadro n Royal Naval Air Service ill lI'o rlt!lI'ar /

single seat sco uts and was the first uniformly equipped squad-

ne wly formed "de tac hed" squadron was act ivated o n the 25th

ron in the RNAS. Duc to the close r proximity to the front. the Detached Squad ron took on new duties of pro viding Frenc h reco nnaissance and artille ry spotters with fighte r esc ort. By the autum n of 19 In. the RFC was ex periencing ditfi -

Oc tobe r 19 16 and was eve ntua lly designated No.8 Squadron RNAS o r more familiarly " Naval S··. Thi s designat io n did not co me into effect. howe ve r. until February 1917. Also in the autu mn. possibly prompted by Maj or-General Tren cha rd' s request to bor row a sco ut sq uad ro n. Lambe e mbarked upo n another ses sio n otvra tio na lisa tio n" , rearr ang-

culi ic s on the Sommc. In Oc tober. Wing Captain Lambe agreed

to provide a sq uad ron to assist the RFC. In orde r to ac hieve this. eac h o f the Dunkerquc Wings co ntributed a Flight of pi-

ing his ex isting sq uadrons into specialist units and re-labe lling them with sequentia l un ique num bers:

lots and aircra ft. So pwith Pups from I Wing. Nieuport Scouts from 4 Wing and Sopwit h 1/2 Strutte rs from 5 Wing. The A Squad ro n B Squad ron

Wing Wing

C Sq uad ron Wing A Sq uadro n 5 Wing B Sq uad ron 5 Wing A Sq uadro n 4 Wing B Squ adron 4 Wing Squa dron o n loan to RFC

becam e

10

. 1 Sq uadro n

Sco uts Spotting/ Reco nnaissance

became No.2 Sq uadro n becam e 10 .] Sq uad ro n

S CO Ul S

Scouts

became No.4 Sq uadro n became 10 .5 Squadron

Bom bers Scou ts

became No.n Sq uadron became No.7 Squadron became No.S Squad ron

These rc-dcs ignations took place from the wee k co mme ncing

Bomb ers Scout s No. 1 Sq uad ro n: Eq uipped with a mix of Nieuport s and So pw ith Tri planes at FUrJ1es . In the process or re-equipping with Sopwith Triplancs. Carrying out coa stal pro-

20th I ovcmbcr 19 16. although in most cases. no change was see n at Squadro n level for a number o f weeks. By the autumn of 1916. the Ge rmans had introd uced the

tectio n.

Albatros DI and Dll tw in gun sco uts. preci pitating a cr isis for the RFC. Maj o r-Ge ner al Tre nchard reques ted a subs ta ntia l strengthening of the figh ter squad rons attached to eac h British army. Nothing was done until Decem ber 19 16. when it

No.3 Sq uad ro n : Initially equipped with Sopw ith I 1/2 St rut ters. to be re-equipped with So pwit h Pups. No.4 Sq uad ron: Initially eq uipped with Sop with I 1/2

rapidly beca me obvio us that any realistic ac tion wou ld be too late. The Detached Squ adron had proved its value to the RFC

Strut ters . to be re-eq uipped with Sopwi th Pups.

and Trenchard informally approac hed Lambe to discuss the possibi lity of borrowing fou r more scout squadrons. he requ ired a Triplanc squadron. a Nicuport scout sq uad ron. plus two more sco ut squadrons. In Decem be r. the War Ofrice made

No.6 Sq uad ron : Equipped with a variety of Nieuport 2seaters and scouts. To be re-eq uipped with Nieuport 17bis sco uts.

a formal request to the Ad miralty for the loa n o f fo ur additiona l fighter squadro ns to ass ist the RFC and mater ial he lp in

Det ach ed Sq uad ro n : On secondmc nt to the RFC at Vert Galant. Equipped with Sopwith Pups. To be renamed No.8 Squadron and re-eq uipped with Sopwith Tri plancs.

thc form of e ngines and ai rcraft.' T he Ad miralty was not in any real posit io n to refuse, being in the "ove rk i ll" situation o f having Lam be' s newl y rest ructured sq uadro ns attac hed to Dunkcrquc, exace rbated by the politica l e mbarrass me nt o f

From the

I

aval poi nt of view, five fighter sq uad ro ns. e ven

when fully equipped wo uld not be adeq uate to meet the co mmitmen t to the RFC and to provide coastal and fleet protec-

having been recently " caug ht-out" circumve nting the ag reed protocols for obtai ning fundi ng for aircr aft. At the e nd of 19 16. the RNAS Dunkerq ue "Or der of Buttlc' for landplanc sco ut/fighting squadro ns was as show n

tio n. Lambe therefore e mbarked upon another round of expansion in 19 17:

below :

/2

Expansio n o] the RNAS at Dunkerque

No.9 Squadron: No.9 Sq uadro n was form ed at SI. Pol on

Ist February 1917. Initial ly equipped with So pwith Pups and Nieuports. No.9 Squadron perform ed coastal defence duties until seco nded to the RFC in Jun e. No. III Squadron : No. 10 Sq uadron was form ed at SI. Pol on 12t h February 191 7. Core personn el were taken from Cranwc ll and Easichurch but late r hea vily reinforced with ex perienced personn el from the disbanding No.3 Wing. Initia lly eq uipped with So pwith Tripl ancs, Pe rform ed coastal defence duti es from Furncs until seco nded to the RFC at Droglandt on 15th May 19 17. No. 11 Sq uad ron: Forme d at Petit e Sy nthc on 8th Marc h

19 17 and equipped with ieup ort sc outs. Sop with Pups and Triplancs. Evidence indicates that No. 11 Squadron was inte nded to be a scout Squadro n but due to shortage of pilots and aircraft effe cti vely becam e an Opcrational Training Unit and Pilots Pool for the other sco ut Squadrons. The Sq uadron was eve ntua lly ac tivated in Jul y and ca lled upon to provide fleet and port protection duti es. Further ex pansion o f sco ut squadrons too k place in Jun e 191 7 to strengthe n the coas tal defence and trainin g pro vision : No. 12 Squadron: Formed at Hond sch oot o n 8th Jun e

19 17. se rved prim ari ly as an Operational Trai ning Unit and Pilots Pool. with so me port de fe nce du ties.

Senior Officer at D unkerque and arch itect of t he RNAS expansion at Du nkerque,Wing Captain CL Lambe .This photograph was taken during 1918, Lambe is wearing RAF uniform and hasthe rank of Brigadier General.Courtesy John Oxley Library

No. 13 Sq uadro n: Formed at SI. Pol o n 30th Jun e 1917 as

the Seaplane Defence Flight with coastal and fl ee t protccti on duties . Bccn mc the Seaplane Defe nce Squadron

No. 1 Sq uadron : Sec onded to thc RFC o n 15th February

191 7. initia lly bascd at Chipilly. Returned to RNAS co ntrol on 2nd Nove mber 19 17.

on 23rd Se pte mber 19 17 and No. 13 Squadron o n 15th Janu ary 19 18. Initially equipped with So pwith Pups.

No.3 Squad ron: Seco nded to the RFC and took ove r 0.8

As stated abo ve, a Detached Sq uad ron had been seco nded to the RFC s ince the e nd of October 19 16. Th e squadron was

Squadro n's So pw iih Pup aircraft at Vert Ga lant on 3rd February 19 17. returned to RNAS co ntrol on 18th Jun e

withdraw n back to Dunkerqu c co ntrol early in February 191 7 for re-equippi ng and rea llocat ion o f so me office rs and rat ings to new squadrons. On the same day. No.3 Sq uadro n came un-

19 17.

0.6 Squadron: Sec onded to the RFC on II th March 191 7. based at La Bell evu e , Disband ed on the 27th Au-

de r RFC co ntrol and too k responsibilit y for both the Detached Squadron's duties and their aircraft. Sccond mcnt of ava l sco ut squadrons to the RFC du ring 19 17 took place as shown belo w:

gust 19 17 with the pilots dispersed to other squadro ns a nd the ai rcraft tran sferred to No . 10 Sq uad ron. No.6 Squad ron would be revived in 19 18 but as a bom bing squadron.

13

A Ilistorv o] No.6 Squadron Royal Naval Air Se rvice in World \Var I

No.NSquadron : Brought back unde r RNAS contro l and retu rned to Dunkcrquc on 3rd February 1917 for rest and re-equipping with So pwith Triplanes. Seco nded to RFC on the 29 th March 1917. initiall y based at Auchcl, Re-

When the new RNAS sco ut squadrons started to form in late 19 16. Lambe's intenti on was to maintain a squadron strength o f 20 pilots. Howe ver. losses sustained by the squadrons se rving on the Western Front were co nside rably higher than the

turned to RNAS co ntrol on Ist March 1918.

RNAS had previously ex perienced. With a much lowe r recr uiting intake than the RFC. the RNAS found it impossib le

No.9 Squadron : Seconded to RFC on 15th Jun e 1917. initially based at Flez. Return ed to RNAS co ntrol on 28 th Se ptember 1917.

to keep their squadro ns staffed at their optimum level. On numerous occ asions new recr uits were thrown into the fray with no time allowed for adj ustment. the inevitable outco me

No. III Squadron : Seco nded to RFC on 15th May 1917. initially based at Droglandt. Return ed to RNAS co ntro l on 27th November 1917.

depleti ng num bers e ve n further. For much of 1917. squadron strength hovered around a core of 15 pilots. so metimes dropping as low as 10 01' II . By August 1917. it had become apparent that the R lAS co uld not support five sco ut squadrons on the Weste rn Front and on 27th August 19 17. No.6 Squadro n and No. 11 Squadron were disbanded. their pilots and So pwith Ca mel airc raft dispersed to rei nforce other squadrons.

i'\ OTE 1 Di sc ussio ns betwee n Tr enc hard a nd La mbe, late r for mally ra ised at the 30lh meeting o ft he Ai r Board . o n I l th Decembe r 1'!1 6 . rcf A Di\t I /X44'! .

C HAPTER rwo

FORMAT IO N

N

o.4 Wing was for med du ring the week e nding 11th

O fficers o f the Royal laval Air Service" record s the change in the issue dated 27 th I ovc mbcr 19 16. Th ere was no imme-

Oc to ber 19 15 fro m the Eas tc hurc h based No.4 Squadron as part o f Wing Ca ptain Lam be's initial expansion of the R lAS prese nce at Dunkc rquc. The new Wing

diate change to the squadro n structure ho we ver. during Dece mber 1916 and most of January 19 17. the squadron still of-

set up its headqu arters at Petite Sy nthe in April 19 16 under the co mmand of Sq uadron Co mmande r C L Courtney. Add itiona l pilots and aircraft we re d rafted in and by mid Jun e 19 16 the Wing co mprised 10 . 1 Squadro n and No.2 Squadron These

ficially co mprised a flight of scout pilots and a flight of bomb er pilots. New pilo ts and ad mini strat ive officers were drafted in to the sq uadron tow ard s the e nd o f Janu ar y 191 7 but it was not until the 5t h February 191 7 issue of the Disposit ion List that the sq uadro n structure was offi cia lly re ported as bei ng co mposed o f two flights o f scout pilots.

names were changed to A Squadro n and B Squadro n duri ng Ju ly. Both A and B Sq uad rons were. in effec t. multi-ro le squadrons. A Squad ro n comprised 1 0.9 and No. 10 Flights equipped with scout and bombin g machines respec tive ly and B Sq uadron co mprised No. 11 and No. 12 Fligh ts which were similarly

The date of the 5th/6 th Feb ruar y 191 7 is significa nt as the 6th is the first day that a Daily Oper ations Report was

equipped. To add to the confusio n. the re were a lso A and B Squadrons attached to both 0. 1 Wing and No.5 Wing at the same time . As discussed in C hapter I. towards the e nd of 19 16 Wing Captain Lambe instigated a final rationali sation of the squadrons in the Dunkerqu c Co mmand. aim ed at enabling eac h squadron to function independe ntly. ta ilor ing eac h sq uadro n to a spec ific funct ion and employ ing the structure of un iquely numb ered sq uadrons used by the Royal Flying Cor ps. Whilst the ch angeo ve r da te for most of the squad rons can be determined with a fair degree of co nfide nce . the acti vatio n date for No.6 Squadron is more diffi cult to determine. It is know n that the squadron name officially changed from A Squ adro n to No.6 Squad ron du ring the week precedi ng the 27 th love mber 19 16. the wee kly publicatio n " Dispositio n o f

Petite Synthe Aerodrome. situated on the eastern outskirts of Dunkerque. the headquarters and base of 0.4 Wing RNAS. Courtesy)MBIGSL ColleGian

15

A llisto rv of No .6 Squadro n Roval Naval A ir Se rvice ill World \\1Ir /

re lea sed in the nam e of '0 .6 Squadron and sig ned by the

Thi s ba la nce of o ffic ia l a llocatio n of pi lot s did not c ha nge s ig-

sq uad ro n's ne w commandi ng office r. SCd r II Petre. A ll Op-

ni ficantl y throu gh ou t December 19 16 and Ja nuar y 191 7 a l-

e ra tio ns Reports pr ior to the 6t h Fe b rua ry we re re leased by

tho ugh man y of the pilot s wer e swa ppe d a bo ut be tw een the

'0 04 Wing and sig ned by Win g Capta in Court ney.

tw o sq uadrons from week to week . Sev e ra l ne w pi lot s were

Fo r the purpose s o f this wo rk . it has bee n dec ided to re -

trans ferred to

004 Wing at the e nd o f Ja nua ry suc h tha t o n

5th Fe brua ry No .6 Sq uad ro n had the fo llo w ing co m pos itio n:

ga rd the 2 7th Nove m be r 191 6 as the da te thai A Sq uad ro n was ren am ed No .6 Sq uadro n and the 6t h February 19 17 as the da te that No. 6 Squadro n was ac tiva ted as a fun ctiona l and ind e-

SC d r JJ Petre. C o m ma nd ing Offi cer

pendent sco ut sq uadro n. Th e in terim period be tw een the se

SL ( RI V R) W To dd. Armam ent s O fficer

dates was mo stly de vot ed to prac tice fly in g an d pil ot eva luation . a ltho ug h ve ry oc cas io na l so lo fig hti ng pa tro ls we re ca r-

A Fli gh t

ried o ut. Win g Co m ma nde r Court ney exc ha nge d pilo ts be-

FCd r CT M acLare n. Fli ght Com ma nde r

twee n No .6 and No .7 Sq uad ron s on a week ly basi s d urin g

FLt B HP De Ro e per

Dece m ber 191 6 and J anu ar y 19 17. th is occ urred so o fte n tha t

FLt LC Keebl e

it' s prob abl y bett e r to say th at ce rta in pilo ts we re attac hed to

FS L GL Ha rtgi ll

0 04 W ing ra ther tha n try ing to pin the m do wn to a ny pa rtic u-

FSL ldeC Pay nte r FSL GP Po wle s

lar sq ua d ro n. Th e struc ture o f No A Win g' s two sq ua d ro ns on the 27 th j

B Flight

ovc mbcr 19 16 was a s fo llows :

FCdr ADW A lle n. Flig ht Com ma nde r No.6 Sq uad ron

FLt C L Ba ile y

A Flig h t

FSL G C W D ingwa ll

FLt AD W A lle n. Flig ht Co m ma nde r

FSL RR Winte r

FSL C Pe rrett

FS L R K S la te r

FS L C L Ba iley

) - scout p ilo ts

FSL VR Gi bbs

FS L WHR Brown

It is the autho r 's imp ressi on th at d urin g December a nd Ja nuar y. Win g Comm a nde r Court ney d id not regard his pilo ts as

C Flig h t FLt FT Digb y. Fli ght Co m ma nde r

be lo ng in g spec if ica lly to No .6 o r to No .7 Squadron s but to

FSL RE Darnton

the

FSL A HV Flet c her

004 Win g sco ut pi lot re source a nd bomber pil ot resource .

The sudde n fo rma l ration a lisat ion o f sco ut pilots in to

) - bo mbe r pilots

FSL VE Sievek ing

1

0.6

Sq uad ro n and bombe r pi lot s into No .7 Sq ua d ro n at the begi nning of February 19 17 g ives adde d we igh t to the sugg es tio n

FSL LW O rmerod

tha t No .6 Squadron was ac tiv ated o n the 6th Febru ary 191 7. No.7 S q ua d ro n

T he Squ adro n's initi a l scout pro visi on com p rise d fo ur

A Fligh t

Nie uport 12s. tw o Iic upo rt lOs a nd a lic upo rt II s ing le-se at

FLt CT Macl.ar cn . Flig ht Com ma nder

scout. Severa l of the N ie uport 10 a nd Nie upo rt 12 mac hin es

FSL G L Hart g ill

wer e sing le-seat con ver sion s. A furth er five Nieu port I I sco uts

FSL J A Shaw

s low ly fi lte red in from the d epot at Dunk crque duri ng Ja nuar y

) - scout pil o ts

FS L G C W D ingwa ll

a nd th e ea rly pa rt o f February 19 17 .

C F lig h t

Dec e mbe r 191 6 an d Jan uary 191 7 se ve ra l Caud ro n G. IV 2-

FLt HG Brackley. Flig ht Co m ma nde r

se ate rs wer e attac he d to the sq ua d ro n.

Whi lst No .6 Sq ua d ro n wa s in its fo rma tiv e stage d uring

It was intended that wh en No.6 Sq uad ro n was o pe rat io na l

FSL C H Darl ey FSL A L T ho rne

it would be eq uip ped wi th the Nie upo rt 17Bi s. powe red by a

) - bo mb er pi lot s

FSL G P Po wle s

C te rgc t 13 0 h p e ngi ne a nd a r m a me n t co nsist ing o f a

FS L A Frau en feld er

sy nc h ro n ise d Vick e rs g un firing throu gh the propel ler a rc . /6

Fo rmat ion

FSL WH R Brow n

N ic uport 10 scrial3 185

combined with a Lewis gun mounted on the top wing. The first 17Bis was del ive red on the 1st Feb ruary 1917 and whilst o ne mo re was de liv ered on the 24th Feb rua ry, it was not until

FLt ADW A lle n

March that the new model began to arri ve in significant nurn hers.

FLt ADW Alle n

63 min ute prac tice fligh t Nic uport 12 se ria l 87 12 15 minute tcst flight Nicuport 12 sc rial 8734

FLt CT Macl. arcn

20 minute tcst flight with LM Wchb Nicuport 10 scrial 3 185

FSL .JA Shaw

30 minute practice flight Nicu port 10 serial 3965

overnber 1916 As related abo ve. the ass umption ha s bee n mad e that the train i ll g

and slaj}illg of No.6 Sq uadro n com me nced

Oil

the 271h

No vember / 9/ 6. By this da le. both A and B Squ ad rons had II I II/ OSI

completc lv ceased ca rryi ng out wa rjligltt» and started

to co nce ntrate

UI W Il

FSL WHR Brown

p racti ce and testflight »,

27t h Novem ber

FSL LW O mcro d

FLt Allcn with FSL Hartgil l as passcn gc r flew 1 icup ort 12 20.5 Wing at C o udc kc rkc and re turned with two singlc-scurc r Nicuport 12s. n os and X7 12, nf uvou rabl c weather co nditions prev ented any other fl y-

se ate r X74 1 to

15 minut e practice flight icuport 10 serial 3 185 20 minute practi ce flight 1

FSL RE Darnton

Caudron se rial 9 119 30 minute pract ice flight Caudron se rial 9 119

FSL A 1-1 V Fle tcher

15 minute practice flight Caudron serial 9 120 36 minut e tcst flight with A1\1 Morgan

ing du ring the day. 2Nt h Novem ber 29th Novem be r

FLt Allen ca rried out a fightin g patro l to Zccbruggc at 13.15 in Nieuport II serial 8746 . Allen pat rol led around Zccb ruggc for 40 minutes but no e nemy aircra ft were enco untered. I-I c

nfavourab lc weather conditions prevented any flying during the day.

re ported that a train was observed e ntering Ostcnd e at 13.40. T hree Nicuport 12s were co llec ted from the Depot at Dunkcrq uc, Hartgill co llected 8726. Perret co llected 85 12 and Shaw co llected 920 6. The rcst of the day was given ove r to tcst and practice

BELOW: Nieuport 10 serial 3185 was on the squadron strength from the 27th November 1916 0 the 3rd February 1917 on which date it was crashed and written off by FSLVR Gibbs.This machine was converted to single seat configuration by sheeting over the forward cockpit. There does not appear to have been a standardised method of carrying out the conversron, 3185 being somewhat unusual in having the cladding taper up from the firewall to the pilot's cockpit. Author's collection

flight s:

/7

A Histo ry o!No.6 Squadron Royal Na\'{/I Air Service ill \\'orld \\'ar I

30th Novem be r

FLl ADW Allen

' ieuport 12 serial 87 12

FSL CL Bailey

15 minute test flight l ic upn rt 10 serial 3962 15 minute test flight

nfavourable weather co nditions prev ented any flying during the day.

FSL LW Omerod

Caudro n se rial 9 119 10 minute practice flight

December 1916 Bad weath er durin g Decem ber se riously int erfered with

5th Decemb er

Courtney's training and pi/Of asse ssme nt programm e.

Unfavourable wea ther conditions prevented any flying during the day.

1st to 3rd December

Unfavo urable weather co nditions prevented any flyi ng activ-

6th Dec emb er

ity.

FLl Allen ca rried out a fighting patrol at 10.00 in Nieuport I I 8746. He patro lled to Ostende in search of a host ile kite bal-

4th Dece mber

loon. which was reported to have broke n loose but failed to find it.

Twelve test and practice flight s were ca rried out: FSL JA Shaw

Later in the day. Allen trave lled to the Dep ot where he ca rried out a 35 min ute test flight in a SPAD V I I serial 96 11 on beh alf of loA Wing.

ieup ort 10 serial 3965 I I minute prac tice fligh t

FSL GL Hartgill

Nie uport 10 serial 3962 day:

FSL CL Bailey

15 minute practice fligh t Nicuport 12 serial 87 12 15 minute practice flight N ieuport 12 serial 8712 20 minute practice flight

FSL C Perrett

1

FSL W HR Brown

20 minute test flight Nieupo rt 10 serial 3 185

FSL GC W Dingwa ll

FSL W HR Brow n

Nieupo rt 10 serial 3 185 25 minu te practice flight icup ort 10 serial 3 185

FSL C Perrett

20 minute practice flight ieuport 12 serial 85 12

FLt CT Macl. arcn

FLl ADW Allen FLt ADW Allen

Four test and practice flights were carried out during the

FLl CT Macl.arcn FLt ADW Allen

12 minute test flight Nieuport II serial 8746 20 minute test flight

icup ort 12 serial 85 12

35 minute practice flight Nieuport 10 seria 13 185 20 minute pract ice flight Nieuport II serial 8746 10 minute practice fligh t

BELOW:The Caudron G IV bomber SIX of t hese aircra ft were inheri ted from A Squadro n and remained on No.6 Squadro n's charge unti l Januar y 19I 7.Th is particular machine was photogra phed with N o.5 Wing at Coudekerke. Cour-

Nieuport 10 serial 3962 13 minute test flight

tesyJMBIGSL Collection

18

Format ion

7th Decem be r

I IV C

tes t

FS L VE Sicvck ing

Ca udron serial 9 113 30 minute pract ice n ight

FS L LW O rmero d

Ca udron se ria l 9 119 25 m in ute pra ct ice ni gh t Ca udron seria l 9 121

and practice n igh ts were carried out:

I I.t CT Mac Laren

N icuport 10 se rial 3 185

I'SL G L Hartgill

Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 15 m i nut e test n igh t licuport 10 se rial 3962

FLt FT Digb y

15 minute test n igh t

"S L C L Bailey "S L JA Shaw I L t CT Macl. arcn

35 m in ute tcst n ight 12th Dec ember

35 m in ut e practi ce n igh t Nicuport 10 se ria l 3965 5 minute pract ice !ligh t Iieuport 10 se rial 3 185

Unfavourable weat her co nditions preven ted a ll fl yin g. 13th De cember

Eight test and pract ice n ights were carried o ut during the day:

15 min ute tcst n igh t FS L C Perrett Ht h to 10th December

Unfavourable wea the r co nditions preve nted a ll fl yin g.

FLt A DW Allen

20 minute tcst ni ght and FLt CT MacL arcn

I Ith De ce m ber

Four pilots ca rried o ut a 30 minute form ation practice:

FS L G L Harigill

FS L G L I-I artgill FS L GC W Dingwall FS L JA Shaw

Nicupon 12 se rial 9206 Nicupo rt 12 se rial 87 12

FLt CT Mac Larcn

Nicupor t 10 se rial 3 185 Nieupor t 10 se rial 3962

FS L C L Bailcy

FS L C L Bailcy

FS L GCW Dingw all

20 minute tcst ni ght Nieupo rt 12 serial 9206 50 minute tcst n ight Nieupo rt 10 se rial 3962 15 minute practice n ight

FLt A DW Allen

Nieupo rt I I se rial 8746 40 minute test ni ght Nicupo rt 10 seria l 3 185

lic uport 12 se rial 8734 FS L .fA Shaw

15 minute practice ni gh t and CPO Gott

Nicupo rt 12 serial 87 12 15 minute pract ice n ig ht Nicupo rt 10 serial 3 185

FS L GC W Dingwall Ele vcn tcst and practice ni ghts we re carrie d out: FLt Allen

Nicupo rt 12 se ria l 872 6 6 mi nute practice n ig ht Nicupo rt 12 serial 8734

25 min ute practice ni ght

FS L .f A Shaw

lic uport 10 se rial 3962 35 minute practice ni gh t Nicupo rt 10 se rial 3 185

Four tcst n igh ts were carried out:

FLt CT MacL arcn

40 minute practice n igh t Nicuport 12 se rial 872 6

FLt AD W Allen

FS L C L Bailey FS L C Perre n

14th December

35 minute tcst ni ght Nicuport 12 seria l 87 12 40 min ute test fli ght

FS L C Perret t

Nieuport 12 se ria l 85 12 36 minute test n ight Nicuport 12 se rial 872 6

FS L RE Darlton

10 minute practice n ight Ca udron se rial 9 130

FLt A DW Allen FS L GL !'!arlgill FLt ADW Allen

42 minute prac tice n ight with PO C larkc

Nicuport 12 serial 8726 20 minute test n ight lieuport II seria l 8746 35 minut e speed test Nicupo rt 12 serial 87 12 35 minu te speed test Nicupo rt II se rial 8746 15 minute test n ight

15th December

Unfavo urable weather co nditions prevented all fl y ing.

/9

II History of No .6 Squadron Royal Na\'(/I A ir Servi ce in lVorld mlr I

16th December

FSL GL Hartg ill FSlJA Shaw

FSl Gl Hartg ill

N ie upo rt I() se ria l 3962

FLt A D\\' A lle n

Nie upo rt I() se ria l 396 5

FLt A D\\' Al len

Nie upo rt 12 se ria l 8734

1

ieuport I() se ria l 39 62

25 minute pract ice fli ght

Three tes t and pract ice fli gh ts wer e carried o ut:

1

ie upo rt I() se ria l 3965

30 minute prac tice fli ght FLt ADW All en

15 minute pr actice flight

Nie upo rt II se ria l 8746 30 minute pr acti ce fli g ht

FLt ADW A lle n

15 minute test flig ht

SPAD V II se ria l 96 11 25 minu te test fli g ht

35 minute test flight 19th Decemb er

with AM Bentley

Two tes t an d pra ctice fligh ts wer e ca rried o ut: 17th December

At 13 .3 5 . S haw c a r r ie d o ut a fi g h ti ng patrol betw e e n

Flt AD\\' A llen

Dunk e rquc and Nie upo rt in Nie up o rt 10 3965 , T he pat rol was une ve ntful and S haw had no th ing to repo rt.

FSL VE S iev ek ing

20t h December

lic upo rt I I se ria l 874 6

Fo urt een test a nd pra ctice fl ight s wer e car ried o ut:

20 minute pra ctice flig ht FLt A D\\' All en

C a ud ro n se ria l 9 113 15 m inute practi ce flight

Two test and pra ctice flig hts wer e carried o ut: FLt CT Ma claren

S PA D V II se ria l 9 6 11 55 mi nute test flight

SPAD V II se ria l 96 11 FLt C T Maclar en

25 minute te st fli ght

1

ie up ort I I se ria l 87 46

50 minute total practi ce I Sth Dece m ber

F Lt CT Maclar en

N ieupo rt II seri a l 87 46

Si x te st an d pr acti ce fli gh ts we re c arried o ut: FLt A D\\' All en

BELO W : SPA D S7,serial 961 I underw ent Type Trials with 0.4 Wing during Dece mber 191 7 and whilst at Petite Synthe was flow n exclusively by FLt ADW A llen. For reasons unknown, the SPAD was supplied to the RNAS wi th the incor rect serial N 3399 as depicted here, thrs was changed at the SI. Pol depo t to the correct serial.FLt Alle n flew 961 I to Eastchurch on the 24th Decem ber 19 16 w here it underw ent further evaluation by the D esign Flight under the superv ision o f Squadron Commander Harr y Busteed. Courtesy C&CJ Archive

Sopwi th se ria l 93 43 ' 20 minute practi ce fli ght

FLt CT M aclaren

Nieuport I I se ria l 8746 35 m inute pra cti ce flight

20

Forma tion

FS L .lA Shaw

Nie uport 10 seria l 3 185

FLt ADW Allen

14 minute pract ice flight Nicuport II se rial 8746

Seve n practice flight s were carried out: FSL G L Harigill

Nieupo rt 10 serial 3962

Nie upo rt 10 se rial 39 65

FSL .lA Shaw

15 minut e pract ice flight Nieuport 10 serial 3965

25 minut e practi ce flight S PAD VII serial 96 11 160 minut e total test flight s

FSL .lE Ruth ven

Ca ud ro n se rial 9 120

S PAD VII se rial 96 11 Caudron se rial 9 130

FSL .lE Ruth ven FSL RE Darnton

20 minute pract ice flight

FSL .lA Shaw

FLt A DW Alle n FS L RE D arnton

20 minute pract ice flight 64 minute total pract ice flight s

35 minute practice flight Caudron se ria l 9 119

FS L LW O mcrod FS L RE Darn to n

Caudro n seria l 9 119

with FS L RB Frame FSL LW O mcrod

55 minute total practice flights

FSL VE Sievek ing

Caudron seria l 9 130

25t h December

40 minute practice flight

Unfavourable wea ther co nditio ns prevented all flying ac tiv-

with LM Scotcher

ity.

Caudro n se ria l 9 113

26t h December Five practi ce flight s were carried out:

Ca udro n serial 9 120

120 minut e total test flights

FS L .I E Ruthven

Caudro n serial 9 119

20 minu te practice flight

75 minut e practi ce flig ht with A M Wal ker FS L .lE Ruth ven

Ca ud ro n seria l 9 130 38 minute pract ice flight

with FSL .lE Ruth ven FS L LW O mcro d

Ca ud ro n ser ial 9 120

FS L CL Bai ley

Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 40 minute practice flight

FS L .lE Ruth ven

Caud ron se rial 9 120 42 minute practi ce flight Caud ro n se rial 9 123

Caudron se ria l 9 120

2 1st December Unfavourable weather conditions prevent ed a ll flying activ-

FSL VE Sievek ing

it y,

40 minute practice flight

FS L RE Damron

Caudron se rial 9 130

FS L LW Ornerod

80 minute practice flight Caudron se rial 9 119 35 minut e practice flight

22nd December Two practice flights we re carried out: FLt CT Macl.a re n

Nieuport II se rial 874 6 30 minut e practice flight

FS L G L Hart gill

Nieupo rt 10 se rial 3965 10 minu tes practi ce flig ht

27t h Dece m her Six conventional test and pract ice flight s were carried out: FLt CT Macl. arc n

23 r d Dece m her Unfavourable weather conditio ns prevent ed all flying activity.

FS L GCW Dingw all FS L GC W Dingw all

24t h Dece m her FLt Al len delivered the S PAD VII to Eastchurch at 10.50 . FSL Bailey was perfo rming duties at the Depot and ferrie d Sopw i i h T rip la ne 154 25 fro m Sopwi tb's faci lit y at

FS L RE Darnton

Nieuport II se rial 87 46 35 minute practice flight ieup ort 12 se rial 872 6 30 minut e pract ice flight Nicuport 12 se rial 9206 45 mi nute practice flight Caud ron se rial 9 130 35 minute practi ce flight with LiVI Blank sby

Brooklands back to Dover.

2/

II History {if No .6 Sq uadron Royal Nava l A ir Service ill Worltl ll'l/r /

FSL VE Sicvcki ng

Caudron serial 9 123 35 minute pract ice fligh t

with LM Dell

ca rried

0 11I

building up

ill the Nic upott 10 an d Ni cu po n 12 machines. 10

[li ght s ill the Nieupo rt II sco uts. Thi s su rmi se

is suppo rted hy the logbook o] N ell' Ze aland pil ot FSL GL

FSL RE Dam ron

Caudron serial 9 130 15 min ute test flight after repair with A~v1 Marsha ll

I-Ia rtg ill. Mu ch o] Geo rge Hart g ill's previo us experience

1\'(/.1'

ga ined ill Caudron bombers and the Ni eupo rt Iypes 10 and 12. H is co ntinuing progres s with the small er sco ut typ e o]

mach ine call he [o 1101 Fed below.

Two formation practice flights were carried out: 30 minute formation practice FSL C L Bailey FSL C Pe rrett

Nieuport 10 se rial 3962 Nieuport 10 se rial 3 185

FSL JA Shaw FSL GL I-I artgill

Nieuport 10 serial 3965 Nieuport 12 serial 8734 with LM Stonebridge

40 minute formation practice FSL GL Hartgill Nieu port 10 serial 396 2 FSL JA Shaw FSL C L Bailey

Nie uport 10 serial 3965 Nicuport 12 serial 8734

FSL C Perrett

Nicuport 10 serial 3 185

FSL Bailey led the first formation a nd I-I artgilil ed the seco nd. I-I artgill reported that as a leader he fle w too fast.

2nd .lunuury Local practice fligh t at )3,45 in ieuport 10 serial 3962 . Airborne for 30 minutes at 3000 feet. 5t h J a nuary Local practice flight in I ieuport 10 se rial 3962. Airborne for 20 minutes at 2000 feet. 7th J anu a r y Local practice flight in Nieupo rt 10 serial 3962. Airborne for 45 minutes at 4000 feet. 11 th J anuary Local pract ice fligh t in ' ie uport I I serial 8746 . Airborne for 20 minutes at 3000 feet. I-I artgill recorded that this was his first time in a Bebc and that he thought it was a " fine bus" .

2Xt h December Two test and practice flights were carried out:

14th January Local practice flight in Nieuport I I se rial 399 1. Airborne for 35 minutes at 5000 feet.

FLt CT i\lacLare n and

25 minute test fligh t

Squadro n for mation practice carried out at 3000 feet for 20 min utes. Hartgill aga in fle w Nieuport II serial 399 1.

Caudron serial 9 130

29th J a nu a r y

25 minute practice flight

Loca l practice flight in Nie uport I I se rial 3988. Airborne for 65 minutes at 6000 feet. Harrgill recor ded that he made two bad land ings. bendi ng the ax le the first time and hittin g the

Nicuport 12 serial 8734

FSL C L Bailey FSL RE Darn ton

29t h to 31st Decem ber Unfavourable wea ther conditions pre vented all flying acti viiy.

road on his seco nd landi ng. Towa rds the end of Jan uary. AFCdr JJ Petre. a high ly experie nced office r from I Wing was transferred to 4 Wing to take command of No.6 Squadron.

.J a nuary 1917 There are

110

surviving dai ly reco rds [ro m Janu ary 19 17 fo r

No. "; Willg/ No.6 Sq uadro n, ho wever. it is su rmised that they

Fe brua ry 1917

[o llowrd a simi ia rpatt crnto tha! see n durin g December 19 16 and illdee d the /)(1 II em [a llowed by other lIel\' sco ut squad -

Februa ry sa \l' the pace o] activity accelerating , act iva tion of

rons whilst working up

No .6 Squ ad ron.

10

readiness. Th is would invo lve the

less experienced pilots II/ akillg local practice fl ig hts. initi ally

111'\1'

p ilots bro ugh t O il stre ng th and exp ans ion

to th ree [ lig hts, contact with enemy aircraft, the comme nce -

Forma tion

2nd February

m cnt ojre-cquipp ing with ne w a irc raft and the sq ua d ron 'sfirst

Iti S S i' S .

FLt Allen Icd Dingwall, Paynter and Bai ley o n an offens ive patrol at IOAO. The patrol was flown from Poperi nghe to Ypres, east to Roul ers, then Tho urout and returning to thc north of

Tlie jlig ht stru cture at th e beg inn ing ofFebruury is shown be lo w:

Dixmu dc. Paynter o bserved severa l hostil e machine s in the vicinity of Moors lede.

fI Fli ght

fI /·-Cd r C T Macl.aren, Flight COII/II/a nde r

ASCdr Pet re ca rrie d out a height tcst and fighting patrol to Dixmude and Pc rv yse in N icu po rt 1713i s N3 184 . When returnin g he observ ed antiaircraft fire over Nieuport. before he

FLt IJ/-fP De Roep er FLt LC Keebl e

co uld investigate. N3 184 ran out of fue l and Pe tre mad e a forced landin g on the beach at La Pan ne. The Nieupo rt was refuelled by NO. 1 Squadron.

FS L G L Ha rtgill FS L .I

.t«: Paynter

FS L G P Pm \' 11'.1' FS L C L Tho m e

Petr e recorded the following test resul ts:

n Flight

C limb

FLt fl D \I' A llen , Fl igh t COII/ II/ {///{Ier FLt C L Ba iley FS L GC\I' D ing wall

1000 feet in 45 seconds 40 00 feet in 3 minut es 10000 feet in 8 minutes 15000 feet in 15 minut es 20000 feet in 50 minutes

FS L RR \l'illl er FS L RK Sla ter FS L

vs

Ce iling

Gibbs

1st Feb r ua ry

23000 feet

FCd r Ma cLa rc n del iver ed N ic uport 10 396 5 to the newl y form ed No.9 Squadron at St.Po l. Se ve n pract ice and tcst fligh ts were carrie d out during the

T he squadron' s first N icu po rt 1713 is. se ria l num ber N3 184.

arrived o n the l st, together with a co uple of old N ieuport II machines. Nicupo rt II serial num ber 399 1 was returned to thc depot for rep air. A fightin g patrol was ca rried out by Mac Lare n and Winter, both pilots flyin g Nieuport II sco uts. T he route flown was

day: FSL AL T hornc

Nicuport II se rial 3988

from Nicuport to Dixmudc and Yprcs. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was ex pe rie nce d ove r Yprcs and two e ne my ai rcraft we re e ncountered. Th ese retreated in the dire ction of Roulc rs when

FS L AL T ho rne

20 min ute practice flight Nicuport II serial 3988

FSL AL T hornc

25 minute practi ce flight Nieuport 10 se rial 3962

app roac hed .

Allen co llected Nieuport II se rial 3987 from the depot,

FSL AL T hor ne

whilst there he carried ou t a num ber o f test flight s on Sopw ith Pups and Tri plancs. Thr ee prac tice flight s were carried out: FS L VR G ibbs

Nicuport 10 se ria l 3962

FSL C L Th orn e

95 minute practi ce flight Nicuport 10 se ria l 3 185 II minut e prac tice flight

30 minute practi ce flight Nieu po rt 12 se rial 9206 10 minut e practice flight

FSL LW O rm e rod

Nicuport 12 se rial 9205 15 minut e pract ice flight

FSL VR G ibbs

Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 25 minute practi ce flight Nicuport 10 serial 3962

FS L VR Gibbs

30 minute practice flight

Nieuport II se ria l 3689 ASCd r .1.1 Petre 55 minut e practi ce flight. shooting at fire balloon s. He destroycd two balloo ns and collided with a thir d.

3rd February

Bailey ca rrie d out a patro l at 07.20 to search for missin g airc ra ft. He wa s ab le to locat e a So pw ith 5 mil es west of Dunkerquc, 10 yards out from the shore , a Caudron on thc

23

A llisto rv of No.6 Squadron Royal Na\'(/I A ir Service ill \\'orld 1I'llr I

sands at Malo and an unattended Sopwith fl oating in the sca betwe en Mal o and La Pann c . T he Ca ud ro n be lo nge d to Sic vcki ng o r No.7 Squadron who had part icipated in a bombing raid to Brugcs o n the night o r the 2nd/3 rd Fe bruary but had mad e a forc ed land ing on the beach at Malo upon his return . Dingwall and Payn ter carried out a righting patrol at 10.10 in resp on se to repo rts of an ene my ma ch ine o ve r Hondschootc. Heavy she lling was obse rved but the pilots were unab le to rind the hostil e mach ine. Th e pa tro l wa s co ntinued o ve r A lvcrin g hc m . Nic uport. Ostcnd c. Zccbru ggc . Bru gcs and

Dixmude.

I

0

e nemy aircraft were enco untered but obse rva-

tions of train mo vem ent s and shi pping wer e ca rried o ut. FLt Norto n ca rried out a righ ting patro l at 11 .00 and report ed tha t the coast was c lear o r shipping as l ur as Ostc ndc. FCd r Petre carried out a rightin g pat rol at 14500 ft in thc Nicuport 17Bis du ring the mornin g. 10 enemy aircraft or shipping were obse rved. On his retu rn, Pet re carri ed out a spced tcst along the beac h. Six pract ice and test flights we re carri ed out:

FSL C L Bailcy

Nicuport I I serial 8746 40 minute pra c tic e n ig ht j ie uport II scria l 398 1

FSL RR Winter

40 minute pra ctice ni ght Nieuport II se rial 8746

FSL A L Th orn e

FS L RR Wintc r

65 minu te practice ni gh t Nicuport I I serial 3987 30 minute practi ce n ight.

FSL VR Gibbs

firing at fire ba lloo ns Nicuport 10 serial 3 185 30 minu te pract ice fligh t

FSL VR Gibbs

N o.6 Squadro n's Com manding O fficer; Acti ng Squadro n Com mander John Joseph Petre.jack Pet re was a very expe rienced and capable officer;broug ht in from N o.1 Wing 0 lead N o,6 Squadron. Courtesy Les Rogers

A practice form atio n patrol was ca rried out : 20 minute lo rmatiou FCdr CT 1\1acL arcn

Nic uport 10 serial 3 185 30 minute practice n ig ht. cras hed .

FCd r EW Nort on FS L RR Winter

G ibbs cras hed and wrecked Nieuport 10 se rial 3 185. He was subseque ntly " was hed out" o n sco uts and transferred to No.7 Squadron.

Nicuport I I serial 3989 Nieuport II se rial 3994 Nicuport II sc rial 3987

5t h Fe brua ry Unfavourable weather co nditions restrictcd act i vity to test and practice flight s:

-lth Fe bruary Dingwall and Bailey carried o ut a rig hting patro l at 15.30 in respo nse to an ene my machine repo rted to bc ove r Calais. Din gw all c lim bed to 10.500 It a nd pat ro lled betw een Dunkc rquc and Gra vc lincs. visibil ity was very bad and no

I

FCdr A DW Allen

40 minut e tcst ni ght I icuport I I serial 3989 15 minute tcst flig ht

FCdr A DW Allen

hostilc mach ines were ob served . Bailey round that mist roiling in from the sea obsc ured the ground and he was forced to

FS L JdcC Paynter

cut his patrol sho rt.

24

ieuport 17Bis serial

FCd r AD W Allen

j

3 184

Nicuport I I serial 3989 Nicupo rt I I serial 398 1

Formation

ity of Dun kcrqu c. Allied anti-a ircra ft fire was obse rved but

20 minute form ation practice 1 icuport II se rial 3987 FSL G P Po wles FSL RR Winter Nieuport I I se rial 3994 FS L AL Thorn e

the enemy mach ines were not encounte red. Petre and Bailey carried out another hostile aircra ft patrol at 12.45 upon report s of hostil e aircraft at Cala is and G ravelines. Th e two ieuports patrolled in the vicinity of

Nieuport I I se rial 8746

6t h Feh r ua r y ASCdr Pet re filed 0.6 Squadro n' s first Dail y Operations Report o n the 6th and it is assumed that Wing Co mmander

D unk crq uc but failed to sec any ene my mach ines.

Petre ca rried out further tests with the icuport 17 Bis at Fumes when he reported that the Tripl anc. flown by FLt Alle n and the 1 icu port were found to have an iden tica l cl imb rate to

Courtney finally regarded the squadron as bein g activated . Nieupo rt II serial 3994 arrived from the de pot .

15.00 0 feet but the trip lane was 4 knots faste r in le vel flight at that altitude. In a dive. the N ieuport was fou nd to be sig nifi-

In the afte rnoon. FLt Norton led Th orne. Winter and Slater. all flying Nieuport II s, on a fig hting patrol bet ween Ypres. Dixmude and Nieuport . Th e patrol reported a train leaving

ca ntly better than the trip lane but in manoeu vrabil ity. neither machine showed any adva ntage.

Osic ndc at 14 .50. another train leaving Ghistc lles at 14.57 and

the coast [0 be clear of enemy shipping as far as Blankcnbcrghc. FLt Allen travelled to the depot at St. Pol where he car-

Slh February Six fighting pat rols were flown in the Yprcs, Dixrnudc and

ried out test flight s on two So pwith Pups and two Nieupo rt 12 2-seater machines.

Nieuport area : FLt EW lorton

SCd r Petr e fle w the Iicuport 17Bi s to No. 1 Sq uadron at Fumes for a series o f co mparative tests with Sopw ith Tri plane I 54 26. He initially found that the Nieuport had a significantly

FLt 13 1-11' Dc Roepe r FLt LC Keeble

better climb. reachin g 10.000 feet by the time that the triplane had ascended to 8.200 feet. Unfo rtunately. the test co nditio ns we re not recorded . so we do not know whether the aircraft we re arm ed .

FSL GC W Dingw all FSL RK Slater FS L RR Winter

Nicuport 17B is seria l I 3 184 Nieuport I I se rial 8747 Nic uport II se rial 3989 Nieuport II se rial 8746 N ic uport 12 se rial 9205 N ic uport II seria l 3tJ tJo4

FLt EW Norton. whilst patrollin g ove r Houthulst Forest at 7th Feb r ua ry

18000 feel. e ncountered an Aviatic 2-sea ter flying 4000 feet belo w his patr ol height. Norto n dived on the 2-sea ter and fired

At the reques t of '0. 1 Squadron. offens ive patro ls betw een Nic upo rt. Dixmude and Ghistc llcs were co ntinuously main-

a dozen rounds at very close range. he the n made a rig ht turn and came up undern eath the e nemy machin e and fired a burst of 25 rounds from 50 yards . Tracers were see n to hit the e n-

tained during the morni ng: FCdr .l.l Petre FLt BHP Dc Roeper

ieup ort 17Bi s serial 3 184 ieup ort I I seria l 3989

FS L GP Powles FSL AL Tho rne FSL C L Bai ley

Nieupo rt I I ser ia l 3987 Nieuport I I se rial 8746 Nieuport I I se rial 398 1

FSL GC W Dingwall FSL RK Slater

Nieuport II se rial 398 1 Nieuport II se ria l 8746

FS L .ldeC Payn ter

Nieuport II se rial 398 1

em y machi ne. which fell awa y out of co ntrol e mitting clouds of black smo ke from the front o f the fuse lage. Norto n follo wed the Aviatic down 10 10.00 0 feet whereupon the antiaircr aft fire became inten se. When last see n the machin e was falling e rratically and e mitting smoke. No rto n reported that at no stage in the enco unter did the enemy pilot atte mpt to manoeuvre. or the observe r re turn fire. The gun-s ight fitted to Norto n's Nieuport 17B is was a Co llimateur Chretien sing le

T he patrols were relati vel y unevent ful and report ed a train in

point telescope and Norton was ve ry enthusiastic regardin g its ease o f use when compared to a standard doub le point tele-

Esse n statio n. two tra ins in Ostende harbou r station. a train approac hing Bce rst and o ne e ne my ae ro plane lan d ing at

sco pe. At 12.20. a report was rccci ved o f a hostile machin e head-

G h is tc lles .

ing northeast from Calais. Paynter was dispatched in a Nieuport II 3tJ81 to intercept the intruder but was unab le to locate it. Two local test flights were ca rried out:

Petre and De Roeper carried o ut a hostile aircraft patrol at 11040 when enemy aircraft were reported to be in the vicin-

25

II Histo ry oj'No.6 Squadro n Roya ! Nava l Air Se rvice ill II'tJlM \Va r !

FLt A DW A llen

Nicupon II scrial 8747

FLt A DW Allcn

Nieuport II se rial 8746

9t h Feh r ua rv At 07.40 . hostil e aircraft were repo rted over Dunk crqu c, Petre and Bai ley attempted to intercept thc intrud ers. Th e eng ines proved diffi cult to stan du e to the intense co ld and thc result-

ing delay pre vent ed the defend e rs from catching the ene my aircraft. Eight fighti ng pat rol s wer e flown along the NieuportDixmudc line duri ng the cours e of the day : FCdr JJ Petre

Nicuport 17 Bis N3 184

FLt LC Keebl e

Nieuport II seria l 3989

FSL C L Baile y

Nicuport I I se rial 8746 Nieuport I I sc rial 398 1 Nicuport II seria l 8746 and 8747

FSL GC W Dingw all FSL RR Winter

No ene my aircraft were obse rved but the patrol s reponed a numb er of train movement s and two enemy ships to the nort h of O stcndc Pier. De Roeper and Bai ley were both give n thc op portuni ty to made sho rt practice flight s in the Iicuport 17B is.

10th February At 06.40 Bailey and Th orn e were "sc rambled" to interc ept a reponed incurs ion ove r Dunkcrqu c. Bai ley flying the 17Bis

FCdr EW N or ton. one of only three pilots to become an "ace" whilst a member of No.6 Squadron (although a fair number of the squadron's pilo ts went on to become aces with other squadrons). N or ton. anot her pilot recruited from N o. 1 Wi ng, was easily N o.6 Squadron's most aggressive and accomplished N ,euport pilot. CourtesyJohn Oxley Library

c limbed rapid ly to 3000 feet and sighted the e nemy aircra ft head ing seaward s and gave chase. he was catc hing the intr uder when his engi ne stopped and he was forc ed to gl ide back. T he Nieuporr's eng ine picked up aga in and Bailey res umed the

FSL RR Wintc r

pursuit. he c hased thc enemy machin e to Westen de where-

Nicuport II serial 3994 90 minut es tot a l

upon it d ived away towards Midd lckcrkc, Bot h pilots repon ed FSL RK Slatcr

being heavi ly she lled by the Allied anti-ai rcraft defe nces in

Nicuport I I serial 3987 75 minutes tota l

thc vicinity o f Nieuport . T he squad ron flew nine fig hting patrols from Fumes to Nicuport. keepi ng two sco uts in the a ir contin uou sly bet ween

T he pat rols prove d uneven tfu l. the o nly report bein g a smo ke

11.00 and 15.00:

sc ree n observed at Lan gcm arck .

FCdr JJ Petre

II th Fe bruary

' icuport 17Bi s serial N3184 65 minut es total

Visibility was poor for most o f the day. the heavy overc ast not

FLt BHP Dc Roeper

Nieup on II sc ria l 398 1

c learing until late aftern oon . New pilots FSL H Law son and FS L FC Walk cr ar rived at

FS L AL Thorne

Nicuport II se rial 3989 180 minut es tot al

thc sq uadro n. FLt De Roeper led Bailey. Paynter. Slater and Thorn e on

FSL C L Bai ley

Nicuport 17Bi s se ria l N3184

a practic e form ation patrol. all of thc pilot s flyin g Nicuport II

180 mi nutes tota l

scouts:

120 minut es total

26

Forma tion

50 minute formation practice FLl BHP Dc Roeper ' icupo rt I I ser ial 3989

13th Feb r uary The weather was initially cloudy but cleared by 10.30. Five

FS L CL Bai ley FS L .I deC Paynte r FS L RK Slater

licupo rt II se ria l 8746 licuport I I se rial 398 1 licuport I I ser ial 3987

une vent ful fig hti ng pa trol s wer e flown betwee n Ypres. Ho uthu lst and Slype:

FS L AL T horne

' icuport II ser ial 8747

SCdr .1 .1 Petr e

Nicupo rt 17Bi s se rial I 3 184

FLt LC Keeble FSL G P Powles FSL RR Winter

Nieupor! I I se rial 398 1 Nieuporl II se rial 8747 1 icuport II se rial 3987

FS L RK Slater

Nieupo rt II se rial 3994

Slate r dro pped out after 15 minutes. Paynter after 30 minut es and Bailey after 35 minutes. 12th Februa ry Heavy ove rcas t throughout the day and rain in the afternoo n

Eight practi ce and familiarisatio n flight s were carried out:

again pre vent ed any war flying. Nine practice and test ni ghts were carried out. including first ni ghts by Lawson . Plaisiowc a nd Wal ker: FCd r .1 .1 Petr e

Nicuport 12 seria l 8734

FSL .I deC Paynte r

20 minute ni ght Nicuport II se rial 398 1 15 minute ni g ht

FSL RR Winter FS L AL Thorn e FSL (I I' Powles FSL D Plaistowe FSL HA Lawso n FSL FC Walker

FSL 1-1 Lawson FS L 1-1 Lawson FS L D Plaistowe

Nicuport II se rial 3994 20 minute ni g ht Nicuport I I ser ial 8735

icup ort 10 se rial 3962 1

icuport 12 se rial 9206

Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 l ic uport 12 se rial 9206

FS L D Plaistowe FS L FC Wa lker

N icuport 10 se rial 3962

FS L FC Wal ker FS L FC Wal ker

Nicuport 12 se rial 87 12 N ic uport 12 se rial 9206

FSL .I deC Paynter

N ic uport I I se rial 398 1

14th Februnry Activi ty was more inte nse on the 14th Febru ary.

15 minute flig ht Nieupo rt I I se ria l 3987 15 minute fligh t

Th orn e and Dingwa ll took off at daybr ea k and pat rol led in the vicinity of Dunke rque. no e nemy ai rcra ft were enco un-

Nieupo rt 12 se rial 87 12 15 minut e ni ght Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 40 minute ni g ht

tered. BELOW: N ieuport 12 serial 8734, depicted here after suffering an accident wi th N O.1I Squadro n on the 9th May 19 I 7. FCdr A DW Allen w as flying this machine on the 26th N ovember 1916 when he lost a whe el at take off. he landed safely and was comme nded for his flying skills.The N ieuport 12s were generally used for pract ice flights but we re occasionally pressed into service to carry out line patro ls. CourtesyjMB/GSL Collection

Nicuport 10 se rial 3962 20 minute ni g ht

27

II History 4No.6 Sq uadron Ro val Nava l A ir Ser vice ill \l'o r/dlll /r /

Allen and Norton had previously been scnt to the Nicuport factory at Paris and they returned on the 15th wit h two new

No. 1 Squadro n aga in req ues ted that fig hting patrols bc carried out. T horne patro lled alo ng the Nicuport Dixmudc line and Bailey co ve red th e a rea bet we e n Yprc s , G h isic llcs and

Nicuport 17 Bis mac hines. se ria ls N3 186 and N3 187 respectively. Both of these aircra ft were de live red to the depot at

Ostc nde. From 11.00 to 15.00. the sq uadron maintained continuous do ub le patrols bet w een Dunkerquc and Furnes:

Dunkc rquc. Four practice n ight s we re carried out:

FLt BHP De Roeper

Nicuport II se rial 8747

FLl LC Kceb le FSL G P Powles FSL RK Slatcr

Nieupor t I I se rial 398 9 Nicuport I I se rial 874 6 Nieuport I I se rial 8747

FSL 1-1 Lawso n FS L D Plaistowe

Nieuport II serial 3987 Nieupo rt 12 serial 872C)

FSL D Plaistowc FSL FC Walker

Nieupo rt I I se rial 398 7 N ic upo rt 10 serial 3902

FSL .I deC Payn ter FSL AL T horne

Nieuport I I se rial 8746 Nieuport 12 seria l 87 12.

16th February

Nine fig hting patrols were carried out during the day:

Nieuport I I se rial 3987 and ieu port I I scr ial 8747 At 11 .30. Paynt er enco untered four hostil e machi nes near Houi hulst at 15000 feet. he gave chase but was unable to catch the m. At 17.20 three enemy aircra ft appea red o ver Dunkerquc. Petre. Keeb le, Powles. Bailey. Tho rne and Winter too k oil immed iate ly to give chase but lost the intrude rs in the haze. Four test and fami liarisat ion n igh ts were ca rried out du r-

FLt BI-IP Dc Roe pe r FLt A DW A l len

Nieupo rt II se ria l 398 1 Nicuport 17B is serial N3 184

FSL A L Thorne FSL GCW Dingwa ll FS L RR Winte r

Nicuport II se rial 8747 Nicuport I I serial 3989

FSL G P Powles

Nieuport II seria l 398 1 Nicuport II se rial 398 9

FSL RK Slater FSL 1-1 Lawso n

Nieuport II seria l 8746 Nicuport I I sc rial 8747

ing the day: FSL GCW Dingwall FSL 1-1 Lawson

Nicuport I I se rial 398 1 Nicuport 10 seria l 3962

FSL 1-1 Pluistowc FSL FC Walkcr

Nicuport 12 seria l 920 6 Nicuport 12 se ria l 87 12

The e nemy activity. which had been intcnn ittcnt . increased co nsidera bly on the l oth. At 06.25. Powles observed an LVG 2-se atcr 3 miles out to sca from Dunkcrquc and heading eastwards. Pow les pursued and overhauled the enemy ai rc raft off Coxy dc and opened fire at the rather optimistic range of I SO ya rds. he reported that tracers hit the enemy aircraft . which dived away towards Weste nde. Po wles followed . c hanged his ammunitio n tray and fired aga in. T he e nemy 2-sc ater was last

15th February

The squadron maintained co ntinuous three machin e patrols

see n [ 0 Hatt en out at 2000 teet ncar Wcstc ndc. at whic h point Powles carne under heavy fire from Allied ami-aircraft de-

fro m da ybre ak until dusk to protect Dunkcrq uc : Nicuport 17B is se rial N3 184

fences.

Nie uport I I se rial 3982 Nicuport 12 se rial 8734 Nicuport II se rial 3987

Allen carried out a patro l at 16000 feet to Ghistelles at 06.40. no e nemy aircra ft were enco untere d but Allen carne

FSL AL Th orne FSL C L Bailcy

Nicuport II scria l 8747 Nicupo rt 17Bi s se rial N3 184 and Iicuport II serial 8746

G histelles. T horne was patro lling ncar Dunkcrq uc at 17. 10 when an Aviatic desce nded th rough the c louds ab o ve him . T ho rne

FSL RK Slater.

Nicupo rt II se rial 3989

c losed to 100 yards and fired a who le dru m. tracers being see n to hit the e nemy mach ine which cl imbed steeply and was lost

SCdr .1.1 Pet re FLt BHP De Roeper FLt A DW Allen FSL G P Po wles

un der hea vy defensi ve anti-a irc ra rt fire in the vic inity o f

Petre. De Roepe r and Powles left at daybreak o n the first patrol. T hic k fog blew in from the cast whilst ih c patrol was in

in the cloud s. Se veral other enemy airc raft were enco untered by patrols d uring the day but co uld not be brought to acti on.

the a ir. two of the pilots were unable to find the aerod rome

Six test and prac tice n ight s were carried o ut:

and eventually landed on the beach ncar Gravclines. 28

Forma tion

FLt A DW Allen FSl .IdcC Paynter FS L I-I lawson FS L D Pl a isto wc FSl FC Wa lker FS L FC Walkc r

Nicuport II sc rial 8746 Nicuport II seria l 398 I

New pilot FS L 0 .1 Gagnie r arrived at the squadro n.

Nicuport Nicuport Nicuport I ieuport

I I se ria l 3987

25t h Fe b r ua ry

I I se ria l 8747

The weat her was overcas t o n th e 25th but Thorne and Paynt e r

II sc rial 3962

were ab le ge t more pra ctice with Lc Prie ur rock e ts :

I I sc rial 8747

FS L A t, Th orn e

Nie uport II se ria l 8746 Nicuport II serial 8746

17t h to Brei Fe brua ry

FSL .I dcC Paynter

A period of bad weather set in from the 17th to the 23 rd of February. curtai ling all flying activities.

Se vera l local practi ce fli ghts were carri ed out:

24th Fe br ua ry

FSL 0 .1 Gag nier

licuport 17B is se rial N3 187 was collected trom the depot . Th e wea ther clea red e nough on the 24 th to allow twent y

FSL 0 .1 Gag nier FLt CT Ma cl.a rcn

local test and practi ce flight s to be carried o ut: SC d r .1.1 Pet re

Nicupo rt 17 Bis se ria l N3 187

FSL RK Slater

FCd r CT Macl. a rcn

70 minutes total Nicu port 17 Bis se ria l N3 184 35 minutes total

FS L GCW Dingwa ll

Nicuport II se rial 3989 Nicupori 17B is se rial N3187 15 minut es total

26 t h Fe bruary

FCd r CT Mac l. arcn FLt EW Nort on FLt BHP De Roeper FSL .IdeC Paynt er FSL .I dcC Paynt er FSL .I deC Paynt er FS L G P Powles

Nicupo rt 10 serial 3962 30 minu tes tota l Nieupo rt I I se rial 3994 Nicupo rt 12 seria l 8734 30 min utes icupon II se rial 3994 8 minutes Nieuport 12 serial 920 6 crashed and inj ured his back .

Six righting pat rols were 110wn betw een Ypres. Nicuport and O stc ndc :

Nicup ort II se rial 3989 35 minut es total Nieuport I I se ria l 398 1 Nicupo rt II se ria l 3987 Nic upo rt 17B is N3 184 Nicuport 17Bi s serial N3 184

FLt EW No rto n

Nicupo rt 17 Bis serial N3 187

FSL .I deC Paynte r FSL RK Slatcr

Nieupo rt II se ria l 398 1 Nieu port II se ria l 3989 Nieupo rt I I se rial 3987

FS L G P Po wles FS L I-I Lawson

Nieuport I I se rial 3994 icup ort II serial 8747

FS L RK Slater

10 min utes Nicupo rt 10 sc ria l 3962 35 minutes tota l

FS L RK Slater FS L FC Walker

Nicuport II se rial 399 4 Nicuport I I sc rial 874 7

Slater. flying at 13000 feet ncar Houthulst. observed a hosti le machin e at his own he ight. He pursued the enemy aircra ft dow n

r:S L H Lawso n

30 min utes Nic uport II se rial 398 1 60 min utes total

to 900 0 lcc t and 7 miles behind the e ne my lines. 50 rounds were fired at lon g range without effec t. Paynter reported observing heavy anti-uir cra ft fire over Osicndc at 09 .40 and what

FS L H Lawso n

Nicuport I I se rial 3994

appea red to be a machine railing in flames. Norton repo rted obse rving an enemy machine at low a ltitude over Ostend e at

FS L 0 .1 Gagnie r

Thorn e ferried Nieuport 12. serial 9205. across to No. 10 Squ ad-

I

ron at St. Pol. Two pilots practiced firing at a gro und target usin g Le

10.50. At 11.45. Keeble. Th orne a nd Po wles were despat ched to No .1 Wing to provid e an esc ort to a photoreconn aissance mis-

Prie ur incendiary rockets. they report ed that success ful results were obta ined:

s ion to Zeebru gge. Th orn e obse rved two e nemy sea pla nes " shadowing" the patrol but he was unable to clim b up to the ir

FS L Al Tho rne FSL .I deC Paynter

a ltitude . Powles fl yin g Nicuport II . se rial 398 1. became the sq uad ron's first loss in actio n aft er his fuel tank was damaged

Nicuport I I se ria l 8746 Nic upo rt I I sc ria l 8746

by ground fire and he made a forc ed landin g at Cadz and. 2CJ

A Histo ry ofNo.t) Sq uadron Royal Naval Air Service ill \\'orld lVar l

ABOVE: N ieuport I I serial 3981, depicted here wi th an opt imistic twin gun armament w hilst serving wi t h N o. 1W ing. FSL GP Powles w as nying 3981 w ith a single gun on an escort mission on t he 26t h February 1917. anti-aircraft fire damaged the machine's fuel tank and Powl es made a for ced landing in Holland. Both pilot and machine were inte rned, the N ether lands autho rities purchased t he N ieupor t and used it as a patt ern machine for a batch of N ieupor t I I s built under licence by Trompenb urg. Courtesy JMBIGSL Collection

Zee land. Powles was interned in 1-I01l and .2 T horne reported three ene my destroyers seen bet ween Ostende and Zcc brugge and se ven enemy seaplanes parked on the Zebrugge Mole with several more in the wate r. When Powles fai led to return . SCdr Petre in 1 3 1R7 flew along the coa st and surrounding country to try to locate the missing machine.

Petre. Norton and Plaistowe ca rried out test flights and Norton led Thorne. Fletche r. Paynter and Lawson on a 30 minute practice formation patrol. the first occasion that the me mbe rs of C Flight flew togeth er.

27th February

No war flying took place on the 27 th February due 10 ove rcast conditions and mist. Se veral local practice and test flights we re carried out by Norton. T horn and Fletcher. SCdr Petre travelled 10 the depot at Dunkcrquc to test the Sop with Camel prototype N5 17. Th e Camel was re ferred to as " F?" at this time and Petre recorde d the following perfor-

Th e squadron

mance figu res:

March, re-equipp ing with the Nieupo rt 17/Jis scout wo s no -

March 1917 \I 'O S

tra ns ferred to R FC co ntrol

O il

th e 171h

ticcably acce lerat ed as the transf er dal e app roache d. Wilh

tnorc emphasis

pra ctice (!!j ill'lllalion/7yin g when wea the r

Climb to 10.000 feet Speed at ground level

R 1/2 minut es 103 knots

p ermitted, the Sq uadron \' Flig ht co mpo sition beco m es easy

Speed at 5.000 feet

95 knots

10 discern .

Oil

At thisjunctu re the sq uadron st ructure Ivas asfollo ws:

zsu. February T he bad wea ther persisted through [0 the 2Rth of the month.

II Flighl . A FCdr

closing down all war flying activities.

II FCdr /JHP De Roeper

FU LC Keeb le

30

cr Macl.a ren

Fonnation

FSL GL Ha rtg ill FS L ./

2nd March

.uc Payn te r

Th e da y was misty and overcast with rain in the aftern oon. the condi tions restr icted flying to ju st one pract ice fligh t and a del ivery flight whe n Thorne co llec ted licuport 17B is serial

FS L 0 ./ Ga gnie r

' 3 186 from the depot.

B Fli ght. A FCdr A D II' Allen FLt C L Ba iley FS L FC \\'a lk er

Jrd March The bad weat her co ntinued. with all war flying activitics aban -

FS L RK SImer

doned.

C Flight. Arca- E ll' No rto n

4th March

FSL RR lI'illt e r

Fletcher. Slater and Gagnier ca rried out a sweep of the lines betw een Dixmud c and Nieupo rt. an ene my machine was ob-

FS L D Pla ist o we

FSL II L{/\\'SOIl

served but the old Nicuport scouts were unab le to ove rhaul it. Thorne and Paynte r flew the ieup ort 17Bis mach ines on fighting patrols between Ypres. Bruges and Nicuport. one

FSLtlL'l/lOl'II e FSL A IIV Fletch er

1st Ma rch The squadron mounted eight fight ing pat rol s to Ostc ndc,

enemy machine was seen ove r I-I outhulst at 14.45. Petre and De Roeper ferried two new Nieuports. N3 193

Ghistcllcs and Dixmud e and several patrols to Dunkerqu c in response to rep orts of ene my incursions, SC dr Pet re. Keeble. Thorne. Paynter. Fletcher. Slater and Gagnier were involved

and N3 194. from Paris. later taking them on to the de pot. Hartgi ll. newly return ed from a period of sick leave ca rried out a pract ice flight in one of the Nicuport I I s. Obviously

in these ope ration s. Five hostile aircraft were pursued. two of which were dri ve n down by Paynte r. When in the vicinity of Osic nde. Paynter. flyi ng Tieuport 17Bis N3184. fired at a hostile seaplane which dived away before he could clo se with

co nsciou s of his last landin g at the end of Janu ary he repo rted that he made a good landing. A second flight in another " Baby" Nieuport rated a "fair landin g" . FCdr Allen had pre viously travelled to England and returned with Sopwit h Tr iplane N545 9. He later del ivered the triplane to the Depot and whilst there was able to make a test

it. Paynter then observed three enemy machi nes over Ghistelles and dived to attack . Two of the mach ines dived towards the aerodro me and the third. a sco ut. climbed away and wasn' t

flight in the prototype Sopwi th Camel. F2.

see n aga in. Paynter attacked the nearest enemy mach ine. a 2seater. at very close range and followed it down to 7.000 feet firing all the time. Tracers were seen to hit the aircraft which was still diving vertically when Paynter broke o ff the attack.

5 th Murch

Paynter was subjected to heavy unti-aircrnl t fire as he returned to the lines. At 12.30. Slater obse rved a hostil e mach ine low over

II 399 1.

It was ove rcas t and foggy on the 5th. howe ver. Hartgill carried out a short practice flight to Bc rgucs and back in Nieuport

6th March The weather was ove rcas t throu ghout most of the day. restrict-

Os tende .

ing the squadron to test and practice flights:

SCd r Petre performed some tests on N3 1R7. the squadron's seco nd Nieuport 17Bis mac hine. Petre was trying to determine the "pe rforma nce hit" incurr ed by using two mach ine guns: Arma me nt Fixed Vickers + Lewis + double tray Fixed Vickers only

FCdr CT Mac Laren FSL GL Hartgill FSL AHV Fletcher

Climb to 12.000 fee t

FSL RK Slater FSL FC Walker FSL FC Walker

16 minutes 14 minutes

FS L OJ Gagnier Speed at 12.000 feet was red uced by 2 knots ca rrying both guns. 3/

So pwi th Ca mel serial F2 Nieu port II se rial 399 1 Nieu port 17Bis serial N3 184 Nieu port 17Bis se rial N3 184 Nieupo rt 17Bis serial N3 184 Nieuport II seria l 8747 Nieuport 17Bis serial N3 184

II History of No .6 Squadron Royal No \'(/1 Air Service ill World mlr I

35 minute formation practice FCdr CT Macl. aren FLt BHP Dc Roeper FLt LC Keeble

1

FSL GL lI artgill FSL 0 .1 Gagnie r

Nic uport II serial 3994

I I

j

ieuport ieup ort icuport ic uport

FSL FC Walker FSL D Plaistowc

II serial 3989 I I serial 8746 II serial 8747 I I serial 399 1

Nieuport II seria l 3989 ' ieuport 17Bis seria l ' 3 184

The re-equi pping of the squadron started to gather momen tum when three ne w ic uport s, N3 190. N3 195 and N3 198 were collec ted from the depot by De Roep er. Paynter and Winter respecti vely. A number o f test and practice flights were ca rried out:

At the end of Macl. arcns A Flight form ation practice. lIartgill flying ' icuport I I serial 399 1 made another bad landing COI11 ing down on his wing tip.

FSL GL Hartgill FSLA IIY Fletcher FSL RK Slater

FCdr Allen fl ew Nieuport 17B is N3 186 to NO . 1AD at St. Orner.

FSL .IdeC Payn ter FSL C L Bailey FSL 1-1 Lawso n FSL )) Plaistowe

7th M a rc h No flying due to unsuitable weath er co nditions.

' ieuport 17Bis serial ' 3 184 Nieuport 17Bis seria l N3 184 ' ieuport 17Bis serial ' 3 184 Nieuport I I serial 399 1 Nieupor t II serial 8747 Nieuport I I serial 3994 Nieuport II serial 398 9

Nt h Ma rc h No war flying was carried ou t due to unsuitab le weath er co n-

FSLA E Hall

ditions. New pilot FSL AE I-I all arrived at the squadro n.

Hartgill recorded his first flight in a ' ieuport 17B is. notin g that he was having troub le understandin g the C lerget e ngine.

Nicuport 17Bis N3189 was co llecte d from the depot at St.Pol.

Nieuport 10 serial 3962

10th March Low cloud and mist prevented all war fl ying on the lOth, however SCdr Petre was able to carry out a five minut e test flight.

9th Ma rch FCdr Allen returned from St. Orner on the 9th. Later in the day he led B Flight on a practic e formation pat rol: FCdr ADW Allen

Nicuport I I ser ial 8747

FSL RK Slater FSL C L Bailey

lieuport II serial 399 1 Nieuport II serial 8746

BELOW: N ieupor t 17Bis. N 3 195. collected fro m the depot at 5t Pol on the 9 h March 1917 by F5L JdeC Paynter. N3195 later became F5L RR Winter 's regular machine and earned the C Flight identification number "16". A new pilot. F5L RW Berridge. was killed whe n he stalled N 3 195 at take off from Citadel Aero drome on the 3rd May 19 17. Courtesy EFCheesman

32

"'0muttion Allen. Paynter. Winter and Fletcher made the short trip to

12th March T he wea ther prove d difficult . bein g overcast with occasio na l

the dep ot. to co llec t a nother four ne w Nieupo rts. N3 196.

rai n. J ust fou r local practice ni ght s were carried out

N3 194. 1 3 192 and N320 1. New pilo t FSL P Wood arrived at the squadron.

ieuport 17B is serial N3 193 Nieu port 17 Bis se rial N3184

FLt Ree ves FSL P Wood

1

A further rive Nieuports were co llected from the depot. I 3202j 3 19 1. N3 197. N3 189 and N3200 by De Roeper. Kee ble. Fletc her. Paynter and Gagnier respect ively.

FSLAE Hall FS L AE Hall

I

The re-equ ipping was marred by an incident at 12.00 whe n Bailey was despatched in N3 186 in respo nse to a report of an enemy machin e at G ravc lincs, Bailey choked the engine at

SC dr Petre co llecte d Nieupo rt 17Bi s N3 193 from the de pot.

take-o ff and c ras hed in a nearby field. Ilartgill took o rr immediately after the accid ent in N3 184 but failed to mak e contact with the intrud er.

T he wea ther was ove rcas t for the greater part o r the day. Fletcher collec ted Iieuport 17B is 3202 from the depot

II th i\ larch

13th March

but c ras hed and dam aged the aircra ft whe n landin g. The machine was returned to the depot 1'0 1' re pair. Two local test ni ght s were carried o ut:

A nu mber o r test n igh ts were ca rried out durin g the day. chec king ou t the New Nieupo rts: SCdr .1 .1 Petre SCdr .1 .1 Petre FCdr A DW Allen

Nieuport 17Bi s se ria l N3 195 Nie uport 17Bi s se ria l N3 196 Nie uport 17B is se ria l N3186

FS L AE Ha ll FS L AE Hall

FCdr A DW Allen FCdr A DW Allen FCdr A DW Allen

Nieuport 17B is seria l N3 196 Nie uport 17 Bis se rial N3200 Nie uport 17B is seri al N3201

14th March

FSL A HV Fletc her FSL G L Hartgill

Nieuport 17B is seri al N3 184 licuport 17Bi s se rial N3 190

FSL .I deC Paynter FS L RK Slate r FS L D Plaistowc FSL H Lawson

Nic uport 17Bi s se rial N3 189 Nie uport 17 Bis se rial 13 190

FSL H Lawson FSL P Wood

ieu port II seria l 399 1 Nieu port 10 se ria l 3962

Nieupo rt 17B is se rial N3 184 Nieupo rt I I se rial 399 1

Reeves and Paynter co llected Nie uports N3204 and 3206 from the depo t. As previ ous ly menti oned . the Admiralty had agreed to assist the Royal Flying Corps on the Weste rn Front and No.6 Sq uadron wo uld sho rt ly follow No. 1 Sq uadron an d No .3 Squadro n to the so uth. To this end . the squad ron's personne l. stores and motor transport left Petite Synthe on the 14th the new Ae rodro me at La Bell evue o n the Arras Front.

Nicuport 17 Bis se rial N3 189 Nieuport 17 Bis se rial N3 184 Nieupo rt 17B is serial N 3 191 Nieupo rt 17B is se rial N3 19 1

1'01'

15th March

FSL Thorn e co llected Nieuport N3205 from the depot. Practice n igh ts were also ca rrie d out by se vera l pilots: FS L FC Walker FSL AE Hall FSL P Wood

Two local test ni gh ts were carried o ut:

Nicuport II serial 8747 ' ieuport 10 se rial 3962

FCd r EW No rto n FS L AL Tho rne

Nieupo rt 17Bi s se rial N3 184 Nieupo rt 17B is se rial N3205

' ieuport 10 serial 396 2 SCdr Petre ne w N3 184 seve ral miles to the so uth or St. O rner to check weather co nditions whic h proved cloud y.

FSL Wood 's first nig ht with the squad ron followed the normal pattern of a practic e ni ght in a Nieuport 10. he was obv iously co nside red co mpetent as he was later trusted to take one

l tith M arch With the weat her still pro ving difficult just two local test night s were carried out:

o r the new Nieu port 17 Bis machi nes up 1'0 1' a test !light. New Pilot FLt FP Reeves arrived at the squadron.

SCd r .1.1 Petr e FS L AL Th orn e 33

Nieupo rt 17B is se rial N3 195 Nieupo rt 17Bi s se rial N3 184

A l l isto rv of No.6 Squadron Royal Na \'(/I A ir Service in World 1I'tlr I

ABOVE: An unidentified Nieuport 17Bis is refuelled.The photograph shows that refuelling was not an elegant process,one rating to hold a funnel. another to pour the gasoline into the funnel and others on hand to pass new tins of fuel up as necessary. Courtesy SK Taylor

BELOW: No.6 Squadron's Nieuports lined up at Petite Synthe just prior to departure for La Bellevue and service with the RFC. Courtesy Fleet Air Arm Museum

34

Formati on

17th March

port tha t the Perso nn el, Sto res and Mo tor Transpo rt o]

A t 0 8 .30 , the pi lots flew thei r aircraft so uth to La Be llev ue.

No .6 Squadron left to jointhe R.F C

C o ntro l o f the sq uad ro n was tran sferred fro m 4 Wi ng RN AS

l -lth, arriving at their I/ell' de st ination

0 1/

Wedl/ esday March 0 1/

the sa me day.

to 13 Wi ng 3 Bri g ad e Roya l Flyin g Corps in suppo rt o f the

This sq uadro n is commanded by Acting Sq uadro n

3 rd A rmy . Ha rtg ill fle w N3 l9 l fr om Petit e Sy nthe to La

Commande r Ll Petre, DS C and is composed of 130h.p.

Be llev ue , ha ving to la nd at Vert Ga llan t to ge t d irect ion s . He

Cle rget Si ng le Se ater Nicup ort mach ines.

Owi ng to unfa vou rable weather conditions the

re po rte d that the a irc ra ft's pressure syste m wa s fault y.

chines and pilots were III/ able

FS L FC Wa lker had the dubi ou s d isti nction o f beco m ing

10

//1(J -

p roceed until thi s mo rn-

ing.

the sq uad ro n's fir st fata lity. Wa lker was ki lled at Savy w he n

This ma kes the third Sq uadron I/OW atta ched to the

he sta lled N320 I at 400 feet a nd c ras hed.

R.F C ' and the date ofd epa rture coi nci des with the orlgi-

Win g C apta in La mb e was able to re port No.6 Squ adron 's

na l p rogramm e d rawl/up in acco rdance with Major Gen -

move to the Vice Ad m ira l, Dove r Patro l:

eral Trenchard 's wishes.

Headqua rte rs, R.N.A .S Dunk erqu e

I ha ve the honour

17th Ma rch 19 17

su.

10

be,

Y(JIIr obedient serv ant

st« Sig ned CL Lambe Wil/g Captain

II/ accordance with Adn iira lt» letter M .0 10 977/ 16 of the 20 th December 19 16 an d as agreed with Maj or Ge nera l

Vice Admi ra l

Trench a rd. co mmand ing R.F C, I ha ve the honour to re-

NOT ES tion LA40 a nd se nt to the Trompenh urg fac tor y at A ms terdam to he used a s a patt ern for a hatch o f licen ce bui lt N ic u po rt II s. In Se pte mbe r 19 17 it wa s purc hased for £ 1700 a nd give n the D utc h se ria l number N2 13. ) No . 1 Sq uadro n and No .3 Sq ua d ro n we re a lready attached to the RF C. No .8 Sq ua d ro n had hee n reca lled to R N AS co ntro l fo r re st a nd re-eq u ip pi ng .

I It is no t kno wn wh ic h mac hine A lle n llcw, the se ria l 934 3 doe s not relate to any kno w S o pwi th se ria l numb er and mu st he as sumed to ha ve he en incor rec tly tra nscri hed . 2 T he Nethe rla nd s a utho rities sa lvage d Nie upo rt I I se ria l 398 1 a nd eventua lly repa ired a nd fl e w it. It wa s subs eq ue ntly give n the Ne the rland s rcg istra-

35

WORKING FOR THE RFC 13 WING, 3 BRIGADE

A

lthough the contro l o f No .6 Squad ron had bee n

hand ed ove r to the RFC the squadron was still unprepared for the hardship that it would face on a more active sec tion o f the front. When the wea the r permitted. training proceeded with more intensity and every effo rt was bein g made to ensure the new Nicuport 17Bis aircra ft we re in first cla ss co ndition. T he weather pro ved dif ficult at first and little co uld be done other than brief test flights to check out new machines. It soon became apparent that the Nieuport 17Bi s. of which

CJ

U.. u hlr .. ..... I.·o .. lId r .. n- lI lt a1r d I r' ''' 1', "rn u lt t' 1I1

Ita"\.:,,,.

c::r

much was expected, was not going to produce the per formance that the authorities had hoped for.

It ''h

La (j3errcl 111c)1 erodrome

18th March

Flying was not possible unt il after 17.00 when four test and

21st March

practice flights were carried out:

Weather unfavour able. no flying until 16.05:

FSL AL T horne

SCdr Petre

FCdr EW Norton FCdr EW Norton FSL RK Slater

N3 187 at 17.00 40 minut e practice flight N3 195 at 17.00 - local test

N3 195 at 16.05 tcst flight. the engine was bad and the mac hine flew with its lett wing down.

N3 1S7 at IS.50 - local tcst N3 19S

22nd March SCdr Petre ca rried out a climbing test in N3 187 at 13.55. he regard ed 5000 feet in 5 minut es and 2.0 seco nds as unsatisfactory. He also reported that the engine was not giving its full re vs and that the rudder was very stilT. At 16.00. AFC dr Allen flew Nieuport 17Bis N3 190 in a test against a II Ohp Nieuport and a Bristol F2.A. He reported that the 17B is ou t-climbed both .

mach ine crashed and wrecked 19th March Weather unfavoura ble. no flying possible.

21lth March Weather unfavou rable. no flying possible.

36

Wor kin g fo r the NFC - / 3 Wing, J Bri gade

I

The accommoda t ion huts at La Bellevue A erodro me were situated within an orchard belonging to the local farm.This shot taken after a light fall of snow gives the camp a picturesque appearance. Courtesy FleetAir Arm M useum

A less photogen ic shot of the accommo dat ion at La Bellevue. CourtesyJustin Young

23rd Mar ch

C Flight

T hree tcst flights were carr ied out:

FCcl r EW Norto n. Flight Com mande r FSL RR Winter FS L AL T horn e FS L A HV Fletche r

FCdr CT MacL arcn N3204 at 09.20 wea ther test , thc cloud cover sta rted at 1000 fcct. FS L AL T horn e

N3 197 at 14 ,25

AFC dr A ll en

eng ine tcst. satisfactory N3200 at 14 .30

FS L AE Hall FS L H Law so n 24th March MacL arc n and AlIcn had their fligh ts prac tising form at ion fly-

machi ne test, ok

Thc weather improved suffic iently in the eve ning to allow FCdr Norton to lead most ofC flight o n a 30 minut e formation pracri ce at 19.15. W i nter missing the practi ce.

ing du ring thc day. A Flight at 07. 10. B Flight at 10.00 and A Flight aga in at 15.20. All of thc pilots we re rep o ni ng thc status of thei r aircr aft in a very crit ical manner:

The Flight structure at this j uncture was as follow s:

FCdr CT Mac l. a rc n

N3204 al 07 . IO for matio n practice

A Flight

FSL .I dcC Paynter FLt LC Kccb lc

N3 190 - for mation practice N3203 - for mat ion practice

FS L G L Hart gill FS L 0 .1 Gag nier FS L A HV Fletcher

3 191 - formation prac tice N3 189 - formation pra c tice N3 192 - formation pract ice. eng ine tro ub le (s light)

FSL 0 .1 Gag nier

FCdr A DW Allen

N3206 at 10.00 form atio n practicc

H Flight

FS L 0 .1 Gag nier FSL D Plaistowc

N3 189 - form ation practice N3200 - fo rmation practice

FCdr CT Mac Larc n. Flight Co m mander FLt BHP Dc Roeper FLt LC Ke eble FSL .ldcC Paynter FSL G L Hart gill

FCdr ADW Alic n . Flight Co mmande r FSL P Wood FSL RK Slater FSL D Plaistowe

FSL C L Bai ley N3 199 - for mation practice, e ng ine satisfac tory. rev co unter o ut of action

FSL C L Bai lcy FLt FP Reeves

FCd r Ma c l. arcn

37

N3 196 at 15.20 form ation practi ce

A History of No .6 Sq uadro n Roya ! Nava l A ir Se rvi ce ill \Vor /tllI'llr I

FS L GL Hartg ill

A BOV E: N 3 196 and N 3203 are identifiable in this line of immaculate Nieuports. N 3203 was delivered from Dunkerq ue on the 22nd March 1917 and later carried t he A Flight identification number 'T. N 3203 was FLt LC Keeble's norma l mount until 22nd April 1917, th ereafter being fiow n by FSL A McB W alt on who crashed it on t he 20th May 1917.N 3 196 was norm ally flown by FLt BHP De Roeper and later- carried t he A Flight identificat ion number ''2''. Courtesy jMBIGSL Collection

N3 191 - form ation practice. eng ine now satisfactory

FS L 0 .1 Ga g nie r

N3 1R9 - form ation pra c tice, timin g to be checked

FLt LC Keeble

N32 03 - form ation practice, engine vibrating

FS L .IdeC Paynter

N3 190 - form ation pract ice ,

25th March

Fighting practice wa s intr odu ced, pilots pairing up to attack

engine satisfactory

and defend. Keeb le and Paynter. Hartgill and Gagnier and Allen M ac l. arcn reported that A Flight kept be tter for matio n during

and Bai ley teamed up for the exe rc ises . Most o f the pilots

their mor ning pract ice. As a co unterpo int to M acl.a rc ri's re-

re ported problem s with thei r machines.

port, Hartgill felt that his first for mation practice was not very

Moc k fight s were a lso ca rrie d o ut with the Bristo l F2As

satisfacto ry and he report ed yet another bad landin g. During

of No A8 Sq uadron RFC which shared the aer odro me at La

his seco nd practice he record ed that he was able keep better

Be llevu e .'

fo rmation but was not yet accep tab le ,

A num ber of test and practi ce Ilights were also car ried

De Roeper co llected '3206 fro m the depot at 07.50 .

out:

Seve ra l test and pract ice flights we re also carrie d out:

FS L A L T hor ne FCdr EW No rto n FSL .IdeC Paynt er

machin e and e ngine satisfac tory

FCd r CT M acl.arc n

N3 190

engi ne revs 11 50 cl imbi ng. compass out of orde r

at 10.00 - prac tice.

FCd r ADW A llen

mach ine and e ngine satisfac tory FSL G L Hartgill

N3 197 at 09.27

test. eng. revs 1200. quit e true, best c limbing spee d 40 knots

N3 187 at 07. 10

N3204

at 11 . 15

N3 199 at 12.00 pressure fro m eng ine not working

N3 19 1 at 10.38 engine lest. unsatisfactory

FLt LC Keeble

N3202 at 15.00 e ngine unsatisfactory

FS L D Plaistowe

38

N3200 at 15.00 - practice

Illo rking jill ' tlu: NFC - / 3 lI'ing , 3 ll rigad «

FCdr A DW A llc nN 3203

at 15.00 - every thing O K

27th Ma rch

FCdr A DW A l lcn N 3206

a l 16.00 - every thing O K

FCdr Norton led C Flight on a formutio n practice at OlJAO.

FCdr A D W A l lc n N3204

at 17.00 - cngi ne 1200 revs

BELOW: N oA8 Squadron RFC shared La Bellevue Aerodrome, and N o.6 Squadron's pilots occasionally practiced attacking 48 Squadron's Bristol Fighters. Bristo l F2a serial A3322 flown by 2Lt H Davies and 2Lt RSL Worsley was shot down on the 13th Ap ril 1917.Courtesy EFCheesman BOnOM:Another example of a NoA8 Squadron RFC Bristol F2a. Cour1esy EFCheesman

26th Ma rch Bad weather again interru pted thc squadron's preparations.

39

1\ l listo rv (11'No .6 Sq uad ron Ro val NII \'{/! A i r Se rvice i ll \\'Ilr!d lI '1tr I

FLt Ree ves had bee n se nt to Dunk crquc se ve ra l d ays earlie r to pic k up a new Nicuport . Th e de po t fina lly rel eased the

repaired N3202 a nd Ree ves fer ried it back to Bell e vue at 12.55 . 28th March B a nd C Fl igh ts bo th carried o ut for ma tio n practi ce fli ght s in the mo rn ing. I-I all fly ing 1\'3 197 damaged his mach ine slig htly w hen he had to mak e a force d landi ng at S us-St. - Legc r. Ma ny o f the pilot s w ere sti ll rep ort ing numerou s probl em s w ith their machines: FCd r A DW A lle n

N32 0 6

at 09. 30

formation pra cti ce. e ng ine rev s bad a nd pressure bad FLt FP Ree ves

3207

at 09 .30 - forma tion

pr acti ce . sa fety bel t defecti ve FSL D Plaistowe

N32 00

at 09 .30

for ma tio n prac tice. ma chine ok FSL A E I-I all

N3 197

at 09 .30

form ati on pra cti ce. forced la nd ing at Su s St. - Lcg e r. dam aged

machine s lig htly. FCd r EW lo rto n

N3 187

FS L A L T horn e

N3205

at 0 9.30

forma tion practi ce at 0 9.25 - form at ion

pract ice. right wing down FSL A 1-1 V Fletc he r

' 3 192

at 0 9.26

formati on pr acti ce FS L RR Wint er

N3 195

FS L 1-1 La wson

N3 194

at 0 9.25

formati on practi ce at 0 9.28 Canadian pilot FS L Oliver Joseph Gagnier from Mont real.Gagnier served wit h N O.6 Squadron until the I I th May 1917,when he was shot down at Villers O utreaux . He was seriously injured wi th gunshot wounds to arm and chest and had to have his left arm amputated. OJ Gagnier' claimed one victory wit h N o.6 Squadron, an Albatros scout shot down to the northwest of Fresnoy Ie Grande on the l Oth May 19 17. Courtesy Justin Young

formati on practice SC d r Pe tre ca rried ou t a test ni gh t in

32 06 a t 15 .10 to cva lu-

atc the e ffec tive ness o f a ne w c arb urc uo r adj ustme nt. l ie re po rted the machine to be m uch more satis fac to ry.

J i st March 29th Murc h

T he weath er co nti nue d to mak e flying d ifficult. All en was able

Th e wea the r c los ed dow n a ll fly ing o n the 29th.

to mak e a 17 mi nut e tcst fli gh t o n thc last da y o f thc month .

J Ot h i\ la r ch

in 7 1/ 2 m inutes.

repo rt ing tha t N ic upo rt N3202 man aged to cli m b to 7000 feet T he we a the r conti nued to int e rfe re wi th fl y ing. howe ver FCd r A lle n wa s a ble to mak e a 25 m inut e test flight in

I

Hart gill wa s ad mitte d to ho spital for treatment to a herni a

32 06 at

a nd w hi lst re mai ni ng o n the sq ua d ro n 's book s fo r severa l week s, wo uld not return to thc sq uad ro n.

17.00 . Hc repo rted that the ma c h ine cl imb ed to 8700 feet in 10 mi nutes .

40

Workillg [o r the NFC - 13 Willg. 3 Bri gad e

April 1917 Th is

II'lI S •• Bloody

FSL .I dcC Paynt er FCd r EW Norto n

Ap ril ", a p eri od (!{ cri sisfo r the RFC when

SC dr .1.1 Pet re FS L AE I-I all

losses o] 1/11'11 and machines reache d disastro us proportions.

From the perspective (!{ No,6 Squadro n RNAS. the air offcnsivcfor the Battle Of Arms commenced

Oil

N3 194

at 15.30 - ok N3 197 at 18.00 - ok N3 197 at 18.30 - ok N3 197 at 19.00 - ok

the -lth April and

th e British Front ran fro m Giveuch v-cn -Gohelle to Croiscllcs.

i

ew pilot FSL MR Kingsford ar rived at the squadro n.

The key objective \I'as the cap ture (!{ \/illl,l'Ridg e. a task given to the First A rmy . with the Th ird A 1'11I.1' a ttacking else wh ere

4th A pr il

along th e fro nt.

Th e wea ther closed in aga in on the 4th April. the planned start or the air offensive o r the Batt le or Arras .

No.6 Squa dron . along with No .29 Sq ua dro n RFC and

FCdr Allen was able 10 carry out a test flight in N3206 at 17.50. reportin g that the machine was O K. FCdr Norton led a C FIight patro l off at 18.50 but rc-

i\'o.60 Squadro n RFC, allflving Nieuport scouts. we re attac he d to 13 Willg 3 Brig ade ill suppo rt o ft lte Third A 1'11I.1'. Th e duti es

(!I' the

RFC Nie upo rt sco w sq uadrons we re offe nsive patrol s

an d at ta cks

O il

ported that the weat her was too thick ove r Arras to continue.

kil l' ba lloons, No.6 Squadron wa s assi gned

offensive patro ls.

5th A pr il

Loss es am ongst the Ni euport squad rons of 13 Willg 3

The squadron was ab le to fly rive patrols o n the 5th. howe ver many o r the pilots reported prob lem s with the synchronised Vickers gun.

Bri gade we re heavy. No.6 Sq uadron suffered six crashes he1\1'1'1'11

the 4th Ap ril and the sta rt of the infantry attack on the

9th.j(mr(!{these result ed in total loss ofthe aircraft. Thesquadron

II'lI S

Allen led B Flight on a patrol at 09.30. Bailey fired at an

al so p lagu ed wit h engine. f uel and g un problems.

n y the 16 th April the British offe nsive had end ed and

enemy mach in e from the extreme range o r 300 to 400 ya rds .

General Nivelle launched the French attack in the so uth, this

the e ne my aircraft di ved away unscathed . Allen re po rted that N3206 's eng ine re vs were very had and the g un wou ld not fire at height. Slater' s machin e. ' 3202 suffered from a railed rev

collapsed disastrously after a p romising start an d the British arn tv wasforced to keep up a point less attack along the irfront 10

relie ve pressure

Oil

the collaps ing Fren ch a 1'11IiI'S.

co unter,

orto n led C Flight o n a pat rol at 11 .20. the pat rol being 1st A p ri l

" shado wed " by a hostil e mach ine which kept out or ran ge .

Th e bad weather ex perienced at the e nd or March co ntinued into April. restricting flying on the Ist to a coup le oftes t flights: FSL RK S la te r FSL AL T ho rnc

13202 N3205

Macl.arcn led A Flight on a 30 minute practice [ormation patrol at 13.00. Payn ter damaged the e leva tor and plane o r N3 190 on landing.

at 10.20 - test. e ngine o k al 13.35 - Icst. engi ne ok ,

truin g up

A Flight carr ied o ut a full patrol at 14.05. Ga gnier in N3 189 becam e se parated from the fligh t ove r Arras and eve ntually landed at Bus. Mac l. arcn in N3207 had the eng ine cui

CO IT CC t

2nd A pr il Th e bad weather closed down all flying.

o ut and then suffe red from petro l flooding ou t o r the re lea se valve. Paynter and De Roeper were unsure o r the ir positio n and dropped below the clo ud cover betw een Doua i and Arras

3 r d A pr il

and subsequently carne under hea vy anti-aircraft and ground fire. Kingsford flyin g N3 191. surrcrcd rrom an cngine rai lurc

Th c wcathcr clc arcd surricicn tly ror Allcn . Slatcr. Plaisto wc and Th orn c to makc a to tal or clcvc n flig hts to Lc Hamm cau in o rdc r to practi cc riring at a gro und targct.

a nd cras hc d rrom 20 0 rcc t. Kings ro rd was injurcd and hosp ital iscd . orto n Icd C Flight o ut aga in at 15.08. At 17.00 whcn to

Fivc tcst flight s wcrc ca rricd out durin g thc aftcrnoo n and cvc ning:

the wcst o r Douai. l o rto n attac ked hostilc mach incs rrom 20 ya rds ran gc and cla imcd o nc Albatros scout sho t down in

FCdr EW l o rto n j 3 197 at 15,05 - riggin g bad. c nginc vcry goo d

flamcs and anothcr spinning rapidl y out o r control. Thorne c ngagcd an enemy machin c at 50 ya rds rangc which rcll away o ut o r co ntrol. Aftcr thc co mbat. Norto n flying 3 187 made a

41

A History of No.6 Sq uadro n Royal Na val Air Service ill \l'orld \l'a r I

for ced la nd ing at Bouque M ai son at 17. 15 . da mag ing the lo wer plan e. Wi nte r landed beside his Flig ht Com mande r and l o rto n used Winte r 's N ieuport to ret ur n to La Be lle vue. lea vin g W inter to re turn by ro ad . A lle n led B Flig ht o n a pat ro l a t 16.50 . Wood had to aba ndon the patro l wi th g un sto ppages and Gag nie r a lso ex pe rie nce d probl ems with h is Vickers g un. A t 18A5 nc a r A rra s. A lle n was attac ke d by a n e ne my sco ut. duri ng the e nga ge me nt h is g u n suffe red a stoppage but the e ne my sco ut transfe rred its attent io ns to S lat e r. S lat er. flyin g N3202. was sho t down a nd ma de a pr ison e r o f war. Ne w pi lots FLt G O Kirkp atric k a nd FSl A J'vIc B Wa lto n arrive d at the sq uad ro n. A num be r o f test fli gh ts we re ca rried o ut durin g the d ay : FCd r CT Maclar e n

N3204

T he A Flight Co mmander;Co linTemp le Maclaren.sitt ing in front of his trou blesome N ieupor t 17Bis. N 3204. N o t really suite d to scout ope rations and an ineffective flight leader; Maclaren w as posted to the W almer De fence Flight in Au gust 1917. He was prom ot ed to Squadro n Commander and became the Co mmanding Office r of N o.6 Squadron whe n it was refor med asa day bomber squadro n on the 1st january 1918.CourtesyJustin Young

at 09 .30

test. eng ine not satis fac tory. A ld is S ig ht vib ra ting FS l AE Hall

N3 197

at 10 .10

test. tai l sk id bro ke o n la nd ing. FLt OJ G ag n ier

N3 189

at 10. 10 - test. ok

rep ort ed that visibility was poor du e to the c lo ud co ve r. l aw son

FS l Jd eC Pay nte r

N3 190

at 11.55

fly ing

g un test. Vic ke rs no t firi ng a bo ve 9000 ft FS l Kirk patrick

N3 192

1

3 194 ran lo w o n fuel a nd lan ded at A ux lc C ha tea u at

14 .30 . A Fligh t ca rried o ut a pat rol at 14 .00. Mac l. a re ns ma-

at 18 .30

pra cti ce. tail hea vy

c h ine . N3204. had pre viou sly e x hibited prob lems w ith fuel pressurisation and he re po rted that the pressure syste m fa iled

6th April

aga in d ur ing the pa tro l.

A t 08.40. FCd r Maclar e n led A F lig ht o n a n o ffens ive patro l.

Uneve ntful line pat ro ls we re ca rried o ut by Wood and

Macla ren 's mach ine. N3204. suffe red fro m fa ilure o f bo th its

Ree ve s a t 15 . 10 a nd by A lle n and Pla isto wc at 15 .30 .

me c hani ca l a nd ha nd prcssu risaiion sys te ms. Payn te r's Vick er s

Th orn e co llec ted the rep a ired

g un fai led a nd Gag n ie r suffe red a g u n sto ppage and dam aged

1

3 187 fro m Bo uqu e Ma iso n

a nd re turn ed at 15 .25 .

N3 189 up o n landi ng .

De Roep e r a nd Paynt er ca rried o ut an o ffe ns ive pa trol

Ree ve s a nd Wood fle w a line pa tro l at 09.40. the pa tro l

o ve r l e ns - Do uai - A rras a t 17 .25. T he y reported se ei ng a n

had 10 be aba ndo ne d w he n Ree ves di sco ve red a defect ive w ire

ae r ia l batt le b ut were too fa r aw ay to o ffe r ass ista nce.

o n his g un co ntro l.

FCd r No rto n led a n offensive patro l ove r l en s - Douai -

A lle n a nd P lai st o we fle w an un e vent ful lin e pa tro l at

A rras at 18 . 10 . No rto n was invo lved in an indec is ive e ngage -

10 .35 .

me nt w ith a n e ne my mach ine .

T hree test a nd prac tice fl ig hts we re ca rried o ut:

lawson ret urned from A ux lc C hatea u at 19 . 15 . Two test an d practic e fl ig hts we re c arried o ut du ring the

FCd r A D W A lle n N3 194 FS l AM c B Wal to n

at 09 .00 - test. o k 3207

d ay :

a t I I AO - prac tice . left FSl AJ'vIc B Wa lto n

w ing he a vy FSl A Me B Wa lto n

'3207

at 15 .0 0 - test. o k

SC d r .IJ Pe tre

N3 199

a t 15. 15 - prac tice . o k

N3206

a t 19.1 5 - e ng ine a nd g un

te st. sa tis fac to ry

7th April FC d r l o rto n led C Flig ht o n a pa tro l at 12. 15 to the di strict

Nth April

around Dou ai . Two host ile aircraft we re see n b ut the pa tro l

Three patrols were flow n o n the mo rn ing o f the 8th.

42

lI'or killg Fi r the R Fe - / 3 lI'illg. 3 Brigade

FCdr A lle n led B Flig ht o n a line patro l a t 06 .00. se ve ra l

com ple te ly o ut of con trol. No rto n then turned his atten tion to

o f the pi lot s aga in re portin g trouble with their g uns . Plai st ow

the rem ai ni ng e ne my mac hi ne s but the y di ved away and es -

flyin g N3200 suffe red damage to his prop e ller and Ree ve s in

ca pc d . T he two successe s were tem pered by de ath a nd injury

N3207 suffe red a g un sto ppag e.

c a use d by th e sto r m. Th orne was kill ed w he n he cr as hed

C Fli ght ca rried ou t an o ffe nsive pa trol at 0 6.20. lo rto n

32 05 . Paynt er was inju red a nd hosp ita lised wh en he c rashe d

o bserved a nti-a ircraft fire and up on in ve sti gat ion di scove red

13 190 at Hinges a nd

two ho stil e ma chine s b ut was un able to o ve rta ke them .

13 1X7 at ivI ari court .

lo rto n was injured w he n he c rashed

A Fli g ht carri ed o ut an offensi ve pat rol at 11.30 . the pilo ts were aga in beset by g un pro ble ms. Macl.arcns machine.

10th April

N3 204. ag ai n s uffered fr om c om pl et e fa il ur e of its fu e l

Th e 10t h was described as "a day o f wild weather" in HA

pre ssuri satio n syste m.

Jo ne s "The War in the Air" . co nte m por a ry re port s desc ri bed the wea ther as a ga le o f wind w ith fr equent sno w a nd ha il

9th A pril

sto rms . Th e weat he r e ffec tive ly g ro unded a ll aircraft o n the

Th e infa ntry a ttack a t A rra s wa s in itiated o n the 9 th A pril but

10th .

the wea the r pre se nted d iffic ult co nd itio ns for Ilying. Ra in a nd

11th April

sno w fl urries combi ne d w ith a ga le a t a lt itude ca used mo st o ffe nsive pa tro ls 10 be ab a ndo ned . ho we ve r. C Flig ht ma n-

R NA S Headqu ar te rs had co me to the co nc lus ion that No. 6

age d to pe rform a d ist a nt patrol w hen FCdr No rto n led Dc

Sq uadron wa s not perfo rm ing 10 ex pec ta tio ns and no t rea dy

Ro ep er, T horne and Pa yn ter to Ca m bra i. No rto n s ho t do w n a

fo r ba tt le . A combin ation of to o few pi lo ts. high a ircraft losses

sc o ut at Ca m brai at 11.45 . s uppo rte d by FSL T horn e. lo rto n

and the s lo w deli ve ry and poor performan ce o f re place me nt

di ved o n the e ne m y machi ne at 9000 lc ct a nd fol lowed it down

ai rc ra ft Icd to a deci si on to tran sfer the sq uad ro n to a qui et er

to 6000 fee t at w h ic h poin t it wa s see n to fa ll o ut of co ntro l

front at SI. Qu entin a nd re place them with a more capa b le

and wa s o bse rve d to crash , Fifte e n minute s lat er. lo rto n a nd

baili e hard en ed sq ua d ro n. Thu s. o n the 11th . '0 .6 Squ adron

T horne were attac ked by 4 sco uts. No rto n ro lled a nd go t un -

mo ved to C h ipilly Aerod ro me w ith co m ma nd tran sferring to

derne ath the ta il of one o f his attac ke rs a nd fircd both g uns

14 Win g 4 Bri gad e . Th eir rol e in 13 Wing 3 Bri gade was ta ke n

hilling thc fuselage w he re upo n the e ne my machine fell away

by thc Sopwith Triplane eq uipped No. 1 Squad ron R I AS .

;\,OTES I In h is log bo o k, F5L l Iart g ill d c xc ri bcd Ihi s as a . " huffi ng m at ch wi th

RFC Bristo ls".

43

WO RKI NG FO R T H E RFC 14 W ING . 4 BRIGA DE

R

AS Headquarte rs was less than impressed by No.6 Sq uadro n's perfor mance and state of readin ess. On

the 15th Apri l Wing Ca ptain La mbe wro te to the RNAS Liaison Officer with the RFC. Wing Co mmander Chambers. informing him that to get the squadro n back up to strength he would be se ndi ng a co mplete n igh t from j 0. 11 Sq uadron under ac ting Squadro n Co mmande r Draper. FCdr Allen who was suffe ring from nervou s exhaustio n would be remove d. as would FLt LC Keebl e. another pilot not standi ng up we ll to

FCdr Allen

N3206

at 11 .00

prope ller unsat isfacto ry.' Th ere was co nsiderab le co ncern that the squadron was short of both pilo ts and aircra ft. To remedy this probl e m Wing Ca ptain Lambe wrote to Wing Co mmande r S DA Grey of NO. 5 Wing:

Cliipi[fy Jlerodrome

sco ut operations. The rei nforce men ts from No. 11 Sq uadron were all. with o ne exce ptio n. expe rie nced pilots that had previ ous ly se rved with 0.3 Wing. the strateg ic bomb ing gro up based at Luxieu l a nd Ochcy.

Cuhivated

urw iJ'oQlray <1)1

0 00 000 11th April \ 1'fo"gfid

T he squadron mo ved to Chipilly ae rodrome and came under

\ un,{

o

the co ntrol o r 14 Wing 4 Brigade o n the 11th. After the rece nt losses. on ly thirt een aircraft were available. e leven of these

)1 crodrome

G 0 G (0 G 0

co mpleted the trans fe r from Be lle vue to Chi pi l ly withou t trouble. De Roeper in N3 196 made a forced landi ng at Bailleul. the aero drome of No.52 Squ adro n RFC and Ree ves in N3207

o o

land ed at Mco ul and dam aged a whee l which de layed his arrival at Chipilly by several hours.

:Note J{angan 1, Z aruf J arr farge

orSUJVT<&sson"talL(

......... .<,::<, ". .....

12th Ap r il Th e weath er was initia lly bright with high winds. turning to snow and rain in the afte rnoo n. One test Ilight was ca rried out:

Crowr Crop'

........... ..•. .•..

......

.

.....,··:r,, "gfid arta

......

Key

D

=

.....

.

/ .

graM lPfougfid arra

Hesson nea u han ga r lIuls 'ToCfiiplffy

\Vo rking .f!lr the RFC - / 4 lI'ing. 4 Br igade

Front: Senio r O.flicer

'u.. COII/ II/(lJ /(ling Offi cer

R.N.A .S. Dunkerq uc

No .5 Wing

12th Ap ril 191 7

[o r

e. O. No . 11 Squadro n

Couf identia I Diving to cas ualties. one co mp le te Fli ght o fp ilo ts an d one spa re pi lot. makin g a total of'seven in all. will he requ ired to j oin Na val Squadron No .6 . I propose that Th e O fficers Me ss at Chipilly. Courtesy FleetAir Arm M useum

Fli gh t Lieut en an t Macl. ennan \' Flight sho uld he se nt and nu ule up to streng th. A lso . thr ee 130h .J!. Clerget Nieup orts will he required

[rom No . II Squadro n to bring No .6 up to strength. A ltho ug h I rea lise thi s will serio us ly interfere the

trainin g an d completio n o/No. 11 Sq uadron yet this co urs e is absolutely necessary in th e best interest ofthe co untry and th e Squa d ron will eventually ha ve preference {}\ 'er th e other Squa d rons here, after No . 10 Squadro n ha s been

co mp leted. The nant es of the seven pi lots to he tran sferred to Nava l Squadron No .6 are to befo rwa rde d to tnc as soon as possible.

A sho t tha t proves decking and a per go la are not new co nce pts.Anoth e r very po or qu ality phot ograp h shows th is struct ure at the end of the Mess be ing co nstru cte d by t he squadron's o fficers. Courtesy JUStin Young

Wing Cap ta in

At 10.09. De Roeper return ed from his forced landing at Baillcu l having turned the jo urney into a line patro l. He re-

13th April This was Frida y thc 13th. an unluck y day for the Squadro n Co mmande r. J.J Pet re who was ki lled a t 11 .55 whe n his Nieuport, N3206. broke up whilst divin g at a practice gro und target at Derna court. One of thc squadron offic ers descri bed the eve nt:

ported heavy anti-aircraft fire with a piece of shrapnel passing through his mac hine. At 12.20. Keeb le co llec ted N3209 from No.2 A D at Ca ndas.

14th April No n ights were ca rried out on the 14th.

" The accident occurred at 11.50 a.m. yes te rday: Ap ri! l Ith. wh en he went up to pr actis efiring at a target on the

15th April SCdr C D Breese arrived al Chipilly to take co mmand o f the squadron. Up until the 13th April. Breese had been in comma nd of No. 10 Squadron which was in the process o f "work-

gro und. He did one di ve [ro m ab ou t 1500 f eet to about 200 and ap p ea red to flatt en out rath er quickly. He th en climbe d up ag ain, did a very st eep hank and th en sta rted 10

dive ag ain. Ajier di ving two or three lutndredjcet th e

ing up" to combat readiness at Fume s in Belgium . Bailey took the recently delivered N32 09 back to No.2

m achin e b roke in the a ir and th e resu lt wa sjatal. / do not thin k there was eve r a e.O. who was adm ired and liked

AD. He co mplained that fuel pressure troub le and mist had caused him to land seve ral times.

m o re " .

Wing Co mmander Grey rep lied to Wing Ca ptain Lamb e with a list of pilots to be transferred and this enabled Lamb e to write to Wing Co mmande r Chambers. the R AS liaison at RFC I-lead Quarters:

SCdr Jack Petre was bur ied at Dcrnacourt but late r re- interred in the French Ce metery at Cerisy Gailly. Earlier in the mornin g. at 08.15. FCdr Allen led B Flight on the squadron's first patrol from Chipilly. T he patrol was co mpletely unevent ful. 45

II History ofNo.t) Squadron ROYI/I N({\'(/I Air Se rvice ill World \\fIr I

Front: Se nio r Officer. R,N.A .S. Duukerq uc

u..

Wing COII/ II/(///(Ier Cham bers RN , H.Q . R.F C.

Dal e: 151h April1 9 17,

I1Q

/'(~r 543

With a FieII' to co mp leting Nav al Sq uad ron No .6. I int end to se nd a COII/IJlele Flig ht j ;'OI1/ No . 11 Squa dron under

Acting Squadron COII/ II/ (///(Ier Draper wh o will undertake the duties of Fligh l COII/ II/(//uler of the Flight. The remaining ojjicers will he : Fli ght Li eut enant Macl.cnnan Flighl Suh Li eut enant Redpath Fligln Su b Lieut enant Masson ' Flight Sub Lieut en ant Edwa rds Fligh t S ub Li eu tenant Bea sl ey Flight Sub Li eut enant M acgregor With Flig lll Suh Lieut enant M acgregor and one

(~r

th e

exi st ing pi lot s as spare pilot s. Fo r Naval Squa dro n No .6 . Thi s bein g so , Flight Li eutenant Allen will be withdra wn', le a vin g Fli g ht Co m ma nders Ma cl. a ren a nd No rto n as the other two. Flight Lieut enant Keebl e' is al so to he retu rned to Duukerque on bein g rep lac ed.

Th ree, o r possibly fo u r o] these p ilot s willfl » down

niach ines and the rema inde r will pro ceed hy roa d. Wing Ca ptain Sedr JJ Petre was killed on the 13th A pr il 19 17 w hilst practicing diving at a ground target at Dernacourt, his machine broke up in the air.probably due to failure of the low er w ing (see A ppendix K).This photograph shows the remains of t he Clerget engine after it was recovered from t he w reck of N 3206. Courtesy Justin Young

16th April Eight tcst and practice ni ghts were ca rried out: SCdr Breese FLt Keeb le

N3 193 at 09.35 - test N3203 at li AS - gun test. both guns fired well but Vickers gun put a bullct throu gh thc propcllcr. FCdr Macl.arcn N3204 at I IAO Lewi s gun satisfactory FSL Plaistowc N3200 at 13.50 - engine satisfactory, gun ja mmed wit h cross feed aft er considerable amount of firing. FSL Wood N3 193 a1 13.55 gun test, satisfactory FSL Laws on N3 194 at 14A5 practice. satisfactory FSL Wintcr

N3 195 at 15. 10 - target practice, Vickers fired well, Lew is jamm ed.

A nother view of the engine recovered from Petre's fatal crash.The Clerget's crankshaft can be seen to be bent. Courtesy Fleet Air Arm Museum

4()

Wo rking / or the RFC - / 4 Wing. 4 Brigade

FCdr Allen

N3207 at 15.45 gun test, g un irregu lar

SCdr CD Brccsc was a very tall man. he must have found the cra mped coc kpit of thc lieupo rt 17Bis qu ite restrictiv e and uncom fortab le. Th e first replace me nt pilot from

10

. 11 Squad ron. FSl

PE Beasley, arri ved at Chipilly. 17th A pril

No flying d ue to unsuitab le weat her, I Hth A pril No war flying due to unsuitable wea ther. 19th A pr il

Bailcy carried out a so lo line patrol at 06 .30. he reported that mist and clo uds forced him to Ily at 800 teet. Hc returne d at 07.45 as co nditio ns were too difficul t to co ntinue the patrol. Kccblc carrie d out a so lo linc patro l at 09.20. he reported lig ht anti-aircraft and machi ne gun firc ncar St. Que ntin. Durin g thc co urse of the mornin g. o ne practice and three test Ilights were carri ed o ut: FSL Bailey

I 3 199 at 08.55 - cnginc test. satisfactory

FSL Fletcher

3 192 at 09 .23 - practi ce N3 196 at 11. 15 - machi ne and engine rest, satisfacto ry

FLt Dc Roeper AFCd r Allen

I

Squadron Commander Charles Dem pster Breese was tra nsferred from N o.10 Squadron, whic h was in t he process of"wo rk ing up". to take over N o.6 Squadro n after the death of Squadron Commander JJ Petre. Breese held a Naval ngineering rank and had t ransferred to the RNA S in 191 5.After the squadron was disbanded on the 27t h Au gust 1917, Breese held a number of administrative job s and was granted a permanent commission in the RAF. Breese achieved the rank of Air Vice Marshal in the RAF and died in 194 I in a Coastal Command Lockheed Hu dson that crashed on Wick A ero drom e. CourtesyJus-

N3207 at 11.1 7 - gun bad. e ngi ne good

Gag nier took o lTat 08. 15 in N3 189 to deli vcr despa tches. Th e

tin Young

mac hi ne deve lo ped c ng inc troub le afte r 30 min utes and Gagnie r was forced to land at Matigny where the problem was diagn osed as faulty high te nsion leads.

20th A pril

Draper. Redpath. Macgrego r, Macl. cn nan and Stevens, who we re still attac hed to No. 11 Sq uadro n. fe rr ied the ir new

FSL ST Edwa rds. another of thc promised 3 Wing/No. 1I Squadro n pilots. arrived at thc Chipi lly. Five of his col leagues. ASC dr C Draper, FSl RF Red path. FSl NM Macgregor, FLt

Nicup ort machin es to Petite Synthc. Back at Chipilly. four solo line patrol s were ca rried out as follow s:

GG Ma cl.cnnan and FSl GlE Steven s. ca rried out tcst Ilight s of 1 3 10 1. 5861. ' 3 100. N5860 and 1 3 186 at the St. Pol

FLt Keeble at 06.30 . thc patro l was comp letely un-

depot. N5860 and I 5861 were manu factured by the British 1 icuport Company at Cricklcwoo d and di ffcred in sma ll details from the French bui lt machines then in use by No.6 Squad-

eve nt f ul.

ron. Th e British built mach ines were read ily iden tifiabl e by being finished in PC 10 brown do pe instead o f the French built machines' aluminium doped finish.

after an hour d ue to eng ine trou ble. FLt Reeves at 11 .30. thc visibility had deteriorated and thc patro l was une ventful ,

FLt Dc Roeper at 09. 30. the patro l was abandon ed

47

II Il ist o rv of No .6 Sq uadron Ro va! NII\'(/I Ai r Service ill Wo rld II'lir I

BELOW: Another photograph of N3195 in its more familiar state marked as "16" of C Fligh with a red cowl and red wheel covers. Flown regularly by FSL Rupert Randolph Winter between 27th March and 29th April 1917.Winter claimed an Albatros scout as out of control at Guise on the 29th April 1917. but was badly shot up by ground fire. Author's collection

ABOVE: The much photographed ieuport 17Bls N3195 . This photograph presents a puzzle. being apparently marked with the A Flight Identification number" I ". Records show that this machine was not flown by A Flight, is it possible that N3195 was photographed before Its more familiar number"16" had been finished) Co rtesy SKTaylor

48

Working [orth e Nr C - 14 Wing. -l Brigade

FSL Kirkpatrick at 17.00. the visibi lity was still bad and no ene my aircraft were see n. Gag nier ret urned from his forced landing at Matigny at 15.20. The squadron's pilots spe nt the day ca rrying out test and practice flights. whilst SCdr Breese and his se nior Flight Commander. EW Norton paid a visit to the aerodro me at Flez which wo uld shortly become the Squadro n's new base:

SCdr Breese

N3207 at 09.25 gun test. satisfactory 3204 at 09.25 gun test. Vickers gun satisfactory 13 194 at 09.30

FSL Walton

practice. engine runn ing well 13200 at 09.45

FCdr Norton

gun test. satisfactory 13208 at 10.00

AFCdr Allen

test. satisfactory 13200 at 10. 10

FLt Reeves FCdr Macl.are n

FSL Lawson FSL Kirkpa trick AFCdr Allen FSL Fletcher FSL Wood AFCdr Allen

Posing for the camera at Chipilly in N avy Blue, Flt BHP De Roeper. FCdr CT Macl aren, SCdr CD Breese and Flt lC Keeble. Courtesy Fleer Air Arm Museum

Nieuports which had been co llected from the depot on the 19th April. Keeb le ca rrie d out an uneve ntful solo line patrol at 06 .35 . Allen carried out a brief weath er test at 09.25.

practice, satisfactory N3 194 at 10.10 practice. satisfactory N3 197 at 10.40 practice. satisfactory N3 199 at 11 .00 - gun test. gea r went out of commission N3 192 at 15.10 - practice N3 193 at 15.45 - test. e ngine and machine satisfactory N3 195 at 16.00 test. satisfactory

At 08. 15. Gagnier fe rried di sp atch es to the French aero drome at Ham. retu rning at 11 .30. FCdr Norton Icd C Flight on a line patrol at 08.00 , Visibility was poor and thc Flight became d ispe rsed, Wi nter being the only pilot able to keep station with Norton. Bailey aband oned the patrol after 8 minutes due to overfilling of his fuel tan k. Kirkpatrick patrolled alone but damaged the starboard lowe r plane o f N3 197 up on landi ng. Fletc her an d Lawson both patrolled on their ow n. Lawson bcing forced to land at La Le vie to refuel. Norton and Winter landed at Mcsmil . Walton ca rried out a solo li ne patrol at 09.40 and landed

SCdr Breese and FCdr Norton flew from Chipilly to Flez at

at Bellevu e. FCdr Mac l.arcn led A Flight on a line patrol between Sav y and Bcrtin court at midd ay. The visibility had improved but no hostile aircraft were scen. howe ver, an observa tion balloon

14.00 and retu rned at 15.25. 2 1st A pril

was seen to fall in flames ncar Bcrtin court . Kirkpat rick ca rried out an uneve ntful solo line patro l at 13.40 and another at 17.00. The visibility had deteriorated and

The visibi lity was very bad on the 2 1st. Winter atte mpted to carry out a line patrol at 06 .05 but was forced to ret urn after 25 min utes.

was dcscri bed as very poor. At 17.45. A Flight ca rried out a linc pat rol co vering Bapau mc, Roiscl and St. Que ntin. The cloud base was at 1000

2211(1A pril

Th e re maini ng new pilots fro m No. 1I Squadron. Drap er. MacL e nna n. Stev e ns. Macgregor and Redp at h arrive d at Chipilly havi ng flown down from Peti te Synthe in their new

feel and the visibility poo r. No e nemy aircraft were see n.

49

1\ Histo ry oj'No.6 Sq uad ron Royal Nava l A ir Se rvice ill \\'orld \\'I/r l

Several of the squadron 's N ieupor ts were supplied from Paris w ith French cockades on the wings.These aircraft were used w ith these markings unt il such t ime as t he national markings could be corrected. In th is photog raph, N ,euport 17Bis nurnber"?" is clearly marked w it h French Cockades.This 17Bis, N 3 196, was FLt BHP De Roeper's regular machine fro m the 7th April to 13t h May 1917.Courtesy EFCheesman

O n the 13t h A pri l 1917,N 3196 was damaged by ant i-aircraft fire during a line patrol.A new po r t to p plane was provided from the RFC depot's stock of standard N ieuport 17 spares, this gave N 3 196 a somewhat bizarre appearance w ith an overall aluminium dope finish but with the port top plane finished in brown PC I a.The new wing carried British cockades and in t his phot ograph it can be seen that the starboar d wi ng's French cockade is in the process of being over-painted w ith the correct Briti sh colours.Th is view shows that the Flight identification number was repeated on th e to p decking of this particular machine. Courtesy EFCheesman

50

\\'o rkillg / or /he Nr C - 14 \Villg. 4 lt rigadc

A Morane Saulnier type AC from Escadr ille N .49 visiting N o.6 Squadron at Chipilly. The Escadr ille's emblem of a golden pennant outli ned in red can be seen on the Mo rane's fuselage. Courtesy EF Cheesman

A nother visito r from Escadri lle N .49, a SPAD 57. It was not uncommo n for neighbour ing squadrons to visit for aircraft type recognition and familiarisation pur poses.Courtesy Justin Young

51

A Histo rv of No.6 Squadron Royal Naval Air Se rvice ill World \lilr l

Brd A pril

FSL Redpath

Bailey ca rrie d o ut a line patro l at 0 9.30 a nd la nde d at Flcz

N5S6 1 at 11.25 g un test . Vic kers ja m med

FSL Ste ve ns

with pressu re trouble . He o bse rve d an e ne my ma ch ine at 1000 0

N3 1S4

at 13 .40

g un test. to p g un o ut of pos itio n

Ice t w he n he was fly ing at 4000 fee t. Ed wa rds ca rrie d o ut a line patro l in N32 00 a t 10 .25 . the

FS L Wo od

N3 193

at 19. 20

e ng ine test. satis fac to ry

g un suffe red a sto ppage and the pressu re sys te m was faulty. Ed wa rd s c ra shed a nd o ve rt urne d N3200 o n land ing . Fle tc he r c arri ed out a n un even tful line pat ro l at 13.35.

24t h April

SCd r Breese fle w de sp a tc hes to G uiza nco urt at 13.35 and

M ac g rego r ca rr ied o ut an une ventful so lo line pat rol at 05 .30 . FCd r Nor to n led C Flig ht o n a two hour line pat rol at

re turned at 16.25 .

OS.OO. Re dp ath acco m pa nied the pa tro l in N5S 6 I bu t ag a in

A t 14 .30. FCdr No rto n Icd Bail cy a nd W int c r o n a pat ro l

ex pe rie nce d g un pro b le ms.

to p ro te c t th e k ite ball o on line betwe e n G e rma ine a nd

Wa lto n carrie d o ut a so lo line patro l at 10 .00 . five e ne my

Villcvaq ue.

ai rc raft w e re o bse rve d fl yin g 4000 fe e t h igh er th an th e

A SCd r Dr a pe r led S teve ns . Ma cgreg or. Redp at h a nd Ma cL c n na n o n a line pat ro l at 18 .30 to ga in fa m ilia risatio n

N ic upor t. Ste ve ns ca rrie d o ut a n u ne ve ntful line pat ro l at 13.35 .

wi th the local land marks. Man y a irc ra ft we re ob served but

A t 15 .30. Ed wa rd s co llec ted N3 102 fro m No .2 A D at

were to o far aw ay to identif y.

C a ndas .. Du ring thc s ho rt flig ht to C h ipilly, thc N ie upo rts

Fo ur tcst fl ights were ca rrie d o ut:

e ng ine fa iled and Edw a rds mad e a forc ed la ndi ng o n an R FC FS L Macg regor

N3 100

aerodrom e nc ar Do ullc ns . A faulty magn et o was di agn osed as

at 11.10

thc so urce o f the pro blem .

pra ct ice , ma chin e le ft w ing down

52

\\ {Ir ki l/g [ o r the RFC - 1./ \\IiI/ g . ./

lt rigade

N ieuport 17Bis N 310 I was tested at the St. Pol dep ot by ASCdr Dr ap er o n 19th April 19 17. 3 101 was Dra pe r's regular B Flight machine and IS seen here prior to being pa inted with the two red ban ds around th e fuselage that de note d t he B Flight Com mander's mach ine. Dra per claimed one sco ut crashed and another out of co ntrol at midday on the 6th June 1917. Courtesy EF Cheesman

OPPOSITE: A well known gro up photograp h of t he pilots drafted in from NO.1 I Squadr on to bring NO.6 Squ adro n back up to strength: Back Row. l to R: FSl ST Edwards. FSl M Macgregor. FSl PE Beasley, FSl Gl EStevens.ASCdr C Draper. Middle Row. l to R:FSl RF Red path , FLt GG Macl en nan. Front Row: "Jo ey" (Draper's dog) Dr ape r. Macl en nan. Edwards. Macgrego r. Beasley and e dpath were all veterans fro m the Royal Naval Air Service's strategic bo mbIng gro up. o.J Wi ng. Courtesy JM BIGSL Collection

ABOVE: Draper's B Flight. from lef to right. 3101 ma rked w ith two red str ipes on t he fuselage, unknown, N 3 186 marke d " 12" plus a diagona l red str ipe, N 3200 marked "9" and N 3199 ma rked "8". Courtesy EF Cheesman

53

1\ History uJ Nu .6 Squ ad ron Roya l Nava l Air Service ill Wu rld \\'rlr I

A BOVE: A general view across the aerodrome at Chipilly showi ng three machines from C Flight in the foreground and two from B Flight in th e background.The red bands on Drape r's aircraft N 31 0 I can be clearly seen.A t this stage,the C Flight machines do not have red cow ls and wheel covers. Courtesy

BELOW: FLt ST Edwards, one of the new pilots sourced from N o.1I Squadron, made his first flight from Chipilly in N ieupor t 17Bis N 3200 on the 23rd Ap ril 19 17. The aircraft's fuel pressure system was faulty resulting in erratic engine cont ro l. Edwards overtu rned t he machine whe n landing. Courtesy Les

Les Rogers

Rogers

Mac Lcn nan carri ed out a line patrol at 18.30. No enemy

FSL Wood N3 193 at OX .52 tcst. engi ne unsatisfactory. gun satisfacto ry. N3 196 at 09.30 FSL Wallon

aircraft we re observed. Four test flight s were ca rrie d out:

FLt Ree ves

N3204 at 17.30 gun test. satisfactory N3203 at 18.20

FSL Walton

g un test. ja mmed in No.3 position 3 196 at 18. 10

FCdr Macl.arc n

test. engi ne satisfacto ry. gun jammed FSL Stevens N3 1X6 'II I 1.50 test. engine unsatisfactory 3 186 'I I 14 ,45 FS L Steve ns FSL Redp ath

tes t. engine missing. ex haust valve stuck FSL Red path 586 1 gun test follow ing remedi al work

gun test . gun j a m med 586 1 - tcst

Th e squadron was in the process o f mov ing further sout h and

nearer the lincs 10 a new ae rodrome at Flcz. Flcz was located approxi mately 3 1/2 miles due wes t of St. Quentin and was. in real ity, an ae rodrome co mp lex with severa l flying fie lds. Situatcd close 10 the ruin s of thc vilIagc of G uiza nco urt. it was a

25th April Kirkpatrick carried o ut a line patrol at 06. 10. no enemy aircraft were encountered. Five test flights were carried out durin g the day:

co mmon occ urre nce for period documents 10 mak e reference 10 thc unofficial name of G uiza nco urt Aerodrome, So mew hat

5-1

Wor king fo r the Nr c - 14 lI'ing, 4 Brigade

ABOV E:N 3 102 was collected from the RFC's N o.2A D at Candas on the 24th A pri l 1917. Cockades were painted on the fuselage, and appear to have remained wh ilst the machine was in serv ice.There is no evidence t hat N 3 I 02 was ever mar ked wi th a red Flight ident ificat ion number F5L 5T Edwards new N 3 102 from 24th A pril to 13th June 1917, dur ing th is t ime he experienced more than his fair share of unreliability. Courtesy JMBIGSL Collection

BELOW: Ni euport 17Bis N 3203 was marked w ith the A Flight ident ifica ion number ''3'', delivered on t he 22nd March 19 17, it was regular ly used by FLt LC Keeble from t he 24t h March to the 22nd A pri l 19 17. F5L AM cB Wal ton took over N 3203 on the 30th A pri l and new it until the 20th May 1917 when he crashed and wrote it off at Flez.An unidentified British built Ni eupo rt 17Bis can be seen behind N 3203. Author's collection

55

A History of No.6 Squat/roll Royal Na vul Air Ser vice ill lVorld lVar l

unusually. the squadron moved its aircraft over a period of seve ral days. SCdr Breese flew to ri el. at 13.30 and return ed to Chipilly at 15. 10.

29th April Draper led B Flight on an offensive patrol at 07.40. British aircraft were observed ove r St. Quentin but no hostile machines were encountered. Bailey was aga in assigned the duty fligh t and flew to Chipilly at 09 .05 retu rning to Flcz at 11.00. Winter co llecte d a new machine. 3209. from No.2 AD at 12. 15 and returned via Belle vue at 14.35. B Flight car ried out an offensive pat rol at 07 .20 . Edw ards suffered engine failure and was forced to dro p out after ten minutes.

C Fligh: transferred to ri el. at 19.30.

26th April Ree ves flew despat ches from Chipilly to Flcz at 09 .30. returnin g to Chipilly at 10.30 . Edwards carr ied out two test flights: FSL Edwa rds FSL Edw ards

FCdr Norton. Fletc her and Winter carried out ano ther relative ly short patro l at 19.40, no enem y aircraft were encountcred .

N3 102 at09 .00 gun unsati sfactory N3 102 at 09. 15 gun unsatisfactory

OPPOSITE TO P: An excellent view of N o.6 Squadron's corner of the aerodrome complex at Hez. thought to have been taken by FSL NM Macgregor wh ilst fiying one of the squadron's ieupo r ts. Courtesy EF Cheesman

B Flight transferred from Chipilly to r iel. at 15.40. The refor med B Flight carri ed out their first full patro l from Flez. this proved to be une ventful. with the exce ption that

BonOM: A second aer ial view of Flez taken a few seconds later, one of the Squadron's N ieuports can be seen to be in the process of taking off. Courtesy EFCheesman

Edwards experienced a gun stoppage . An escort mission set off at 18.30. The mission was a washout. Redp ath reported that thc pilots had been called too late to make con tact.

P[ez Aerodrome .:M"tornu.vfro",;f ",irns :.Alaef,inrgun ratltJt [

27th April Edwards carried out two further unsatisfac tory gun tcsts in N3 102. recording the tcsts as" BG" usual ly taken to mean "No Bloody C oOlf' .

2Sth April Two tcst and practice flights were ca rried out: FSL Edward s FSL Rcdpath

N3 102 - gun test. satisfactory N586 1 at 07.30 - practice

Bailey carried out a duty flight to C hipilly at 17.00. return ing at 19. 15. FCdr lorton led Fletchcr. Winter and Lawson on a patro l

Key

CJ

at 17. 10. Lawson crashed and dam aged N3194 at Flez. No e ne my aircraft were enco untered.

6 Squ adron It ' AS Aero dro m e

ASCdr Draper led B Flight on an une ventfu l offensive patro l at 17.30 . Co nditions were reported as being very cloudy 0 11 both sides of the lines.

56

~'to ro".n:r)'

to SI QJmtt in

l\'orU llg! or the Nr C - / 4 Willg. 4 Brigade

57

II History of No .6 Sq uadron Roya l Na val Air Serv ice ill lVor/d lVar I

At 11.00. B Flight carrie d out an ex hibition patrol over

14.4 5 - 16. 10

Albatros D./ II 2049/ 16

thc aerodrome during an inspection by Genera l Rawlinson. FCdr Norton led C Flight on an o ffen siv e patrol at 12.20 . FSL Bea sley was forc ed to abando n the patro l w he n his mach ine' s rev co unter failed. At 13. 15. orto n observed a lonc

no details

Albatros sco ut at Behcries. seven mi les cast of Honnccou rt. He watched the e nemy machin e for five minut es before attacki ng and then led Fletcher down in a dive, both licuports

th e rudder cable

firi ng at very close range. Trac ers were see n ent erin g thc Albatros fuselage and the e nemy machine side-s lipped. nosedive d and went down out of control. Th ree of C Flight' s me mbers were in actio n again when

Mi ssi on :

Jagdfl ug

IVe{/(her

Good visibility

1850 - 20.00Alb{/(ms D./I l 204 9/16 Res ult: su cc essful co mbat at 19.45 ove r Renico urt . Al 20 .00. an unsucce ssful combat \I'as brok en off becau se I I'{IS

sho t through.

Com bat report:

About 7.45plII aerialfight over Ramicoun with a Nieuport (~I'

Norton Icd Wintcr and Fletcher on an offe nsive patrol 17.45. At 18.55 ove r Guise, the patrol was attacked by a form ation

sing lc- sc ate r: I sho t it do wn . He tried to land S IV

of 12 Albatros scouts. Norton dived and rolled to gct out of thc way but round that his Nicuport was being overtake n. He

Fl eisch er (s ic) was se verely wounde d with a rico che t shot

Rainicour t . Turned ove r on lan ding. The p ilot, Znd Lt

to his lo wer cal ] .

turned and met his attacker head-on. firing at close range. whereupon the enemy scou t fell in flames. Winter was attacked fro m behind by three scouts which took turns to shoot at him. Winter and thc attacker s were flying in a vertical bank. with

IVhen lj7 ew at 100111 height to Bohain a seco nd ene my

single-seat er came [ro m above. chased by an Albatros. Th e British er at ta ck ed m e sho rtly and hit Illy lat eral

co nt rol. He him selfwas then pursu ed by an Albatros and

Winter trying to get into a position to be able to turn the tab le on his opponents. Whcn Wintcr was ablc to fire. his Nieuport

f orc ed to land. I c o u ld n ot o bse rve an y f u rt he r

stalled and both the Nicuport and thc Albatros spun down. Wintcr recov ered at 1000 feet and thought hc saw the ene my

which demanded

machine cra shed on the ground . this proved op timi stic as it

A10wr No.2S13 1)'fJe 9B

turned out to be an anti-aircraft gun that started 10 fire at him. Wintcr flew back at 800 feet under heavy ground fire and eventua lly landed four miles southeast of Albert . He then flew

Num ber of sho ts : 120 m unds

de velopments sin ce I had to j7y wii/1011! a lat eral co ntrol whol e attent ion.

The Ni euport had the No.3 192 Fain : No.2 756 ( 17Bis )

back to thc aerod rome . howe ver. his machin e. I 3 199. was badly shot-up. FCdr orio n had see n Winter and his opponent spinning down and believed the Albatros to be Out of Contro l. Norto n then ca rne under attac k from se ve ral more e nemy mach ines, After endeavo uring to get away. Norton turned and

(Signed) Giiri ug Leut nan t

Goring's co mbat report co rres ponds remarka bly well with Norton's report", with thc exce ption that Norton esca ped by taking orr agai n. Acco rding to Gd ring's statement, it would

went through their formation. firing at onc machine which went down co mpletely out of co ntro l with the pilot thought to be serio usly woun ded. Norton then tried to disengage but was still bei ng followed . he landed in ene my territory and as the

see m likely that Norton was flying the Nie uport that sho t his co ntro ls away . ASCd r Draper led B Flight on an o ffe nsive patrol at 18.00. no cn cmy aircraft wcrc obscrvc d but somc anti-airc raft firc

enemy machincs sho t past hc took orr again and was pursucd all thc way to thc lincs at a hcigh t or ! 00 rcct. Flctc her failcd to rctu rn from thc patrol. bcin g wou ndcd and takcn prisoncr.

was c nco untcred ncar St. Qucn tin.

An intcrcsting vicw of thc 18.55 combat can bc gai ncd from thc combat logs of Ltn I-Icrmann Gijring o f ./as((/ 26 .5

30th A pril

Thc squadron 's movc to Flcz was co mplctcd on the 30th whc n A Fligh t transferred from Chipi lly at 11 .30. No.6 Squadro n sharcd thc co mplcx with No.n Squadron RFC flyi ng FE2bs

Goring flcw threc mission s on thc 29th April: 10.05 - 11.30

Ill \'

and No,54 Squadron RFC flyin g Sopw ith Pups.

Albatms /) ./11 2049/1 6

on e indecisil'e cOlllb{/( with a biplane.

58

Workillg f o r the R Fe - J.I lI'illg. " Br igade

FSL Fletcher's C Flight N ieuport 17Bis N 3 192 in German hands after Fletcher was wo unded by Ltn H erm ann Go ring and fo rced to land on the 29th A pril 191 7. Ear lier in the day, Fletcher had submitted his first claim wh ich he shared w ith FCd r EW N or ton, an Alb atros scout out of control to the east of Harcour t. Courtesy EF Cheesman

Car ry ing thre e red bands to denot e the C Flight Command er's machine, N 3208 w as flown by FCdr EW N orton bet ween the 22nd and 29th A pril 191 7. N orton submitt ed t hree claims on the 29th Ap ril, an A lbatros scout o ut o f control to he east of Harcourt. an Alb atro s scout in flames at Gu ise and an A lbat ros scout out of co nt ro l at Guise. The last claim was against Herm an Go ring of Jasta 26 wh o w as forced to land wit h his r udder controls severed. N 3208 was also flown by SCdr CD Breese, wh o claimed a 2-seater"apparently out o f control" on the I s June, and by FSL RR Winter. CourtesyJustinYoung

59

, \ Histo ry o./ No.6 Sq uadron Royal Nand Air Servi ce ill \\'flrld \l'a r I

ASCd r Draper led B FIight on an offc nsi ve patrol at 07,30, Macgr ego r a ba ndo ned th e patro l whe n th e pipe to hi s machine's pressure ga uge bro ke. Redpath recorded that the

ABOVE: O n t he 29th A pri l 19 17, an element of [asta 26 was in com bat with N o.6 Squadron 's C Flight. FSL Fletcher was wo unded in t he calf and for ced to land, his opponent. Ltn Her mann Go ring, was fiying th is interestingly marked Albatros 0111 2049/ 16.Gori ng was subsequently attacked by FCdr EW N orton, the D ill's rudder controls were severed and Goring was forced to land, Cour-

patrol obser ved the circus but that an engage ment did not take place. Edwards was more succinct. reporting that the odds were 16 against 4. Draper reported 14 hosti le machines that were

tesy GregVonWyngorden

too far away to engage SCdr Breese flew to Chipilly at mU5. returning to Flcz

Hostile activity in the 4 Brigade area during May \l'as report ed

May 1917 as being no rm al. May p roved

be so mething

(~f a

buffer be-

ofJ une. No .6 Sq uadro n \ off ens ive capability su ffe red a set back

15.20. the mission proved to be a failure as no balloons were in the air and Draper led the Flight back at 16.10.

in !'vlay when the squad ron :\. II IOSt aggressi ve and effec tive pilot, FCdr CIV Nort on, lI'as promoted and left to become COII/ -

FCd r Maclaren led A Flight on a second Balloon patro l at 17.30. The Flight patro lled the line bet ween St. Quen tin and Carn brai but no balloo ns were enco untered. FEs were observ ed working near Le Catelet and comi ng under anti -air-

ntanding Office r oj No. 12 Squadro n.

1st Ma y The Squadron structure at the beginning of May was as shown:

craft fire. Gagnier and Wood lost formation and both landed at Gurny. One test flight was car ried out: FLt Maclenn an 1235 re vs at 2000 feet.

10

tween the A rra s offensive ofApri! and the Mess ines offens ive

at 10.00. B Fligh t were scheduled to carry out a balloon strafe at

A Flight AFCdr CT Maclaren FLt BHP De Roeper FLt FP Ree ves

N5860 at 11.1 () - e ng ine test.

FSl OJ Gagn ier FSl A ivlc B Walton FSL P Wood 60

Flight Co mma nde r

1I ~} rk il/ g .r(l rlh l'

B Flight ASCdr C Drape r

NrC - J.I Wil/g. -I Itrigad c

At 06.05. Wood and Gag nier returned to Flez from their unFlight Co mma nder

scheduled lading at Gurny on the 30th April. Walton return ed fro m Mont d idicr at 15.00. Mac l. arcn led A Flight on an offe nsive patrol at 09.40.

FLt GG Macl enn an FSl RF Redpath FSl ST Edwards

Th e Flight atte mpted to engage an enemy mach ine about 3 miles east o f Camb rai but were unable to get within range. Reeves and Walton were forced to abando n the pat rol with a

FSl PE Beasley FSl NM l\lacgregor

C Flight AFCdr EW Norton FSL H Lawson FSL RR Winter FSL RW Berridge

gun stoppage and engine troub le respecti ve ly. At 11. 15. the weake ned patrol enco untered nine enemy aircraft attack ing a ni ght of FEs. The e nemy aircraft broke off and headed eas t

Flight Co mmander

whe n the ieup ort s approac hed. Drape r led B Flight o n an esc ort pat rol at 13.30 to protect FEs of No.n sq uad ron RFC. Th e patrol co mbined with the So pwith Pups of No.54 squadron RFC and ranged as far as

FS L GD Kirkpatric k

Cambrai. Fo ur enemy aircraft were obse rved to the eas t but were too far awa y to be bro ught to actio n. On re-c rossing the lines an ene my machi ne was enco untered. Draper turn ed and

FSL C L Bai ley Spare Pilot

FSL GL E Ste ven s

gave chase but it rapidly pulled away o ut o f range. Four test and pra cti ce ni gh ts were car ried o ut in the evening:

BELO W : N o.6 Squadron was occasionally required to provi de an escort for th e FE2bs o f N o.22 Squadron RFC.An unidenti fied FE2b believed to be from N o.22 Squadro n RFC is shown here. apparently wi th Australian connections. N ot e that the code "B I" is repeated in a red or black circle under each lower wing. Courtesy EF Cheesman

FCdr MacLa ren

6/

3204 at I R.OO target practice on aero dro me

A History of No .6 Sq uadron Royal Nand A ir Se rvi ce ill II'lJrld 11'llr I

N o.6 Squadron ofte n joi ned forces w ith Sopwith Pups belonging to their 14 W ing neighbours, N o.54 Squadron RFC. This photog raph of Sopwith Pup A73 44 shows the S4 Squadron RFC markings of a whi te hor izontal line running below the top longeron between the cockpit and t he fin. Courtesy EFCheesman

Ano ther S4 Squadron RFC Sopwith Pup,A6 48. Courtesy EFCheesman

62

Workin g fo r the NFC - '" Wing, -l Brigade

FSL Wa lton

N3203

at 18 .0 0

SCdr Breese ca rried o ut a g un test a t 13 .40 prior to lead ing an o ffe ns ive patro l at 16 .00. Th e pat ro l was a co m p lete

targe t pr acti ce o n ae rod rom e FLT Ree ve s

32 07

sham b les with FC dr Mac l. arcn d roppin g o ut wit h a badl y v i-

at 18 .0 0

tar get pr acti ce o n aerodro me SCd r Bree se

I

32 04

bratin g e ng ine and the other pil ot s loo sin g form ati on . Breese pa troll ed at 15000 fee t and re port ed anti-a irc ra ft ba tteries ac -

at 18 .35

ti ve ncar Ha vincou rt Wood . Ga g nie r ca rr ied o ut a lin e pa tro l

test. satis facto ry

at 150 00 fee t. he c rossed the Lin e s at St. Qu entin a nd jo ine d 2nd Ma y

up w ith a form ati on of Pups fro m

B Fli ght carried o ut a n offc ns ive patrol at 06 . 10 int ending to

Walt on patroll ed at 16000 fee t. no e ne my ai rc ra ft we re o b-

lin k up wit h th e Sop with Pups o f NO.54 Sq uad ron R Fe. Vis-

se rve d. Wood patroll ed alon e and was attacked fro m behind

ibi lit y w as described as " very thi ck a nd ha zy" and th e patro l

w h ilst he w as o bse rving three o the r e ne my m achine s . Ree ve s

0 .54 Squ adron R Fe.

fai led to find the Pu ps . A fli gh t o f e ig ht Fr e nch Pa ul Schmi tt

patro lled at 16000 feet witho ut e nco u nte ring an y e ne my ma -

bom bers an d a so litary S PA)) we re observed . A hostile ma-

c hines .

c h ine was e nco un te red ncar S I. Q ue nti n but co u ld not be

S ix pra ctice a nd test fli gh ts we re ca rried o ut:

brou ght to act io n. Ma cgr egor su ffe red a g un sto ppag e at 06.50 a nd was forced to land in o rde r to ge t it c lear ed . A t 0 7 .00 he

FSL Be rridge

N3 197

at 0 9 .35 - pra ctice

atte m pted to rej oin th e pa tro l but m ist oo k a n igh t of ene m y

FS L Be rridge

13 19 7

at 10 .45 - pra cti ce

a irc ra ft for the N ic upo rts , he was att acked by tw o o f the e n-

SCd r Bre ese

N3 195

at 13.40 - gun test.

satis fac to ry

e my aircraft . suffe red an other g un sto ppage and was for ced to de scend and land . BELOW: Nie uport 17Bis N3204 displaying the single red stripe 0 the A Flight Commander's aeroplane. FCdr Maclaren flew this machine from the 14th March to the 25th May 1917,it was then taken over by Flt FPReeves from the 5th May to the 6th June 1917. Reeves was killed on the 6th June w hen N3204 broke up in the air during a general engagement to the northwest of Cambr ai. Courtesy JMBIGSL Conecuon

63

FSL Beas le y

13 186

at 16. 35 - pr act ice

FSL Beasle y

13 186

at I7.45 - prac tice

SCdr Bree se

13 195

at 18 .35 - gun satis fac tor y

3rd Ma y Ree ves fle w N3207 to A lbert at 08 .45 .

A llistorv oj No .t: Squa dro n Rova ! Nava l A ir Se rvice ill 1\(" 'ld 1I'0r I

Ba ile y co llec ted N5862 from the Dep ot at 0 9 .30 but suf-

ABOVE: A fron t view of N 3204. A Flight aircraft had blue painted cowls and wheel covers. Courtesy jMB/GSL Collection

fe red a broke n p ush rod a nd wa s fo rced to land at VilIers Bc rto nnc ux. A fte r rep airs he returned to Flez at 20 .25 . Sev e n test a nd prac tice flight s we re ca rried o ut duri ng the co urse of the day :

Breese led Kir kp atri c k. Lawso n a nd Be rr idge on an offe ns ive pa tro l at 18 .00 . Be rrid ge lan ded at C itade l Aerod ro me . M uric ux. He was k ille d at 19 .1 5 w he n he sta lled N3 195 im -

FS L Macg regor FS L Be rr idge

N3 100 I

3 195

at 09 .3 5 - local pract ice at 10. 10

d iving and g un pr actice FSL Mac g rego r

3 100

medi atel y after ta k ing o ff to re turn to Flez

at 10 040 - g un test.

4th Ma y Draper led Red path and Ed wa rd s o n a host ile a ircr aft pa tro l at

ten sion o n recoi l too g rca t

09 040 to sea rc h for a n e ne m y mach ine re po rted from Peronn e.

FSL Be rridge

N3 197

at 14 .10 - pra cti ce

Th e int rudcr wa s o bse rved at 10000 fee t he adin g so uthea st

FSL Macgr egor

N3 100

a t 14 .1 5

to ward s S I. Q ue ntin b ut the Nie upo rts wer e una ble to ge t c lose

FS L Be rrid ge FSL Wood

ma c hin e sa tis fac to ry

e no ug h to attack . Red path no ted in his log boo k th at his rna-

N3 195

at 15 .15

c h ine , N586 I. cli m bed to 10000 fee t in 14 min ute s a nd that

g un test. g un sa tisfactory

the a ircra ft was a rme d with bo th g u ns. Wh ilst d iving . the

N3 193

N ie uports sta rboard bo tto m pla ne tw is ted but Redpa th was

at 18 .10

e ng ine e xce ptio na lly good

a ble to ge t down safe ly. A Flight ca rried o ut a n offen siv e patro l a t 11.30 . no e n-

B F lig ht ca rried o ut a ho stil e a irc ra ft pa tro l a lo ng the So m me

e my a irc ra ft we re o bse rved. S tev e ns d rop ped o ut of the patro l

at 16.00 in se arc h o f an e ne my a irc ra ft re po rted to be ov e r

w ith a g un s to ppage .

Ab crv illc , Beasley in N3 186 suffe red e ng ine troubl e and made

Breese co llec ted N3207 from A lbe rt at l i AS.

a for ced lan din g at Be lle vue . A fte r fai ling to find the e ne my

Be asl ey co llec ted N3 196 fro m Be lle vue at 13 .25 .

machi ne. Drap er led the flig ht fro m St. Qu enti n to C a mb ra i o n an une ve ntful offen si ve pat rol.

SCdr Bree se led Kirkpa tric k. La wson a nd Bailey o n a n o ffe ns ive patro l at 15.20 . Breese was force d to dro p o ut wh e n

lI'orking f or the Nr C - / 4 lI'ing. 4 Brigade

N3 196's pressure system failed . No e nemy aircraft we re observed. B Flig ht ca rried out an uneven tful o ffensive patro l at 19.05. A number of test and practice Iligh ts were carried out: FCd r

orto n

FSL Lawso n FSL Lawso n FSL Lawso n FSL Lawson

N320 1 at 09.30 - machine unsatisfactory 5862 at 10.05 - satisfactory 15862 at 11.25 - satisfacto ry

The remains of an unidentified Museum

ieuport 17B,s crash. Courresy Fleer Air Arm

5862 at II AS - gun test. unsatisfactory

FSL Ste vens

N528 6 at 13A5 - gun test. sa tisfactory N3 196 at 14.10 - gun test.

FS L Steve ns

sa tisfac tor y N3 196 at 18. 15 - unsatisfactor y

5th May

C Flight carried o ut an offensive patrol at 08.30. no ene my ai rcraft were obse rved. Lawson atte mpted to attack an enemy kite ba lloon to the north of Ho mbiliercs but was drive n off by heavy anti-a ircraft fire. Reeves collected N5S(15 from the depot at 12.00.

An oth er view of the unidentified crash.The unusual double telegraph poles may eventually lead to the crash site being identified. Courresy Fleer Air Arm M useum

MacLennan led B Flight o n an esco rt patrol for the FEs of 0.22 Squadro n RFC at 15.00. MacLe nnan was forced to return with a broken va lve spring a nd de fec tive magneto .

A Flig ht carried out an o ffe nsive patrol ove r SI. Qu ent in at

18.00 . th ic k c lo uds wer e e nco unte red up to 15000 fee t. Mac Laren took the patrol dow n to 7000 feet where the visibility was foun d to be wo rse .

Redpath. Macgregor and Edwa rds co ntinued the mission which pro ved uneventfu l ,

Sev eral test and pract ice Ilights were ca rried out: FLt Dc Roeper

N3 196 at 09.00

6th May Th ree test flight s were ca rried out:

mach ine. eng ine and gun satis factory FSL Lawson N5862 at 17.55

FS L Walto n

practice. satisfacto ry SCd r Breese N3202 at 17. 15 mach ine. engine and g un satisfactory ASC dr Drap er ASCdr Draper

1 3 101 at 16 A 5 testing engine a nd gun N3 10 I at 18A5

weather test. thick cloud from 8000 fee t ASC dr Draper N3 186 at 15.05 - satisfac tory B Flig ht carried out an offen sive pat rol at IS.OO. Macgregor repo rted obse rving o ne enemy aero plane.

five minutes into the fligh t the throttle fe ll off and the engine sto pped, resu lting in a forced landing. 1

at 08.00

weather test. cloud from SOOO fee t FS L Macgregor '3 100 at 10.00

tcstin g engine and gun. sat isfactory FSL Edwards N3 102 at IS.50

FSL Edwa rds

N3203

7th May

3 102 at 19. 10 - satisfactory

SCd r Breese led De Roeper. Bailey. Kirkpatrick and Lawson on an offensive patrol at 05.55. De Roeper and Lawson dropped

65

A History ofNo.t) Squadron Royal Nava l Air Se rvice in Wo rld Wa r I

Believed to be N 3189 of A Flight and flown by FS L OJ Gagnier.number "6 " has not had it s cow l or w heel covers painted whe n this photograph was taken. Gagnier claimed an Alb atros scout crashed northwest of Fresnoy Ie Grand on the 10t h May 19 17. ut was seriously wo unded whe n he was shot down at Villers Ou treax on t he following day. Courtesy EF Cheesman

A line-up of A Flight aircraft. number "6" (third machine from right) now sports a painted cowl and w heel covers. Courtesy JustinYoung

o ut wi th a g un sto ppage a nd e ng ine trou ble re spec tive ly. A n

A Flig ht ca rr ied o ut a line patrol at 18 .00. be tw ee n St.

e ne my k itc ball oo n was o bserved nea r Fra mo nt a nd o the r

Q ue ntin a nd Ha vrincourt Wood. T he visibil ity was ve ry poo r

g ro und based o bservatio ns were rep ort ed .

a nd no e ne my a irc ra ft we re obse rve d .

G ag nie r a nd Wood to o k o ff at 09 .35 in pursui t o f a n e n-

Sth Ma y

c my mac hi ne re po rte d to bc ove r St.Q uc ntin. Ne ithe r pil ot e nco unte red thc hostile a ircr a ft.

o flyin g d ue to bad weathe r.

B FIig ht c arried o ut a n o lfc ns ivc pat rol a t 10. 00 . Red pat h e ngaged a n e ne my mac h ine two mi les so uth o f C a m brai b ut

9th May

su ffe red a g un sto ppage . Drap e r re po rte d an e ne my kite ba l-

A num ber o f test flight s we re carried o ut durin g the day :

loo n at C rc vccocur.

66

\l'o rking f or the RFC - /4 \l'ing. 4 Brigade

FSL Edwards SCdr Drapcr

3 102 at 09.25

FSL Redpat h: N5S6 1 - Crossed the lines at 1000 feet towards Fresnoy, however. his alloca ted balloon was not

e ngine satisfactory 3 10 1 at 10.00 gun and mach ine satisfactory 13204 at 10.00

alo ft. After firing 100 rounds into the tre nches Redpath turned west and observed two kite balloons to the south of Frcsnoy, he re-crossed the lines at 250 feet but was

F dr Mac l. arcn engine satisfactory. machin e flying left wing heavy. N3209 at 13.45 - gun satisfactory Cdr Breese 13203 at 14.35 FSL Walton FLt Reeves

unable to locate the balloons belie ving that they had been winched down during Macgregor 's attack. FSL Lawson: N5862 - Lawson crosse d the lines at 2000

engine slightly harsh 13207 at 14.35 - satisfactory

feet near Horn bi li crcs and attacke d his balloon from the so uth but his gun jammed after j ust 20 rounds. Lawson re-crossed the lines and cleared the stoppage then attacked the balloon from the north west. His gun suffere d another

Macl. arcn led A Flight on an offe ns ive patrol to Cambrai. St. Q uentin and eastwards for 10 miles at IS.OO. The visibility was poor and the patro l carne down from 15000 feet to 10000

stoppage after firing 100 rounds.

fee t and follow ed the lines. 0 e ne my aircraft were c ncountercel. SCdr Breese led Bailey and Lawson on a 25 minute for-

Breese led Kirkpatrick and Bailey on an offensive pat rol at 18.00 but was forced to return to the aerodrom e a fter 15 min-

mation practice at IS.30.

utes due to rain and an approa c hing storm. Three test and practice ni ghts were ca rried out:

Illth 1\ lay SCdr Breese carried out a solo offensive patrol at 04.50. Breese fl ew at 12000 feet and reported that the visibility was bad. Macl. aren led A Fligh t on an offe nsive patrol from north o f Lc Catelct. cast of Bohain to the river Oisc at 13.55. T he patrol dived on three enemy aircraft which ned away tow ards Lc Catelet before they co uld be engaged. At 15.15. an Albatros scout was observ ed head ing for St. Que ntin. Mac l.are n and De Roeper dived on the Albatros which dived and pulled away from them. Gagnier. howe ver. di ved at an anglc and caught the Albatros at 7000 feet. he fired two burs ts and saw tracers e nter thc wings and fuselage aro und the pilot. He got to within 100 feet and fired another burst into the fuselage. the co mbat was at 5000 feet by this time and the ene my machine was last see n go ing down in a spinning nose dive north west of Fresnoy lc Grand. Draper. Macgregor, Redpath and Lawson ca rried out a balloon offensi ve at 14.45 :

FSL Kirkpatrick

I

FSL Bailey

3 199 at 09.55 gun worki ng well N3 199 at 15.00 - satisfactory

FSL Bailey

5865 at 09.55

I

11th 1\ lay Breese led Bailey. Kirkpatrick and Lawson on an o ffensive patro l at 05 .00. Thick cloud was encountered at 600 0 feet and no enemy aircraft were see n. the pat rol was aborted and returned to the ae rodrome at 05.4 5. Breese was intent upon completing the o ffe nsive patro l as he had the same pilots up aga in at 06.40. Lawson flying N5862 was forced to return at 07.00 with engine and propeller trouble. The patrol failed to encounter any ene my aircraft but returned with a detai led list of train movement s on the Cambrai - St. Q uentin line. B Flig ht c a rrie d o ut a n offe ns ive patro l a t 09 . 10. Macgregor obse rved an e nemy machin e at 12000 feet and di ved upon it from 14000 feet. the hostile machine was faster and Macgregor was unable to get within firing range. No other hosti le mac hines were enco unte red. At 12.50 a hostile mach ine was reported to be in the vicinity o f Me rville. Breese. Macl. arc n. De Roepe r. Gagnier. Ree ves. Wood and Walton all took off in an attempt to interce pt the intrude r. Dc Roepe r patrolled between Pcronnc and St. Quentin in a large circle. At 13.20 he observed aircraft to

ASCdr Draper : N3 10 I - Crossed the lines at 800 feet but failed to find the balloon in his sec tor. he returned towards St. Quentin but no balloons were enco untered. FSL Macgregor: N3100 - C rossed the lines at 800 feet and attacked the balloon in his sector. firing at it until wit hin 150 ya rds at which point his gun ja mmed.

67

II History ofNo.o Squadro n Ro val Nava l Air Se rvice ill World lIi lr I

losing co nsc iousness on the way down. He saw the ground

the south of St. Quentin. these turned out to be a formation of fourteen Albatros scouts. Dc Roeper manoeuvred and go t be-

approaching and knocked the stick back. Nieuport N3 189 hit the ground and turned ove r. Gagnier scrambled throu gh intense mach inegun fire and took refu ge in a shell hole. he later

hind thc formation with thc intenti on of overtak ing one of the scouts. Th is proved impossible and after following thc form a-

made his way to the British lines where he again lost co n-

tion as far as Cambrai. De Roeper gave up and patro lled between St. Quentin and Havrincourt at 18000 feet. At 13.55 he obse rved an ene my aircraft cross the Iincs at 16000 feet between Vendhuick and Epehy. The intruder turned on a wide

sc iousness.

12th 1\ lay SCdr Breese ca rried out a solo patrol at 05.45 . No e nemy airc raft were seen and Breese ret urned with detailed observations of railway and road traffic. B Flight ca rried out an une ventful of fe nsive pat rol at 07.00 . Breese made a local nigh t to Hargicourt and back at 09.00. A Flight carried out an o lfc nsive patrol at 11 .00. After 45 minut es Macl.a rcns e ngine started to misfire and thc revs dropped to 1020. he perse vered for another IS minut es the n returned to the aerodrome. Reeves also suffered with mechanical prob lem s and was unable to keep up with the formation. De Roeper led the rem ain ing pilots to St. Quentin. Cambra: and Bohain at 17000 feet. No enemy aircraft we re encoun-

rad ius towards Poiscl but then spotted the ieup ort and immedi ately dived for his ow n lines. De Roeper dived after the e nemy mach ine and fired 2 bursts of 70 rounds from a range of about 300 yards. Tracers from the second burst were seen to enter the planes and fuselage. T he enemy mach ine we nt down in a very steep dive but ap peared to be under control. Dc Roepe r gave up the chase due to heavy anti-airc raft fire and his gogg les mist ing up. None of the other pat rolling pilots observed any hostile mach ines. Ree ves suffered engine troub le in N3207 and was forced to return for adjustments before resuming his patrol. Five test ni ghts were ca rried out duri ng the day: FSl Wood FSl Walton FSl Ste vens FSl Ste ve ns FSl Steve ns

N3 193 at 10.00 N3203 at 10.05 N3 186 at 10.30 N3 186 at 10.50 -

satisfactory satisfactory valve sticking valve sticking

terc el.

B Flight prov ided an esco rt for the FEs of No.n Squadron RFC at 14.00. Redpath reported that enemy aircr aft were active but the patrol was not attacked . Four practice and test ni gh ts were carried out:

N3 186 at 15.40 - satisfactory

FSL Beas ley N3 186 at 09.25 aban doned practice afte r 20 min utes whe n a high tension wire

A Flight carried out an offensive pat rol 17.55. Macl aren was forced to return to the aerodrome with engine troub le and excess ive vibration leaving Dc Roeper to take over as pat rol

broke. FLt Ree ves FSL Walton

N3207 at 17.00 - satisfactory N3203 at 17.40 - satisfactory N3 10 1 at 19.45 - satisfactory

leader. When at 17000 feet. De Roeper obse rved an enemy machi ne at 10000 feet. he dived to attack but lost the hosti le machin e in the haze. Ree ves attacked an enemy machin e. fir-

ASCdr Draper

ing 100 rounds before he lost it in the haze. At 19.30. Gagnier observed 4 enemy machines 4000 feet ove r Villers Outrcaux. He climbed above them and tried to attract the attention of his

13th May Two test Ilights were carried out:

Flight. Unable to attract his colleagues' attention, he followed the enemy mach ines. Two aircraft detached the mselves from

N3204 at 05.20 . - weath er test. FCdr Mac l. arcn unsuitabl e for either o ffe nsi ve or line patro l. ASCdr Draper 3 10 1 at 11.20 - test.

the formation and moved north wards. Gagnier circled twice and then dived on to one of the hostile aircraft when it came ve ry close to him . I-Ie pulled the trigger control le ver but the

gun satisfactory

gun failed to fire. a collision was narrowly avoided and Gagnier was able to later relate that the pilot was weari ng a sweater

Despite Macla ren's find ings at 05 .20. he led A Flight on a

and black fl yin g helmet. T he other enemy mach ines immediately attacked Gagnier's licuport and a machin e gun roun d

line patro l at 05 .55. Visibility was poor at the start o f the patro l but improved later. No e nemy airc raft we re e nco untered.

shattered his left arm. Gagnier atte mpted to get down and away.

the patrol rep orted three fires burn ing at St. Quentin.

08

\\'o rk illg ./fir ' he NrC - / 4 Willg , 4 Brigade

FCdr EW No rton and FSl RRW inte r pose for t he camera in front of Nor t on's N ieu po rt N 3208. Courtesy justinYoung

FSl RR W inte r and the A Flight Commander, CT Macl are n, pose in front of Norton's Nie uport. Courtesy justin Young

B Fl ight ca rried o u t an offensive patro l at 18.00. The patrol was abando ned after 90 minutes due to low cloud and hazy conditions.

conditions. De Roeper in N3209 had to retu rn afte r j ust 20 minutes with c ngine trouble.

14th May SCdr Breese led Wood. Kirkpatrick. Reeves and Lawson on

FSL Walton

an offensive patro l at 07.00. Lawson 's Nieuport. N5862 suffe red engine trouble and he briefly retu rned to the aero dro me

FSL Walton

for adjustments 10 be made. The patrol d id not encounter any enemy aircraft but returned with detailed railway observations. B Flight ca rried out an offensive patrol at 11 .00. Edwa rds

FLl Reeves

N3 199 al I 1.55 suffered gun stoppage

FSL Walton FS L Edwa rds

N3203 at 12.15 - gun satisfactory N3 102 at 18.00

FSL Walton

pressure syste m satisfactory N3203 at 18.30 suffered gun stoppage

Seve n tcst n ights were car ried out during the day: N3203 at I 1.15 suffered gun stoppage N3203 at 11 ,45 su ffe red gun stoppage

in N3 102 suffered proble ms with the aircraft's pressure syste m and the fronl lank' readin g empty. Th e wind was rep orted to be very strong at I,WOO feet. No e nemy machines were enco untered. A Flight attempted 10 carry out an offe nsive patrol at 14.00

SCdr Breese

N3203 at 18.35 machi ne out of true. engine vibrating.

but was forced to return aft er 50 minutes due to the wea ther 69

A Hist o rv I!I'No.6 Sq ua dro n Royu l Na \'(/I A ir Service ill \l'o rld \l'lIr /

15th May B Flight attempted to carry out an o ffe nsiv e patro l at 05 .00 but bad wea ther caused it to be abando ncd aft er 20 minutes. Three test n ights were carried out: FSL Walton FSL Walton

N3203 at 08 .50 wea ther tcst. clouds at 400 feet. N3203 at 11 .30 su ffe red gun stoppage

FSL Wood

3 193 at 13.30 e ngine unsatisfactory. A group photograph of five of N o.6 Squadron's pilots, back. L to R: FSL N M Macgregor. FSL GD Kirkpatrick, FSL FP Reeves. FSL PWood. In front is FSLST Edwards. Courtesy SK Toylor

16th May o war fl y ing due to unsu itable wea ther, howe ve r, Red path ca rried out a brief tcst ni ght at 14.00.

FSL Walton

N3203 at 10.25 - engine better.

Low cloud and rain prevented all war [l ying.

ASCdr Draper

gun good N3 101 at 14.30 - gun satisfactory

ASCdr Draper carried out a brief tcst n ight in N3 10 I at 16.00.

FS L Macgregor FS L Redp ath

N3 100 at 15.00 - satisfactory N586 1 at 2 1. 10 - satisfactory

18th May Redp ath carried out a 20 minute practice n ight in N586 1 at 06.00. The night was not a success as the starboard lower wing twisted duri ng a dive and the high te nsion leads on 4 cy linders broke. A new wing was fitted to N586 1 and Redpath carried out a brief test ni ght at 2 1.30. FLt De Roeper led C Flight on an o ffe nsiv e patrol at 07.00. T he visibility was reported as fair but no enemy ai rcraft or ground activity was observed. A Flight attempted to carry out an offensive patrol at 11 .00. the wind at 10000 feet held the aircraft stationary and thick c loud was present at 11 000 feet. The wind inc rea sed and Macl.a rcn reported that the machines were only co ntrolled with di fficul ty.

20th May 13 Flight carried out an offensive patrol at 07.00 but abandoned it aft er 75 minutes due to low cloud. 0 ene my aircraft we re encountered, Edwards was forced to abando n thc patrol alter 20 minutes with engine trouble. FLt De Roeper led Bailey, Winter. Kirkpatrick and Lawson on an offensive patrol at 11 .00. Lawson was forced to abandon the patro l with engine trouble. At 11 040 the patro l encountered an ene my 2-seatcr and a scout heading southwest ove r Elinco urt. De Roeper manoeuvred and got his patrol between the 2-seater and the sun and then attacked the machine. T he 2-scater was 500 feet below the patrol. De Roeper put the icuports nose down and got into a favourabl e position for attack. Whe n about to ope n fire. thc ene my mac hine turned s lo w ly to cas t. a ppa re ntly no t see ing the for mation o f Nieuports. De Roeper manoeuvred aga in and got on the inside of the curve and opened fire at 30 yards. traccrs were obse rved to enter the f usel age and the enemy mach ine went down in a steep nose-d ive. After a few seconds a thick trail of black smo kc was observ ed to be co ming from the 2-scater which had turned partly over on to its back and continued in an inverted dive. Winte r also attacked the e nemy 2-sca ter. De Roeper noted that the esco rting Albatros scout had divcd away as soon as the combat comme nced. The patrol then encountered a formation olA lbatros scouts to the northeast ofS t. Quentin at 11 .50. Bailey attackcd a scout

17th May

19th 1\ lay A number of test n ights we re carried out throughout the day: FLt Reeves

N3297 at 04.50 weather test. unsuitable for offensive patrol FSL Walton N3203 at 06.00 FCdr Ma cl.arc n

weathe r test. cloud at 3000 feet N3204 at 06 .05

FLt Reeves

weathe r tcst. cloud at 3000 feet N3207 at 10.20 engine and gun satisfactory 70

\Vorking [o r the RFC - / 4 Wing. 4 Brigade

w hic h was 500 fee t bel ow him . foll o win g it down for 2000 fee t until it flatt en ed o ut. Bail ey fir ed 60 round s and be lie ved tha t he ob se rve d tracer s e ntered the sco ut's fu sel age be fore he los t s ig ht o f the machine w h ic h was go ing dow n in a no se dive . Bail ey was then in turn attacked by tw o more sco uts , his g un j a m me d but he had e no ug h speed to cl im b ab o ve his atta ck er s . The two e ne my sco uts c hased Ba iley bac k to SI. Q ue ntin but d id not fire aga in. A t 14 .30. M aclaren led Walt on , Ree ves. Beasley, Wood FSL AMcS Walton from To ro nto crashed N 3203 just after taking off on a 14.30 escort mission on the 20t h May 19 17.Altho ugh the dam age to N 320 3 looks to be supe rfici al,th e machine was written off and de lete d. Courtesy Justin Young

a nd Edwards o n an esc or t patrol for th ree FE2 s o f No .22 Sq uadro n RF C. Walt on c ras he d N32 0 3 ju st a fter ta ke -off a nd Mac l are n wa s for ced to re turn afte r 20 minute s du e to excess ive vibra tio n o f h is mach ine. Fo ur te st fl ight s we re ca rried o ut durin g the co urse o f the

Brd May De Roep er led Kirkp atri ck a nd Stevens o n an o ffen s ive pat rol

da y:

at 11 .00. T he pat rol was qui ckl y a ba ndo ne d du e to bad visFLt ST Ed ward s

N3 102

a t 08 .30

ibility but not before De Roep er 's e ng ine ga ve trou ble a nd

test. un sati sfactory FLt ST Edw ar ds

N3 102

Kirkpatri ck 's sy nc hro n isatio n gea r fa iled and he s ho t th rou gh

a t 09.00

his N ie upo rt's propell er.

test. un sati sfactory FLt ST Ed wa rds ASCd r C Dr ap e r

N3 102

Maclaren led Beasl e y. Ree ves . Edwa rd s. Ma cgr e gor and Walt on o n a co mb ined o ffensive patrol a nd es cor t for the FE 2s

a t 12 .00

te st. sa tis fac to ry

o r No .22 Sq uadro n R FC. Th e FE s a ba ndo ned thei r ph ot o -

N3204

gra phic shoo t du e to poor visib ility ove r the lines and the pa-

a t 15.35

test, un sati sfactory

trol return ed a fte r j ust 30 minute s . S ix test and practi c e fli ght s we re c arried o ut:

21 st May l ow c lo ud and bad vis ib ility resulted in g rea tly reduced e n-

FLt F P Ree ves

emy aeri al acti vity. No co mba ts wer e rep ort ed by a ny o f the

sq ua dro ns attac hed to the 4 th Bri gade.

ASCd r C Dr ap er

S teve ns del i vercd de sp at ch e s to Bo rn ou iI C ha tea u a t FS l RF Redpath

Fo ur te st fli ght s we re c arried o ut in the e ve ning : at 18 .00

N3204

N586 1 a t l lAO N3 100

a t I I.00

practi se. sa tis fac tory

wea the r test, un su itabl e for patrol FC d r CT Macl. arcn

N3 10 1 a t II AO

te st. e ng ine satis facto ry FS l NM Macgr e gor

N3207

at I l AS

te st. e ng ine un sat isfact ory

12.00 . returning at 13.00.

FLt F P Ree ves

N32 0 7

test, satis facto ry. machin e true

FLt GG Macl. cnnan at 18 .20

N5860

a t 17 ,45

g un a nd e ng ine test, sa tis fac to ry

te st . machine and e ng ine sa tis fac to ry

FLt FP Ree ves

FS l P Wood

g un te st, fi red 700 round s. o ne uncl ca rabl c sto ppage in the

N3 193

a t 18 ,4 5

e ng ine te st , un sati sfact ory, re vs poor FS L A Mc B Walt on

N3 196

N32 0 7

a t 17.20

no .3 po siti on

a t 19 .0 5

24th May

test , satis fac to ry

De Roep er and Ed wards c arried o ut a ho stil e aircr aft pat rol a n 22ml May

09 . 10 . Both pil ot s fail ed to locat e the e ne my mach ine.

U nfavo urab le wea the r pre vented a ll wa r flyin g .

B Flig ht ca rried o ut a n un e ventful o ffe ns ive pat rol at 06 .35 . S ix test and practi ce flights wer e ca rried o ut:

7/

A lI is!OI:1' ofNo.t) Sq uadron !
ASCd r C Drap e r

FLt Reev es. led Wood. Bea sl ey and Wa lton o n a n o ffen -

1'1 3 10 1 at 05 .35 weath er te st. ve ry th ick

FSL P Wood

1'1 3 193

sive patro l to thc nort h o f St. Qu ent in at 08 .00. Ree ves and Wo od re po rted an e ne my kite ba lloon obse rve d 3 mil es north-

at 10.30

eas t of S t. Q uen tin. Beasl ey sa w o ne e ne my mac h ine ncar St.

e ng ine te st. satis fac to ry FLT FP Ree ve s

13204

at 17.20 - we a ther test

Qu ent in and Wa lto n o bse rve d an e ne my mac hin e flyin g 2000

FS L 1-1 La wso n

5862

at 18 .00

fee t abo ve the pa trol. 13 Flig ht ca rried o ut a rel at ive ly une ve nt ful o ffe nsiv e pa-

practi ce. satis fac tory FLt ST Edwa rds

13 102

at 18 .00

trol at 10 .00 . Red path re po rted c has ing an e ne m y ma c hine b ut

test. loca l fl ight to 10 .3 Squ ad ron at Mari cu x FSLRF Redpat h

was un ab le to bring it to ac tio n. J ust o ne test flight was ca rrie d o ut:

1'1 586 1 at 19. 10 pract ice. satis fac tor y

FCdr GG Macl. cnnan

25th May

I

5 860

at 17.4 5

e ng ine and g un test. sho t thro ugh pro pe ller fou r ti me s .

FCd r Mac l. arcn led an e ig ht machine o ffe ns ive pa tro l a lo ng the line s betwe e n Ha vrin co urt Wood a nd St. Q ue ntin al 0 6.00 ,

26th May

Th e form at ion becam e frag me nted du e to poor v is ibility and

13 Flig ht ca rried out an une ven t ful line patro l at 0 8.00. vis ibil-

o nly two mac h ines rema ined wi th Mncl. arcn. T he patrol was

ity was rep ort ed as very bad wi th thick mi st up to 1100 0 feet.

ce rta in ly eventf ul and con sid er abl e ene my ac tivity was e n-

FLt Ma c l. e nnan led Stev en s. Kirkpat rick . La wso n a nd

co unte red by so me pilo ts. FCdr Macl.arcns eng ine was u n-

Winte r o n an o ffe ns ive pat ro l at 10.00 . St e ven 's

sa tisfac to ry ove r 13000 fee t. Beasley was forced to ret urn d ue

fe red e ng ine trouble a nd he was fo rced to retu rn a fte r a n ho ur.

to a fau lty e ng ine . Wal to n made no repo rt . Ree ve s lo st for ma -

Visibil ity wa s bad and no ho sti le machines we re e nco unte red .

tio n at the sta rt o f pat rol a nd co ntinued a lo ne. Wood c ras hed

At 13.4 5. F Lt Ree ve s led Wa lto n a nd Wood o n a n esco rt

1

mi ssio n in co nj u nc tio n w ith the FEs of

3 193 w he n la ndi ng at the e nd o f the patrol. Kirk patri ck in

j

ie up ort suf-

0 .22 Sq ua d ro n RFC

N5865 e nco unte red a n A lba tros scout ov e r Frc s no y at 06 ,45 .

a nd Pup s o f No .54 sq uad ro n R FC. Wood was un able to kee p

T he e ne my mach ine was head ing so uth a nd 500 fee t bel o w

fo rm ati on but the pat ro l was othe rwise u ne ve nt ful.

Ki rkpatric k. Wh e n a bo ve a nd be h ind the e ne my ma chi ne.

On e te st !lig ht wa s carri ed o ut in the morn ing :

Kirkpatric k d ived and fired 200 ro unds from a ra nge o f 100 yards o bserv ing trace rs passin g bet ween the e ne my ma c hin e 's

FSL P Wo od

3207

at 0 9.20 - te st.

e ng ine sa tisfac to ry

wings and in fron t of its e ng ine . The A lba tros was appa re ntly un dam aged a nd Kirkpatric k was fo rced to break o ff the att ack w he n he suffe red a g un sto ppag e in the No.3 po sition. Law so n

27th j\lay

e nco unte red an e ne my mac hin e at 17000 fee t o ver St. Q ue ntin.

FC d r Mac l. cn na n led Kirkpatri ck . Ma cg re go r. Win te r a nd

thc e ne my ma c hine used d ive a nd zoo m tac tics to attac k h im

S tev e ns o n an o ffe ns ive pat rol a t 0 7.30 . the patro l e nc o un-

tw ice be fore brea ki ng o ff the e ng ag e me nt. La wso n suffe re d

te red co ns ide ra ble e ne my acti vi ty. S tev e ns suffe red fro m e n-

two g un sto ppages duri ng the e nco unte r. Steve ns suffe red g un

g ine trouble a nd returned aft er 20 minu tes . Mac l.c nnan mad e

pro blem s a nd re turne d to c ha nge his ma chine. the rest o f his

an in effecti ve att ack o n a pair o f 2-seate rs over Ca m bra i at

pat rol was une ventful. Dc Roepe r attacked a sing le seater a t

08 .50 and d ived o n a no the r 2-sea te r to the cast o f St. Q ue nt in

0 7.00. he d ived and fired 30 ro unds w hereu po n his gun jam med

at 0 9 . 15. aga in witho ut re sult. He repo rte d that man y e ne m y

a nd he wa s for ced to di se ng age to c lea r the sto ppag e . He the n

a ircraft wer e ac tive o n thei r ow n side of the lin es . Kirkpat ric k

e nco unte red a 2-s ea te r reco nna issan ce mac hine to the so uth

report e d the two 2-sea te rs ov e r C a m b ra i. plus two ho sti le

o f St. Q ue ntin at 0 7,45 . De Roe per d ived ami o pe ned fire a t

machin es to the so uth o f St. Q ue ntin. o ne o f w h ic h a pp ea red

60 yards range o bse rv ing trace rs e nte ring the e ne my mach ine 's

to fa ll o ut o f co ntro l. Macgr egor d ivcd o n a hosti Ie ma ch ine to

fuse lage . T he o bse rve r ret urn ed the fire . De Roe per wa s h it in

the cas t of S t. Qu ent in at 09 . 15 but suffe red a g u n sto ppage .

the lo we r j a w and a lso had h is g un's Bo wden ca ble seve red .

he left the !li ght above him and thcn e nco unte red a patro l o f

With no g un an d blood ov e r his gogg les Dc Roe per brok e o ff

s ix to e ig ht e ne my ai rcra ft ove r St. Qu en tin. T he se e ne my

the e nga ge me nt and re turne d to thc ae rodrome . Wint er had

mac h ine s d ived away. Winter di ved on a 2-se ate r to the so uth-

noth ing to re po rt.

east o f S t. Que ntin bu t his attac k wa s ine ffect ive . He late r at72

II'1 Jrking / or the Nr C - / 4 Wing. -l Brigade

tacked another 2-seater ove r St. Q ue ntin. again without result. ASCdr Draper led a nine machin e esco rt 1'01' a ni ght o r D,HAs at 11.20 . Draper. Macgregor and Redp at h c irc led aro und 13ellenglise from 12.00 to 12045 at 15000 feet. T hey Iai led to make contact with the 2-seaters and return ed. Ree ves. Beasley. Edwards. Walton. Stevens and Wood also railed to rind the D.HAs ove r Bcl lenglisc, they headed 1'01' Boha in without locatin g the 2-seaters. Upon returning to the Grand Prix Road at 12.50 they obse rved six machin es flying tow ards Bellenglise. the Nicuports followed in the direction or Bohai n but co uld not distinguish the type o r machin e they were 1'0 1lowing, Another rive aircraft joined the original six ove r Bohain but were then lost to sight in the mist. ASCdr Draper led B Flight on an offensive patrol and esco rt 1'01' the FEs or No.n Squadron RFC at 16.30. The miss ion was reported as bein g uneventfu l. Two test flight s were carried out dur ing the day: FLt Gl E Steve ns

N3 186 at OS.30

rst, Winter

engi ne test. unsatisfactory N3208 at 12.10 test. sutisfuctory

FLt BH P De Roeper. one of N o.6 Squadron's three aces,and a man t hat several of th e squadro n's Canadian pilot s we re convinced was a German spy! De Roeper was wo unded in th e lowe r jaw duri ng combat on t he 25th May 1917 and was discharged fro m t he squadro n for hospital t reatment. H e retu rned to N o.6 in July to lead C Flight. he rapidly adjusted to the Sopwi th Camel, scoring fou r of his five victories on the type. De Roeper remained in the RAF after t he w ar. eventually rising to the rank of Gro up Captain.

zsu. May FLt Reeves led A Flight on an o ffe nsive patro l at m .30, Wood ex perienced engine troub le and was unab le to maintain 1'01'marion . No e nemy aircraft were observed. B Flight ca rried out an offe nsive patro l at 14.00. Edwards suffered a burst oil pipe in N3 102 and was forced to return to the aerodrome, No enemy aircraft were observed but hostile a nt i-a ircra ft fi re wa s e nco unte red ove r Bateau x a nd SI.

No.

r.-:>

,6. ( T HI S IS T O CER T IF Y tho' ) I r,_ _-,,~,,--.JZ"'--"'c....< .... IUL pn~

Q ue ntin. Macl.cnn an led C Flight on an escort mission at 16.30. hea vy cloud was encountered up to 15000 feet and it proved

tl6

..,

u ,4U M/'o1'

,,/00 boerd 11.\f. Y.J 9/ S;oa~

imp ossible to locate the bombi ng airc raft . Two test n igh ts were carried out in the afternoo n: FLt Maclennan N3209 at 14.20 e ngine and machine test. engine ok but left wing low. FLt Ree ves N3 197 at 17 A S test. engine and machin e satisfactory, gun jammed

111

-

If '·r. I I . (' I L" D

10 Hl n

In

hI' ow n hand""n LUl' t

oou.lllCIo of til. lilli, r

When an RNAS pilot left a squadron , he was issued with a"flim sy" (part o f his discharge paperwork) w hich w as effective ly a repo r t th at recorded his Command ing Officer's impressions. It can be seen from D e Roeper's flimsy that SCdr CD Breese tho ugh very highly of him, Courtesy FleetAir Arm Museum

No.3

position

73

A llis/or.\' ofNo.t) Squadron Roya l Na\'(/I A ir Se rvi ce in World 1I'llrl

29 th Ma y

Macl. cnnan led C Flight on an offe nsive patrol at 14 .20. Vis-

A lo w cloud basc throu ghou t the day prevented all war flying until 18.20 when Beasley. Reeves, Wood and Walton attempted

ibility was still poor due to heavy cloud and no hosti le ai rcraft were enco untered. Ree ves led Beasley, Walton . Wood and Redpath o n an offe nsive patrol at 18.00 . The patrol was abando ned after 75 minutes due to bad weather which was deteriora ting as the

to carry ou t an offensive patro l. Beasley was forced to return with a badly vib rating eng ine and Walto n also experienced engine troubl e and was unable to keep formation. Reeves and Wood co ntinued the patro l but no hostile machi nes or kite balloons were observed. A number of tcst flights were carried out in the eve ning: N3 196 at 18.00 engine and gun satisfactory FSL Winter N3208 at 18.10 - satisfactory N5865 at 18. 15 FS L Kirkpat ric k engine and mach ine satisfactory N3 10 I at 18.50 ASCdr Draper engi ne test aft er ov erh aul, sa tisfac tory FSL Red path N586 1 at 18.50 - satisfacto ry N3 100 at 19.00 FSL Macgregor m ach in e and eng i ne satisfactory FS L Holyman N3 188 at 19.20 engine test aft er ove rha ul, unsati sfactory N3 186 at 19.30 FLt Mac Len nan mach ine and e ngine test. satis facto ry FLt Beasley

patro l progressed. 3 1st May

C Fligh t carried out an o ffe nsive patrol at 07.30. heavy haze affec ted visibility and Macl. cn nan led the patrol back to the aero dro me afte r 80 m inu tes. Fo ur tcst flights w ere carried out: ASCd r Draper SCd r Breese

N3 10 I at 10.30 - satisfacto ry N3209 at 10. 10 - g un test. suffere d stoppage, able to clear

FLt Reeves

N3204 at 13.50 - wea ther test. unsuitab le for o ffe nsi ve patrol ' 3207 at \3.50 - engine

FLt Beasley

satisfac tory Redpath fl ew N586 1 to Bcrt angles at \4 .35 in o rde r to give a demonst ratio n to Arm y o ffice rs. Red path left Bert anglcs at

30th May

16.35 to return to Flez. B Flight ca rried o ut an offensive patrol at 18.00. thick

Eight tcst flights were carried out durin g the co urse of the

cloud resulted in the patro l being abando ned afte r 50 mi nutes.

morn i ng:

N320 I at 07.25 ASCdr Drap er weat her test. unsuitab le for offe nsive pat rol N3 100 at 07.25 FS L Macgregor engine satisfacto ry

June 1917 Hostile machines were ac tive during thc first part of the month decreasi ng co nside rably thereaft er. In the early part of the month determ ined attacks were made against 14 Wing's rc-

FSL Holyman

N586 1 at 07.25 engine satisfac tor y 3 186 at 09.40

FLt Reeves

machine satisfactory N3204 at 10.30

stitucnt parts moved to the coast where the 4t h Ar my wo uld

FSL Wood

eng ine and gun good N3 197 at 10.30

be taking o ver thc northern part of thc lines from early July. German units wer e also mo ving no rth to oppose the

engine and gun goo d N586 0 at 10.50

Flanders Offen siv e.

FLt Macl. cnnan

FSL Redpath

engine missing. ign itio n FLt MacLen nan N5860 at 12.50 engine and mach ine now satisfac tory

co nnaissancc patrols culminating in two large ge neral engage mcnt s

Tow ards thc end o f the month the 4th Brigade and its con-

1st .Iu ne Squadro n structure at the bcgi nn ing of J une was as shown:

lI'!lrkill g fo rthe NrC - J.I Wing, ~ Briga de

ABOVE: N 5860 was one of the squadron's four N ieuport 17Bis machines built by the British N ieuport Company at Cricklewood. Readily identifiable by the brown PC I0 finish, N 5860 unusually carried a cockade on the fuselage. FLt GG MacLennan flew this aircraft from the 24th April to the 5th June 1917 and claimed an Albatros scout shot down to the east ofTempleux Ie Guerard on the I st June.Courtesy SKTaylor

A Flight FS L FP Ree ve s, Ac ting Fli g ht Com ma nde r FLt PE Beasl ey FS L H Lawson FS L Ajvlc B Wal ton

h im w hic h m ad e off to thc so uth. Bree se and Wal ton e nco un-

FS L P Wood

te red a n e ne my 2-seate r at 0 8 .35 fl yin g a t 14 000 fcct ove r St.

B Flight

Q uent in. SCdr Bree se go t be nea th its tail a nd FSL Walt on a t-

AS C d r C Drap e r. Flig ht Co m ma nde r

tack ed from above , Walt on fired 150 rou nd s a nd saw trace rs

FLt ST Ed wa rds

e nte ri ng the fu se lage , the e ne my ma chine fina lly we nt up o n

FLt G LE S te ve ns

o ne wi ng . side -s lippe d a nd nose-di ved a nd Walt o n be lieved it

FS L

to be o ut o f co ntro l. SCd r Breese o pe ned fir e from a ran ge o f

M Ma cgregor

FS L RF Rcdp ath

5 0 y a rd s a nd fircd 100 to 150 round s bu t wa s h it by th c

C Flight

a g ra zc o n hi s c heck and h is

F Lt GG Ma cL cn nan. Fli g ht C o m ma nde r

a bo ut. Th e tail p lan e wa s b uc k led o n the Ic ft side so that th e

F Lt RR Wint cr

mach ine w as j ust sta lling w ith fu ll e le vato r co ntro l an d fu ll

ob server' s fire a nd d ri ve n dow n in a s pin. Breese la nded w ith ic up on .

32 09. very bad ly sho t

FS L 1-1 La w so n

le ft rudd e r. Bree se was not s ure of the fate of the 2-sea te r but

FS L G D Ki rkp atric k

fe lt s ure tha t it wa s da ma ged . T he 4 th Brig ad e War Di ar y cred-

ired Bree ze a nd Walt o n w ith an in deci si ve " appare ntly o ut o f

FSL VC Hol y man

contro l" . FS L Wo od saw on c e ne my mac h ine at St. Q ue ntin a nd ind ec is ive ly a ttac ke d it fro m abov e .

SC d r Breese Icd Beasle y. Ree ves. Walt on a nd Wood o n an o ff en si ve patrol at 07. 30. Bea sley suffered a g un jam wh en

B Flight ca rri ed o ut a n o ffc ns ivc pa tro l a t 14 .0 0 . lo w

te sting a nd turn ed bac k to c lea r it. alt er lea ving th e for m ation

cl o ud s in terfered wi th thc effec tiv eness of the pat rol w hich

he wa s un abl e to find it agai n. Ree ves a lso suffe red a c ross

w as c ut sho rt aft er 90 m inut es .

nabl e to rejoi n the pat rol

FC d r M acL cnnan led C Flig ht o n an o ffe nsi ve pa tro l at

hc e nc o unte re d Beasley a nd th ey pat ro lled thc lin es toge ther.

18 .00 . vis ib ility wa s poor w ith th ic k c lo ud and mi st. A t 18 .55 .

Ree ves enco unte red o ne e ne my machin e fly ing 2000 feet ab o ve

w he n a t 14 000 feet a nd to th e cas t of C atc lo t. M acLcnnan

feed a nd returned to ge t it c lea red ,

75

II l l ist o rv (~rNo.6 Sq uat/mil Royal Nava l Air Service ill \I~JI '1d IVa I' !

the sco ut but from lon ger range. T he Albatros went down in a dive. spinning and twisting but finally stabilised into a stee p

observed a British RE8 crossing the lines under heavy antia ircraft fire, Shortly afte rwards , an Albatros sco ut appeare d trom enemy terr itory, whereupon thc RE8 turn ed about and made bac k for the lines. Mac l. cnnan Icd the patrol into a di ve towards the Albatros , which turned awa y and di ved 1'01' hom e.

nose-d ive a nd ra pid ly pu lled a way from th e pursu in g Nieuports. Winter report ed that tour pieces or fabri c flew off o r the e ne my mach ine whilst Macl. cnn nn was firing at it. T he Albatros was last see n going down o ver the Ge rma n lines,

Macl. cnnun was able to fire 150 rounds at the sco ut from a range of 150 ya rds. The Sco ut turned and then "cart-whee led' to both left and right before be ing lost in the mist. Mac l. cnna n

appare ntly under co ntro l. A Flight carrie d o ut an o ffe nsive patrol at 14 .00. Beasley missed the patrol and e lected to car ry out a so lo line patro l.

was closely followed durin g the co mbat by Winte r. An anti aircraft battery report ed that Macl. cnn ans victim Icll to the

Walton suffe red eng ine trouble and return ed ea rly. Th e depletcd patro l head ed north of St. Quen tin in the di rection of

cast ofTcmp lcux Lc Guerard. Holyman flyin g 13 186. was hit by anti-aircra ft fire when ove r Ca telot. shrapne l dama ged the

Bohain and along the lines. No enemy aircraft were sighted. B FIight ca rried out an o ffc nsi ve patrol at 17,45. no encm y mach ines were enco untered but the patrol c arne under

propel ler whic h resul ted in bad e ngine vibrati on . Holyman left the formation to return to the aerodro me but the engine stopped ove r Athies leaving him no option but to land there . The lower plane was da maged a nd the prop e ller smas hed d urin g the

ami-a ircra ft fire over St. Q uentin at 18.30. Ree ves and Wood carried out a hostile aircra ft patro l at

forced landing. Th ree test ni ght s were ca rried o ut durin g the day:

19.30 in an attem pt to interc ept a report ed intrud er. T he pilots pat rolled the lines at 12000 but failed to rind the enemy rnac hine. Three test ni ght s were carri ed out durin g the day:

N3185 at 14. 15 FSL Holyman very unsa tisfactor y. vibration and low revs N5 186 at 15.35 FLt Beasley engi ne and gun satisfactory N3 10 I at IlJ.25 ASC dr Draper

2nd .J un e B Flight carried o ut an offen si ve patrol at 07.30 . Ste ven s and

FS L Redpath

N586 1 at 10.00

FLt Ree ves

post ove rhaul test. sat is fuc to ry N3204 at 18045 eng ine and gun satisfactory

FSL Walto n

N3 1lJlJ at 18045 eng ine satis fac tory

Macgregor were forced to drop out with pressure trouble and a gun stoppage respect ively, Draper, Edwards and Redpath

4th .J lin e

did not enco unter any e nemy machines. Redp ath report ed in his log book that his e ngine had accumulated 3lJ hour s and 40 minutes runnin g time and that it was put in 1'0 1' ove rhaul."

FLt Ree ves led A FIigh t o n an offc ns ivc patrol at 07.30. Law so n's aircraft . N3208 . suffe red fro m a fault in the pressure system and Lawso n was forced to return to the aero drome. At OlJ. OO Walto n observ ed Allied anti -uircra lt fire over St. Quen tin. he went down to invest igate but was unable to locate

Two test flig hts were carried out:

any airc raft .

FLt Ree ves

Ste ven s. Lawson and Edwards curried out a hos tile air-

N3204 at OlJ. 10 - gun satisfac tory

FLt Macl.cnn an I 5860 at 14 .00 weather test. patrol ca nce lled due to heavy c loud

craft pat rol at OlJ.30 after recei ving a wire less re po rt of a hostile incursio n. Stevens observed ant i-aircraft fire but co uld not

3rd .J un e Kirkpatrick ca rried out a hostile aircraft patro l at 07.05 in pur-

find the enemy machin e. Lawso n round an aircraft in the rcported area and followe d it round to St. Quentin and back to Ham . fina lly ident if yin g it as a Frcnch 2-scatcr. Edwards obse rved a mach ine bei ng she lled and tollowcd it until it went down to land at Muiricu x Aerodrome. Edwa rds tentative ly

suit o r an enemy mach ine sighted fro m the ae rod rome . C Flight carried out an o ffens ive patro l at 07.30. At OlJ. 15 Macl ennan obse rved an Albatros sco ut at 13500 tee t and to thc so uthwcs t o r St.Qu cntin . i\lacLcnn an manocu\Tcd 1'0 1' position in the sun. divcd on thc cncmy mac hinc and rircd 150

idcnliri cd thc machin c as a Sopwi th Pup . Mac Le nnan . Rcdpath and Lawson ca rricd out a hostil c aircraft pat rol at 11040. MacL enn an and Rcdpath rail cd to rind

round s rrom closc range. Wintcr and Kirkpatrick a lso rircd at

the e nemy machinc but Lawson obser vcd Allicd ant i-aircraft 76

\\Iorking ji lr 1111' NrC - 14 \\ling. -l Brigad«

fire ncar St. Q uentin. Lawson investigated but was unab le to

SC dr Drape r: N3 10 I - Sev e ra l H.A. I II obse rved nea r

find any enemy aircraft. Breese. Edwa rds and Macgregor ca rried out a hosti le aircraft patrol at 11 .35 when Allied anti-aircra ft fire was observed from the aerodro me. Breese failed to find any hostile mach ines

Cambrai, dived to attack but could not get a shot in ow ing to too many mac hines.

but when to the north of Morecourt obse rved an untethered ba lloo n at 5000 to 6000 feet. Macgregor observed a n ight of enemy aircra ft headin g cas t away from the lines. Edwar ds saw

Nieuport Flight and Pups escorting two FEs. Enco untered Albatros east of Sohain and di ved on him. H.A. immed i-

FLl Mac l. cnn an : N5 869 - Went ov er with a no the r

an enemy machin e pass over the aerod rome and set off in pursuit. following it north to Arras where it re-crossed the lines.

ately dived out of range. Four Albatros encounte red over Cambrai. Dived on one with a Pup but he dived out of range. I-L A. kept much below us.

On his return. Edwa rds saw another enemy mach ine bei ng shelled ju st north of Havrincourt Wood . Edwa rds go t be neath the 2-seater. 200 feet below it as the icup ort would not climb

FLt Beasley: N3 196 - Obse rved seve ral I-L A. below formation . De veloped a miss-f ire in engine at 07.45 and re-

any higher and attempted to usc the Lewis gun on the top plane. The Lewis gun ja mmed without firing a single shot. Edwa rds then got in a bur st from the Vicke rs gun by sta lling the

turned.

Nieuport. T he e nemy machin e promptl y turned for the lines and climbed out o f range. B Flight ca rried out an o ffensive pat rol at 14.00 . An unescorted Flight of FEs was discovered over Cambrai and

Carn brai. Could not ge t close enough for accurate shoot-

FSL Walton : N3 199 - Saw I-L A. about ten in num ber over ing. FSL Red path : N586 1 - Spec ial escort to FEs at 14000 feet. Saw a numb er o f I-L A. saw the FEs attacked twice. Dived on I-L A. twice with other pilots but co uld obse rve

Dra per ke pt the pat rol in co ntact with them . Four hostil e machines later attacked the FEs but made off to the ca st when they saw the ieup orts. Macl.cnn an led C Flight on an o ffensive patrol at 18.00. No enemy aircraft we re encountered but a blazing fire was

no other result but that I-L A. were driven oil.

observed in St. Q uentin. Two test ni ght s were carried out durin g the day:

Cambrai and engaged . Divcd on four but Aldis sight was oiled and fired blindl y. probably not getting any. Saw H.A. firing into icuport from behind. Dived on it and it turned

FLt Ma cl. c nnan FLt Stevens

FLt Ed wa rds: 13 102 - Sa w eig ht o r ten Hun s o ve r

away.

N3902 at 09.50 - satisfactory N3 188 at 18AO- satisfactory

FLt Stevens: N5865 - No I-L A. observed. Nothing to re-

5th .J une At 06.00. in conj unction with sixteen So pwith Pups of No.54 Squadro n RFC. ASC dr Draper led te n Nieuports on an esco rt patro l for two FE' s o f No.22 Squadron RFC. The patrol co mprised all ten ava ilable pilots from No.6 Squadro n and sixtee n pilots from No.54 squadron RFC. Approx imate ly thirty to forty hostile machin es were encountered and a ge ne ral engage ment took place. No.54 squadron RFC cla imed three e nemy airc raft as out of control with one o f them later seen to be wrecked on the ground. A Pup from No.54 Squadron and an FE2 from No.22 Squad ron were lost durin g the engage ment. Although No.6 Squadron was involved in the dog fight. no claims were made or C ITARs" submitted. T he pilots' indi vidual reports arc rep roduced below:

port. FLt Winter : N3208 - Saw I-L A. cast of Bohain, Was not near enough to attack . Six Albatro s e ncountered ove r Cambrai at about 900 0 feet. Dived and fired on one but he dived awa y out o f range. FSL Wood: N3 197 - Sa w 2 I-L A. south ofCa mbrai, dived on one and fired short bursts with no visible effect. L eft him bein g attac ked by the others from above. FSL Mac grego r: N3 100 - Saw 4 H.A. 200 0 to 5000 feet below over Cambrai, Dived on two of the m but without appare nt effec t.

77

II l l istorv I!FNo ,6 SI/I/I/(Imll NOI"III Nil \'(/1Air Sari!"!' ill Wo r ld 1I'tlr /

Lieut enant Co lonel R Lorr aine or the 14th Wing. attached a

I therefore SI'II [ the reco nnaissan ce 011 1' ho ur I(/{ I'r

grea t deal or importance to the e ngage ment and wrote the 1'01lowin]; confidential memo to the 4t h Brigade GOC:

than the day before so [hal his force would I/( /I' c hC1'1I SOll ie tim e i ll [h e air before co mi ng inso a ct i o n : and I .1'1'11 [ 1111

escort ill

[11"0

g ro ll pS, OIlC I!( e/ C1'1'1I Ni euport SCOII/S

CII/~/idcII/ iat

II l1d IIIIC 1!(SiX[1'1'1I So pwith SCOII/S, OIlC g roup [0 stay with

Headquarters

the reconnaissance 1I/(/(:hiIl I'S and [h e otherto he as h igh

14 /h lI'illg

as possible re a dy

[(I

di ve into the jig III a s SO0 11 as act ion

lI 'as joi ned. GD C

tis

lI 'a ,I' F

-l th Brigade

I l"crl'

Roy a l Flyill g Co rps

[h e line and

JI'I'SI'CII , a strong [orce o( 1'II1'IIIy machines

ill [h e air when tuy reconnaissan ce IIl1d escort crossed II

runnin g [i gln CII/III11 C/ICl' d ill the co urse I!(

which 011 1' I~( tnv reconna issance machines lI 'a s [a rced [0

st;

laud ill I'II CIllY co untry ncar Lcsdaiu IIl1d , lat er: OIlC o(IIIY

I ha ve the hon our 10 rcport tltat thc genera l act io n which

esco n i ng ntachi n cs

ji ll/g hl th is morning hC/II'l'CII 7,0 II lId 8,0

II 'as

11,111,

ea st

C rCl'I'COI' lI r II l1d the p ilot ( LiI'II [ Clialntcrs] lI 'a s SI'I' II 10

IIl1d so utheast I~( Ca tnb rai . whicl: rCS II III'd ill the co mp let e

11/'111l1l l lly setfire 10 his machin e.

ro u tln g I~( th e CIICIll Y, I\'(fS 11 01 11 sp otnan cou s offensi ve o(

the

I'II CIIIY

but lI 'as a 1I11111 r ai OIlICOIIIC o( the daily r I'COII-

No twi thstanding these CII,W II I [i l' s, the reco nnaissance \l'as tltoroug hlv II l1d co ntplctcl» do ne bv the other F E,

naissa nce F ir ra ilwa» 1110\'1'11 /(' 11 1,

while tlu: escorting machines [o ug ht

Until rccc ntlv l ca r r ie d out thi s reco nnaissa nce with ill g r eports ofpilots and observers IIl1d ill

l 'il'lI '

crc asi ug lv det ermined attempt» (~( tlu: I' IIC IIIY

II

Th e att ackin g [o rcc

\l'(IS

reinfo rced hv [igluin g 11[(/ -

o] the ill -

chin es whi ch rosefront [h e aerodromes bet we en Ca mbra!

int erfe re

and l. e Cot ea u and wh ile it is di fficult

[0

with [his reconn a issance, I decided 10 double the nu mber I~( tlu: characte r I~( [h e jig l ll ill g reported. I

est i ma te accu -

it would IIpfll'ar tha t h l'lIl"CCII tltirt v 1I//{lfO I'lI' hosti le air-

redu ced

era]!

th e IIl1l11 h('/' I!( th e F E.« !II two. th e remainin g [o u r F E.»

lI '('/'C

engag ed.

The re is g re a t di fficult» also ill IIssig ll ill g just ly th e

being a n encu mbrance 10 tlu: escort as SOOIl a s thefight-

destruction I!( cn l'lIIy m a chin es

ill g became SC I'I'/'C,

illg 10 the heat I~( the III N / c bu t all th e

F E.« IIl1d

[0

ra t c ly [he number I!( th « I' I/('II /y, [ro m [h e p i lot \- a CCOlIlIlS

I!( [h e esco rt ing Sopwith SCOII/S and Oil .111111' l st, as a rc -

Iji ' /II/(I thisfornuu ion

g CIICl'II 1 eng ag e-

which last ed cOII/ i ll /lOlI sly F I/'JU[Y minut es.

II/('II[

six F E. s escorted hy six Sop with SCOII/S liIIl OII co nsider-

sult

a lso [arce d 10 land 11 1'111'

11"11.1'

!II

ind ividual pilots. Oll '1'111'111."

ma chin es

So p with

\1'1'1'1' d riven do wn so tha t aft er n earl v OIlC hour' sjighting

Sco IIIS s[m llg I' llo llg h for Ih c d ll [Y III1[il .lIIIIC 4 [h , II'h c lI

0 11 1'III I1 Chill CS patrolled hC/lI 'CCII Catnbra i a ll d L c C lIll' a ll

Ih cy 1I'l'rc a[[lI ck l'd hy IIhOIl/ Ihil'll' h o s[ilc 1I/(/chiIl CS: a ll d

lI\'cr [h c acrod m lllcs o( Ca rn ic r es, ROll si l'rl' s, Q ll i el '.\'alld

1!(III"O

1I1"e/\'('

IIllh o ll gh [h e I'IICIIlY did 1101 I'II/ i re/y slI ccccd in prc\,(~I1I ­

NCII Fi l l." IIl1d cOll l d n o [ .fill d

ill g Ih l' r l c o/lIIl/ issall cc h l'ill g d on I', h i' ill[ I'/:!l~rl'd h ll dly

.figh l ,

0 1l'1I

lili es, OIlC I~( [h e

[lI 'O

sillg lc G l'rlllll ll lII acllillc 10

Th l' CI/I'II1.\· has 110 1 ycl rc co\'c r l'dji'lllll Ihis dl~/l'lI[ a s

lI'i[h [h c \l'o rk alld ./illallY d m l"c Ill y II[(/ch incs hack o l"cr [h ei r

11

r('('OIlI[(/is ,I'(n/c c F E.s hc -

lilY

flho lOgmp hic rCCOll llais,l'lI l1ce la l cr Ih is 1II0 m i ll g cxalld Illy 1!!.Il'IISi l'C I)(J -

ill g sho[ [h m ll gh [h c l i l' [ m l [ank m/(I jlls[ a h lc [0 g l i d e !II

p cril'lIc n /ll o ill[CI:!I'rc ll c l'

o ll r sidc Il //{l 0111' (!( [h c I'sco rt i llg SOlll l"illl SCOII[S hcing

[mls h(/l '1' hcell IIl1ahle [o jind a si llg lc jig l ll i llg lIIach in c ,

sllO[

ollly ha \'illg sc ell

dOl1"1I

ill I'IICIllY CO/1I11 IT .

ti s a rcslIll .11111 1' ':/i h , [h e

(!f his S IICCl's,~/i ll ac[ioll Oil [h c lIIomillg l!f

1'II 1'IIlI' lI 'II S

do

a c[il 'l' a nd ag g r l' ssi\'(' all [h(/{

[lI 'O

I l"hll[ C1'Cr

2 -sc(/{ cr Alh(/{msscs a [[ cl ll p [ illg !II

\l' i r e/ css shoo [ hOlh I ~( \l'holll I'lliI

11

lI 'C/,( '

(/Il"a y

dircc[l." [hc."

apfl m a c hcd .

da y, sc \'(' m l [illl I'S c m ssin g 011 1' lill cs lind OIlC lIIachill c

111 addi[ ioll , [h c 3rd lI'illg alld 4[h Ua llo o ll Will g ill -

cOlll i ll g s[l'II ig h [ OI'crlllY hcadqllartcrs alld p ro cc l'dill g ill

F II'I II III C [h(/{ [hcir IIII1Chill CS h a\'(' \l' o r kc d all da." Il"i[1101I/

II

nortlll l"cs[ dircCiioll . I cm lll [0 Ih c cOll elll sio ll lI ulI hc

ill[CI:!l'rcll cc, so [h al i [ lI '11l1l d 1I1 'lil'ar [h(/{ Ih c CIICOIIII[Cr lI 'ollM

I~( [his lIIomillg lI 'as all [h a l lI 'a s II ccd ed [0 k l' cp [hc 1'11-

hc \\'(fil illg [0

(/{/(I ck Illy r ccoll lla issmi cc Il"i[h a sl mllgFm'1' hl~/(lrc d(/lrn

CIl 1.\' 11/1 Ih l' .!7oorFl r [h c dllY.

[his lII omill g .

78

\\ forkill g [ or th« RF C - / 4 \\'ill g , 4 Brigade

/ subm it that this prin cip le

0/ se ek ing

and

if tiecc s-

prov o king a decisi ve eng agem ent daily is more prol

.1'( // )'

itable

WI

emp loyment oj th efo rces ofa n A rillY Willg tha n

attempting 10 gua rd the A nnyjront wi thfceblc pat rols all day IrJIIg. \\'hile el'el)'OIlC co nce rned did \\'1'11, the [ollowing

office rs ' work was especia lly good: I . Cap t. L'C. Ru ssell, leading So p with Sco II Is

2 , A CIg .Sqn , Comdr Draper; leadin g the Nic upo rt Scouts. 3. Lieut . O.M. Sill/Oil

In the aftern oon of th e 5t h June , FLtST Edwards ferried N ie upo rt 17Bis N 5 182 back to t he dep ot at St. Po l.To Edw ar d's e mba rr assment t he last stage of t he flight did not go as smoothly as he'd pe rhaps hop ed, Courtesy EF Cheesman

4 . LicIII. Chalmers (fo r so p romptly lightin g hi s nu tchine )

/ ha ve the honou r 10 he,

Sit: }'(llIr

obedient

servant ,

R. Lorra ine. Lieut . Colone l /11 the fie ld.

51h Ju ne. / 9 /7

Later in the day. N3 196 and N5862 were flown back to the depot at Dunkcrq uc. Edwards cra shed N5862 at Dunkcrqu e, photographs of the crash would indicate that he ran a wheel into a ditch after landing. Edwa rds. Ma c l.cnnan. Winter. Kirkp atrick and Holyman reported to the depot to collect No.6 Squadro n's first So pwith Camels. From t his angle it see ms clear that Edwards ran a w heel into a ditc h, Courtesy

SK Taylo r

6th .J lin e Drape r was aga m called upo n to lead a n esco rt patro l of Nieuports for the FE's of No,22 Squadron RFC. As on the previous day. the mission was carried out in co nj unction with the So pwith Pups of No,54 Squadron RFC. Eight Nieuports left at 10.30 and at midday. to the northwest of Cambrai, a ge neral engageme nt took place with a large numbe r o f enemy mac hines. No,6 Squadro n was heavily involved in the fighting and a numb er of Co mbat Reports were submitted: ASCdr Draper : N3 10 I - Draper dived on all enemy scout and ope ned fire at close range. the e ne my mach ine fell away completely out of contro l. Draper then immed iately RIGHT: FSL G LE Stevens posing for a photograp h in the unfort unate N 51 82,

Courtesy EF Cheesman

79

1\ H is/O I'I' (){No.6 Squadro n Ro v«! Na \'(/I A i r Sari!'!' ill Wor ld lI'ar I

dived on to another scout but su ffe red a gun stoppage aftcr open ing fire. he turned away to clear thc stoppage and

FSL Wood : N309 7 - Wood fired a few shots at long range with no success.

observe d thc scout going down in a dive to crash on thc ground. Draper then broke off towa rds the lines. climbed and cleared thc stoppage. He returned to the engage ment

FLt Reeves: N3204 - Failed to return. killed whe n his machine broke up in the air.

and dived on a third enemy scout but the gun immediately jammed agai n.

Franks. Bai ley & Dui ven " attribute Reeves demi se to Lin Wern er Voss of Ju sta 5 who clairued a icup ort to the west of

FSL Macgregor: N3 100 - Macgregor divcd and fired on one e nemy machine at very close range and attacked an-

G rainco urt at 13. 10. Voss was reported as wounde d in action durin g the engage ment. howe ve r. despite various claims by

other when his gun jammed due to the tai l of the crank handl e getting over the stud on thc cocking handle. The

other authoriti es. it is not possible to attribute this pyrrhic victory to any particu lar pilot from No.6 Squadro n or for that matter to No.54 Squadron Rf'C. Fol low ing the e ngage me nt.

first mach ine that Macgregor fired at spun away but he did not belicvc it to be out of control. Macgregor returned to the lines to recti fy thc gun but was unable to make enough height to rejoin the patrol.

No.54 Squadron RFC submitted five claims for e nemy aircraft destro yed. for the loss of two Pups. Ger man records admit no losses during this engage ment.

FLt Stevens: N5865 - Steve ns dived on to an Albatros

Redpath carried out two engine tests in the eve ning. one in his usual Nieuport N586 1 and the second in N3 10 I.

scout which was 1200 feet below him . Afte r firing 200 rounds. Stevens reported tha t his opponent slowly stalled.

7th.JlInc

side slipped and fell in a spin. app arent ly out of control. Ste vens was unab le to observe the machin e any further as he came under attack from fou r more scouts.

FLt GA Gooderham arrived at the squadron. B Flight carried out an uneventfu l o ffe nsi ve pat rol at 07.30. Thun der stor ms prevent ed any war flying after midday. however. two test flight s were carried out:

FSL Red path : N586 1 - Redpath reported combats with three ene my aircraft and long range e ncounters with two more. Redpat h first attacked an Albatros scout from behind while its pilot was preoccupi ed with attac king a So pwith Pup. Redp ath fired 75 to 100 rounds at close range. The ene my machine turned over on its back and carried on down in a spin. Redp ath engaged the second mach ine head -on whilst it was trying to get behind the

FSL Macgregor

N3 100 at 17. 10

FSL Walton

machin e flying right wing down 3 199 at 18.15 engine satisfactory

8th .J IIIl C

form ation. it fel l awa y in a nose-di ve. The third scout was e ngag ed from beh ind a nd was dri ve n do wn tow ards

13 Flight carr ied out an o ffensive patro l at 07.30 . Redpath rIying his usua l machin e. N586 1. suffered fue l prcssurisation troubl e a nd was forced to return to the aero drom e. Wood. in

Cambrai, Redp ath reportin g that his icuport was not fast e nough to keep up with it. Redpat h was unable to state if any of the e ncounters were dccisi ve. Ree ves was attacked

N3 197 also suffered engine trouble and had to return . Draper. Beasley and Macgregor encountered host ile machin es bein g shelled to the north o f St. Quentin. T he Flight could not get to

by an Albatros and Redpath saw Reeves' Nicuport, N3204. break up in the air.

thcm in time to e ngage . Five new 130hp C lcrgct Sopwith Camels were del ivered from thc depot at 12.00:

FSL Walton: 1 3 199 - Walton saw numerous enemy aircraft but could not get to close quarters. FSL Beasley: N5860 - Beasley observ ed numerous hostile aircra ft and dived on one without success.

FLt Edwards FLt Macl.cnn an FSL Winter

N6356 N5360

FSL Kirkpatrick

N635 7 N6359

FSL Holyman 80

N6358

\Vo rki llg j iir lite NFC - / 4 \Villg. 4 Brigade

A maj or relocation of the 4th Brigad e to thc coast was immi-

The pilots had made a num ber of acclinuuisation test flights in the sq uadro n's first Came ls whilst at the depot.

ncn t and to this end, Ope ration Order No. 88 was issued by Brigadier Ge neral ./HW Becke DSO. Co mmander of the 4th Bri gade . T he o rde r gavc ad va nce warning o f squadron mo ve -

Red path flew Nicuport N586 I in tr ia ls aga inst Camel 6359 flown by H ol y man at 14 .05, un fortun ately thc pilots' i mprcssio ns we re not recorded .

mcn ts, in 0.6 Squadro n's case . a move from thc Fourth Army to X V Co rps was provisio nally sc hed uled for the 16th Jun e,

9th .Iune

Macgregor ca rried out a weat her tcst in Nicupo rt N3 100 at 06.4 5, visibility was reported as very bad with cloud betw een

12th .Iune

Eight tcst fligh ts w ere carri ed out:

6000 and 9000 fee t. A nu mber of tcst and prac tice flights were carried out

FSL Wi nter Camel N6358 at 09.30 - satisfactory FLt Goo de rha m Nieupo rt N3208 at I n.35 - satisfactory

du r i ng the day:

FSL Kirkp atrick FS L Winter SC dr Breese FSL Wood

FLt MacL cnnan Camel N6360 at 10.20 - testing windscreen FSL Hol ym an Ca me l N63 59 at 15.00 - satisfactory FS L Winter Camel N63 58 at 15.55 - satisfactory Ca me l N63 59 at 17.40 FS L Holyman mach ine satisfac tory

Camel N6357 at 11 .25 - satisfactory Ca me l N6358 at 14.00 - sa tis fac tory Camel N6358 at 14 .40 - satisfactory Nicuport N3 197 at 15.00 - satisfac tory

FSL Kirkp atrick Came l N6357 at 17.40 mach ine satisfacto ry FLt Macl.cnnan Camel N63 60 at 17.45 both guns ja m med, bu rst both ty rcs

I lith .l u ne

The wea ther was again cloudy and no e nemy aerial activity was re port ed . T he day was spent carrying out test and pract ice

FLt Beasley led Wood, Macgregor, Redp ath and Walto n on an offensive patrol at 07.30. Th e patrol. flo wn with Nieupo rts,

fligh ts:

•FS L Holym an

Camel 15359 at 11 .10 - satisfactory

was uneventfu l, no enemy aircra ft bein g seen due to poor vis-

FSL Ma cgr ego r Nicuport N3 100 at 11 .25 - satisfac tory FSL Hol yman Camel N5359 at 11 .50 testing guns. both j ammed in No.3 position SCdr Draper FSL H ol y man FSL Winter

ibility caused by haze and cloud. 13th Jun e

Six of the pilots left Flez at 08.55 to de liver the squadron's se rv ice a ble j ieup or ts to the depot at Dunkerq uc bu t we re force d to return by bad wea ther. T hey made anothe r attempt

Camel N6358 at I J .35 - pract ice Camel N63 59 at 15.30 - practice Ca mel N6358 at 15.50 - practice

FSL Kirkpatric k Ca me l N6357 at 15.50 testing guns, right gun janun cd FS L Kirkpatrick Camel N6357 at 16.05

in the aft ernoo n at 15.45:

testin g guns, right gun j ammed 11th .lune

SC dr Breese had bee n d issa tis fied with ASCdr Drape r 's per-

FLt Edwards

N3 102

FLt Gooderham FS L Red path FSL Wood

N3208 N586 1

FSL Walto n FS L Macgrego r

to nna ncc as a Flight Co mmander for so me time. As thc result o f an official co mplaint to Dunkerq uc Headqu arters, Draper

N3 197 N3 199 3 100

was reca lled to Horn e Establishment o n thc 11 th. Low cloud during the day made flyin g difficult. j ust one

Redp ath su ffe red engine trou ble and mad e a forced landi ng in N586 1 at Mari cux. breaki ng a strut. T he machine was dis-

tcst flight was carried out:

mantled o n site and returned to the depot by road. The oth er pilot s co ntinued to carry out practice and test flight s in the Sop with Ca me ls:

FSL Hol y rnan

Came l N 6369 at 08.55 engine and machi ne satisfacto ry.

8/

A l lis/orr (!{No.6 Squ adron Royal Na val Ai r Ser vice ill \I'o rld \I'ar I

III '!'I/(' Field

FSL Holyrnan N6359 at 08.55 weather test. clo uds at 1000 feet. visibility of ground very bad. FSL Winter N6358 at 09.20 - satisfactory FSL Kirkpatrick N6357 at 09.25 - satisfactory FSL Holyman

14th J une / 9/ 7

/ . Nava l Squadro n No .6 will Dillies Oil the / 8// 9th insta nt,

N6359 at 14.40

engine test. satisfactory N6360 at 16.05 Both guns j ammed. separated case in port gun. loose cartridge in starboa rd gun. Forced to land as unable to clear stoppages whilst airborne. FLt Mac l.cnn an

2. Hea vv tra nsp ort wi ll

FSL Holyrnan

3 . Machin es willflv

Billets fo r th e night / 8// 9th will he a /lo lle d hv th e

at 18.00

Port gun jam med due to separated cartridge case. starboard gun ja mmed with a cross feed. 1

Oil th e l Stlt. via Villers

Dunkerqu e to B ray Dillies. T(}\I'II Major;

FLt Beasley

[ro m FIe: to Bray

Carbonnel, Bra y. Albert, Doulens. St. Pol. Pern es: on th e / 9th . S t. Venant , Ha : e h ro llc k. C asse l. Be rgu es a nd

FLt Macl.cn nan N6360 at 18.00 port gun suffered a broken plun ger spring. starboar d gun satisfactory. 6359

11I0\ '1'

11I0\ '1'

1'1'1'1I1'.1'.

011

th e / 9th but will not sta rt to do so,

until o rdered bv 4 th Brigade.

6356 .u 18. 10 - satisfactory

4. Light transport which it is necessary to retain at Flc; 1111 til

14th .l une Ca mel test and practice flights co ntinued to be carried out. Problem s with the guns started to be of co nce rn:

the machin es start will mo ve 011 the / 9th bv the sam e

rout e as hea vy transport ,

5. Depart ure

(~r ntach incs

will he repo rted hy telephone

to 4th Br igade.

FSL Kirkpatrick FSL Winter

N5356 at 09 .00 - satisfactory N6358 at 09. 15 starboa rd gun jammed in 3rd position FLt Beasley N6356 at 09 .25 - satisfac tory

6.

FLt Macl. c nnun

at Bray Dillies. the sq uadro n will come 1111 -

del' the o rde rs of 3 rd lI'illg.

FSL Holyman N6359 at 09 .25 testi ng guns, starboard gun jamm ed twice in 3rd position . port gun jammed in third posit ion. propel ler shot through. FLt Beasley SCdr Breese

0 11 arriva l

Signed Majo r Godm an Bri gade Majo r 4th Brigade. Royal Fl ving Co rps

N6356 at 17.35 - gun satisfactory N6360 at 17.50 one clea rable stoppage 6360 at 18.20

15th

,IUIl C

In add ition to test and practice flights in the Sop with Ca me ls. the Squadron 's last three Nieuport 17Bis machin es were test

Left gun ran away. ove rco me by jamming. right gun satisfactory.

flow n preparatory to returni ng them to the depot at Dunkerquc.

The date for the squadron's move was amended by 4th Brigade Operation Ord er No.91 which is reprodu ced below:

1

ieupo rt 17Bis:

SCdr Breese FLt Goo de rham

.'l'/:'CRET 4 /h Brigade. RFC

FLt Goo der ham

Op eration O rder No .9 1 B ,'

'5860 at 14.45 - satisfactory '5865 at 18.10 e ngine and machin e satisfactory N3 10 I cra shed and wrec ked ncar aerodro me

Br igadier Gen eral J H II' Becke. f) SO COIII III(ff/(lillg 4/h Brigade. Royal Fl yin g COI.,IS.

82

Workin g / or /he RFC - / 4 Wing. 4 Brigade

So pw ith C a me l:

to what wou ld sho rt ly becom e No.6 Sq uad ro n's tempor a ry re sid e nce at Midd le Aerod ro me , Bray Dun e s .

r Lt Bea sley

N6356

a t OS.45 - g un satis fac to ry

r S L Kirkpatri ck

N6357

a t 0 8.4 5 - satis fac to ry

17th .lune

A so lita ry pra cti ce flight was ca rried o ut o n thc 17th :

FS L Winter

N6358

at 09 .05 - satis fac to ry

FLt Ma c l. cn nan

N6360

at 18.00

testing new prope ller, un suitab le T he So pw ith Trip lan cs of

F Lt Beas ley

N6 356

at OS.40 - sat is fac to ry

So pw ith Ca me l N6 342 wa s co llected from the dep ot , ag a in

0 .9 Sq uad ro n RNAS arri ved at

Flcz, initi a lly und e r the co m ma nd of 14 W ing , 4 Bri gade but

bcing ta ke n direc tly to Middl e Ae rod ro me,

tra nsferri ng to 13 Wi ng 3 Brig ad e o n the Ist J uly wh en 4 Bri I Hth .l une

g adc Headq ua rte rs re locat ed to Bra y Dunes ..

Th e sq ua dro n's hea vy eq uipme nt lett o n the two-day j ourne y 16th .lune

to Midd le Ae rod ro me at Bray Duncs by road tra nsport.

Te st a nd pr acti ce flights inc lud ed a forma tion pra cti ce by C

FLt Ed wa rds had rema ined at the dep ot te stin g ne w C a m-

Flig h t:

e ls, on the 18t h he ca rried o ut a co m pa riso n test aga inst a So pw ith Do lphin using C a me l N6 33 1.

Fo rma tio n practi ce FLt Ma cL e nnan

N6360

at 09. 0 0

19th .Iune

FS L Hol y man

N6 359

at 09 ,05

T he sq uad ro n's pil ot s fle w the ir co llec tio n o f o ld Nic upo rts

FS L Wi nter

N6 358

at 09 .0 5

a nd ne w So pw iih Ca me ls bac k to the coast. Th e N ic upo rts

FSL Kirkpatri ck

N6357

at 09 .0 0

we re hand ed bac k to the dep ot at Dunk e rq uc and the Ca me ls

FS L Hol y man

N6 359

at IS.45 - satis facto ry

sq uad ro n wou ld bri efl y co me u nd er the co ntro l o f

were flown to M idd lc Ae rodrom e. Bra y Dunes , wh ere the o .3 Win g

T

4 Bri g ad e , pendin g the rel ocati on o f both 14 Win g Hc adquarNo .6 Sq ua d ro n co ntinue d to re -eq uip , th ree more So pw ith

ter s a nd 4 Bri gad e Headq uarte rs to the co ast.

Ca mels , N6 33 4, N6350 and N6 35 1 be ing co llec ted fro m the

FLt Edw a rds w ho wa s still res id ing at Dun kerq uc mad e a

dep ot . Th ese machine s we re not flo w n to Flcz bu t were tak e n

vis it to No .3 Squ adron at Fumes in C a me l N6 33 1.

(I;( lTES I A n umber of N ic u po rt 17 Bis ma ch ine s were de live red fro m Par is w ith xta udard N ic upo rt 17 pro pe lle rs . Th e 17Bi s sho u ld ha ve been s up plied w ith II c licc Le va sseur typ c " 130 h.p. C le rge t N ic upo rt se ries 50 1" prop e llers . , FS L M asson failed to j o in thc sq uad ro n, ha vin g been killed in a !ly ing ac c ide nt o n the 20 th A pri l. FS L G L E Ste ve ns wa s sub stitute d for Ma sson , J Al Cdr A lle n wa s suffe ring fro m ne rv ou s ex haus tio n. • I' Ll Keeb le wa s a lso unli t a nd had made ve ry fe w !li ght s in the previo us mon th . , Co urte sy Fra nk O lynyk. "The Com bat Re port s o f Herm an G o ri ng", O \'('/" The Front j o urna l. Vo lume 10 No .3 .

" It m ust he re me mb ered tha t Gc nua n tu ue w as o ne hou r ahe ad o f Brit ish

time. 7 T hc N ic u puns o il tan k. ' T he o ffic ia l reco mm en da tio n was for ro ta ry e ng ines to be strip ped utt er 40 hou rs o f acc um ulated wa r r1 y ing . " C ITA R - C o m ba ts In Th c A ir Rep ort . 10 Il. A . - i lostilc A irc ra ft. II Tlu: ./ (( .1'/ (( lI'((r Clironol og v, G rub S tree t. I')<) S.

83

C H APTER FIVE

A D EMORALI SI N G INFLUEN C E

W

hen the sq uadron was reinforced with the se ven pilots from No. 11Sq uadron . Draper. M ac l. cn nan,

Submi tted. lI'ilh refere nce 10 yo ur co nversa tion with m e a t Hcad qua r-

M ac g re g o r, Bca sl cy. Ed wa rds. St e ven s a nd

las Oil 291h M av. / make the [ollowing rep ort wi th refer-

Redpa th, the ex pec ted improvement in Squadron perform an ce

cnce

10

actin g Squadron COIIlIIUl/ule r Drap er.

did not mate rialise. In fac t. the new B Flight Icd a very qui et

I request that thi s officer be removed fro m thi s sq ua d -

life thro ughout May 191 7 makin g practicall y no co ntact with enem y aircraft. SCdr Breese had a rrived at the sq uadron to tak e co ntro l a

roll and anothe r p ilot se n t ill lieu . A Fl igh t Commander is

not ne cessarily requ ired. as I ha ve all offi ce r who is qu ill' capable of runnin g the Flight, My reason fo r II/(/kill g this request is:

matter of days before the arriva l of thc new 13 Flight. The re was obv iously a developing personal ity co nflict between thc re se rved Br ee se and the ex trov e rt Draper. not helped by

Acting Squadron Comma nder Drap e r alth ough

Drapc rs co ntinuing lac k- lustre performan ce as a Flight Co m-

all exceptionallyfine pi lot and I'ery "[ul l OUI" as re-

man der. Drap er' s lack of ag gre ss io n was not j ust in Breese 's

ga rds pyillg at all Ae rodrome fo r the edifica tion o]

mind alon e. the sq uadron's dai ly operations reports show that B Flight rare ly made co ntact wit h the e nemy. Surviving B Flight members RF Redpath and PE Bea sley we re very cr iti-

onl ookers, iIIakill g a g rea t no ise in th e M ess a t nights and leading co n vi via lity ge nc rallv: y el afte r six wee ks ill this squadron h e ha s p rod uced

cal of Drap er 's leadersh ip when inter viewed by respec ted Canadian aviatio n histor ian S K Tay lor.

110

resu lts.

Ho th ill hi s ta lk a nd ill hi s act ions. h e exe rts a depressing influence

On the 29th May 19 17 Breese visited Wing Captain Lambe at D unk crqu e Head Q uart ers wit h a view to having Draper rep laced . Lambe requ ested that Breese 's o bjec tio ns to his B

O/l

the othe r pilots. - [re quently

asse rting th e wea kn ess an d inferiority of o ur nut ch ilies. declaring that it is madness

10

attack a

111 '0 -

seater and so Oil . A s regards actions. there ha s been

Flight Conun andc r be put in writing and the following letter was wri tten o n the 4th June:

a considerable all dji'NIUCII I illcrease ill drinkin g since hi s advent, Oil n early a ll occasions h e is the leader:

Naval Squadron No.6

Th is officer ha s a ha d influ ence Oil this squadron and I

111 the Field

shall he glad

41h June 1917

mav I suggest tha t all instructor at Cra nwell - Acting

if he niav be

.1'1'11 1

else where. A s a sub stitut e.

Fl igl u Lieuten an t A lfre d 11M Gilliga n may be relieved and 7()

S.O. H. Q.

se n t ill lieu. He is a l'ery good pilot, cxccp tiona llv keen and wo uld he (if g rem us e ill th is squadron .

R.N. A .S. IJ UIIkc rque

84

A Demo ralising Inf luence

!

/W I 'C

the hon our 10 be.

Sit: }IJ/l r hum ble and obe dient se rvant

/

Sign ed. CD Breese

Sq uad ron COII/ II/{//u!cr Bree se, al thou gh e vid e ntly no t approv ing o f Draper 's Mess e nte rta inme nt and flyin g ex h ibi tio ns ov e r the aerod ro me , ce rtainly had g ro unds for co m pla int re lating to B Fligh t' s work rate . A study o f the sq uad ro n's pa trol s car ried o ut from the end o f A pril to the first fe w days o f .June sho ws tha t e ve n the unde r-ac hie ving A F lig ht led by the plod d in g FCd r Maclaren was mo re aggressiv e a nd had more co ntact w ith e ne my a irc ra ft than Draper 's B Flig ht. It is not un chari tab le to sta te th at B Flig ht ga ve the impression tha t e ne m y ai rcra ft were o nly e ngaged w he n c irc ums ta nce s forced the eve nt. suc h as d uring esco rt mi ssio ns. Wing C apta in La m be a ppea red to le an towards Bree se 's o pinio n o f Drap er and o n the sa me day fo rw arde d Bree se 's lett er to the Direc to r o f A ir Se rvices toge the r w ith the fo llo wing Me mo :

Director ofAir Services

Hotcl Cec il Submitted. Forward ed.

Chris topher D raper. shown here in 1916 with the Eastchurch Wa r Flight. Courtesy EF Cheesman

A d verse report on this office rfrom Sq .Cdr Breese .

\!c't.y littl e idea ofdiscipline IJlIl a brillian t pilot. Good coII/ II/{I/ /(1 when he cares to exe rcise it but is

What I ha ve see n ofAct ing Squadron COII/ II/{// uier Draper co njirm s th e op in ion expressed ojltitn by Sq uadro n COII/ /I/(I//(Ier Breese. / all/ afrai d / ca nno t reco mmend hill/fo r

too inclin ed to he boist erous. II I'cry bad exa mple to yo ung pilots.

allY po sition of responsibility but sho uld be much obliged

(I' he could be remo ved fro m this sq uad ron to ano ther COII/ II/ {// /(I, ill order to obtain an ind ependent opinion.

c o m me nts but in li fe it ge ne ra lly ta kes ma ny po sit ive s to o ut-

p lace hill/ ill 0 11 1' (if the other Sq uadro ns

we ig h o ne nega tive . C hris Drap er had joined the R NAS be-

I hesitat e

10

To be fa ir to Drape r, his recor d a lso co nta ins man y po siti ve

here in case he has a demo ralising effect.

fore the war s tarte d in 191 4 a nd w hi lst a remark a bly acc o mpli shed pil o t. his supe rio rs o fte n had pro blem s w ith his att i-

4t h JUII C 191 7 Willg Captain

tude, w hic h was not co ns ide red to be part ic ularl y " wa r like" , T hey fe lt that he e nda nge red d isc ipline within the lo wer ra nks . In his auto biogra phy, "The Mad Maj or" , pu bli shed in 1962

W in g Ca p ta in Lam be. ' s c o m me nts we re a ls o re corded in

by Air Re vie w Ltd , Drap er tend s to sk irt arou nd th is peri od o f

Draper 's o ffic ia l record , addi ng to a lon g line of d isapp ro ving

his ca ree r. He docs not menti on

co m me nts suc h as:

ing that he mo ved stra ig ht fro m the d isb anding

0 . 11 Sq uad ro n at a ll, im pl y0 .3 Win g to

No .6 Sq uad ro n. T he accou nt of h is a lte rca tio n wi th SC d r

85

A llistorv of No . 6 Squat/ron Rova l Na val A ir Service in lVor!t/ lVa r I

Brccsc is cov ered, howe ver, and provides an interesting contrast to Breese's co mplaint to Wing Captain Lamb e. In Draper's account. Breese inform ed him that he had arranged 1"01' a j oint pat rol bet ween No.6 Squadro n and the Sopwith Pups of No.54 Squadro n RFC which would " finish

off the circus once and for all" , As se nior office r. Draper was to Icad the co mbined patrol and the timc. heigh t and point 0 1" cross ing the Lines had been pred etermi ned. Drapcr stated that he argued that it should be up to thc Flight Leader's discretion to determin e where and when to cross the Lines but Breese was ada mant that it had to bc exactly as he had ordered. At this point Drapcr lost his tem per, told Breese to "do the bloody jo b him self" and then stor med out. If we acce pt Draper's acco unt. it seems reasonabl e to de-

duce that the joint patro l referred to above was the first mass escort for the two FE2s of No.22 Squadron to be carried out at Squadro n strength by the Pups 0 1" 0.54 Squadro n RFC and the Nicuports of No.6 Squadro n on the 5th Jun e 1917. This mission. 01" course. had been de vised by Lieutena nt Co lonel R Lorraine 01" 0. 14 Wing. Breese would have not bcen at liberty to make any changes to Wing Orders as the crossing poin t and timc would have had to have been synchronised between the FEs. Pups and Nie uports. Breese, howe ver, had initially complained to Wing Captain Lam be on the 29 th May. almost certainly too ca rly 1"01' Breese to have briefed Draper about a mission sc heduled 1"01'

The ep itome o f fashion, Draper in casual att ire at No.6 Squa dro n. Courtesy

Justin Young

the 5th Ju nc. The author's co ncl usion is that Breese had already dec ided to have Draper removed from the squadron and that relations between the two o ffi ce rs had deteriorated be-

low on fuel . Draper led the patro l on the Sth Junc and was singled out for praise in an official 14 Wing report , he also led a similar patrol on the 6th Jun e claiming onc e nemy machine

lore Draper told Brccsc what to do with his mission . It is unusual to be presented with both sides of the story and docs offer the reader the opportunity to ma ke his or her

destroyed and another out of co ntrol. Despite Draper 's performan ce. Lambe had already set the wheels in motion and Draper was reca lled and posted to Horne

own mind up as to what actually was behin d Draper's rcca ll from the Weste rn Front.

Establishment on the II th Jun e 1917 where he was ke pt under indep end ent obscrv ation by Ca ptain Stcc l at Eastchurc h. Draper obviously imp ressed Steel e nough to bc given another

Wh ilst Breese had his request grantcd and Draper had been removed from the Squadron by the II th June 1917. somcwhat ironi cally he was thru st into close contact with enemy ai rc ra ft seve ral days earlier on the Sth and 6th Jun e. As men-

c hance and he was posted back to France and No.S Squadron RNAS by the e nd 01" Jul y. takin g co mma nd 01" the squadron by

tioncd above. No. 14 Wing RFC required the squadron to mount a largc patrol on the 5th Jun e to escort two FE2b photographic machines 0 1" No.22 Squadron RFe. T his was part 01" a Wing master plan whereby No.6 Squadron's Nicuports and the Pups

the e nd 01" October. Prob abl y more com fortable perform ing on stagc than whe n commanding men. Christopher Draper led a fasci nating life and the author would urge any reade r interested in learn -

01" No.54 Squadron RFC would hopefull y catch a largc nurn ber 01" German defe nders in the air. j ust as they were getting

ing more about Draper to obtain a copy 01" his autobiography "The Mad Major" ,

86

C H A PT ER SI X

T HE COAST AND CAMELS

A

s related in Chapter 4. the 4t h Brigad e and 14 Wing relocated to the coas t at the e nd of .Ju ne in support of

the 4th Army. No.6 Squadron was withdrawn from the front at St. Quentin and transferred to Midd le Aerodrome. Bray Dunes. to the east of Dunkerq uc. Control was brie fly transferred to No.3 Wing 4 Brigade pendi ng the move of 14

221H1 .J un e Low cloud and showers prevented all war flying. FLl Edwards made a practic e fligh t in Camel I 633 1. The Ca me l's cowl ca me off at 3000 feet dam aging the engine. ce n-

tre sec tion. upper plane and propeller. T he cowl finally ca ught in a land ing wire and lodged there until Edwards la nded.

Wing and 4 Brigade Headquarters. Bray Dunes was not j ust an aero drome. it was a complex o f th ree disti nct ae rodrom es. Th e Fre nc h Ae rodrome. the

23nl .J u nc No return for the 23 rd.

RNAS Aero drome (Frontier) and Midd le Ae rodrome. No.6 Squadron was initially housed at the Midd le Aerodrome. moving to Frontier afte r a few days. At this time. Midd le Aero-

24th June

drom e was under construction. a process severely handicapped by the necessity to wait for local farmers to finish grow ing their crops before access roads could be built. It must be as-

25 t h .Iu ne

New pilot FSL WA Curtis arrived at the squadron

T he squadron had already returned thei r Nieuport 17bis

In the aft ern oon. Sopwith Camels N6339. '637 1. N6373 and N6379 were co llec ted from the depot by Findlay. Mac l. arcn, Goo derham and Breese. FSL \VA Curtis carried out his first flight with the squad-

aircra ft to the depot at Dunkcrqu c and started to rep lace them with So pwith Camels. Over the followin g days the squadron finished their re-equippin g.

ron. a familiarisation flight in Camel N6342 . He reported that he choked the engine at take o ff and touched the fence with an ailero n on landing.

20t h .J un e

26th .J un e

FLt Edwards rejo ined No.6 Squadron at Midd le Aero dro me

At this point. the squadron reported 14 pilots and IS So pwith

in Came! 1 633 1 afte r stay ing the night at Fumes with No.3 Squadro n.

Camel airc raft on strength. Eight test and practice flight s were carried out:

FLt Redp ath collected Ca mel N6342 from the depot and later carried out a 45 min ute practice flight.

FLt Beasley

N6356 at OS.40

21 st .J uu c

FLt Edwards

gun test. satisfactory N633 1 at 09.00

sumed that the faci lities avai lable at the Midd le Aerodrome at this time were ve ry basic.

No return for the 2 1st.

practice. ex haust valve stuck

87

A Histo ry of No .6 Squadron Roya l Nava l Air Service ill world War !

88

The Coast and Camels

OP POSITE TO P: An ob lique view of th e Bray Dun es area. It is believed t hat Frontier Aerodrome comprised the dark hangers backing on to the town of Bray Du nes and the landing ground to the west o f these hangers,the lower light coloure d hangers and the landing ground facing sout h we re used by the French. In 1917 Middle Aerod rome was constructed just to the west of Front ier Aerodrome. Wh ilst N o.6 Squadro n was resident. t here was very littl e present in the way of infrastru ctu re, the RNA S having to wait unti l the farmers' crops were gathered befo re building roads and erect ing buildings. Courtesy Mike O'Connor BonOM :This Sopwit h Camel photograph, taken at Brooklands, includes the statement " 2nd Machine" on its official capt ion.The Camel is quite clearly not a prot ot ype and so must therefor e be the second prod ucti on machine from th e first batch produced for the Royal N aval A ir Service. The photograph cou ld depict N 6330 wh ich was the second prod uctio n Camel to be delivered, or N 6331 w hich was the second prod uction Camel by serial number.W hatever the actual serial number o f the aircraft in th is pho tograp h, both N 6330 and N 6331 were used by N o.6 Squadro n.The photograp h shows t he typ ical Sopw ith factor y finish to good effect.This would have been PC 12 upper surfaces,clear dope d linen under surfaces,fin and whee l covers, copal varnish on the plywood panels, and unpainted alumini um panels.The metal side cladding and th e cow l display the "sw irl" effect typ ical o f an engine turned finish.Courtesy jMB/GSL Collection

RIGH T: FSLW ilfred A ustin Curtis fro m On tario. Curtis went on to become an ace with N O.1 0 Squadro n claiming a total o f thirteen victories. After World War II, Cur tis became Chief of A ir Staff in Canada fro m 1947 to 1953.Courtesy EFCheesman

FS L Curtis

N6342 at 09.00 formation practice with Edwards

FSL Walton N6350 at 09 . 10 gun lest. port gun would not cea se firin g N6334 al09.25 FSL Wood pract ice. satisfacto ry FS L Holyman N6359 al 09.45 gun lest. two slight cross feed s, c leared in the air. otherwise

FLt Goo de rham

satisfacto ry FS L Hol ym an

FSL Winter

N635 9 at 15.30

mach ine and e ngine test. satisfactory FCd r Mac l.ennan N6360 at 16.10 test ,

FCdr Macl.cnnan

satisfacto ry FSL Holyman

Came l N6355 was collected fro m the depot. FSL Find lay FSL Lawson

27th .June More tcst and pract ice Ilights were carried o ut:

FCdr Macl . arcn FS L Find lay FLt Edwards FS L Walton FS L Curtis

N6339

at OS.40

practice. eng ine satisfactory N63 3 1 at 08.55 test. guns satisfactory N6350 at 09.00 - practice

FS L Holym an

N637 3 at 09.20 test, engine vibrating 635 8 at 09.30 practice. satisfactory 6360 at 10.25 rest , satisfacto ry 6359 at 11 .35 test. satisfac to ry N6339 at 16.30 - practice N63 55 at 16.30 pract ice. both guns in orde r N637 1 at IS.OO test. guns and eng ine satisfactory N6359 at IS.40 satis factory

test.

FLt Edwards

N6342 at 09.00 lest. sa tisfactory

N633 1 a t IS.46 test. satisfactory

The first patrols were ca rried out from M iddlc Aerodrome out

on th e 27th:

89

1\ Histo rv ofNo.t: Sq uadron Ro m! Nava l Air Service ill II JJr!d lVar I

FC d r Macl . cnn an led Wint er and Kirkpatri c k to O stend at 11 . 15 .

0

e ne my a ircra ft were s ig hted. Mac Lenn an

reported that a la rge fir e was burn ing at O ste nd . FLt Ed wa rds led Macg regor, Walt on and C urtis to O stend a t 12.30 a nd a lon g the line s fr om N ie upo rt to D ixmudc , No e ne my aircraft were e nc o unte red . Ed wa rd s ex pe rie nce d troub le with the e ng ine in

633 1 and wa s forced

to retu rn a fte r hal f a n hour. C urtis re port ed firi ng into tre nch es . An unusual view of the ubiquitous N issen Hut under const r uction .The ends were fabr icated from plywood sections that were rapidly assembled.The deck comp rised wooden panels resting upon a framework of 2"x4" tim ber. whilst the roof and sides were made of corrugated steel. The w hole structure was supported on curved I-beam steel ribs. The interior was lined wit h timber. Each hut had a few small w indows and doors and was lit by paraffin lamps. Heating was provided by a small coke and coal stove. The N issen hut w as 27 feet long. 16 feet wide, and 8 feet high. Courtesy EF Cheesman

FC d r Macl. aren led G ood erha m and Wood on a line patro l a t 16 .30 . Macl. aren e x pe r ie nce d prob lem s wh en N6 3 7 1's pre ssure va lve fe ll o ff a nd dropped clo wn ins ide the coc kpit. fo rci ng a n ea rly re tu rn to th e aerodr om e . Goode rha m a nd Wo od co ntinue d the pat rol and ob served an A llied kite ba lloo n go do wn in flames behind Dixm ude. Th ey saw the att ac ki ng a irc ra ft bu t wer e un ab le to inte rcept it.

zsu, .J 1I11 e Tw o te st flig ht s were ca rried o ut:

Also intended for rapid assembly was the canvas covered Bessoneau hanger. Const ructed from braced girder assemblies t hese structures were not hing more than giant tents. Courtesy Justin Young

A variation of the Nissen hut was the N issen Hospital hut. these were 60 feet long. 20 feet wide and 10 feet high.Windows were added to the hut sides. In this photograph. N o.6 Squadron officers are relaxing outside a issen Hospital hut. FSL RRWinter. the middle officer. is easily identified.

Although these photographs of a Bessoneau under construction are of poor resolution. it is interesting to see one of these familiar structu res in a state of undress! Courtesy JustinYoung

90

The Coast and Camels

N6 369

FCdr Mac l.cnnan

at 09.30

(]3ray Dunes

testing a new windscreen FS L Winter

N63 58

at 13.55

Frontier.Jl erodrome

te st. sa tisfac tory

'From c]J ray-

arunrs

lac Lc nnan Icd Find lay. Law son and Wood o n a li ne

FC dr

'.No" tt J{anaars 1 and 2 areSUIVr

patrol at 14 .00 . Th e patro l ran int o two rain st orm s and unable

or fargeQkssonneatL.{

to find an y gaps in the cloud co ver. Ma cL cnnan aba ndo ned

! 0 00

the patro l and return ed to the aerodrome after 25 minu tes.

(

Ed wards Ic d Ma cgreg o r, Wa lton and C ur tis o n a linc patro l at 17.45. The we athe r wa s still bad and the pat rol wa s abandoned aft er 20

=s aerodrome \

minutes.

0

;,

T he 17.45 patrol wa s FLt Ed wa rd' s last flight with No .6

~ O..t:.. ..

\[J

Sq ua dron . He left fo r a period in hospita l followed by sick

Cl

;;..Q ..

[jj·... ·O ..........Q·G· ~

lea ve , be fo re be ing po sted to NO.9 Sq uadro n o n the 10 th A u-

g us t 19 17.

.J un e

29t h

tprencli aerodrome

A t 09 .20. the sq uadro n cha ng ed ae rod ro mes. moving from Middl e Aer odrome to Fro ntie r Aerod ro me '. a journey o r le ss

Key

th an 5 minut es. wi th cont rol revertin g back to 14 Win g 4 Briga dc.

D

Bcssonncau ha ngar

.......... ........

T rac ks

Hut s

At 12.45 a n e ne my airc raft was observed ove r the ae rod rorn c. MacL cnnan . Bea s le y, Law son a nd Hol ym an took o ff

in a n attempt to inte rcept thc enemy machin e. Ho lyman wa s the o nly pilot to find the intruder but so o n lost it in the cl ouds.

July 1917

Three line patrol s bet ween N ic upo rt a nd Dixmudc were

Th e R FC \' 4 th Bri gade co mple ted its m o ve to the Z uvdcoo te

flo w n o n th e 29 th. the wea the r ge tting progressi vel y wors e

are a

d uring the da y:

Oil

th e l st July. Th e Brigade War Dia ry rep ort ed enemy

activ ity as slightly be/o il' no rnial through out the month,

11 0

FLt Gooderha m led Wood a nd Find lay o n the first patrol

large enentyjorntations

at 14 .00 . T he pa tro l wa s unevent fu l a nd no enem y ai r-

cros sed the lilies. The work done by No .6 Sq uadron and the

11'1'1'1'

enco unte red andfew Z-sc atcrs

Bri gade \' ot her scout sq uadrons lI'as said to be su ccessfu l

cra ft were enco untered .

ill

keeping hostile machines we ll behind th eir ()I t'll lilies wit h th e FSL Wa lto n Icd Ca rro ll and C urtis o n thc sec o nd pat ro l a t

resu lt tha t the Corps machines

16 .30 . T he patrol was unevent fu l, howev er, the w eather

wo rk with little int erfere nce.

had sta rted

10

11'1'1'1'

ab le to go ab out their

Regardless ofth e Bri gade \" official rep ort, it \l'as evident

deteri o ra te .

tha t No.6 Sq uad ron :1' work nile had p ick ed lip dratnaticallv . esp ecially towa rds th e end ojthc mouth .

FC d r Macl.cnnan led Beasle y a nd I-! o lyma n o n thc last pat rol at 19 .00. MacLcnnan encou ntered a heavy mi st at

1st .l uly

40 0 lee r and immed iately abando ned the pat rol.

T hc Flight structure at the beginn ing o f Jul y was as foll o ws : 30th '0

.J une

flyin g due to unfavourable weather,

A F lig h t

FC d r CT MacLarcn . Flig ht Co m mander FLt PE Be as ley

91

A History of No .6 Sq uadron Royal Na\'{/I Air Service ill lI'tirld War I

•

/

!

92

The COIiSl 1I1It! CII II/ei s

FSL A Mc B Wa lton

Wa lton led C a rro ll a nd C urt is o n a line patr ol at 0 9.00 . the

FSl Wood

pat rol saw se ve ra l e ne my mach ines but w as un abl e to brin g

FS L Find lay

a ny to acti o n.

FS L WA C urtis

Beasl ey ca rried o ut a n une ve ntful e ne my a irc ra ft patro l a t 11 .10 .

B Flight

FCdr M ac Le nn an led Hol y ma n a nd Bea s le y o n a line pa-

AFC d r GG M aclennan . Flight Com mande r

tro l at 18 .00. T he patro l re por ted hea vy c lo ud co ve r at 7000

FLt GA Goode rha m

feet.

F Lt Gl E Ste ve ns

3rd .Jul y

F Lt R F Redpath FSl NM M acgr eg or

A t 0 6.30 FCdr M acLa ren led G o ode rha m. Wood a nd Find lay o n a line patro l from Pcrvyse to lic upo rt a nd 2 mi les out to

C Flight

sea . A n e ne my mac hin e wa s di sco ur aged from c ros s ing the

FLt RR Wint er. Ac ting Fli ght C o m ma nde r

lines . MacLaren wa s un abl e to purs ue it as his e ng ine was

F Lt G D Ki rkp atri ck

do wn o n pow er. g iv ing o n ly 9 75 rpm . F Lt Gooderha m c hase d

FSl H Law son

the e ne m y machine as far as O ste nde w he re it di ved down

FS l VC Ho lym an

be neath the port 's anti-a ircr a ft fir e .

FSl R E C arro ll

FCdr Ma cLc nn a n le d Ho lym an , Wi nte r. Be a s le y a nd Kir kp at rick o n a line pa tro l at 10 .30 . MacL cnn an e ngag ed a n

The we athe r o n the Ist was u nsuitab le fo r fly ing .

e ne my 2 -se atc r to the northwest o f Nic upo rt at 11.30 . he di ved o n the e ne my ma ch ine , c a me up under its tail a nd fired 25

2nd .Iuly

ro und s from eac h g un a t ve ry c lo se ra nge. He wa s forc ed to

Fou r te st fligh ts we re ca rried o ut o n the 2 nd . two o f these

zoo m up ov e r the 2- sc atc r in o rde r to a vo id a co llis io n. all o w-

proved to be mo re eve ntfu l tha n a ntici pated :

ing the e ne my o bserve r to s hoo t a wa y the C a me l's la nd ing w ires and put hol e s th rou gh the lower main s pa r. ax le a nd

FSl P Wood FLt GA G oode rha m

N6334

at OXA5

p rop ell er, To add insul t to injury. on e of M ac l. cnn ans g uns

test. satis fac to ry

jammed wh e n a ro und shoo k loose from thc be lt. Hol ym a n

N6373

esc o rte d Muc l. cnn an's sho t-up C a me l ba c k to thc aerod ro me

at OX.50

test. sa tis fac to ry

a nd th cn re sumed the patrol. He spo tted A llied anti -aircr aft

N637 1 at OX.50 - test. we nt o ve r

she lls b ursting o ve r Nie upo rt a nd a n e ne my 2 -seate r e sc aping

o n to its no se aft er landi ng. dam aging the bearer plat es . pro-

ac ross the lines . Hol y ma n wa ited and thc e ne my mach ine eve n-

pe ller a nd both to p plan es .

tua lly ca mc back and was wo rk ing a z ig zag patt ern ov e r a

FCdr CT Mac l. arcn

at 0 8 .50 - te s t. e nc o u n-

ba tte ry, Hol yrn an fo llo wed the e ne my machi ne for 2 mi le s o ut

tered a n e ne my aircr aft durin g the test fligh t but wa s unab le to

to sea. eli vcd a nd o pe ned fire from 50 ya rd s ran ge. aft er 50

FSL H Law son

N63 55

c atc h it. he then e nco unte red a seco nd ma chine a t w h ic h he

ro und s bot h g uns jammed and the e ne my aircr aft wa s last see n

fir ed a few ro u nd s at lo ng ran ge. la wso n the n e m u la te d

head ing to ward s O stc ndc.

M acLa ren by turning N6 355 o ve r up on la nd ing .

Four pra ctice fli ght s we re c a rried o ut in thc morn ing : FS L VC Hol y ma n

N635 9

at 0 9 .00

prac tice , satis fac to ry Fl t RR Wint er O PPO SITE TO P:An overhead view of Bray Dunes/Front ier Aerodromes.The French landing gro und can be seen at the bottom of t he photog raph. the RN AS landing ground at t he top left. Courtesy JMB/GSL Collection

N6358

at 0 9.0 5

pra ct ice , satis fac to ry FCdr GG M ac l. ennan

N63 60

at 09 . 10

pr acti ce. sa tis fac to ry F Lt G D Kirkpatri ck

BonOM:An oblique view of Frontier and Bray DunesAero dromes. Caudrons and N ieupor t s can be seen parked on the landing grounds. Courtesy Mike O'Connor

N63 57

at 09 .10

practi ce. satis fac tory

93

1\ l l istorv of No .o Squat/mil Roya l Nava l Ail' Servi ce ill WOI'It/lI'al' I

-lth .Iu ly FCdr Maclenn an led an early line patrol at 0-L30 on the 4th but gun stoppages prevent ed the patrol from cffccti vely en -

FLt Winter led Ken dall. Ca rro ll and Curtis on a line patrol between Nieupo rt and Dixm ude at 19.00 . The anti-aircraft li re was reported as very heavy and accurate over Ostcndc.

gag ing the enemy aircraft they enco untered. FCdr MacLa ren led a five machi ne line patro l at 08.30. a single e ne my machi ne was observed off Westcndc .

7th .J uly FCdr Mucl.a rcn led a patro l at 04 .30. however. the engine in

FSl Curtis fle w a so lo line patrol at 11.30 after report s were received of a hostile mach ine attac king tren ches. No e nemy aircraft were see n. The co ntinuing gun problem was obvio usly causing conce rn. as SCdr Breese made a rare fl ight in a Came l to test the armam ent. New pilot FSL Kendall arrived at the squad ron. 5th .J uly FSl Curtis was se nt up to check the weath er at 06 .30. he reported thick cloud at 2500 lcc t and very bump y co nditions. Despite the earlie r find ings. FLt Winter led a five machine line patrol at 07.25 but was forced to abo rt the mission after 30 minutes. FCdr Macl.aren carried out a test flight at 10.20 and found the cloud base to be eve n lower. Gooder ham. Wood and Findlay took olTat 15.45 to carry out a line patrol to provide ai r cove r for a visit by King George

V.

his Ca mel wouldn' t give more than 1000rp m so he left the patro l to return to the ae rodro me. He obse rved Allied antiaircraft fire ou t to sea fro m Fumes and intercepted the machine whic h turned out to be a Sopwi th Pup. Maclaren then obse rved two aircraft to the eas t of Dixrnudc. he eve ntually discove red that these were Belgian. FCdr Maclennan led a line patro l at 06 .30. A few e nemy machines were observed on the ene my side of the lines and a number o f kite balloons were mapped. FCdr Macl. cn nan led seve n Camels olT at 10 .45 to interce pt a formation of Gotha bomb ers returning from the seco nd day lig ht raid o n l ond on . Th e Ca me ls patr o lled fro m Dunkerque to Zeebru gge. up to 25 milcs out to sea but saw no ene my aircraft. FSl Wood took off at 15.50 to chase an enemy machin e but was unable to locate it. Sth and 9th .J uly Bad weather preven ted all flying acti vity.

6th .J lily Five engine and machine tes ts were carried out during the day:

Wth .lul y FCdr Macl. cnn an led a fou r mach ine of fensive patrol at 14.35 on the 10th. T he patrol chased an enemy machin e back ove r

FLt GA Goo de rham

the lines to the south of Iic uport. They also rep orted seeing an ammuni tion train explode near Fum es. it being presumed

FLt RR Winter

N63 73 at 09.25 lest. mach ine satisfactory N6379 at 11.40

FSL RE Ca rro ll

e ngi ne test. satisfactory N635 1 at 11.45

that a Ge rman shell had destroyed the train. FLt Winter led a line patrol at 20.00. No enemy aircraft were encountered.

e ngine test. satisfactory N633 1 at 12.00 e ngine test. satisfactory

11th .lul y Hea vy ove rcas t deve loped du ring the day and affec ted fl ying.

FSL EH Kend all FCdr GG Macl.cnn an

6360 at 13.20 machin e test. satisfactory

FLt Winte r led a line patro l at 05.55. I 0 enemy aircra ft were e nco unte red but the pos itions of fo ur kite ba lloon s we re mapped. Curtis reported that several RE8s were being heavily

FCdr Macl. c unan led Beasley. Kirkpatrick and Holyman on a line patro l at 15.00 but the flight soo n suffered from gun prob-

shelled. FCd r Muc l. arc n led a n offensive patrol at 08.00. thick

lems again. Macl. en nan suffered from a stoppage in his port gun. whilst Beasley's machine suffered from sync hroniscr gear

cloud over the lines made co nditions difficult. FCdr Macl en nan attemp ted to lead a line pat rol at 15.00 but was soon forced to abando n it due to the cloud. Ano ther

troubl e which caused him to damage his propeller.

pat rol was attemp ted at 16.05 duri ng which Mac l. c nnan ob-

Th e

COW l

and Camels

TOP LEFT:N O.6 Squadron pilots relaxing. RR Winter and H Law son swimming In what is believed to be the Dunkerque- Nieuport Canal.Wi nter is the one making the rude gesture to the camera. Courtesy Justm Young TO P RIGHT: Winter and Lawson. Lawson appears to be sitting upon a makeshift diving board . Courtesy EF Cheesman

served two enemy machi nes, At the end of thc patrol Beasley turned 635 1 ove r on its nose and Kendall repeated thc sa me feat with 6331. wreck ing the mac hine. FLt Winter Icd an offensi ve patrol at 17.00. two enemy

FCdr Macl.cn nan and FLt Winte r led their flights on an o ffcn-

machi nes were observed off Ostcnd c, Anti-a ircraft fire over Wcstcnd e was described as accurate. with the patrol's hcight

sivc pat ro l at 12.45 . very few e ne my aircr aft we re see n. Good erham in N6375 had to return afte r 10 minutes with en-

gaug ed to within 10 feet.

ginc troubl e. SCdr Breese flew Camel N637 1 to a French Aerodrom e on the Dunkcrqu e - Berq ues road to a demonstration in thc

12th .luly

lawson and Find lay ca rried out an enemy aircraft patrol at 09 .05 . T hree enemy machines were observ ed heading cast

afte rnoo n.

between Nicupo rt and Ostende. Winter and Kendall carried out a similar patrol at 10.:W, At 10.50 ncar S ly pe , a lone ene my scout got beh ind Kend all

13th .l u ly

FLt Winter led an offe nsive patrol at 05.40. Th ree hostile rnachines aua ckcd the patrol from out of thc sun. Wintcr was attac ked by one and thc other two attacked Curtis who was

and shot him dow n in flames from 13.000 tee t. Winte r described thc inciden t in his co mbat rep o rt:

force d to divc away , Winter and Curtis ca rried out a hostile aircra ft patrol at

Slype, 13000 / 1'1'1, 10.50

11.35. Two enemy airc ra ft had been repo rted from Nicuport but co uld not be found. FCdr Macl. cnn an led an offensive patro l at 12.45. The

offensi ve patrolfo r rep ort ed wireless m ach ine On loo king round I observed

WI

ene my mach ine di rectly

patrol reported see ing a few enemy machi nes beh ind their lines

behind FSL Kenda ll.

at 13.30.

FSL Kendal! dived, cl osely [a llowed hy th e enemy

[ire at once a s I

ai rcraft and I III/'ll I'd an d dived al so IJlII was unab le /IJ \I 'as afraid o] hilling our o\l'n ma chine.

14th .J uly

Whe n I \I'as able 10 lfired 200 rou nds at the cn emv air-

SCdr Breese carried out a wea the r test at 07.45 . thick cloud

C("{({I, whi ch 1i:{1 Kendal! and co ntinued /IJ dive. I ob served

made co nditions unsuitable for patro ls. FCdr Ma cl.c nnan and Fl. t Winter led their flights on an o ffensive patro l at 13.45 but found the cloud co ver to be too

a trail o f sm ok e and di,\'('(I\'I'I'('(1 that Kendall 's ma chine had been se t on [i re. The ettem v machin e

belie ve that it

\1'0 .1'

\1'0 .1'

thick to continue the patro l. T he Came ls re ma ined ove r Nicu port from 14.30 to 15.50 to protect an RES. At 15.50. thc

not seen again hUI I do not

out ofcontro l.

95

A l listo rv

(~tNo .6

Sq uadron Ro val N(/\"(/ I Air Service ill \\'o rld \\'(/r l

patro l came down and patrolled the lines at 5000 feet. numer-

ch ased by a S PAD . Th ree kite ba llo on s were located at Wilkcrskc. Zcvec ote and Lcffi ngc. FCdr MacLarcn led a dcfcnsi ve patrol at 08.15 . Two of

ous Allied machin es were scc n but no e nemy aircraft were observed . FSL NM Macgregor mad e a co uple of practice flights in the eve ning.

thc kite ba lloons were still up at Wilkerskc and at Lc tTingc. At 10.00. l a wson o bse rve d a lar ge e ne m y ae ro p la ne over I icuport at 14000 feet . As Lawson clim bed . the ene my ma-

15th .Iul~' At 09,45. FCdr Macl.arcn led his flight o n an offensive pat rol

chinc matched his ratc of climb and effec tively prevent ed him from ge tting within att ack rangc. Find lay observed an e ne my machin e gliding down to wards Ostende aftcr bein g shel led.

to St. Pierre Ca pe lle betw een Wcstcnd c and Midd lc kcrkc, Th c patrol o bserved one ene my machine ncar St. Pierre Cape lle

FCdr MacLarcn Icd an offensive pat rol at 11.15. Th c patrol obse rved six e nemy aircraft hcading toward s Ostcn de at 12.00. FCdr MacL en nan and FLl Win ter led Offe nsiv e pat rols at 15,40. They encountered two enemy aircraft near Ost c ndc and

heading in an easterly di rection at 10. 15 and an unidentified machine which eventually turned out to bc a SPAD . Wood fl y in g N6334 had to m ake a forc ed landing ju st aft er taking olT wh en his eng ine scizcd.

FCdr Mac l.c nnan and FLl Winter led offe nsive patro ls at 15.45. Kirkpatric k 's mach inc su ffe rcd from bro ken ign iI ion Icads and he had to ret urn to ex change his C amel. Ma c Lc nna n and

another flying lo w o ver Slypc. T hc patrol also repo rt ed a Brit-

ish machine on the beac h to the cas t o f Nie upo rt Picrs. FCdr Macl. arcn attemp ted to carry out an offensive patrol at 19.15 but due to the thick clo uds changed to a dcfc n-

Kirkpatric k sa w no enemy aircraft. howe ver. Winter 's flight encountered thre e g roups of enemy aircraft stac ked at diffe rcnt he ight s. Winter dec lined to attack . as it was an obvio us

sive patrol ca rrie d o ut at 3000 fcct. Good erh am fl ying N6373

trap.

tank ruptured.

16th .lu ly

18th .Iuly FCd r Mac l.aren ca rrie d o ut a we athe r tcst at 05 .05 . the cloud was at 2500 feet and it was intermitten tly raining. FLt Winter ca rrie d out a further weath er tcst at 17.15 but there was no

was forccd to ret urn to thc aerodrom e wh en his mac hin e 's oil

Th e wea ther was bad on the 16th. FCdr Macl. aren ca rried ou t

a wea ther tcst at 05 ,45 and repo rte d that the conditions were unsatisfactory. Despi te Ma cl.arcn 's rep ort . FCdr MacLcnnan led a patro l at 06.00 but was forccd to aband on it aft er 20 min utes. He tried again at 06.30 but thc visib ility was very poor and he Icd

i mpro vcrncnt .

thc Flight down to 7000 fee t and ca rried out a defen s ive patro l. No enemy aircra ft w ere scc n and l ittl e activity along thc lincs. FLt Win tcr led an offe ns ive pat ro l in the vicinity of

19th .Iul y The wea ther was sti ll bad o n thc 19th. it was not poss ible to

icuport and Dixm udc at 13,40. A lone enemy machin e was enco untered o lT Wcstcnd c but it tu rned and dived into thc

20th .Iuly

New pilot FS L FS Strath y ariivc d at the squadro n.

perfor m a weather tcst until 17. 15.

Wit h the return of FLl BHP De Roepe r from sick leave. the Flight struc ture changed so mewhat:

clouds when approached. SC dr Breese led an o ffe nsive patrol at 18.45 . His patr ol

A Flight FCdr CT I'vlac Lare n. Flight Co mmandc r FLl GA Goodcrham. Deput y Flight Co mmandc r

co mprised Wintcr. ivlac Lcnnan. Kirkpatri ck and Macgrcgor. Th c patrol cnco untcrc d thrcc largc cncmy machin es coming in from thc sca at 19.40. thcsc di ved away whcn app roached. Th c patrol a lso sa w black smokc o n thc sand duncs at Wcstcnd c

FSl Wood FS L Findlay FSL Lawson

Plagc at 19.20 and thought it might be issuing from a burning aircraft. 17th .Iul y FLl Winter led a dcfensivc patrol at 05 .10. Th c pat rol cncoun-

B Flight FLt GG MacL enn an. Flight Co mmande r FLt Kirkpatrick . Dcpu ty Fligh t Co mmandcr

tcred two c ncmy mach incs flying low ncar Dixmu dc bcin g 96

The Coast

1/I1t!

Camels

FSL For man FSL Str athy

Severa l Bristol Fightcrs were observed over Middlekcrkc and it was believe d that they engaged the 2-sca tcrs. FLt De Roepe r led an offens ive patro l at 19.30 . Four

C Fli ght

members of thc patrol fired on e nemy trenches and g un ernplac em e nts fro m 1500 tee t. T he patrol e nco untere d fiv e Albatros sco uts at 20.05. Carroll di ved and attac ked a scout

FLt BHP Dc Rocpcr. Flight Co mmande r FLt RR Winter, Depu ty Flight Commande r

firing 40 0 rounds from 50 yards ra nge . Carroll saw tracers e nter thc fuselage and thc machine went do wn spinning and

FSL Ni'vl Macgregor FSL RE Carroll FS L WA Curtis

e mitting thic k clo uds of smoke. Carro ll then enga ged a seca nd mach ine and fired at long range . thc enemy machine dived away steep ly. Winter dive d and attac ked anothcr sco ut firin g

FLt Winter led his flight o n an o ffens ive pat rol at 04. 10. no e nemy machi nes were enco untered but two kite balloon s were see n to the so uth of Ostcndc, FCdr Macl.cnn an led a defe nsive pat ro l at 07.00 and 10-

a lo ng burst fro m 200 ya rds. the enemy mac hine appeared to break up but at that insta nt Macgregor flushed across in fro nt of Wintcr. Whcn Winte r flau cncd o ut. all o f thc e nemy rna-

cared two kite ba lloons 2 miles cas t of Nicupor t. FCdr Mnc l. arcn led a defensive patro l a long the lines between Nicuport and Pervysc to provide cove r for RE8s. T he

chines had vanished. Curtis had re mai ned above thc form ation to prevent any other hostile machin es di ving o n to thc attac king Ca me ls. Hc was attacked and had the main spar of

RE8s were not see n. FCdr Mac l. enna n led an offe nsive pat rol at 13.00 . T he patrol enco untered three 2-sca tcrs flyin g in a .. v.. at 9000 fee t

his to p plane shot through . A fter pic king up the formation. Curtis foolishly rem ained wit h the patro l for 30 minu tes.

ove r Middlckcrkc at 14. 30. Mac l. c nnan lcd thc patrol in a di ve o n to thc left hand mach ine and was see n to fire at close range. The e nemy machine side-s lipped and fell spinning for a very

2211(1.l uly

FCd r Macl. arcn led A Flight on an offensive patrol at 07.00 . Th e patrol observed one enemy machin e low ove r Middl ckcrkc at 08.40 and another mach ine leaving Ostc ndc at 08.45. SCdr Brccsc led Strathy, For man and Ca mpbc ll-O rdc o n

long distance until o ut o f sight. The patro l split up whilst fighting thc rem aining two machines and when it reformed FCdr Macl.cnnan was missing. Although seve ral claims for Sopwith

a defe nsive patrol at 10.30. At 10.50 an un iden tified machine was scc n to spin do wn and cras h. Th ree enemy a ircraft were seen over Dixmude. the patrol made round to seaward. climbed

Came ls on thc 20th Jul y were sub mitted by thc German Air Se rvice. none o f thcm correspond to thc time of Macl.cn nans

and attemp ted to intercept but lost thc enemy machine s agains t thc sca when ten to twelve miles out. C Flight ca rrie d o ut an offensive patrol at 11 .30. At 13.00. De Roeper fired 150 rounds at an ene my machin e without cf-

death .

At 15.25. FLt Dc Roep er led C Flight. with Winter rcvet ting to deputy leader, on an o ffe nsive pat rol. No enemy aircraft we re seen but a heavy smo ke sc ree n was observe d at Slypc.

feet. Th ree kite balloons wcrc rcport cd to bc opcrating so uthcas t of Ostcnd c. T he patrol fircd into c ncmy trcnc hcs.

2 1st "ul y FLt Dc Rocpcr Icd an offcns ivc patrol at 11.25. Onc cncm y

mac hinc was obscrvcd off Os tcndc at 12.30. onc c nemy ma-

Kirkpatrick and Lawso n pcr fo rmcd an uncvcntfu l cncmy aircraft patrol at 14 .25. A Flight ca rricd out an offcnsivc patro l at 16.00. Th c pa-

chinc obsc rvcd landing at Ghistcllcs at 12.40 and two cncmy machincs wcrc scc n ovcr Blankcnbcrghc at 13. 10. FCdr Mac Larcn Icd an offcnsivc patrol at 16.00 ovc r Lc kc.

trol obscrvcd thrcc cncmy mach incs ovc r Ostc ndc at 16.40. At 17.35. IvlacLarcn saw an Albatros sco ut with diamond fusc lagc mar kings about 1000 fcct abovc thc patrol. thc sco ul

Midd lckcr kc. Wcstcndc and scawards . T hc patrol cnco untcrcd two 2-sc atcrs ovcr ~ I i d d l ck c r kc at 16.40. thc cnc my aircra ft wc nt do wn to Midd lckcrkc and thc patrol wai tcd o ut at sca in

div cd a nd attac kcd FS L Lawson who wc nt into a spira l. i'vlac Larcn gOl thc c ncmy's hcight. manocu vrcd bch ind him and fircd 40 rounds. Traccrs wcrc scc n cntcring thc right lo wc r planc and thc fusclagc . Th c c ncmy scout brokc out of thc spiral and MacL arcn lost sigh t of him undc r his Camc l's wing.

thc hop c that thcy wo uld rcappcar. Whilst thc patro l was wa iting. thcy wcrc surpriscd by a formatio n of fivc Albatros scouts which divcd and attackcd and thcn hcadcd olTtowards Ostcndc.

i'v lacLarcn wc nt ovcr on his back and fel l 1000 fcct. Thc cn -

97

1\ History of No.6 Squat/ro ll No \'(/I Naval Air Servi ce ill lI'1 n'ltl IVa r I

c my m ach ine wa s last see n headi ng for O stc ndc . Find lay ob-

thre e e ne m y mac hines were sc c n ov e r N ie upo rt. M ac l. arc n

serve d fo ur e ne my airc ra ft ov er D ixmude at 17.50 . hc fo llow ed

di ved to w ards the m b ut they im med iat el y di ved a wa y to the

th cm a nd e ngaged o ne over S tee ne , T he e ne my mac h ine di ve d

cas t. G ood e rha m ob served a ni g ht o f A lba tro s sco uts nc a r

at Fin d lay w ho wait ed u ntil hc wa s at th c sa me le vel be for e

M oer cs at 20 . 15. hc atta ck ed his c hos e n m ach ine from beh ind

op e nin g fir e . Th e e ne my a irc raft dived away wi th Fi nd lay in

and ab o ve and saw his tr ac er bu lle ts e nte ri ng the fu selage near

pu rsu it. Fi nd lay fir ed a pp ro x imate ly 400 rou nd s and saw true-

thc pilo ts seat. T he e ne my ma c hi ne we nt into a s pin w hic h

c rs ent e r the fu sel age . T hc e ne my mac h ine we nt d ow n in a

conti nued for 3000 fee t. w he n last see n the a irc ra ft wa s o n its

no scd ive from whic h it wa s no t see n to reco ve r,

back . G ooderham was un a ble to wa tc h th e e ne my m ac hin e

FLt De Roe per led C Fl ig ht o n an o ffe ns ive pa trol in thc

a ny fu rt he r as hc w as att ac kcd . lost h is e ng ine a nd wa s forc ed

late ev e ning . At 20.40. w he n 3 m iles no rt hea st o f Dix mudc ,

to s p in away. He re start ed h is e ng ine at 7000 feet and ret urn ed

Dc Roeper o bse rve d two e ne m y ma ch ine s head ing towards

to thc aerodro me wi th h is C a mc l vco ns iderably riddl ed " , Wood

Mi ddl c ke rkc at 17500 fee t. Th e lead a irc ra ft tu rn ed he ad-o n

e nco unte re d se ver a l A lbatros sco uts to thc cast o f Dixmudc at

to De Roep e r and ope ne d fire b ut the trace rs we re w ide o f his

20.3 0 . He di ved o n o nc and fired a bur st. the e ne my machine

le ft w ing by 12 yards . De Roep e r dec rea sed h is rad ius of turn .

we nt into a s pin and Wo od fo llow ed him do wn . W hcn the e n-

d ived stra ig ht at th e e ne my mach ine a nd fired a burs t o f 30

c m y m ac h ine re co ve red , Wood fire d a no ther b urst a nd th e

ro und s. then pulled up to a vo id a co ll is io n. T he sc o ut turn ed

A lba tro s we nt do wn in a ve rti ca l d ive . Wood fo llo wed h im

and d ived for its lincs . De Roep e r fo llowed and o pe ned ti re

do wn to 8000 fee t w itho ut se e ing him reco ve r, Find lay rc -

w ith bo th g uns from 30 ya rds . A fte r 100 roun ds. thc e ne my

po rted that hc had see n Wo od a ttac k a n e ne my mac hi ne w h ic h

mach ine sta llcd and we nt into a s p in. De Roe pe r fo llo we d it

sp un a way a nd rec overed aft er 3000 to 4000 feet a nd then

dow n to 65 00 fee t at whic h point it wa s still s pinn ing. C urt is

we nt int o a ve rt ic a l di ve . A hand written no tc o n the co m bat

re port ed tha t he sa t up in thc su n wa iting for ho sti le mac hi nes

report statcd tha t the res u lt w as no t ce rtai n e no ug h to clai m a n

to attack thc formati on of C a me ls. he e ve ntua lly lo st s ig ht o f

" o ut o f contro l",

thc Ca me ls in the da rkness.

24th .luly

2J rd .l u ly

FLt Wi nt er Icd a pa tro l at 0-L30 to pu rsu e ene my bo m be rs.

De Roe per led W int e r. C urt is a nd Ca rro ll o n an offen s ive pa-

l a wson w as the o n ly pi lo t to e nco unt er the bo mb ers near

trol at 05 .30. He a vy c lo ud at 7000 fee t a nd m ist be lo w thc

Fu rncs bu t wa s o nly ab le to fire onc bu rst at lon g ra ng e. FLt De Roe pe r led a n o ffe nsive pat ro l at 0 8.45 b ut th e

c lo ud re su lted in the patro l bein g abando ncd aft cr40 mi nut es.

wea ther had sta rted to c lose in and the pa tro l wa s aba ndo ned

FLt Kir kpatric k Icd five Ca me ls o n a de fen si ve patrol at

a fte r ha l I' an ho ur.

10 .00 . A t 11.30. Find lay attack ed a n e ne my ki te ba llo o n to thc

FLt K irkp a tr ic k led Fo rma n and S trathy o n a line pat ro l

cas t o f Di xmu de . Fo re ma n fired into e ne my tren ch es at 11.5 5 .

at 08.45 . v isib ility w as bad a nd the patro l had nothin g

FLt Winte r led C Flig ht o n a n o ffe nsiv e pa tro l at 14. 30. A for mat io n o f five ene my sco uts a nd 2-sc atc rs wa s e nco unte red

10

re-

port . Wi th the loss o f FLt M ac l e nn an . SCd r Bree se rea rra nge d

o ve r S t. Pie rre C ape lle at 16 .00 . S tra thy attem pted to attac k two o f thc e ne my m ac hin es but rapidl y fo und him sel f u nd er

th e Flig ht struc tu re :

attac k. In th c e nsuing fig ht. S tra thy fire d a burst at o ne o f thc

A Flight

e ne my machines wit ho ut e ffe ct. FC dr M acl.ar c n le d an o ffe nsi ve pat rol at 19 .00 fro m

FCd r CT Ma clare n. Flig ht C o m ma nde r

N ieuport to Mi d dl c ke rkc . bc h ind S t. P icrre C a pe lle a nd

FLt GA Goodcrha m

Dixm ud c . M aclar en a nd l awson ob served three e ne my a ir-

F Lt R F Red path

craft hcad ing no rt heast from be hind Dixmude at 14 00 0 fee t.

FS l MH Find lay

Th e C a mels di vcd o n thc formati o n. th c first e nc my machinc

FS L H La wson

di vcd awa y. w hil s t a not hc r tr icd to work around bc h ind

B Flight

iVlaclarc n bu t thc n d ivcd away w hcn Nlaclarc n tr ied to c ngage it. M acL ar cn th en b ro ke away as fo ur more e ne my ma -

FCdr B HP Dc Rocpc r. F lig ht Co m ma ndc r

c h incs a ppea rcd fro m the directi on of G h istc llc s. A t 20.3 5 .

FS L WA C u rt is

98

Th e COIi Sl II lI d Cll mels

ABOVE:Two new Camels fro m the trst production ba tc h outside Sopwith's hangars at Brooklands. Both of the machineswere delivered to the depot at 51.Pol by 24th May 19I 7.Au thor's collection RIGHT: Ano ther view of the previo us location. The nearest Camel. N 6332 was transferred to the RFC at 51. O mer on the 2Sth May 1917.Behind N 6332 is N 6334 which was delivered to N o.6 Squadro n on 16th June 19 17. F5L PWood was flying N 6334 whe n he claimed an A lbatros scout destroyed to the east of D ixm ude on the 23rd July 19 I 7.The Canadian pilot. F5L F5 5trathy w as killed in N 6334 w hen he w as shot dow n near Zevco te on the 17t h A ugust 1917.A uthor's collectio n

yy

A Historv o{ No.6 Sq uad ron Rova l Nava l Ail" Servi ce in II'tJl"it/ IIl/I"!

FSL RE Carro ll FSL N!'vl Macg rego r

FSL Campbcll-Ordc performed a defe nsive patrol at 16.20 in respo nse 10 report of an e nemy machi ne in the vicinity. No enemy machines were see n. FLt De Roeper led an offensive patrol 16. 15. Two enemy aircraft we re enco unte red o ver O stcnd c, these went dow n

FSL .l1-I Forman C Flig ht

through the clo uds when approached . De Roeper turned N634 1 ove r on its nose at the end of the patrol. During the pat rol

FLt RR Winter. Flight Co mmander FLt G D Kirkpatri c k FSL VC Holyman

Macgregor dro ve an enemy artillery spotter back from the lines. FCdr Macl.a rcn led a defcnsi vc patrol at 16. 15. the patro l enco untere d three ene my aircra ft to the so uth of Middlekcrk e

FSL FS Stra thy FSL P Wood

at 16040 and a single enemy mach ine headi ng bac k and forth betwee n Middlc kcrkc and St. Pierr e Capelle.

FSL AC Ca mpbc ll-Ordc This co incided with the introductio n of a new tacti c com prising a simultaneous outer offen sive patrol and inner de fen sive patrol. T he offensive patro l bein g at Flight strength and co nsisting of at least fo ur and usually five Camels. whilst the de-

26 t h Jul y

FLt Winter led a de fen si ve patro l at 12.00 on the 261h. No enemy machines were see n. the clo ud base was ver y lo w and visibility was ve ry poor. Two of the pat rol' s machin es suf-

fensive patrol was usua lly ca rried out with three Camels. T he intenti o n of the simu ltaneous patro l was twofold . if e ither patrol was attac ked. the other patro l would in theor y be close e nough 10 rap idly give suppo rt. and if an enemy machi ne crosse d the lines it stood a good chance of bein g trapped between the two patrols. FCdr Ma c l.a rcn led an offen siv e patrol at 13.15. the visibilit y was ver y bad and no ene my mach ines we re seen. FSL Macgregor led Carroll and Curtis on the simultaneous defensive patro l at 13. 10. Th e visibility was very bad and no e nemy aircraft were see n. FLt De Roeper led an o ffensive pat rol at 19. 15. the patrol encountered a form alion of eight enemy mach ines com ing from Ostcndc but they were 1500 feet above the patrol.

fe red ig nition faults.

po n their return. Curtis and Macgregor

indulged in a mock dog fight o ver Nicuport. FLt Lawson led Wood and Findlay o n a de fensive patrol at 16. 15. A for mation o f three e nemy aircra ft was see n diving away from another for mation of Camels 10 the cast of Dixm ude at 17.00. FLt Winter led an offensive patrol at 16. 15. At 17.00. three e ne my airc ra ft attac ked the patrol over Slype, FSL Ca mpbe llO rde was bringing up the rear of the patrol when he sa w an e ne my machi ne above and beh ind him . as he turned to att ack he fo und he was being attac ked by two more enemy sco uts. Winter and the rest of the patro l rescued Ca mpbc ll-Ordc and drove o lT the enemy mach ines. Winter's Ca mel suffering from

FCdr Macl. arcn led Goo de rham and Strath y on a defensive patrol at 19. 15. no ene my mac hines were enco untered.

stoppages in both g uns. At 17.35 when ove r St. Geo rges. an e nemy machine was see n co ming fro m icup ort . the patrol di ved to att ack but the enemy machine disappeared under a

25th .lu ly

bank of cloud . Shortly afte rwards. Campbcll-Orde who had been lagging beh ind the patro l with engine troubl e came under attac k aga in. Hearin g shots from behi nd. Campbc ll-Ordc

FCdr Mac l. a ren led A Flight on an offensive patrol at 07. 15. The patrol found cloud starting at 4500 fee t and heavy co ver at 9500 feet. Visibil ity was so poor that the pilo t's report ed that they could hardly see. An enemy mach ine was enco untered near St. Pier re Cape lle at 6000 feel. it turned eas t and was immediately lost to view. T he for mation ran into rai nsto rms afte r 30 minut es and Macl.arcn abo rted the patrol. De Roeper led a three machine defensive patro l at 07. 15. One ene my machin e was obs erved to wards Osrende. the patrol was otherwise uneve ntfu l. FCdr Macl. a re n and Lawson look off at 09.05 in response to the report of an enemy machine at Nicup ort. 1\ was raining heavily and the enemy machi ne was not see n.

turn ed sharply right and tried 10 cli mb up 10 an Albatros sco ut which he saw above him. at this point the Ca me l was raked with a burst of fire that da maged the eng ine and tank s and wounded Ca mpbcll-Ordc in three places on his left hand side . Campbc ll-Ordc dive d and twisted and got awa y whilst Winter, Strath y and For man drove off the two scouts that were attacki ng him. Forma n followed one of the sco uts down to 4500 feet and fired at very close range see ing his trace rs e nterin g the fuselage. at that poi nt both guns ja mmed and For man was forced 10 dise ngage. As he turned away he thought he saw the sCOlII side -slip and fa ll out of co ntrol.

100

Th e Coa .1'1 an d Came ls

New pilot FSL Hl3 Ma und arrived at the squadr on. 27th .lu ly

firm that Forman had sent it down in fla mes to crash into the sea. Curtis saw the burnin g Albatros plunge past him and c rash into the sea. describing it as "s poo ky" in his log. Later. Curtis

Kirkp atrick. Strathy and Maund atte mpted to per form a defensi ve patro l at 07. 15. The cloud base was at 500 feet and

climbed in company with l3ristol Fighters of No,48 Squadro n RFC in pursuit of two enemy aircra ft seen over thc A l l ied l i nes,

Kirkpatrick aband oned the patro l and return ed to the aero drom e alt er I () minu tes. FLt Winter led Gooderham and Maund on an unevent ful de fensive patro l at 12.00 . Seve ral spec ial missions were flown in the afte rnoo n in response to e nemy aircra ft incursions reported by wireless. In each case no enemy aircraft were enco untered. FLt Winter led an offensive patrol at 16.25. The patrol e ncountered and engaged several ene my formation s without decisive result. After taking part in two indecisive combats. Form an encountered a slate coloured Albatros sco ut to the east

28th July FLt Gooderham led an o ffe nsive patrol at 05 ,45. Th e patrol un ac kcd one e nemy mach ine but it esca ped into the cloud cover. FLt Kirkpatr ick Icd Strathy and Forma n on a defen sive patrol at 05,4 5. Th ree kite balloons were see n and For man saw two enemy aircraft. T hc weather closed in a littlc with low cloud and poor visibility. T his affe ct ed De Roeper's offensive patrol at 10.15. causing it to be aborted afte r 25 minut es.

of Nicup ort at 17. 10. After manoeu vring to put the sun at his back. Forman dived unti l within 40 yards o f the enemy scout. fired a short burst. whereup on thc sco ut nose-dived and the n burst into fla mes.' Find lay had pre viously attacked the same sco ut. firing 200 rounds without e ffe c t and was able to con-

10/

BELOW: Defending the coastal region in opposition to No.6 Squadron. Morine(eldJosw I were regularly encountered. In this photograph. 4 Albatros DVs are taking off from Aartrijke airfeld. Pfalz Dills can be seen In the background. Courtesy University o(Texos, Dol/asiA Imrie col/ecuon

II History o] No .6 Squ adron Roya l Naval Air Service in lVo rld lVar I

FLt Goode rham was ab le to lead a de fe ns ive patrol at

ABOVE: Albatros DV's of Manne(eldjasw I. Courtesy University o(Texas. Dallasl A Imne collection

10. 15. severa l e ne my mach ines were see n to be o pe ra ting we ll beh ind thei r o wn lines ncar Oste nde .

Weste nd e. unt il abo ut 20 .30 whe n o ne hal f-heart ed ly att ac ked

FLt Winte r le d a n offe ns ive patrol at 14 .45 . Wint er . ac-

a nd then d ived away.

compani ed by Kir kp atrick . Macgr ego r a nd Strathy. di ved to

FLt Win te r led Kirk patric k and S trathy o n a de fe ns ive

attac k two e ne my 2-sea te rs seen to the so uth of Wi ls kc rkc at

patrol at 19 . 15. No enemy mach ines we re e ncou nte red .

16.00 . Wint e r attac ked o ne of the 2-seaters a nd fired a lon g burst into it. as he pul led a way FSL Mac gr egor a lso go t a lo ng

29th .J lil y

burst into the 2-seate r. Th e e ne my mac hin e fle w strai g ht and

FLt Kirkp atri c k led Mau nd an d S trat hy o n an un e ven tful de-

le vel fo r se ve ra l seco nds and the n fell in a spin a nd wa s see n

Ic ns ivc patro l a t 07 . 15 .

to c ras h in a fie ld near the ca na l. FS L Fo rma n. suspec ting a

A Flig ht ca rried o ut a n o ffe ns ive pa tro l at 0 7. 15. Th e e n-

trap. re mained hig h whe n the rest of the pat ro l di ved to attac k

g ine in FCd r lacl.are u' s Ca me l wou ld no t sta rt for 45 min-

the 2-sea te rs . Three A lbat ro s scouts ap pea red a bove him.

utes. howe ver. he was able to pick up the pat rol to the cast o f

For man cli mbe d a nd attac ked o ne at ve ry c lose ra nge. he fired

N ie upo rt . T he visibility wa s ve ry bad a nd it proved impos -

a sha rp burst at the e ne my mac hi ne a nd then had to turn aw ay

s ible to o bse rve a ny thing on the g ro und.

to a vo id a co llisio n. Fo rma n wa s sure that he had hit his o ppo -

FLt De Roe pe r ca rried o ut a so lo patro l at 14 .15 to re po rt

nen t but was unable to foll ow him do wn as he ca me under

on the num ber of e ne my kite ba lloon s be ing de p lo yed . He

attac k from o ne o f the o the r Albat ro s scouts. Forman was

was o nly a ble to find o ne ball oo n.

wounde d in his righ t sho ulder but was able to ge t his machi ne

At 16 .15 De Roe pe r led C urtis a nd Maun d o n a de fe nsive

sa fely back across the lines. He mad e a fo rce d land ing in a

patrol. Th e weat her cl osed in a fte r 30 m inutes red uc ing the

fie ld of broad bea ns and turned his Ca me l o ver.

cl o ud base to SOO fee t. No e ne my a irc ra ft were o bse rved .

FLt De Roe pe r led Ca rro ll a nd C urtis o n a de fcn s ivc pa-

FS l S trathy ca rried o ut a wea the r test at 16 .30 . to det e r-

tro l al 14 .45. Two e ne my mac hines we re o bse rve d o lT Oste nde

min e if the sc hed uled o ffen s ive patro l wo uld be via ble. Th e

and proceeding to ward s Dixmude. abo ut 4 miles over the lines.

rapi dl y dete riorating wea ther resu lted in the patro l bein g ca n-

Th e pat ro l was unable to ge t cl ose e noug h to attack them .

ce lled.

FCd r Mac l aren led a n o ffe ns ive patro l at 19. 15. Seve n 30th .J lily

e ne my machi nes were obse rved ncar Ostc ndc, these we nt do wn w hen att ac ked bu t later c limbed up to 17500 feet w he re the

FLt Kirkpa tric k led S trathy and Ma und o n a defen si ve patr o l

patro l was un able to reac h the m . thei r Ca me ls strugg ling to

at 0 8.00 . T he c lo ud ba se was still at SOO feet an d Kirkp atric k

ge t a bove 17000 fe e t. T he e ne my m a chi ne s wa ite d o ff

aba ndo ned the pa tro l a fte r 5 min utes.

102

The COliS/ and ClIlllels

B Flig ht att empted to carry out an offen si ve patrol at 16.15 , thc wea the r had det eriorat ed further and the pat ro l ca me back a ftcr a n hour. FLt Macl.a rcn led a de fen s ive pat ro l at 16.15 . Th e c lo ud wa s still a pro ble m but Mac l aren ke pt thc pat rol o ut for two ho urs.

0

e ne my machi nes were o bserved .

3 1st July T hc wea ther suffe red furt her dc tcrio rat ion and thc sq uad ro n ma de no atte mpt to fly.

A ugus t 1917 T!Ie 41!1 Brigad e 's War dia ry recorded en em y a ctivity

/0

no rmal, with larg e formati ons I!{ ellelllY aircraft seldom

he 1'11 -

co untered. T!I e prevailing westerly wind was [re quently vel')' stro ng durin g August and hampered the Brigade \ ope rations. Once again . desp ite the official pronou nce ment. the work perf ormed liv No.6 Squad ron seemed to ha ve stepped up a gea r: the introduct ion ofthe SOpwith Came l havin g revitalised the sq uadro n. For so mc time. the RNAS had fo und itself overstretched an d unable to cope with the attrition rate ofm en and mach ines exp eri enc ed durin g the summer lif 1917. Aft er discussio n with the RFC, the decision was tak en to disba nd No.6 Squadron and lise the 111 1'11 an d machi nes to "s ho re up " the ot her squadrons. No. 11 Squadron, under RNAS control and also based at Frontier aerodrome, met the sallie F ile.

Ffugmaat Ludwig of Marine(e/djasta I poses wi th hisA lbatros Ov. Ludwig claimed one victory. Courtesy University o(Texas. Oaf/asIA Imrie collection

Is t to 4th A ugus t T hc bad weat her at thc e nd o f .July persi sted into A ug ust and thc sq uad ro n was unab le to mount any pa tro ls for the first fo ur da ys o f the mon th.

5th A ug us t Th e Sq uad ro n's first patro l in Aug ust was carried o ut o n thc 5t h whe n FLt Wint cr led an o ffen si ve pa tro l at 16 .15 . Th e patrol e nco untered a lon e mach ine ov e r thc Flood s at 17.00 but was un ab le to bring it to act io n. At 17.40. a form atio n o f s ix e ne my aircra ft was o bse rve d at 1000 0 feet ove r Wcstcn dc. Afte r un s ucc essfu lly ma noe uvring for positi on. th ese mac hine s headed o ff tow ards Ostc ndc. FLt Dc Roep er led thc si multa neo us de fen sive pat rol. Th e

F1gmstr Brenner of M FJ I wi th his Albatros Dv. Courtesy University o( Texas. DallaslA Imrie collection

pa tro l e nco unte red five e ne my mach ines at 17.15 but these pro ved to be a trap . T he pa trol head ed to wa rd s the e ne my for-

/ 03

;\ Histo ry ofNo.t: Sq uadro n ROYIlI Naval Air Service ill World 1I'Ilr I

mati on a nd was immedi at el y attac ked from abo ve by an ot her

F Lt Kir kp at rick le d an un e ven tful de fen si ve pa trol a t

for ma tio n o f six e ne my aircraft. T he pat rol wa s a ttac ked agai n

0 7. 15.

at 17.50 by s ix mo re e ne my machine s. C urtis shoo k o ff the

SCd r Breese took o tT a t 09. 3 7 in pu rsu it of a n e ne my

e ne my scout tha t had bee n o n his ta il a nd wa s able to d ri ve o ff

mac h ine w hic h had pass ed ov e r the ae rodro me . By the time

the sco ut w h ic h had bee n attac ki ng C a rro ll. C a rro ll rep o rted

he go t a irbo rne the int rud er had va n ished . FC d r Muc l. arcn led a de fe nsive pat rol at II AS . T he pa-

that as the e ne my sco uts d ived a way trom the ir init ia l atta c k. o ne mad e fo r a n A llie d reconn ai ssa nce mac hine w h ic h was

tro l brok e th rou gh the cl oud at 10000 fee t but they wer e un -

wo rking o ve r the Flood s . C arro ll atta cked the e ne my mac hine

ab le to sec the RE8s worki ng be lo w so the y we re force d to

.u lo ng ra nge a nd was able to dri ve it o iT. Sopwith Pups o r

come dow n to 300 0 fee t. A t this hei ght the y nea rly beca me

No .54 Sq uadr o n RFC j o ined in the e ngageme nt j ust as the

e nta ng led in the RE8s ' ae ria ls' a nd wer e ge tt ing in the way o r

co mb a ta nts we re d isp ers ing .

ea c h o the r and the 2-s ea te rs . forc ing Macl. arcn to aba ndo n the pa tro l. O n the ir wa y bac k they o bse rved a S PAD co me

6th A ugus t

u nd e r hea vy att ac k from an A ll ied anti-a irc ra ft ba tte ry. FLt W inter led a n o ffe nsive patrol at II AS . se ve ra l e n-

Th e weathe r was unsuita ble (or flyi ng .

e my mach ines we re e nco u nte red bet wee n Midd lck crkc an d 7th A ug us t

O stc ndc but the pa trol wa s un a ble to bring the m to actio n.

FLt De Roe per led an offe nsive pat ro l at 16. 15 . s ix e ne my machines we re enc o unte red behin d O st e nde . Th ese mac hine s

10th A ug us t

di sappea red throu gh the cloud as the pat rol was man oe u vri ng

FLt Winte r led a n inner line pat ro l at 0 7.15 . no e nemy ma -

fo r positi on .

c hine s we re o bse rve d . Th e form ati o n es co rte d a n R ES and

FCd r Mac l. aren le d the de fen sive patrol. T he v is ibility

the n ret urn ed d ue to the we athe r closi ng in.

wa s ve ry bad a nd no e ne my mach ines we re ob se rve d . Th e

FLt De Roe per led a n o ute r line pa tro l at 0 7. 15 . T he pa -

pa tro l reported a n unu su al inte nsi ty o r arti lle ry ac ti vi ty.

tro l es co rte d a fo rma tio n o f R ESs but wa s o the rw ise une vcntrul. FC d r Macl. aren led a n o ute r line pa tro l to We ste nde a nd

Sth A u g us t F Lt W int er performed an e ne my a irc ra ft pa tro l at J 1. 15 w he n

S t. Pie rre C ape lle at 12 .0 5. A n e nemy mach ine wa s ob served

a ho stil e machin e was repo rte d to be in t he v ic in ity of

to the so uth o f O ste nde at 12 045 an d an o the r was e nco unte red

Du nkc rqu e. T he e ne my a irc ra ft was no t loc ated .

o ver

I

ie upo rt as the patro l was retu rn ing .

FLt De Roep e r a tte m pted to le ad a n in ne r line patro l a t

FLt Dc Roep er led a n in ner line pa tro l at 12. 10 . cove ri ng

11. 15 bu t a bo rted the mi ssion a fter 40 min utes d ue to bad

M idd lc kc rke to S lyp c and St. Pie rre Ca pe lle. Not h ing wa s se e n

wea ther.

until 13.30 wh e n a machin e was o bse rved abo ve the patrol.

FC d r M uc l. a rcn led a de fen si ve pat rol at 16.15 . no e n-

Th e e ne my a irc ra ft head ed c ast as soo n as the pat ro l sta rted to

e my mac hines wer e e nco unte red a nd the pat rol esco rted a co rps

c lim b.

machin e until thu nde rcl ou d s sta rted to de ve lo p an d the patrol

A t 16. 15 . FCd r MacLar e n led a n inn e r line pa tro l. Wh ilst

was ab ort ed .

the pa tro l was pro tect ing R ESs it ca me unde r acc ura te a ntia irc raft fire a nd Macl. arcns C a mel was hit w hen ov e r the

FLt De Roep er led the s im ulta ne o us o ffe nsive pat rol. lume ro us e ne my a ircra ft we re e nco unte red bet we e n O st e nd e

Flood s between St. Pie rre C a pe lle and Pe rv ysc . O ne e ne my

an d N ie upo rt. Dc Ro ep e r judged the s ituatio n to be a trap a nd

ma chine was e ncounte red at 17.50 ove r Co xyde b ut the pa tro l

decided not to tak e the pa tro l into its j a ws .

was unabl e to cl imb up to it. FLt W inter led a n o ute r line patrol at 16. 15. An e ne my

9th A ug us t

ma chine was e nco unte red ove r Nie upo rt but we nt c as t w he n

FCd r MacL a ren led an offe nsive patrol a t 0 7. 15 to the cas t o r

a pproac he d and c irc led over O ste nde wa iti ng fo r a n o ppo rtu-

Wc sicndc and St. Pierre C ape lle. Tw o e ne my a irc ra ft we re

nit y to cross the lin es . T hree mor e e ne my a irc ra ft we re e n-

o bserved lo w do wn ov e r i'v l iddl c kc rkc but the se we nt do w n

co u nte re d at 19 .20 and d ri ve n c ast.

w he n approac hed . A no the r mac h ine was see n 10 the cast o r Middl c kc rkc at 0 8.30 .

SCdr Breese to o k o lT at 19 .20 in purs uit o f a n e ne my mac hi ne sig hted fro m the ae rodrome.

104

Tile

COliS! 1I11t!

II th Aug ust

Wintcr. Kirkpatrick and Stra thy carried out an inncr line patro l at 05.30 . Wh ilst the patrol was in the air. rain stor ms dcvelopcd and Winte r was forced lead thc patrol back at a height o f 50 feet. FCd r MacLarcn led another inner line patrol at 08.45 . The weather was still bad with rain and cloud s at 1000 feet. No kite ballo on s or RE8s were wor king. lea din g MacL arcn to abando n thc patr ol. Find lay. Carroll and Maund performed an inner line patro l at 14. 15. Thc patro l pro vided pro tection for a number of RE8s wor king over the lines, No e ne my airc raft were see n. FCd r MacL aren led an o uter linc patrol at 17.45 but was forced to retu rn with engine troubl e. FLt Goo derham took ove r the patro l wh ic h was rclativcl y une ventful with j ust two e ncmy machines bein g sce n we ll behin d thcir ow n lines. FSL Mac grego r Icd an inner linc patrol at the same time,

Came ls

Gooderh ums inner line patro l saw se veral enem y rnachines well acro ss thc lines, One enemy machine was obse rved returning from the direct ion of Dunkcrquc but crossed the lines

be fore Go od erh am co uld ge t to its height .

FCdr Mac l.aren Icd an outer patrol at 17.1 5. howe ver thick clo ud started to de velop and by 18.00 was down to 5000 fcct. One e nemy mach ine was obse rved at thc start of thc pat rol. FLt De Roeper Icd an inner linc patro l and RE esco rt at 17.15 . Se veral e nemy aircraft were observed keepin g wel l behind thei r own lines. Latcr dur ing the evening an RFC ground signa l directed thc patro l towards Ostcnd c where two artillery spotters were e ngage d in directi ng a shoot. The patro l wai ted o utside Ostcndc fo r hal f an hour but thc spotting machines did not rcap pcar. Th e patrol kept Mariak crkc ae rodro me undcr di rect obse rvatio n for 20 minutes but no activity was observed,

a number of enemy mach ines were sce n behind their ow n lines. Th e patro l enco untered an enemy sco ut wh ich was attac king an RES and drov e it off, Macgregor firing 100 rounds at thc

13th Aug ust FCdr MacLarcn Icd Wood and Find lay on an inncr line patrol at 07.00 . At 08.30 five enemy aircraft wcrc enco untered pa-

e nemy machin e without resul t.

tro lling a linc bet ween Midd lekcrk e and St. Pierre Ca pe lle at 400 0 feet . Whcn ap proac hed th e y retreated to thc cas t. FLt De Roepe r led an outer linc patrol at 07.00. Whcn thc

12th Aug us t FLt Winter Icd an inner line pat rol at 06.4 5. Two kite balloon s were observed at Lef finghe and another was see n at Zcyccotc. The patrol also saw two encmy mach ines well bch ind the ir ow n lincs. At 09.30. FCdr Mac Larcn Icd an outer line patrol and FCdr

pat rol was at 19500 fcet an e nemy mach ine was obse rved at 14000 fcct. De Roeper, Maund and Redp ath di ved tow ard s thc hostile aircraft which immedi ately retreated before they co uld e ngage it. Ca rro ll obse rved an enemy machin e passin g over thc Floods. he gave chase and fired 200 round s wit hout

De Roepc r Icd an inner line patro l. Th e outer patrol unsuc -

e ffec t.

ccss ful ly attac ked a formatio n of six ene my mach ines. Wood

FLt Go oder ham Icd Maun d and Carroll on an inner linc patrol at 10.45. T he pa. ro l observe d [ivc e nemy mach ines bchind thcir lines and tricd to c limb abov c thc m. thcy wc rc

was forced to return with a bullet throu gh his Ca me l's oil tank. Th e outer patrol was latcr attacked and dri ven bac k to the lines by two cncmy sco uts from a form ation o f six machincs. Thc innc r patro l was rclativc ly unc vcntfu l. with ju st a singlc machinc scc n at 14000 fcct whcn thc pat rol was at 600 0 fcct.

wa rncd by thci r ow n anti-aircraft firc and most rct ircd inland. Onc mach inc. how cvcr. rcm aincd in thc arca and attackc d an

FLt Wintcr Icd an out cr linc patro l and FLt Go odc rham flcw a solo inncr linc patrol at 13.30 . Wintcr 's fligh t cnco un-

RE8 bcncath thc clo uds. FSL Carroll fircd on thc cnc my machinc which divcd away stccply. FLt Wintcr Icd a fivc Ca mel outcr linc patro l at 10.45.

tcrcd 4 cnc my machincs ovc r Nicuport. thc Camc ls wcrc unablc to gc t c1 0sc to thc cncm y machi ncs but both Wintcr and Macgrcgor fircd sevc ral bursts at long rangc. Macgrc gor' s

On c cncmy machinc was obsc rvcd but thc patro l was unab lc to c ngagc it. Lawson turn cd N633 0 o vcr on to its nosc whcn landing.

Ca mc l cx pcricnccd g un sy nchronisation tro ublc and hc was forccd to rcturn with his prop cll cr sho t throu gh. Rcd path. frcs hly relllrned fro m Ieavc. was in Winter 's Flight and rc-

FCdr MacLarcn Icd an o utcr linc patrol at 14.45 but thick clo ud dcvclopcd at 15.55 and forccd thc patrol to rct urn. Two

portcd firing at one of thc c ncmy machincs and thc n di ving ~l\\'a y.

c ncmy aircraft wcrc obsc rvcd to thc cas t of St. Pier rc Capc llc. whcn app roachcd by thc patrol thcy cscapcd towa rds Ostcnd c at 15.20 . Anothcr cncmy mach inc was sccn ovc r St. Picrrc Capc llc at 15.30 but thc patrol was unab lc to rcac h its height.

10)

1\ l l isto rv (,r N o.6 Sq ua d ron Roya l Na \'(/I Air Sen -ic e in \I'o rld \I'ar /

15th Aug us t

Fl. t Winter led Redpath and Strathy on an inner patrol at 14 .45. T hree enemy aircraft were obser ved 4 to 5 miles east-

FLt De Roeper led an o ute r line patro l at 04.45. the pat rol

so utheas t of Nie uport between 16. 10 and 16.25. Fl. t De Roeper led an oute r line patrol at 18.30 . Two enemy aircr aft were obse rved at 19000 feet whe n the patrol was still at 15000 feet. At 20. 10. three enemy machin es were driven away.

e nco unte red co nside rable enemy acti vity with all of the pilots reportin g engage ments. De Roeper e ncountered three enemy machines at 16000 feet and dro ve them awa y to the cast. Macgregor ineffectua lly e ngage d two sco uts and a 2-seater. Ca rroll investigated anti-a ircraft fire ove r Nieuport and e ncount ered a large black 2-sea ter at 05 .20. He di vcd on the 2seate r but both guns j amm ed . afte r c learing the sto ppage

r Cdr Macl.are n led an inner line patro l at 18.30. the visibilit y was reported as very bad due to haze and mist. No ene my aircra ft wer e obser ved .

Ca rroll attac ked again and the enemy aircraft di ved vertica lly to wards the beach and was lost in the haze. Maund engaged three e ne my aircraft. one of which was a bo mber. o n the Allied side of the lines. The bom be r released its bo mbs over the

lew pilot FSL ED Abb ot made two practic e fl ight s du ring the day. the first was satisfac tory but o n completion of his seco nd flight. he turned Came l N6356 over when landin g.

sea off La Pann c and headed eastwa rds . Maund then attac ked an e ne my machine which was in turn attack ing an RES. he observ ed his tracers hitt ing the ene my machine which forced

14th Aug us t

FLt De Roeper led an outer line patrol at 10.45. Th e patro l

it to break off its attack . At 05 .39. FS L Strathy was flyi ng at 14000 fee t over Nieupo rt when he e nco untered a 2-seater at

was beset by techni cal pro blems. Maun d's eng ine suffered a prob lem with an inlet valve. Wood 's Ca mel suffered a snapped cross bracin g wire and Macgregor 's engine started to back fire. Dc Roe per co ntinued the pat rol with Carroll who ineffectually attac ked an e nemy machine see n approac hing the

10000 feel. Strathy div ed o n the enemy mach ine whic h turned underneath him . Strath y followed the enemy aircraft around and fired whereup on it fel l in a spiral. Strathy followed it do wn

lines. Carroll's machine was then hit by anti-aircraft fire and sulfered a damaged mai n spar. FLt Winter led Strathy and Ab bot on an inner line patrol at 10.45. At 11.15 when 2 miles north east of Nieupo rt. Winter

firin g bursts until it fell into a vertica l dive . black smo ke was obse rved to co me from the machin e at which point it broke into pieces in the air. FLt Winter led Abbot and Kirkpatri ck o n an inner line

e nco untered two Al batro s sco uts which had earlier made a hit and run attac k on the patrol. Th e three Ca mels atta cked one of the enemy machi nes and drove it down into the clo uds.

pat rol at 04.45 . Win ter attacked an e ne my mac hine o ver Lcffin ghc with out result. He later report ed see ing the machine shot down by Strathy fall to the northwest of St. Georges.

SCdr Breese made a co uple of increasin gly rare fligh ts when he ferried two Came ls betw een the ae rod rome and the depot.

Kirkpatri ck reported see ing four enemy machi nes at diffe re nt times ove r Nieu port . FLt Good erham led a six Came l o uter line patrol at 08 . 15. the weather had closed in with cloud s at 2000 feet and no

C Flig ht flew an outer line patrol at 14 .45. T hree enemy aircraft were obse rved as the patrol approached the lines. these retreated inland when the patrol started to climb to wards them .

enemy aircraft were see n. FLt De Roeper led Carroll and Strathy on an inner line

FLt Kirkpatri ck led an inner line patrol at 14.45. The patrol obse rved 4 e nemy mach ines over the Floods at 15.15 and three e nemy machines ove r Nieuport at 15.30. A lone enemy

patro l at 08.15. the patro l was af fected by the same wea ther co nditi ons experienced by Gooderha m's patro l and no ene my aircraft were seen.

machine was ineffectuall y engage d ove r the Flood s at 16.15. FLt Winter led an inner line patrol at 18.35. A ground signal informed the patrol that an e nemy mach ine was work -

lew pilot FSL Siedle mad e a practic e flight at 09.55. FLt Gooderham led Findl ay and Simpso n on an inner patro l at 12.55. no enem y aircra ft were obse rved .

ing in the area but they were unabl e to find it. Th e visibility was very poor with rain and lo w cloud . De Roeper. Maund and Macgregor fired 250 round s into an enemy trench from 1500 feet.

FLt De Roeper led an o uter line patro l at 16.00 . The patrol engage d five Albatros sco uts over Ghistelles at 14000 feet.

FCd r Macl.arcn left the squad ron to take co mmand of the Walmer Defe nce Flight.

the enemy mach ines di ved away through the clouds. De Roeper claimed an Albatros sco ut out o f co ntrol at 17.40. FLt Winter led Abb ot and Sicd lc on an inner line patrol at 16.00. No e nemy aircraft were see n. however. FSL Sied le lost

/ 06

The

COl/oi l

formation towards thc end of the patrol. when he returned there were seve ral bullet holes throu gh his Came l's main pla nes for

and Camels

wh ich he was co mpletely unable to acco unt.

tro l which was takin g off at the same time. The dep leted patrol was ca ught in a trap when De Roeper led Winter into a diving attack on a 2-scatcr which was enc oun tered at 900 0

16th A ugu st

feet . Aftcr in effe ctuall y firing at the 2-sca tcr. the two Ca mels were attack ed from above and behind by three enemy sco uts.

FLt Winter led Simpson and Lawson on an inner line pat rol at 06.05 and encountered three e nemy aircraft south or Nicuport. One or the enemy machines atte mpted to cross the Floods but was forced to retre at when attacked by the patrol. FLt De Roeper led an outer line patrol at 06. 10. The patrol e nco untered thr ee e ne my aircraft to thc so uthcas t o r Ghistcllcs at 07.00 and e ngaged them at long range. Tracers were seen to hit the fuselage or one mac hine which immcdiately dived away through the clouds. FLt Wintcr led an outer line pat rol at 09.45. At 10.50. Strathy observed six ene my aircra ft over Middleke rkc, three at 16000 tee t and three at 20000 feet, he lost sight of these in the clouds. Strathy was compelled to make a forced landing 2 miles west o f Nic uport when his Ca mcls engine cut due to fuel Iced prob lem s. The patrol e ncountered five e nemy scouts to the north of Dixrnudc at 11 .10. they were able to prevent the scouts from positio ning the mselves in the sun but were unab le to make enough heigh t to attack . The ene my aircraft eve ntually withdre w, FLt De Rocp cr led an inne r line patro l at 09 .50 . The weath er had closed in with cloud s at 900 to 1100 feet. De Roeper fired 1000 round s into enemy trenches and then aborted thc patrol. FLt Goodc rham lcd an out cr linc patrol at 13.30. thc lincs wcrc covcrcd by cloud s at 6000 fcct and thc patro l was flown bclow thc clouds . Four cnc my aircraft wcrc cncountcrcd. onc of which was cngagcd indccisivcly by Goo dcrham. Findlay a nd Carroll at long rangc. Lawson obscrvcd two cnc my aircraft div ing out of thc clouds onto thc inncr linc patro l. hc c ngagcd onc o r thc c ncmy machin cs wit hout rcsul t. Simp son bccamc sc paratcd rrom thc patrol and joincd thc inncr linc patrol. FLt Kirkpatrick led Sicdlc and Abboll on an inncr linc patrol at 13.30 . T hc patrol was allack cd by rour cncm y airc raft at 14.50 whc n ovcr thc Flood s. Kirkpatrick and Sicd lc manocu vrcd abovc onc cncmy mac hinc but aftcr firing a short burst thcy wcrc allac kcd rrom bchind. Abbo t indccisivc ly attackcd an Albatros scout at 15.00 ovcr Nicuport. FLt Dc Rocpcr Icd a fivc machinc outcr linc patrol at 17.15 . the patrol go t otT to a bad start whcn two mcmb crs. Abbott and Sicdl c. attac hcd thcm scl vcs to thc inncr linc pa-

Kirkpatrick. the third me mber of the pat rol had suspected a trap and mai ntai ned his heigh t but was attacked by a nother ene my scout and forced to dive away. FLt Good erham led Findlay and Si mpson on an inner line patrol at 17.15 . As related above. Abb ott and Sicdl c inadvcrtcn tly joined the patrol. Five enemy aircraft were e ncountered over thc Floods at 10000 feet. these were dri ven back inla nd. T hree enemy mac hines were observed ove r Middlckc rkc, these made no atte mpt to cross the lincs or inter fere with spou ing machincs. 17th A ugu st

FLt Goo derha m led Simp son and Lawson on an inner line pat rol at 06 .00. Gooderh am observ ed five enemy aircraft behind Middlckc rkc, Lawso n observed an Allied mach ine being ch ased by an enemy aircr aft and dro ve it o ff. FLt Winter led an outer line patrol at 06 . 15. At 06 .55. the fi ve Camels, acco mpanied by three Bristol Fighte rs observe d eight ene my mac hines flying above the patrol and in the sun. Th e patrol unsuccessfu lly attempted to cl imb up to the le vel of the e nemy aircraft. the n three of the hostile machine s dived below the patrol attempting to lure them into a trap . Winter fircd a short burst at onc mach ine and thcn pulled up. thc threc cncm y aircraft conti nucd to divc away. Latcr durin g thc patro l Wintcr cnco untercd anothcr c ncmy mach inc at his own Ic vel. he opc ncd fire but thc rcturn rire hit Wintcr's Icft cc ntre scction strut and Icft hand planc. Wintcr discngagcd and c limbcd away. Sc vcral minutcs latcr Wintcr was cngagcd rrom abovc by an enemy mach inc which tricd to manocuvrc ror a goo d position. Wintcr prcvcn tcd this and turncd towards thc cncmy machi nc. climbing and riring. During thc hcad-on c ngagcmcnt Winter 's Camcl was again hit. this timc in thc right hand lower planc. Wintcr thcn obscr vcd a Bristol Fightcr at 2000 fcct bcing allack ed by a sco ut and a 2-sc atcr. hc divcd and rircd on thc 2-sca tcr which turncd and di vcd away but not bc rorc its observc r's accuratc return rirc da magcd Winter's cnginc. Wintc r returncd to thc aero dromc at 07.35 and immcdiatc ly took up a nothcr Camel and !lcw back to thc lincs whcre hc cncountcrcd and allackcd an artill ery spottcr ovc r Slypc. T hc spoller di vcd away but rcturncd aftcr rivc minutcs. Wintcr again attackcd and thc spolle r di vcd away. A sco ut that was esco rting

107

A H istorv of No.6 Squ adron ROWlI Nan d Air Service ill IIfJrld War !

the spo tting machi ne start ed to turn towa rds Winter b ut made

O sten de. the e ne my machi ne s di ved below the pa tro l to attack

o ff w he n Wint er pulled up and tu rned to wa rds him . W inter 's

a formati on o f So pwith Pu ps . Dc Roep e r wa s c los e e no ug h to

ma chine was the n hit in the tail fi n by anti-a ircr a ft fi re . FSL

op e n fire o n o ne en e my machine as it d ived beneath the pa-

S ied lc e nco u nte red se ve ra l e ne my aircra ft and inde c isive ly

tro l. afte r firi ng 30 ro und s he tu rned bu t lo st sig ht of a ll the

attack ed o ne at lon g range . A t 0 7.05 . FSL Abbo ll wa s a ttack ed

enemy aircraft .

fro m beh ind by a Fo k kcr' a nd a n Alba rros, he pulled up and

Wi nter led S icd lc a nd A bbo tt o n an une ve ntful inne r line

round to the right a nd c lo sed wi th the Fok kc r o n h is rig ht s ide .

pat ro l at 05 .05 .

A bbo t fired a lo ng b urs t at close ran ge a nd o bse rved trace rs

Dc Roe per led C u rtis a nd C a rro ll on a n inne r line patrol

e nte ri ng the coc kpit. the ma c hine fe ll away o ut o f co ntro l and

at 0 8 .30. the pa tro l chased a n a rtille ry spo tte r wh ich prom ptly

spi nning ve ry qu ickl y. FSL Sim pso n saw A bbous o ppo ne nt

we nt down and la nded .

con ti nue to spin ve ry fa st a nd lost it in the g ro u nd mist at 3000

Good e rha m led the 08 .30 o ute r line pat ro l. T he n ight

teet . Abbo tt was aga in attac ked from be hi nd at 0 7.30 as he

crossed the lin es at 14 00 0 fee t a nd o bse rve d a forma tion o f

was ap proac h ing the line s, he pulled up and a ro und and fou nd

Pups c hasi ng six e ne my a ircr a ft be hind Di x mu dc , The e ne my

him sel f in front o f a nd bel o w the a ttack ing machin e wh ich he

ma c h ines turned a nd d ived to wards G histc llcs be fo re the C am-

aga in ident ifi ed as a Fokk e r bip lan e. A bbott fired a burst a t

c is we re ub lc to rea ch the m . A no the r for mat io n o f e ne my rna-

c lose ra nge. the e ne my mac h ine 's e ng ine sto pped and the a ir-

c hines was o bserve d at a co ns ide rably hig he r a ltitude app roa ch-

c raft we nt in to a stra ig ht ve rtica l d ive. flattening o ut w he n

ing from the so uth. T he pat ro l re turned early d ue to c lo uds

c lose to the g ro u nd. FS L Strathy fai led to re turn from the pa-

o bs c uring the gro und .

trol. hav ing been sho t dow n a nd killed ove r Zcvcc ote .

At 12.1 5 G ooderha m led Fi nd lay an d La wson on a n in-

B Flig ht ca rried o ut a n o uter line pat rol at 09 .45 . Five

ne r line pat ro l. A t 12.35 fo ur enemy aircra ft we re obse rved at

e ne my airc ra ft we re se e n ab ov e the patrol. O ne was se nt dow n

Osic ndc and anothe r at Westcndc Bai ns. Th e pa trol tr ied to

in a spin by a Bristol Fig hte r o f No.48 Sq uadro n R FC.

appro ach the sing le mach ine but it esc a ped in the cl o ud s be-

FLt Goode rha m led a n o uter line pat rol a t 13.30 . T he pa-

fo re the pa tro l got c lose e no ug h to o pe n fire. Wi nter led the 12 .15 o ute r line pat ro l. Two e ne my air-

tro l o bse rve d fou r e ne my a ircr a ft be hind the Flood s . two at 16000 fee t a nd two at a h igh e r a ltitude . T he patrol att empted

cr a ft we re o bse rve d a mo ngst the cloud s se ve ra l milc s in la nd

to cl o se wit h the lo we r mac h ines but the y ke pt above the C a m-

an d a sing le A lbatro s wa s ob served at 13.30 . Kirkpatric k ove r-

c is and eve ntua lly headed away inl and . FS L Find lay o bse rve d

turned C a me l N6397 w hilst ta xying in .

th ree e ne my ai rcraft to the ea st o f Ni eu port a nd atta ck ed o ne

Goode rham led an o ute r line patrol at 16.00 . T he a rea

wit hout succ ess. FSL Maund e nco untered two ene my mac hines

was covered by cloud at 90 00 feet b ut an e ne my machi ne was

in the cloud s to the ea st of Nie upo rt. these heade d ba ck to

o bse rved at 7000 feet ove r G h istc llcs . FLt Kir kpa tric k led Mac gr egor a nd Si cd lc o n the 16 .00

O sten dc . FLt De Roep e r led M acgr egor and Ca rro ll o n an inne r

in ner line pat rol. S icd lc had e ng ine trou ble a nd wa s for ced to

line patro l at 17.15 . A t 18 .15 a ll th ree pil ot s di ve d o n a yel -

re turn ea rly.

lo wi sh g ree n 2-seate r that was e ng aged in spo tting fo r art il-

Kir kp atric k ca rr ied o ut a test n igh t in N6357 an d c rashed

ler y and s imulta neo us ly fire d a to tal of 400 ro un d s Th e 2 -

in a fie ld , susta in ing inj urie s tha t requ ired hospit a lisati on .

sea te r was o bse rved to d ive a nd tu rn to the le ft and the n go down in a ve rtica l di ve . FS L Macgr ego r bel ieved that he saw

19th A ug us t

the aircra ft crashed beh ind Wcsicn dc a nd l'vl idd lck erkc. Dc

F Lt De Ro epe r Icd C u rtis a nd C a rro ll o n an inn er line pa tro l at

Roe pe r fired a furt he r 150 ro und s in to e ne my tre nches fro m

0 7. 15. De Roe per at tacked a n e ne my 2-sea te r. firin g 50 rounds

150 0 fee t.

at lon g ra nge . T he 2-seate r retrea ted to war ds Ost c nd c , C urtis

FLt Wi nter led an o uter line patro l at 17 . 15 . no e ne my

fired 50 ro u nd s at a 2- sc atc r whi c h fired a red s ig na l lig ht. [i ve

a ircra ft were obse rved abo ve the clo uds but two A lbat ros sc o uts

mor e e ne my machi nes ca me

we re se e n at 50 00 fee t abo ve M idd lek crkc.

c my a ircr a ft headed in la nd ove r the flo od s .

[0

its ass ista nce an d a ll s ix e n-

Gooderham led thc 0 7.15 o utcr patrol. A n c ne my mac h ine 18th August

wa s e nco unte red o n the A llied s ide o f thc lincs at 1500 fcct.

FLt Dc Roe pe r lcd a n ou tc r linc pa tro l at 05 .00. A t 06.25 thc

thc pa tro l atte m pted to c lose a nd fire d 50 ro und s fro m lo ng

patro l e nco u nte red six en e m y ai rc ra ft at 1000 0 fee t a bov c

ra nge wit ho ut crfec t. T hc c ne my machinc csca pcd to wa rd s !OS

The

Ghistclles. Five enemy aircraft were observ ed at behind thci r ow n lines,

muo

C O IlSf 111/{ 1

well

Dc Roeper led an outer line patrol at 11 .00 but was force d to return with ignit ion prob lem s whe n a high tension Icad broke. The Flight continued thc patrol and ineffectua lly attacked an artillery-spotting machine over Wcstcndc. De Roeper took off again aft er repairs to his Camel, at 13.00 hc obse rved six e nemy aircra ft 500 feet above him . Hc climbed away and at 13. 15 was ablc to dive onto thc formation and fire 60 round s at thc rcarm ost machin e. Dc Roeper reported that thc entire e nemy form ation spun away into thc cloud s. Wintcr led Sicdlc and Abbot on the 11 .00 inner line patro l. onc enemy machine was observ ed ove r Midd lckcrk e, uppat entl y stalking an RE8. The patro l was unabl e to get within firing range befo re the ene my machin e esca ped into the clouds. Gooderha m led Macgregor and Lawson on an inner line patrol at 14.45. Four enemy aircra ft were observed climbing over Ostcnd e and a solitary machin e was observed at 8000 feet over Ostcndc. Good erha m dived on the latter machi ne a nd fired a short burst but was unab le to close before it di ved

Camels

Middlckerk c at 07.15. the formation comprised a 2-sealcr and two esc ort machin es flying at 10000 feet . Goode rham led thc patrol into a diving attack from 17000 teet, FSL Findlay pulled up close be hind one of the scouts and fired at it from a runge of 30 feet . Th c scout stalled. fell on its back then fell away in a spin. Goode rham wit nessed Find lay' s atta ck and signed a confirmation state me nt on Find lay' s co mbat report. De Roeper led an outer patro l at 09.45. An e ne my rnachine was encountered and 60 rounds fired at it without cffeet. At 10.50. four Albatros scouts were obse rved heading out to sea at Moore. De Roeper led his for mation inland and waited above thc cloud bank for thei r return . Th ey eve ntually appeared at 500 feet above the formation and slightly to their side oft he lincs. Macgregor and De Rocpcr both made a climbing turn and opened fire at the sa me time, Macgregor fired 100 rounds and De Roeper fired 60 round s at thc same machine which was observed to stall thcn spin for 5 turns. The enemy machine recove red, thcn stalled and fell in another spin. It recovere d again. then nose div ed through thc clouds. Wintcr led Abbot and Siedle on the 09.45 inncr line patrol. At 10.40. the patro l observed four Albatros scouts climb-

away. FLt Winter led the 14.45 outer line patrol. Winter observed a form ation o f six enemy aircraft above the patrol. he turned a nd fired but thc enemy machines made no attempt to attac k. Another enemy mach ine was obse rved 5000 feet below the

ing into thc sun. thcy turned and headed towards thc co ast. return ing at 10.50 at a hc ight of 11 000 teet . An e ngagement took place betw een Wcstcnd c and Schoorc, Winter attacked a machin e that was attempting to di ve on FSL Abbou t. Tracers

patrol. when Winter atte mpted to e ngage. the enemy machin e dived away and escaped . Abbott was very latc gc tting away a nd lost a wheel in the air. he subseque ntly crashed Ca mel

were see n to e nter thc enemy aircraft's fuselage but Wintcr was forced to break awa y as hc was in turn attacked by a black and white striped Albatros. Afte r elud ing his attacker, Winter

N635 1 on landing. De Roeper took o ff at 15. 15 to acq uaint FSL Abbot with the fact that his Camel had lost a whee l, Winter led Abbot and Sied le on an inner line patrol at

engage d another machin e which dived away steeply for 7000 feet. Winter was again attacked from behind , he performed a

18.30. No ene my aircraft were observ ed but Siedlc dam aged Camcl N6359 whcn he made a forced landin g in a ficld to thc southcast of Nicuporl. Dc Rocpcr Icd the 18.30 outcr patrol. clcvc n cncmy airc raft were obscrved taking off from Ghistclles at 19.45 and fivc of thcm wcrc secn to patro l thc lincs. 20th A ug us t

Wintcr Icd Macgrcgor and Abbo t on an inncr linc pat rol at 06.00. Onc cncmy mac hinc was obscrved ovcr Midd lckcrk c at 2000 fecI. Goodcrham led thc 06.00 outcr linc patro l. FSL Simp son's Camc l would not climb above 14000 fect and he lost contact with thc patrol. T hrce e ncmy airc raft wc rc obsc rvcd ovc r

climbing turn and engaged his attac ker at which point his starboard gun janun cd. Winter dise ngaged , cleared the stoppage and return ed to attack another aircraft but ran out of ammunition . Abbott attacked one of thc e nemy sco uts but was allac ked from bchind by the black and whitc striped Albatros. Whilst manocuvring. Abbot's enginc c hokcd and hc was forccd to dive away to corrcct il. By the time hc had recovcrcd his enginc thc cnemy aircraft had withdrawn tow ards J'vl iddlc kerkc. Sicdlc fircd scvcral rounds at two cncmy aircraft with indccisivc rcsult s. Goodcrham led Simpson and Lawson on an inner linc patro l at 13.30. Thr cc c ncmy airc raft wcrc observcd patrol ling wcll behin d ivIiddlckcrkc. howcvcr. no cncmy machin cs wcrc obsc rvcd ncar the lincs. Dc Rocpcr led thc outcr pat rol at 13.30. Curtis chase d two c ncmy machin cs inland from Dixmud c.

l OY

A Historv o] No .6 Sq uad ron Ro va! Na \'(/I Air Servi ce in \\'or ld \\'ar I

six enemy scouts forced him to pu ll away and make for the lines. Winter made a third attempt to engage the spotting ma-

Winter carried out a test flight in 13 3821 at 13.30. the engine was satisfacto ry but the machin e was tail heavy. SCdr Breese co llected N633 0 from the depot at 18.50.

2 1st August De Roeper led Macgregor. Curtis. Carroll and Maund on an outer line patrol at 07.45. Carroll's e ngine was down on power and he was unab le to keep form ati on. At 08.40 when over Moerc, De Roeper. Macgregor and C urtis were attac ked by five Albatros scouts The Came ls turn ed and started climbing but the enemy machin es di ved away to Ghistelles. De Roeper obse rved two Aviaries headin g to ward s Nicuport at 08.50 , he manoeu vred into the sun and then attac ked the first machine. firing 100 rounds without resul t. De Roeper turned away and attacked the seco nd mach ine. firing 60 rounds without result. At 09.05 whe n o ve r Wcstc nde, De Roep er o bse rve d rive Albatros sco uts esco rting an artillery spotter. He di ved o n the formation and fired 50 rounds at o ne mach ine. pulled up and dived at another. firing another SO rounds . The entire formation di ved away throug h the cloud s. Maund obse rved four e nemy aircraft to the eas t o r Nic uport at 09.50 but did not e ngage them . Goo derham. Abbott and Lawson flew an inner line patrol at 07.45. Four enemy aircraft were enco untered o ver Westend e at 08.00. the pat rol dived on one machin e firing a burst or 50 rounds. T he enemy machin e di ved vertically unt il within 1000 fee t o r the ground and then mad e 1'01' Ghistelles. T he ot he r three enemy machin es also di ved away inland . Goo derham led an une ven tfu l outer patrol at 12.15. Winter led Curtis and Carro ll on the inner patrol at 12. 15. Winter made an ineff ective attac k on an e nemy spo tting machine but was forced to break off the engagement when both guns jammed. De Roeper led an outer patro l and Goo de rham an inner patrol at 16.45. At 17.40 o ver Moere the outer patrol enco untered Ii ve AIbatros sco uts at 150001'! , De Roeper attacked two e nemy machin es. firing 60 rounds at eac h before the form ation headed away inland . At 18.35. Winter and De Roeper attacked two spotting machin es operating ove r Wcstcnde, the Ca me ls were fo rced to disen gage by the presence of eight Albatros sco uts ho ldin g posi tion abo ve the 2-sea te rs. De Roeper and Winter then returned to attack the spotting machines aga in. De Roeper dived o n one machin e from 6000 feet and fired 100 round s. Tracers were obse rved e ntering the fuse lage and the e nemy aircr aft we nt down in a nose di ve. De Roeper foll owed it down to :WOO feet before the presence o f

chi nes but was unable to obse rve the effects of his attack . FS L Macgregor attac ked a 2-sea ter hall' a mile over the lines. firing two bursts without effe ct. The inner patrol e nco untered several e nemy machin es at Westend e. Goo der ham dived o n one enemy mach ine and fired at lo ng range without effec t. A spotting machin e was reported at low altitude keeping cl ose to Middle kerk e.

2211<1 August FLt Winter led Abbot and Findlay on an inner patrol and De Roeper led Curtis. Carroll. Maund and Macgregor o n an outer patrol at 05.00. T he inne r patrol failed to e nco unter any ene my aircra ft on the Allied side of the lines but Find lay attacked a kite balloo n to the southwest of Oste nde. Find lay go t within 300 yards whe n both guns j amm ed . he was able to attack a seco nd time firing 100 rounds from one gun. T he oute r patrol e ncountered six ene my aircra ft ove r the flood s at 05.40 . De Roeper fired I SO rounds at one machin e which di ved away. Curtis attacked an e nemy mach ine. firing 200 rounds. Th e ene my aircraft di ved vertica lly from 130001'! to 9000ft. sta lled and was then lost to s ight. Carroll made an ineffe ctive attac k upon another enemy airc raft. At 06.20, De Roeper atta cked a kite balloon. firing 100 rounds without effe ct. De Roeper led Curtis and Carroll on an inner patro l at 09.15 whilst Goo derham led five machin es on the outer patrol. The inner patro l kept close to a flight o r RE8s whilst ene my scouts looked for an opportunity to attac k. T he o uter patrol enco untered three ene my aircr aft co ming in from the sea near Ostende and another machin e beyond Dixmude which di ved at Macgregor from out of the sun. Macgregor turned and came up beneath and behind the enemy sco ut. He fired 100 round s into the Albatros which he described as being gree n on top and ye llow undern eath . the Albatros dived vertica lly 1'01' 6000 feet at which point it lost one of its wings. Macgregor 's opponent may have bee n FlgObm Luitjcn Luitjcns of I'vlF .J I. Another co mbined inne r and outer patrol was flown at 13.45. Goo der ham leadin g Maun d and Simpson on the inner pat rol whilst Winter led the outer patrol. At 15.20. the inner pat ro l e nco unte red 4 e ne my a irc ra ft near Middl c kcrk e at 9000 ft. T he pat rol fired at o ne machin e at long range without ef fec t. T he o uter pat rol also e nco unte red o ppos itio n ove r Middlekcrkc. Winter fired I SO round s at two enemy aircraft which withdre w to Oste nde and Ca rro ll optimistically fired 100 rou nds at an enemy mach ine at long range.

110

The Coast and Camels

ABOV E: Somewhat naively thinking it wo uld be easy to ident ify t he black and w hite ringed Albat ros mentio ned by W inter and W ood in their Co mbat reports, it soo n became apparent that a black and w hit e ringed fuselage was a co mmo n perso nal marki ng amongst the Josta pilots. On e possibility shown here is aJosta 17 machine, the photograph depicts Eberhard von Seel.vv inte r's o pponent could not have been von Seel however,as he was killed in act ion on the 12th June 19 17. Courtesy University ofTexas, DoliaslA Imrie collection

II I

BELOW :A not her possibility w as Josta Boe/cke, based at Ghiste lles at the time of the encounter. The photogra ph shows Bassenge. Kemp f and Vallendo r in front of a r inged A lbatros Ov. It is not know n w ho regularly new this machine. Courtesy University of Texas, DolioslA Imrie collection

II llisto rv I!FNo.6 Squ adro n Roya l Nava l Air Servi ce ill Wor ld Wllr l

ABOVE :Yet another possibility is thi s A lbatros D III belonging to t he MFJ. Courtesy University o(Texas, Dol/asIA Imrie coffection

BELOW:A less likely candidate wo uld be an A lbatr os DV carry ing th e co lours of )as(O 26. Courtesy University o( Texas,Daffas/A Imrie coffection

1/ 2

The CO(/S! and Cam els

Newly a rrived pilot. FS L Hamilton-Bowyer wa s sc nt up

FS L HB Mau nd

for a practice flig ht at 19.00 .

FS L SA Ha milto n- Bo wye r

T he sq ua d ro n 's final Flig ht struc tu re was as sho wn: Kirkpatri ck and Hol y man o f C Fl ig ht we re abse nt from thc

A Flight

sq ua dro n o n s ic k lea ve.

FLt GA Gooderham. Flig ht Co mm a nde r FS L WA Cu rtis

23rd Aug us t

FS L MH Find lay

Wi nter le d a n o ute r patro l and Goo de rha m led Ca rro ll a nd

FS L H Lawso n

S imp son o n a n inn er pat rol at 07.45 . T he inne r pat ro l o bse rve d

FS L G E Si ed le

fo ur e ne my a ircra ft nea r O sten de a nd e ncoun te red anothe r c nc my mac hi ne whi ch th ey c has e d be yo nd Middl ek e rke .

B Flight

Ca rro ll fired 100 rou nd s into a n ant i-a rc raft batt ery to the west

FCd r BH P De Roep er, Flight Co mma nde r

o f S ly pe .

FLt G LE S te ve ns

Wintc r too k Find lay a nd S impso n o n a n inn er lin e pa trol

FS L P Wood

a l 13.00. T he patr ol pro ved to be qui et but Wi nter dam aged

FSL RE Ca rro ll

13 382 1 whe n land ing.

FS L JO S im pso n

SCd r Breese co llec ted a ne w Ca me l fro m the dep ot a t

FS L ED A bb o tt

15 A5 .

C Flight

Roe pe r led M acg rego r a nd C arro ll o n a n inn er line pat rol.

At 16 .50 . Go oderha m led a n o uter li nc pat ro l a nd De A FC d r RR W intc r. Flig ht Co m ma nde r FS L

I

Unfavo ura ble weat her co ndi tio ns ca use d the o ute r patrol to

M Macgr egor

be abando ne d. thc inn e r patro l stayed o ut bu t failed to o bse rve a ny e ne my ac tivity.

BELOW: Sopwith Camel B3882. seen here in NO.1 0 Squadron's markings In September 1917.With 0.6 Squadron from the 26th July 1917, B3882 was regularly flown by FLt BHP De Roeper who claimed an Albatros scout out of control at Ghistelles on the 15th August. a two-seater crashed one mile east of Westende on the 17th August and an Albatros scout out of control at Moere on the 20th August. Courtesy JMBIGSL Collection

113

24th A ug ust T he weather co ntinue d to be ov e rcas t w ith cloud at 4000 fce t. De Roe pe r led Ha m ilto n- Bo wye r an d Carro ll on an inn er line

A Hist ory of No .6 Squadron Royal Nava l A ir Se n -ice ill World I\'a r I

patrol and Gooderha m led an outer line patrol al 06. 15. T he inner patrol was aba ndoned after I 1/2 hours. the oute r patrol

2fJth A ug us t

rem ained out for the full dur ation of the patro l but failed to see any enemy aircra ft. FSL Maund suffered an engine failure

tered two spotting mach ines ove r Midd lckerk c. Winter suffered a stoppage in both guns dur ing a diving attack on one of the e ne my machin es,

Winter led an outer line pat rol at 10.45. The patrol enco un-

in Camel N6379.

De Roeper led an outer line patrol at 07.45 but wea ther condi-

De Roeper led an outer line patrol at 18.25. A ge neral e ngage ment took place but the pilots' reports were confused. De Roeper stated that the pat rol was attacked by six ene my

tions were such that he was forced to abando n the patrol after 25 minutes. FSL Lawson's Camel broke a valve ju st alter lea v-

aircraft over Middlckcrkc at 19.35. T he fight lasted for approximately 5 minutes and at 19.40 he saw an en emy machine

ing the ground and he landed immedi ately to exc hange his mach ine. Winter led Hamilton- Bowyer and Abbott on the cor-

go down in flames to crash in a field by the side of the Brugesieup ort ca nal. shot down by a Belgian SPAD.' FSL Carroll also observed the enemy machine go dow n in flames. T he other pilots variously reported one. four and five ene my aircraft tak-

25 th A ug ust

respond ing inner patrol and encountered four spotting machines beyond Midd le kc rkc at 08.35. FSL Find lay led Simpson and Lawson on an uneventfu l inner line patrol at 13.30 . The pat rol remai ned out for 20 min-

ing part in the figh t. The patrols on the 26th August were the last recorded war flights carried out before No.6 Squa dron was disbanded on

utcs. Winter led Abbott and Hami lton- Bowyer on an inner line

the 27 th August.

pat rol at 16.45. The patro l was ine ffectively attacked by four Albatros scouts which dived on the Camels from behind but failed to press home their advantage. Winter turned towards them. two dived awa y and the othe r two clim bed into the sun.

zsu. A ug us t The pilots flew their Sopw ith Camels to No. 10 Squadron at Drogland .

Winter attacked the highest machin e at long range. at this point both e nemy machin es turned back and cha sed Winter for a short distance. ]\'OT ES I Both Aerodro mes arc co m mo nly refe rred to as Bray Dun es. , Forma n's o ppo ne nt wa s probab ly \'::,{III Otto Bra nt o f M I'~ I I who was re ported as kil led in ac tio n between Midd lc kcr kc and Westc ndc. ) Th e REXtrailed a lo ng wire to ac t as a n a nte nna fo r rad io co m municatio n.

, A ircra ft ide ntif icat io n wa s o fte n inaccurate. in his co mbat rep ort. Abbot desc ribed the Fokkc r as ha ving a monocoqu c fuselage a nd bein g co loured a mo ttled urcc n and brown. , Dc- Roep er and Carro ll witne ssed the de mise o f Uff: Ca rl Conrad o f Jus ta 17. sho t do wn by the Belg ia n ace . S Lt Ed mo nd Th ic ffry o f 5"" Escadrille .

1/4

C HAPT ER SEVEN

DI SBANDM ENT

I

n so me qu a rter s it was reali sed as ea rly as May 19 17 that

o ver the lines I antici pate in the futu re a large increa se

the burden of loaning sq uad ro ns to the RFC wo uld im -

which may am oun t to 20 % per month.

Taking the number (if pilots employed as 300, th is

pose a severe stra in o n Rl AS resou rces. W ing Ca pta in

C L La mbe wrote the fo llow ing lette r to the Vice-A d m ira l

m ean s tha i 60 [r esh p ilots wi ll be required per month in

Do ve r Pat ro l o n the 8th May :

th e autumn to rep lace wastage alone, without any addi tion

I I/(/\,e the hon ou r to fo rwa rd the [a llo wing rema rks

10

strength. Sinc e it appears ob vious that II/m /-II(}Il'er

is going

10

decide this

II'{//;

it app ea rs worthy of cons ider-

and proposals as regards thefuture pol icy ofa viation.

ation 10 co nsider a I'el)' large ill crease in our aerialforces

On j oining yo ur com mand in A ugust 191 5, the

whi ch a re undoubt edly a vel)' eff icient method of ell/p loy -

111111/-

ber (!{p ilols employed lI'as app roxi tnate ly 14 aeroplane

ing a vai lable man-power: One cannot un reason ably p re-

pilots and 6 seaplane pi lo ts. In A ugust 19 16. thi s num ber

d iu the tim e when land f orces will consist (if artillery.

ha d approxima telv treb led, whi lst th e present app roved

tanks and aircraf t.

est ab lish me nt incl uding the squadrons len t to th e RFC

I understand that the p resent aim (if the Royal Nava l

and whi ch it is hoped will be co mpleted by A ugust 19 17,

amounts

10

A ir Se rvice is to turn

298 pilots.

0 11 1 approximately

500 II CII' pilots a

ye ar hut, ill I'ic ll' o] th e [orgoing rcniark:s, it is submit ted

lnthc autumn o] 1916. the Germa ns appea red to ha ve

tliat the su ggestion o f very largely increa sing thi s output

su dd enly rea lised the extreme imp ortan ce of aeria l war-

II/ay be considered.

[a rc and entirely reo rg anised th eir Air Service. The resu lt

IVilh the ill creasing lise of seaplanes an d other ai r-

has been tha t there is a t pre sent an int ensive st ruggle on

craft both fo r anti-su bma rine an d fl eet work, l fe c! COII -

th e

\\ ~'s l e rn

Front between the opposing A ir Service s,

vinced tha t 2000 pilo ts per annum will 110 1 be too n/(/IIY in

whi ch ha s by no m eans bee n definitely decided in our

1918F ir the Royal Na val Air Service. I also feel con vinced

favo ur as ye t, Th ere is no reason

10

suppos e that the en-

that once the p resent Ai r Boa rd ha s had su ffi ci ent till/C.

em » will relax their effo rts during the coining yea r and.

110

consequentl y. a la rge increa se on our pa ri must be p re-

site nu mb er (if machines and engine s.

d iffi culty will be experien ced in p rodu cing th e requi-

paredjot:

From carefull » pr epa red sta tisti cs. the wastage (!{ pilots of th e Royal Nava! A ir Servi ce in the Do ver COII/ -

In a mem o

10

the Vice-Ad mira l Do ver Pat rol. Win g Ca pta in

AV Vyvyun, Ass istant to the Dir ec tor o f A ir Se rvices di sm issed

nuuul wo rked oil! at 10. 1% per month du rin g Janua ry,

the c rux o f La mb e' s arg um ent. sta ting th at the Ro ya l l a va l

Fe bru a rv and March and 15.2% per m on th fo r the m onth

Ai r Sq ua dro ns were to be w ithdrawn from the RFC a t the rate

of April. Owin g, ho wever; to the supply {if pilots bein g

o f o ne per month. co mme nc ing at the e nd of Jul y. Lambe 's

inadequate. to train them thoroughl v bef ore send ing th em

suggestio n fo r a substa ntia l increa se in presen ce o n the West -

1/ 5

A History ofNo.o Squadron Roval Naval Air Service ill Wor!d m ,r/

ern Front was also dis missed with the comment that it was up to the military authorities to provide this and not the concern of the Royal Naval Air Service, Vyvyan' s comments regardin g the withdrawa l of ass is-

'IiJ No. 10 Squadron

FSL M au nd FS L Abbott FS L Bo wy er FSL S iedle

To repo rt 10 Headqua rte rs

tance to the RFC pro ved to be somewhat erroneo us, 1 0 , 3 Squadron was withdrawn by the midd le of June but there was no further reduction in assistance to the RFC until No,6 Squadron was disbanded at the end of August. What did happen was that the losses predicted by Lamb e occ urred and became unsustainable. By ugust 19 17 it was far too late to do anyth ing about recr uitment and the decision was taken to disband two squad-

on di scharge [ rom hospital. Th e rema ining officers. with the exception ofthe Stores

Officer will rep o rt 10 he adquarters. Personn el The C. O.. Na val Squadron No. 6 will prepa re a list of ap-

p rosintat clv thirtv ratings

\I"llIJ

w ill [o rnt th e nucleus of

rons and use their pilots and aircraft to reinforce the other squadrons,

th e squadron in th e even t o] it being f ound possibl e 10

On the 25th August. Wing Captain Lambe had made contingency places for the disbandm ent or " pay ing-o ff" o f No,6

and will he looked upon as pa rt co mp lem ent un til such

Squadron. These were distributed in mem o No.6202 :

utilisedfor comp leting existing Sq uadrons and a notniua l

refo rm, These rat ings will he a ttaclied 10 A ircraft Dep o t lilli e as th ey tnav he requ ired .. Th e rem ainde r wi ll h e lis t shewing -

Headq ua rters R.N. A .S .

(a ) the nucleus

Du nkcrque

(h ) the remainder

R4 N o.6202 sho uld heforwarded

25 1h A ugus l 19 17

/II

headquart er» ..P " as soo n as

/ JlJS-

sib lc. M 1'111 1ira nd um II/ th e even t o] Na va l Sq uadron No.6 being paid-oj]. the

Stores

fo llo w ing act ion w ill he tak en.

Th e Stores w ill he return ed

/II

Aircraft Dep o t and taken

on charg e by "A " Section. Th e St o res Office r will th en OJl icers

clo se th e account s ofNa val Sq uadron No.6 and. whilst so

The Co m ma nding O jjicer wi ll rep o rt 10 Headq uarters on

do ing will he a tta ch ed

p ay illg -Illt:

ten ts. fixtu res et c.

Pilots

sho uld he taken.

(1/

/II

Aircraft Depot. As regards a ll

th e Camp . inst ru ct io ns sho uld he

req uest edfro nt the Win g Co tntnand e r as to wha t a ction Fligh ! COIII l/II1/ II1ers d e Ro ep er an d Willl er will rep ort

/II

Transp ort

headqu« rt e rs.

All transport will h e retu rned to Section " C ". Aircra]] Fl igtu Lieutena nt Gooderham will he discha rged 10 No.2

Dep ot w ith th e d ri vers. Tran sp ort sho uld then he thor-

Squadron.

oug h ly cl ean ed a nd th e St o res O jj icer of No. 6 Squadron

will he responsiblefor checking th e list I!l too ls and spare FSL Findlay FSL S impso n

paris belong ing to th e M ot or Tran sp ort . Instru c tions wi ll

i:

he rcq ucst cdjrotn the Headqua rters R. F C. as 111 its di s -

No. 1 Sq uad ron

po sal , ( Wing COIII l/lI/1lder Cham bers to m ak e enq u iries ).

FSL Ma cg regor FSL Cu rtis

"Iii No.8 Squad ron

FSL Ca rm ll

Machin es

FS L La wson

M ach ines inflying o rder will in all p robabilitv h e trans -

FSL IIfilld

fe rred 10 Na va l Squadron No . 10 logethe r wi th spare en-

1/ 6

Disbandment

gines, in which case No. 10 wil l return thei r Tripl anes and

So me pi lo ts recei ved instruct ion o n 2-seaters and were subse-

in addi tio n draw three Clerge t Came ls to b ring No . 10

qu e nt ly posted to ob servatio n a nd bombing sq uad ro ns. FLt

Na val Squad ron lip 10 eightee n machines. Three (~I' the Tripl an es fro m No . / O will be all ocat ed 10 Naval Sq uad-

G LE Ste ven s returnin g [0 the re fo rmed No ,6 Sq uadro n in Janu -

ron No . / to bring them lip to eightee n an d one to Nava l

Roe pe r returned to instr ucting . this ti me a t Vendo me . FSL AC

Squ adron No.S to bri ng th e Triplane Flight lip to six. The

Cumpbcll-Ordc was reco ve ring from inj uries rece ived in July

remainde r a re to he held in rese rve at A ircraft Dep otfo r

at the time o f d isban dm ent and was subse q ue ntly po sted to

issu e to Squadro ns.

1

/1' this

ary 191 8 a nd FS L GE Sie d le go ing to NO.5 Sq ua dro n. De

0 .9 Sq uad ro n.

cha ng e is a/J/JI'III ·ed . Na val Squ ndnn: No. I a

FCdr CT Ma cLaren ha d a lread y left No .6 Sq uadro n to

will retu rn any spare engines not fi tted with So p with

tak e comm and o f the Walmer Defen ce Flig ht by the mi dd le o f

Kauper Gear but in no case sh ould they refilm m ore than

A ug us t. He wo uld re turn to lead the re formed No .6 Sq uad ro n

six spa re engines.

in Janu a ry 191 8. T hus No .6 Sq uadro n ce ased to ex ist on the 27 th Au g ust

Signed CL l.ambc

191 7 a nd o the r sq uad ro ns we re bol ste red w ith ex pe rie nced

Captain RN

pi lo ts. W hi lst the need to redu ce the number o f RNAS sco ut sq uad ro ns ca nno t be qu es tion ed . it is d iffic ult to see w hy the

Distribu tion

a xe fe ll o n No .6 Squ adro n T he Squ adron 's work rat e. whi lst

"C"

to the Sopw ith Ca me l. Se veral possible reason s ar e o ffe red

" /"

bel o w:

init ia lly poor. had pic ked up rapidl y o nce the pilot s go t used

"P"

Ma ny o f the pi lots fe ll tha t No .6 Sq uad ro n had a lways

" K"

been the least fav o ured sq uad ro n in the Dun kerquc Co mma nd.

" Q"

a theory that is d iffic ult to pro ve o r d ispro ve at thi s late j unc-

Wing Comman de r Cha mb ers (two copies)

tur e . Wh ilst the re is ab so lute ly no do ubt tha t Wing Ca ptai n

G.O.. H.Q.

Lam be had a soft spo t for

j

0 .8 Squad ro n. ther e is no e vi-

de nce th at he wa s d issatisfied w ith No .6 Sq uad ro n. No .6 Sq uadro n wa s d uly " paid-o ff" o n the 27 th Au gust 191 7.

It is possib le that ex pe rie nce d Ca me l pi lots wou ld be co n-

In the eve nt. the d isp osi tio n o f the pi lot s wa s not exac tly as

s ide red mu c h more va luable to the sq ua d ro ns that we re in the

Lam be had in itiall y pl ann ed :

process o f co nve rting to Ca me ls. than wou ld Tr ipla ne o r Pup pilo ts.

FLt G A Good erh am

To No.2 Sq uadro n

FS L WA C urtis

To No . 10 Sq ua dro n

be a parti cul arly for cefu l o r dy nami c leade r. espec ia lly wh en

FS L 1H Find la y

To

co mpa red to the likes o f BC Bell o f

FS L H La wso n

To No . IO Squad ro n

Dall as of No . 1 Squad ro n. It is possi ble tha t Breese simply d id

FS L GE Si ed le

Re tra ined. then to No .5 Sq ua dro n

not fig ht hard e no ug h to keep his squa d ro n in ex iste nce .

1

0 . 1 Sq uad ro n

Sq uad ro n Co mma nder C D Breese wa s not co nside red to I

0 . 10 Sq uad ro n o r RS

FCd r BHP de Roe pe r

Inst ruc tor at C hin gfo rd

FLt G LE Ste ven s

Re train ed . then to the re fo rmed

Drap e r mu st ha ve ra ised q uest ion s ab o ut his capa bilities as a

No .6 Sq ua d ro n

Sq ua d ro n Co mmande r. mak ing it eas ie r fo r Lamb e

FSL P Wood

To No . 10 Sq uadro n

No .6 Sq ua dro n.

FS L RE C arro ll

To

FS L JO S impso n

To '0 . 1 Squad ro n

10

T he de bac le o f Breese be ing unabl e to "manage" ASC d r

. 10 Sq uad ro n

0 . 10 Sq uadro n

10

se lec t

Perh a ps the re wa s no s imple reason but a co mbina tio n o f the above sugges tio ns. o r pe rha ps

I

0 .6 Squ ad ron wa s simply

in the wr o ng place at the wro ng tim e . Wh ate ver the reason .

FS L ED A bb o tt

To

AFCdr RR Wint e r

To Walme r Defen ce Flig ht

FSL NM Ma cg regor

To No . 10 Sq uad ro n

like the myt hica l Phoe nix. it ro se fro m the as hes to re for m as

FS L H B Mau nd

To No . 10 Sq uadro n

a da y bomber sq uad ro n in 19 18.

1

the sq uad ro n wa s di sba nde d o n the 27 th A ug ust 19 17 but j ust

FSL SA Ha m ilton - Bo wyer To No . 10 Squ adro n

1/ 7

C H A PTER EIG HT

A NEWROLE

O

n the 19th No ve mb er 191 7. Wing Ca pta in Lambe

Si gn ed

wrot e the foll owi ng memo to the Dir ect or of Air

C L Lambe

Ser vices:

Ca p tain. N.N

Se nior Ojjicl'!;

Ten days late r o n the 29 th

Director ofAir Se rv ices,

were more adva nce d and he issu ed the follo wi ng mem o :

1

ovcmbc r 191 7. Lambe 's plan s

N.N. A .S., //. Q.. HOld Cecil,

Headqua rters

Dunkerq ue.

N.N A .S.

Strand,

We.

DUllkcrque

191h Nove mb er 191 7,

29 1h Nove mb er 191 7 M em o randum 78 99

Sub mitted. In view ofthe approval g iven f o rnext ye a r 's requi rements.

A se co nd D.//. 4 Bom bin g Squa dro n will be pa rtivjormcd

D.//. 4 Bombing squadrons. it is pro -

at Do ver and it is hop ed will c ross 10 Dunkerquc ill the

whi ch inc lude

I IV O

roll abo ut the 1.1'1 , January 19 18.

[i rst we ek in Janua ry 19 18 ijtlu: ca mp sufficicntlv advanced by (/ /(/ 1 dat e.

2.- Th e necessa ry Sq uadron Conuna nder and Flight

2. Th e squadron will he known as No .6 Sq uadron and

posed , subject 10 you r approval, tofo rm I he second squad-

Leade rs and ratings

(1/

Pelill' Svnthc is

heI'll detailed and a rrangements

will be [o nned hy a ce rtain nil/libel' no ll' (1/ Do ver which

made [o r the eng ine rati ngs to go th rou gh a course in th e

f o rmed the o rig inal H'll!mer Defen ce Flight. supp lem ented

B .//. /~

by 30 ratings which 1/(/ 1'1' been ea rm a rke d si nce No. 11

I UI I 'e

en gi ne at M essr s. Si ddele» Deasy :1'.

Squadron lI'as disbanded. 3.- All that is required will he ab out eight or 11'11 pilots tra ined ill D.H .4 mach ines at Mansto ne 10 he draft ed 10

3. Commanding Office r; Do verA e rodrom e willforwa rd a

Do ver Com ma nd du rin g th e month of December: These

list of the ratings together with th eir quatificati ons and

will th en he di vided bet we en the

O.N to Headqua rte rs and Headqua rte rs will include th e

111'0

BOil/bin g Squ adron s

na m ed ratings a nd O.N of the 30 ra tings - 1(1/1' of No. I I

a nd ex pe rienc ed p ilot s m ixe d bet we en the 1\1'0 Squadrons.

Sq uadro n and retu rn th e list 4.- It is proposed 10 ca ll thi s Squad ron No .6 Squa d ron.

10

COI III Il{//uling Offi ce r:

Do ver A e rod rom e f o r the information of Fli ght COII/-

1/ 8

A Ne wRole

mand er M acl.arc n. Co m ma nding O ffi cer Do ver Aero-

2. Wing Comma nders and Squadro n Comma nders sho uld

drotnc will then endeavo ur

obta in th e outside ratings

therefore keep this ina n er ill hand andforwa rd the lUI/II I'S

suc h as 0 ..')\. Co oks an d sp ec ial ratings such as A cety -

o{ an» officers so sel ect ed by Decemb er 20 th. 191 7. Th e

len e Welders etc.. wh ich could be detach ed either [ro m

11111111'.1'

10

should be give n in va rious co lumns:

Do ver Aerodrome or Draftin g Commander: (a) 4. Co mmanding Office r: Do rer A erodrom e. ha s been in -

'1110.1'1'

oJlicers who volunt eerfor th is d uty

(b) Tho se officers who ha re not voluntee red bill a re

st ructed 10 send a[u rther bat ch (~{ " IJ " ratingsfor a course

selected by the Squ adron Co mmande r a s likely to

lit the Si dd clcy Deasy Works in H,H.P eng ines. So nic of

p ro ve sui table.

the eng ine ra tin g» at Dunkcrqu c lut v« a lr eady been th rou gh thi s co urse. Thes e ratings sho uld be marked with

III both ca ses. opposite th e na ntes (if th e office rs. th e

a sta r by " P " Sect ion. H. Q. in the listforwa rded fo r Flight

Sq uadron Com man ders IIl1 d Wing Comma nders sho uld

Comma nder Macl. a ren.

insert th eir op ini on

I~f th e

Offi cers capability/or leading

a Flight and ot her qua lifi ca tion s. 5. A H.IIY D. fl. 4 sho uld be alloca ted by

-u : when COIl10/ pi lot s

manding Off icct : Do verA erodrome req uires on e. Thi s wil!

3. Th ere mu st be a cons ide ra ble number

be fo r tra ini ng oj the pi lo ts and mech an ics ofthe squa d -

[ig liting squa dro ns who arc keen and fo nd

ron in truing -up and rigging and also in running th e en -

who lire not like lv

gine.

Pilots.

Signed

10

ever beco me

in the

(~{j7ying

"5/(1 1'-111 1'11 "

bill

Figh ting

Signed CL Lambe

CL Lambe

Captain. RN

Cap ta in. RN

Dist ribut ion C M. Q.P I S /GS

The Wing Commander; No . 1 Wing

S.O. Do ver

The Wing Conunan de r. No .4 Wing

C O, Aerod rome. Do ver

The Wing Canunan de r. No.5 Wing

S.O . IIQ

I co py to Do ver

So mew hat strange ly. bearin g in mind the co ntents of Lambe's

0.6 Squ adro n RNAS was in du e co urse reformed at Do ver

mem orand um of the 19th I o vcmbcr, he made a request to the RNAS Scout Squadron s for vo lunteers to become Fligh t Leaders in the ne w bomb ing squadro ns:

o n the Ist January 19 18 as a day bombin g squadro n co ming under the command of No.5 Wing Royal Naval Air Servi ce. Th e Co mmanding O ffic er, SC dr CT Muc l. arcn and o ne of the Flight Co mmanders. AFCdr G LE Stevens, provided a

fI eadqua rt e 1'.1'

modicum of co ntinuity to the o rigina l To.6 Squa dron from 19 17. Th e oth er two Flight Commande rs were the highly experie nced FCd r II C Clarke and A FCdr .I S Wright. both from

RNA .S. Dunkcrque

10.5 Sq uadron . Although so me squadron perso nnel had bee n in resid e nce s ince the 10 th Janu ary, the maj orit y of the sq uadro n's of ficer s and men did not move to Petit e Synthc

9th Decem ber 191 7 R(:{n o. 8563 Memorandum It will become necessa ry in the nca rfutu re 10 sel ec t a fe w

ex perienced pilotsfront Sco ut Sq uadron s

10

act as Flight

Leaders ill th e ne\l' D.H.4 Squad rons to beformed. Th ese pilots will ret urn to Eng land PII' a rest be/ ore ag ain Ilrocccding

0 11

A ctive Service .

until the l-lth January 191 8. T he sq uadro n was initi a lly equipped with D.I·IAs whilst "working up" but the inten tion was to base the squadron's o ffe ns ive capability aro und the ne wly introd uced D. H.9. De liveries of the new mach ines co mmence d in Fe bruary but after a very sho rt time it beca me appare nt that there were se rious pro blem s with the B.H.P. engines filled to the D.H.9.

119

A Histo ry of No .6 Squadron Roya l Nava l A ir Service ill World IVaI' I

Iron ically mirroring the difficulties experienced in 19 17, No.6 Squadron was agai n handi capped by poor aircraft. Bad weather during the latter part of January 19 1S and the poor state o f the aer odrom e se rio usly affecte d the squadron's preparations for co mbat readine ss. The squadron office rs durin g the first week of Jan uary co mprised: Squadron Co mmander Flight Commander Record Off iccr

FCdr CT Maclarcn FCdr INC Clarke Sl BH Rook R VR

2. O win g to the had sta te

of the roads. as Jell' passengers

as possible should be se nt via Cala is and thes e 30 ratings sho uld he se nt over ill sma ll driblets to Dunkerque as

110

ot her meth od is a vailabl e.

3, The whole squadro n will pro bablv cross o ver abo ut the 16th o r 17th JW/l/{// ) ·. Sig ne d CL Lambe

Captain RN Dist ribution :

One D.HA 2-seater was co llected from the Aeroplane Acce ptance Park at Dover on the 3rd Januar y 191S and one more on the 13th January. Further machines filtered in once the squadron had settled- in at Petite Synthe. Whilst pilots were in relatively plenti ful supply, the RNAS suffered from a chronic shortage of trained observ ers and gunlaye rs and the squadron was forced 10 usc memb ers of the ground crew as "acting gunlaycrs" whilst work ing up to combat readiness.

S.D . Do ver (2) one for A ero dro me . Do ver C P Q.

5.0., H. Q. 12th Janu ary

Wing Captain Lambe. anxious to get the Squadron established at Petite Synthe. issued the following Memorandum to the Dover Station Commander: Headqua rte rs R.N.A .S.

Jan uary 1918

Dunkerque 12th January, / 9 / 8

10th January Flt.Obs. RJ SI. John arrived at Petite Synthe from Dover on the 10th to supervise a small party of ratings in the con struction of squadron quarters. No.5 Squadro n had bee n established at Petite Synthe since April 19 17 and the personnel of No.6 Squadron were permitt ed to make usc of the No.5 Squadro n Mess facilities. Wing Captain Lambe issued instruction to increase No.6 Squadron 's worki ng party:

No. 7899

/VIcmo ra II dum No.6 Squadro n is to be transfe rred fro m Dover at the ea 1'liest dat e possible. 2. The 5.0., R.N .A .S., Do ve r is to make the nece ssa ry arrailgem ents lor transport ing tlie Sq uadronfrom Do vc I' to Duukcrque. informin g m e as ea rly as possible wh en ar-

f-{eadqua rte 1'.1'

rang em ent s arc made and th e tim e the Sq uadron ma y he

R.N. A.S.

expe cted to arrive at Dunkerque.

Du nk e rqu e 10th JaIllUII,\, 19 / 8

3 . Th e C O. No.5 Willg wi ll make arrang em ents to me et th e personne l Oil d isemba rkin g and tran sp ort th em to

Rlj 78 99

Petite Syuth e.

Mem orandum A furth er party oj 30 ra tin gs [ro m No .6 Squadron a re to

4. The C O. No.6 Squadron is to arrallge with the S.O.,

he se nt to the Nell' Ca mp. at Petite Synth e as

chilies to Petit e Synth e: machines bein g P OII'll only hy

.1'0 0 11 as

R.N.A. S., Do ver; [o r the transfer o] No.6 Squadron

ar-

IIIl/ -

experi enced pi lot s who kno w th e Dun kc rquc Co nuna nd.

rangeme nts call he madefor tra nsp o rting the m . 120

II Nel\' Role

ABOVE: The Officer's Mess at Petite Synthe aerodrome. Court.esy jMB/GSL Collection RIGHT: An interior shot of the Officer's Mess. Courtesy jMB/GSL Collection

Pi lots recently joinedfront Mansi on sho uld go in the

11/(/ -

chines as passen ger s. so that they become acqu ainted with the country. E very opportun ity offine weather is to be tak en to ge t these machines o ver to Dunkerque. wh ere they can be looked aft er at once by the advance pa rty. assist ed ifn ecessar y, by rat ingsjrom No .5 Squadron. Wing Cap ta in For Sen io r Officer

M onday. 14th Jan ua rv. A drifte r and tug will di semba rk

5.0 .. R.N.A .s .. Dove r (2 co p ies)

ratings and bring them to M onito r Quay.

c.o. 5 Willg " C"

2. II the weather is fi ne you are to se nd only sufficient

"M "

tra ns po rt lo r the men \ gea r and are to a rrange that the

" P" "Q"

person nel ofthe squadron are march ed up to Petit e Synthe. If the weather is bad and it is ra ini ng o r sno wing heavily, tra nsp ort l or ra tings ma » be supplied ill addition to their

13th Jan uar y

ge m:

AFCd r Wri g ht a nd FSl Pitt co llec ted D.HA N 1753 fro m the Ac cep ta nce Par k at Do ve r and ma de the crossi ng to Fra nce at

Wing Cap ta in

12.30. flying at 6000 fee t a nd head ing first to C ala is a nd then

For Se nio r Officer

o n to Dunke rq ue and the aerodrome at Pe tite Synthe.

c.o. 5

IVing

5.0 . " C"

W i ng C a p ta i n Lambe wro te to Wi ng Co m m a nde r Co urtney de tai lin g the tran spo rt a rra ngements for the main pa rty o f ratin gs:

14th .h llU HII·Y

Headqu a rte rs

SCdr Ma cla ren. the re maini ng Flyi ng Officers a nd the g ro und

N.N. A .S.

pe rson nel ar rived at Pe tite Sy nthe . T he sq uad ro n accom mo -

Dunkerque

dation was basi c to say the least. most o f the hut s lac king doors

13th Jan uary, 1918

at this stage.

H. Q. NeI 75 99

mo ve to Fra nce:

T he Recor ds Offi cer. s i, Basi l Rook . RNV R reca lled the

M eIII 0 rand1111I Th e main body oI 150 ratings

On the 29 th December 191 7. I \\'as co mm iss ioned as (~!' No.6

Squad ron will a r-

II

ri ve in " Ercbus " I at Dunkerquc Roads, at ab ou t I 11.111..

Sub Lieut enant . NN IIN./im ll No . 1 Wing NNA S Duttkerq uc

wh e re II/(/d sp en t the previou s two yea rs. l rcp ort edfor 121

A History of No.6 Squadron Roya l Na val Air Se rvi ce in 1V0r id \\1/r I

duty Oil the Zth Janua rv 1918 at 18 Marin e Pa rade. Do1'1'/;

to the Senior (Nava l) Off icer. I \l'as thereup on ill-

struct cd to join No.6 Sq uad ron at Do ver Aerod rom e and did so the sante da v. No.6 Sq uad ron \l'as ge tt ing rea dy

10

p ro ceed to

Fran ce and Oil the nigh t before departure. the Mess pro duced oysters to ma rk the occasion. IVe considered ourse lve sfortunate ill ha ving as o ur mess cook 0 111' who had been a chefat a leading London hotel. IVe kept quiet abo ut this hili eve ntually high er autho rity heard ab out it. Ho w1' 1'1' / ; \1'1'

successfully resisted ensu ing ef rorts to st eal our

coo k! 011 the 14 th Janua ry 191 8 those members o] the .1'1//111111011

travelling to Fran ce by sea

11'1'1'1'

the aerodrome IIl1d proceeded dOIl'1I the

20th January

mu stered at

II II/T O II '

pa th cut

Tor re nt ia l rain fa ll du rin g the da y pre vent ed flyin g .

into the side ofthe cliffe n m ute to the Ma rine Pia where

A case o f Sc a rle t Fever a mon g st the sq ua dro n 's ra tings

II nava l ves se l IV IIS wai tin g to em ba rk th e part » F ir

resu lted in the officers be ing asked to le ave No .5 Sq ua dro n's

Dunk erque. Th e j ourn ey lI 'as uneventfu l and the ship made

Mess.

good time. Fir the re \1'11.1' 110 devi ati on [rom course Oil this occasion to cllr ry

0 111

21 st January

a min efield patrol.

St ron g w inds and rai n featured durin g the day bu t cleared to a 15th J anu ary

mo onli t eve ning . Ene my a irc ra ft att empted to bo m b the ae ro-

Bad weather a nd a ve ry mudd y ae ro d ro me preven te d an y

d rome fo r tw o hours around midni ght.

fl ight s from bei ng mad e . 22 1\(1 .lunuary

A v io le nt sto rm durin g the night carried a wa y o ne of th e sq ua d ro n's ne w Bessonca u han gars, prompt ac tio n pr ev ented

Th e ae ro dro me wa s waterl o gged with la rge mudd y poo ls .

dam age to the two DJ ·IA s that had been parked insi de . 23rd Junuury 16th January

Ov er ca st d uri ng the day, No fly ing att e m pted .

T he ae ro d ro me wa s flood ed, wi th 18 inc hes of wa ter inside 24 t h J anuary

the sq uad ro n 's ha ngar s . Rain co nti nue d to fa ll d uring the day.

Ov e rcas t a nd heavy ra in at firs t, no fly ing too k p lace . 17th January 25th January

D.HA N6404 wa s de live red fro m He ndo n.

No fly ing atte m pted . IHth January 26th J anuary

No fly ing d ue to bad we a th er.

o flyin g att empted . 19th January Two new D.HAs wer e de liver ed from Do ver. D 1752 by FCdr

27t h J anuary

I IC C la rke and FSL A M Bannat yn c at 14.45 and 8 94 99 by

FCdr C la rke a nd Obs .Lt St. John ferried D.HA 01 75 4 from

FCdr T F Le Me surie r w ith FS L LR Warren at 15 . 10 . FC d r Le

Do ver Aerod rom e at 12.30. Th e weathe r had cl eared e no ug h o n the 27 th to all o w four

Mesurier w as not attac hed to the sq ua d ro n but as w ill be see n late r, pl ayed a s ig nifica nt ro le in No .6 Squadron's first op e ra -

local flig hts to be ca rrie d out :

tiona l mi ss ion s.

122

A Ne ll' Rol e

De picted he re at Chingford.Airco DHA N6404 was manufactured byWestlands and was de livered to No.6 Squadron on the 17th January 19 I7 after having see n service at RNAS Grain and with NO.2 Squ adron. NO.6 Squad ro n passed N 6404 on to N o.1I Squadron on the 7th March 19 18 and fro m the re it was handed on to No. 12 Squadron and then to No.2 18 Squad ron RAF where it was destroyed on the Ist May 1918 afte r colliding with a flagstaff. N640 4 was fitted with the tro uble so me Sidde ley Puma eng ine. Courtesy EF Cheesman

FC d r C la rke and SC dr Macl.are n a t 14 .00 FCd r Wrig ht and FS L Pitt at 14 AO FCdr Wrig ht and FSL T iarks at 15 .27 FS L Warren with r-SL Hys lop at 15 .25 FC d r W rig ht and FSL Pill 'S flight in D 175 3 la sted 4 3 minutes

o f thc day wa s mo re success f ul a nd he spe nt 40 m inutes c ir-

a nd fo llo wed a rou te a lo ng th e coas t fro m Du nk c rq uc to

cl ing thc aerodro me at 30 00 fee t w h ilst his passen ger, AG L

Nieupon . Pill co m me nted Ihat it was ruthe r m isty o ver S t. Po l

Cos te r p rac tised firing a Very pist ol .

It sho uld be menti on ed that the ran k o f AGL referred to

aerodrome a nd D unkc rq uc dock s .

acti ng g u nlaye r. T he AGLs were draw n from the ratin gs a nd

zsu. Janu ary

were usuall y o f AC. I o r A C. 2 ra nk .

E ig ht local practi ce flight s we re ca rrie d o ut o n thc 281h:

29t h Ja nuary FSL T ia rks a nd AGL Wi ll ia ms at 10 .15

Two local pra cti ce flight s were ca rrie d o ut:

FC d r Step he ns and O bs .SL C hristia n at 11 . 10 FS L Pitt and AG L Woo lf a t 11 .20

FC d r C la rkc a nd AGL Went worth at 11 .55

FC d r Stc vc ns a nd Obs .SL C hristia n at II AS

FS L Ba nna ty nc a nd AGL Holl ing sb ec a t 13.50

FC dr C la rkc a nd FSL Bann at yn c at 13.50 FS L Hys lop a nd AG L Woo lfc at 14 .10

30t h .lu nuury

FCd r Wr ight a nd Obs .S L C hristia n a t 15 AO

D.HA N6404 wa s ferrie d from Dovcr by FCd r Lc Mcs uric r

FSL Pill a nd AGL Cos te n a t 15 .05

a nd Lt.Cdr A lle n RNV R at 14 A 5.

Pi ll a nd Woo lf's flight at 11.20 wa s litt le mo re tha n a c irc uit

31 st January

a nd landin g in D 1754 . as the D.H A 's prope lle r wa s bro ken at

A t 10AO. FCd r St ev e ns a nd Obs .SL C hristia n atte mp ted to

ta ke o ff by mud th ro wn up fro m the w hcc ls . Pill 's se co nd flight

ca rry ou t a co m pa ra tive test of BHP po wered D.HA D 1751

/ 23

A Histo ry ofNo.t: Sq uadro n Royal Nava l Air Se rvice ill lI'or ld lI'ar /

agai nst a Rolls Royce pow ered D,HA belonging to

g ling to make enoug h se rvicea ble ai rcraft a vai lablefo r bomb-

TO , S

Squadron , During the test. the BHP e ngine of their own aircraft beca me overheated and devel oped a bad misfire. With four 161 b bombs and four double trays of ammunit ion. D 175 1 could only achieve a height of 12000 feel.

ing m issio ns. 11'11/.1'

.1'011/1'

machines \I'OIdd inevitably de velop prob-

and be unab le to keep lip with th e [o rmatio n, lessen ing

th e cffec! (I\'er the target and lea ving them selves su sceptible to at tack by enc tny a ircra ft.

FCdr Clarke and AG L Weston ca rried out a gun test In D.HA D 1754 at 11 .05.

1st Febr ua ry

o flying due to unfa vourable weat her. 2nd Fehruary

February 1918 A t thi s junctu re. th e squadron cons isted

An engine test was carried ou t in the misbehaving D 175 1 at 10.35 by FCd r Clarke and Obs.Lt St. John. As there were no

(If se ven D.I1.4 air-

craft and the .f(III(l\I'ing ele venflyi ng officers:

furt her e ngine tests on this machine it must be assumed that the mechan ics had cured the embarrass ing misfi re.

S Cd r CT Macl. aren

Gun tests were carri ed out by the followin g crews who fol lowed a route out toward s Gravelines:

FCdr IN C Cla rke A FCdr C Ll:' St evens A FCdr .lS II'right

FSL Warren and AGL Woolf at 10.30 FSL Tiark s and GI L William s at 10.55 and 11.20 FSL Hyslop and GI L Costen at 11.30 FSL Pill and GI L Banks at 14.10

ous.u R.I St. John FS L A M Bannatyne Obs .S L LA Christia n

FCdr Clarke and oss.u St. John at 14.15 FSL Bannatyne and AG L O' Brian at 14.30 PSL Hyslop and AG L O'Bri an at 15.35

FSL CiVl Hysl op FSL

vcu Tia rks

FSL CA Pitt FS L LR Warren

FSL Tiark s and AIM Jen nings carried out a machine test on D.HA 139499 at 15.55. The e ngine was found to be overheating and new radiator blinds were subsequently filled.

FCdr IN C Cla rke , the sq uadron \' sen io r Flight Co mman de r: mts primarily resp onsible f o r th e training of th e squa dro n \' nell' bo m bing c rell's. Cla rke \' st ra tegy for effect ive bombing

3rd Febr uary Four crews earried out gun tests:

wa s based up on as man y ai rcraft as possible pro gressi ng to the target in close fo rm ation, d ropping their bomb s at the .1'0 11/1' till/e. turning fo r hom e and di vin g to wa rds the lin es, still in close fo rm atlon. Th e reasoning

1\'0 .1'

PSL Bann atyne and AG L Smith at 09 .56

that thi s would have th e

tnaxim um ill/pa ct on the target and p rovide th e strong est p os-

PSL Hyslop and AG L Proctor at 09 .58 PSL Tiark s and AGL William s at 10.15 PSL Pill and AG L Jar vis at 10045

sible II/I11/w l defen ce against ene myfighte rs. In p ractice. "as many ai rcraft as p ossib le " would be lin tited to a nuiximuni ojtwojlights. It sill/p ly wo uld not be p ract ical to keep th reeflight s in cl os e p ro ximit» to the leader . Close

The gun tests co nsisted o f flying out to Gravelines and firing

[ormation p racti ce [lving was theref ore the order o] the day

the forward firing synchronised Vickers gun out to sea. FCdr Clarke and SCd r Ma c l.a rc n ca rried out a machine test on 13949 9 at 09.52, to verify that the new radia tor blinds c ured the overh eating pro blem .

a nd Cla rke luul the pilo tsjiving in closcjormatio n as oft en as

pos sible. Th« Royal Naval A ir Servi ce comme nced deplovtncnt o] the new ly de velop ed D. f1. 9 du ring February 1918. No .6 Sq uad-

FCdr Wrigh t and Obs.S L Christian flying D.HA D 1754 made another attempt to carry out the comparison test with a Rolls Royce powered D.HA of No.5 Sq uadron flown by FCdr

ron Im s thefirst ope ratio na l unit to be equippe d with the ne l\' aircraft. po we red by the 23 01t11Siddele v Dea sy PUll/a engine. Reliability problem s wi th the Sidd eley PUll/a eng ines used in the D.f1. 9s m ean t that as we ll as the squadron initially strug -

C PO Bartlett. The BI-IP D.HA had a marginally better cl imb to 15000 feet but both machines ex hibited the same speed at / 24

A NI'Il' No/1'

tha t hei gh t. Bartl ett sta ted that thc e ng ine in h is Ro lls Royce

FSL Ban natyn c an d AG L Quilt e r at 11.35

powere d mac hine wa s no t g iving its full po we r.

FSL T iark s a nd AGL Dra y at 11 .55

At 15 .00 . FCdr W rig ht led a 35 mi nut e pra ctice forma-

SCdr Mac l. arc n a nd AGL Woolf at 13.45

tio n fl ight:

FS L Hys lo p and AG L Wen two rth at 14 .0 5 FSL Ba nnatync and AGL Farlc y at 14.15 .

FCdr Wrig ht and AGL Woolf in () 1754 FSL Hysl o p and AGL Wentworth in D 1751

T hc a ircraft ca rrie d out a coast patro l to G ra vclines where the

FS L T iarks and AG L O 'Bri cn in NMO-l

g un layc rs pra ct iced firin g the ir Lewi s g u ns . Pill rep orted that

FSL Ba nn atyn c a nd AG L Holl ing sby in D 1753

he pra cti scd s ta lls d uring his flig ht.

FSL Pi ll and AG L Wi lli a ms in 139499

A t 09 .30 . FCdr C la rke and Obs.Lt St. Jo hn ca rrie d o ut a 20 mi nute local fligh t in D 1751 .

Pill re po rte d tha t the co nd itio ns we re very b um py a nd th at his D.H.4. 13 94 99. wa s fly ing " left wing hea vy" , the co nd itio n

6th til II th Fe b r ua ry

rcs ulting in a ncar m iss as he took off ov e r No .5 Squadron 's

Bad wea the r c losc d down a ll flyin g ac tiv ity.

han g ars. 12th Fe b r ua ry 4th Fe b r ua ry

FC d r Steve ns and AG L Wc ston ca rrie d o ut a brief 15 minute

Th ree loc a l pr act ice flig hts were c arricd o ut by the fo llow ing

loca l flight a t 14.1 0 .

crew s: 13th til 14th Fe b r ua ry T he contin uing bad weathe r preve nted all flying activit y.

FCdr Stev e ns an d Obs.SL C hristia n at 09.45 FCdr C larkc a nd Obs .Lt St. Jo hn at 10.00 FSL Ba nnatync and AG L Holl ing sby at 14 AO

15th Fe b r ua ry E lev e n loca l flig hts wer e carri ed o ut durin g thc day. Some

FCdr Clarke led a 55 m inut e pra cti ce form ati on flight at 11.00:

fl igh ts be ing uscd to e va luate furth er g un layc r ca nd id atcs :

FCdr C1arkc a nd Obs .Lt SI. Joh n in 13 94 9 9

FC dr S teven s a nd FSL Tiarks at 09AO

FS L Hys lo p and AG L Ba nks in () 1751

FS L Tiarks and AGL Pacc y at IC!.OO

FSL T ia rks and AG L Cou si n in

FS L Pi ll and AGL Ben ce at 10 .20

640-l

FS L Bannat yn c a nd AG L Ja rvis in D 1754

FS L Bann at yn c a nd AG L Har ris a t 14 ..43 FC d r Wri ght a nd FS L Hysl op at 09 .50

Tw o g un tcs ts we re carri ed o ut:

FS L Hysl o p and AG L Harris a t IO.n

FCdr C la rke and SC d r MacLar c n in D.HA D 1754 at 14 AO

FS L Pilt a ncl AG L Sh ep herd at 15 .00

FS L Pill a nd AG L S m ith in D.I-1.4 D 1753 at 15 .15 .

FS L Bann a tyn c a nd AG L A tk inso n at 15 .25

FC d r Wri g ht a nd Ob s.SL C hris tia n at 14 .50

FS L Hys lop and AGL Dic ks a t 15 .25 Pill was a irborne for o nc hou r at 5000 fee t a nd reported that du ri ng the tcst. o nc b ullet put a ho le throu g h the propel le r;

Pill re port ed that the we ath er wa s still o vercast a nd he wa s unabl e to c lim b a bove 2000 fcct. Du rin g his sc co nd fli ght at

5th Fe b r ua ry

15 .25 thc weather wa s still rep ort ed as mi st y.

Ninc g un te sts we re carri ed o ut durin g the da y. the o ppo rt uni ty be ing ta ke n to eva luate a no the r sc lcc tio n of pos sib le

16th Fe b r ua ry

g u nlayc rs :

t 10 .4 5 . FCdr C la rke a nd O hs.Lt St. J oh n c ol lec ted th c sq uad ro n's fir st D.H .9. 13 758 3. fro m thc Aerodro me at Dove r.

FS L Tia rks and AG L Sp a ldin g at 09 .55

FCdr Stevens a nd FS L Pill carried o ut a very brie f local

FS L Warrcn and AG L Be tteri d ge at 11.00

flight at 09.43 in D.H A 13 9499 . T he fligh t was sim ply a qui c k

FS L Pill a nd AG L Pacey at 11.00

c irc ui t o f the ae rodro me to c heck that the machine was no t / 25

A llisto rv (!(No.6 Sq uadron ROYl/! Na val Air Service ill world \I \"{/"!

exhibiting the " lclt wing heavy" condition that had been rc-

FCdr Wright and AG L Woolf in D.H.9 13 7583 FSL Warren and AG L Wcston in D.HA D 1754

ported on the 3rd February. Eight mach ine and gun tcst flight s were carried out during the day:

FSL Bann atync and AGL Pacey in D.HA 139499 FSL Hyslop and AG L Banks in D.HA D 1751

FSL Tiarks and AG L Dray at 09 .35 FSL Hyslop and PO.AGL Ryan at 09.50

FCdr Steve ns collected the squadron's seco nd D.H.9. 13 7589. from Dover at 14.30.

FSL Pitt and AGL Betterid ge at 09.54 FSL Warren and AG L Woolf at 10.02

Eight local flights were carried out during the day :

FCdr C larke and SCdr Mac l. a rcn in D.H.9 13 7583 at 13.58 FSL Pitt and AG L Dicks at 14.25 FCdr Stevens and Obs.S L Christian at 1..1.35

FCdr C larkc and Obs.S L Christian in D.H.9 13 7583 at 11.20 SCdr Mac l. a rcn and Lt Bcddal\. RNVR, at 13045 FSL Tiarks and AGL Hence at 13AO

FSL Tiarks and AG L Williams at 16.05

FSL Hyslop and AG L Wentwo rth at 15. 10 FSL Bann.uync and Obs.S L Christian at 15.1 5 FSL Warren and FSL Pitt at 14.02 FSL Pitt and AM I Je nnings at 16.35

Pitt and Betteridge followed the route Dunkcrqu c, Gravclincs, Calais. Boulognc at 12500 feci . the rnach incs engine started to misfi re at 12000 feet. Pitt descri bed AG L Bcttcrid gc as a " Full-Out gunlayc r", a commcnt rhat proved to be very astute. Betteridge serv ing as a gunlayc r with No.6 Squadro n and No.206 Squadron RAE finishing the war with a Disti nguished Flying Meda l. Chevalier de lO rdre de Leopold II and a Croix de Gucrrc ( Belgian). Pitt's third flight of the day was ca rried out over the same route at 14000 feet with AGL Dicks. he reported that a long stretch of the English coast was visible,

FSL Warren and LM E Pugh at 17.00 U vl E Pugh and AI'v I I Jenn ings were dispatched to Loo n Plagc

to repair D.I-1.4 I 6404 . FSL Warre n (lew Pitt out to Loon Plagc to pick up N6404 from the beach . Both pilots returned wit h the mech anics as passc ngcrs. 19th Fe b r ua r y

FCdr Lc Mcsuri cr and Lt Carr delivered the squadron's third 17th February

D.H.9. 13 7587. from Dove r at 13.55. A total oft hirteen local practice and test flights were flown

Ninc local flights were carried out on the 17th:

during the day: FSL Tia rks and AG L Williams at 10.00 FSL Pitt and AG L Betteridge at 10040 FSL Bannatync and AG L Jarvis at 10.55 FCdr Stevens and Obs.S L Christia n in D.H.9 13 7583 at 11 . 11

FSL Tiarks and WO Milner at 15040 FCdr Clarlc and Obs.Lt St. John at 15040 SCdr Mac l. a rcn and Obs.SL Christian at 09 .35 SCdr Mucl. arcn and Lt. Meyer (USA) al 14.03 FSL Tiarks and OS3 Trc nowdc n at 14.08

FCdr Clarkc and Obs.Lt St. John at 13.30 FSL Tiarks and AG L Williams at 14.18 FSL Warren and AG L Woolf at 14.50

FSL Warren and AGL O' Brien at 14.30 FSL Warren and AG L O' Brien at 16.55

FSL Bannatync and PO.AGL Ryan at 16.00 FSL Hyslop and AG L Williams at 16.55

FCdr Wrigh t and AC2 Dicks at 14.55 FSL Tiarks and AG L Neighbour at 10.30 FSLTiarks and Mcch. Mabbs at 15.30

Pitt and Betterid ge flew a coastal patrol and map reading excrcise over La Pannc, Fumes. St. Pol and Loon Plagc in D.HA N6404 . Pitt atte mpted a practice landing on the beac h, stood the machi ne on its nose and broke his propeller and radi ator.

FSL Bannatync and AGLA tkinson at 12. 10 FCdr Stevens and FSL Tiarks at 15.05 FCdr Steve ns and WO Tuck at 15.30

18th Feb r ua ry

Four bom bing practice flights were carried out:

FCdr Wright led a practice formation flight at 10.20: FCd r Clarke and Obs.FLt St. John in D.H.9 13 7583 at 12.00 FCdr Wright and AGL Wool f al 10.15 / 26

II NI'l\' Ro/c

FSL Warren and AGL Will ia ms at l I AS

FCdr St e ven s a nd FSL Pitt in D.H .9 13 75 89 at 09 .55

FCdr St e ve ns a nd O bs .SL C hristia n at 10 .50

FCdr St e ven s a nd FSL Pitt in D.H .9 13 75 89 at 10 .15

20th Fe brua ry

FS L Ba nna ty ne and AGL Ho lli ng sbee in D.I-I. 9 13 75 89 at 11. 12

J ust fo ur lo ca l ni ght s wer e ca rried o ut o n the 20 th:

FS L Bann at yn e and AGL Pro ctor in D.I-I .9 13 75 89 at 13.50

FSL Pitt and AGL S mi th in D.H .9 13 75 89 at 10.50

FS L Pitt a nd AG L A llwork in D.I-I A D 1753 at 14 .10 FCdr C larke and Obs .SL C hristia n at 0 9.27

FS L T iark s and AGL Wentworth in D.HA D 1754 at 14 .20

FCdr C larke a nd Obs .Lt S t. Jo hn in D.H. 9 13 75 83 at 11.00

FSL Hysl o p and AGL Coste n in D.HA D 175 3 at 14 .30

SC d r Macl . arcn and AGL Westo n at 11.35

FSL Bann at y ne a nd WO T uck in D.H.9 13 75 89 at 14 .35

FCd r St ev en s a nd Lt Bed dal!. RN VR . at 12. 10

SC d r Mac l.arcn a nd AGL Ne wsham in D. H.9 13 7589 at 15.0 5

21st February

FSL T iarks an d AGL Wentworth in D.I-IA D 175 4 at 15 .00

FS L Pitt and AG L Ne ws ha m in D.H.9 13 75 89 at 15.30 Tw o ne w D. H.9s we re co llected from Do ver. 13 75 99 by FSL Hys lo p at 10 .30 a nd 13 75 88 by FS L Ban nat y ne at 10 040 . No

Pitt 's fir st fli g ht in a D.H.9 with FCdr Steve ns was a s im ple

passen ge r wa s present for e ithe r ni g ht and aircra ft wo uld ha ve

fa mi lia riza tio n n ight. o ne c irc uit ar o und the ae rodro me . H is

been ball ast ed wi th sa nd bags to co m pe nsa te for the lac k of a

seco nd fli g ht was a bri ef 17 minute s pe ll to get used to the handling . Th e th ird flig ht was o f 45 minute s durati on . o ut to

g u nlaye r. T hree local fligh ts were ca rried o ut:

se a for a g un test. His fina l fli gh t o f the day was a c o urse to Gra vlin cs to int rodu ce a ne w g u n layer. AG L News ha m. to

Fra nce.

FSL Pitt an AG L J ar vis at 09045 rSL Tiarks a nd AG L Ba n ks at 11.05

24t h February

FCdr St e ven s a nd PO Gu scoyn c at 14 .25

Eleve n loca l fli ghts were c arr ied o ut: Pitt and Bank s fle w D.HA D 1751 to G ra vc lincs , an o il un ion ca me loose cau sin g o il to lea k ov e r the a irc ruft 's co ntrol s .

FC dr C larke an d Obs.SL C hristia n in D.I-1.9 13 7599 at 09 .35

Fo ur bo mbing practi ce fli g hts we re ca rried o ut:

SCdr Mac La re n a nd AGL Wilki nso n in D.HA D 175 1 at 0 9 _55

FC d r C la rke and Obs .SL C hristia n in D.I-I. 9 13 75 83 at 09. 5 5

FSL Hys lo p a nd AGL Sk inne r in D.l-IA D 1752 at 10. 10

FCd r Wrig ht a nd LM Coo k in D. HA D 1753 a t 09. 55 FCdr Cl ark e and Obs.Lt St. Jo hn in D.H.9 13 5 78 3 a t 13.55

FC d r St ev en s a nd PO Rose in D.H.9 13 75 89 at 10 .30

FSL Pitt a nd AG L Bett erid ge at 14 .10

FSL Ban nat yn e and AG L No rma n in D. I-1.4 D 1753 a t 10 045

FS L Tiarks a nd AGL Ne ig hbo ur at 14 .55

FCdr Cl ark e and AM I Jo uni ng in D .H.9 13 7599 at 10. 55 FS L Hys lo p a nd AGL Sk inne r in D.H.9 13 758 9 at 11 .07

Pitt re co rded that two of h is bo mb s fe ll 2 m iles awa y from the

FCd r C larke a nd Ob s .Lt St. John in D.H.9 13 75 88 a t 14 .00

targ et. w h il s t th e o t he r tw o we re h un g up in th e fra me .

FSL Ti ark s and AGL We ston in D.HA D 175 2 at 14 .50

Bett e rid ge sim ply recorde d that the ir a im was very bad.

FSL Banna tyn e a nd Lt Em me t in D.H A D 1753 at 15 AO

22ml Februa ry

25th February

Bad wea ther pre vented a ll fly ing activi ty.

No flyi ng du e to u nfavourab le wea ther. New pil o t FSL EC St ock er ar rived at the sq uad ro n.

23r d Fehruary 26t h Febr uury

FCdr Wri gh t co lle c ted D.H .9 13 75 86 from Do ver at 12.15 . A to ta l o f fo urte e n local fli ght s were ca rr ied o ut. mo st o f

Two ne w D.H.9s we re co llec ted fro m Do ver:

the m in D.H.9s : 13 7596 by FSL Warre n a nd LtCdr A llen. RN VR at 11 . 15 FC dr Clarke a nd Obs .Lt S t. Jo hn on D.H.9 13 7599 at 09 .25

13 7592 by FSL Pitt at l iAS

FSL Ti ark s and AGL C o usins in D.I-I .9 8 7583 at 09040

/ 27

A History of No.6 Squadron Ro val Nava l A ir Se rvi ce ill world 1I'Ilr I

at 14. 10 FCdr C larkc and Ob s.Lt SI. John in D.HA 139499 FSL Warren and AG L O'Bri en in D.HA DI 752

Pill reported that the passenger co mpartment was ballasted with sand bags. co nditions we re very bumpy off Dover and the return trip took just 30 m inutes, Three test n igh ts were carried out:

FSL Hyslop and AG L Pacey in D.HA D 175 1 FSL Pitt and AGL Be tteridge in D.HA D I753

FCdr Cla rke and Obs.SL Christian in D.H.9 13 7583 at 09.00 FSL Tiark s and AGL Went worth in D.11.9 13 7587 at W AO

Pitt and Betteridge ne w in the rear position. after the practice

FCdr Wright and LM Pear ce in D.HA D 1753 at 09 AO

ni ght they landed at Co udc kcrkc .

One local familiarization ni ght was car ried out:

2Hth Fc bruu ry

A ne w D.H.9 was co llected from Dover : FSL Stocke r and AGL Proctor in D.HA D 1754 at 09043 13 759 7 by FSLTi arks at 12.25 One Gu n test was carried out: Five local nigh ts were ca rried out: FSL Hyslop and AGL Smith in D.H.9 13 7589 at 11 .15. FCdr Clarke and Lt Millward . RNVR in D.H.9 13 7599 at 10.00 FCdrWri ght and SL Low. R T, in D.H.9 13 7592 at 10.00

Febr ua ry Three new D.H .9s we re co llected from Dover : 27t h

FSL Stocker and AGL Ryan in D.HA D 1753 at 10. 10 FSL Pill and WO Robert s in D.HA D 1752 at 12.18

13 759 1 by FSL Bann atyne at 15.15

FSL Stocker and AGL Ryan in D.H.9 13 7586 at 14A6

13 7600 by SCdr Mac l. arcn at J 5.50 13 7598 by FSL Tiarks.

FCdr C larke led anothe r practice form ation patrol at 14 AO:

Ti ark s almost immediat ely ex pe rie nce d trouble with 137598

FCdr C larke and Ob s.Lt SI. John in D.H.9 13 7599 FSL Warren and AGL O' Brien in D.H.9 137596

and landed at Mauston. He then return ed to Dover but crashed the mach ine w hen landin g.

FSL Tiarks and AG L Went worth in D.H.9 13 7588 FSL Pill and AG L Dray in D.H.9 13 7587 FSL Hyslop and AGL Pacey in D.H.9 13 7589 FSL Bannat yne and AG L Hollingsbcc in D.H.9 8 7592

Four local ni ghts were carried out: FCdr Clark e and Ob s.SL Christian in D.H.9 13 7583 at 09.15 FSL Hyslop and AC I Branch in D.H.9 13 7589 at 09 .50 FSL Stocker and AGL Allwork in D.HA D 1754 at 10.00 FSL Warren and AGL O' Brien in D.HA 139499 at 11.50

C larke ke pt the D.H.9s in the air for 60 minutes, with Pitt fl yin g on the left side,

FSL Warren and OS2 Baulf in D.HA D 1752 at 15.15

March 1918

FCdr C larke led his Flight on two practice form ation patrol s:

A number o] A merican Offi ce rs were given [amiliariscuion

at 11.03 FCdr Clark e and Obs.Lt SI. John in D.HA 13 9499 FSL Hyslop and AGL Ryan in D.HA D 1751

fl ights durin g March , most of th ese Off icers were a wa iting a

FSL Pill and AGL Bcucridgc in D.HA D 1753

u ,\4cv cr u Jay 0 'Collllell

Pill remarked in his log how well his aircraft' s engine was

Lt Frederick Clapp ( \IIilh No. 2 / / Squ ad ron and the l Ztlt A ero

runn ing. Betterid ge remarked on the wcather!

Sq uadron ]

posting to theirfirst squadron :

128

ANI'II' Ro/1'

Lt Carland Po well (Gu nlaver with :2 I I Squadron and III en i n

5th Marc h

c! /(IIXe (~f the I I 0 l SI Replacement Squadro n USA S.

Three local flig ht s were ca rried o ut:

u

L esl i e Egh en ( Wi l li 22 //(I A ero Squadron )

FCdr Clarke and FLt.O bs St. .I oh n in I).H.9 13 7583 at 13.50 FCdr Stev ens and Obs ,SL Christian in I).H,9 13 7589 at 14.40 FCd r C la rke and FLLObs St. .I ohn in I),H,9 13 7585 at 15.45

Th e st anda rd D.H 9 a rn uunentfo r th e observer Im s a singl e Lewis g unmounted Oil 0 S('(I/.1T //IOI/II I. The Sq uadron :1' A nna //1('//1 Off ice r. Lt ./JVl Bcddall RN VR , qu ickly rea lised th e ad -

Wing Co mma nder Cull made another visit in B.E.2c 99 70 at 12, 10.

van tage 11/(/1 tw in L ewis g l/IIS would g i ve 10 the rea r g unne r

and se t about the design andfab rica tion o] niodi ficcui on s

/0

the Scorff mounti ng 10 0110 11' 1111' I/SC of« second gun .

6t h ~ lurch

Th e 111'0 LCII'i s g l/ns \\'ere fixed appro sinu ue l» 15 inches

Se veral format ion prac tice patrol s we re ca rrie d out :

ap a rt Oil a c ra d l e 11/(/1 lI'as bo lted /0 the 1II11IIIor ho op o] III I'

Scarff 11101/111. Th e cra d l e allowed the g l/ IIS 10 he cosi ly I /'{/versed vertica lly atul hoti t.ont allv wi thout making cOIISIWI!

at 09 .30 FCdr C larkc and FLt.O bs St. .I oh n in D.H.9 13 7599 FS L Warren and AGL O' Brien in D.H.9 13 7596 FSLPitt and AG L Betteridge in I).H.9 13 7587

.1'//1011 culjust nicnts 10 the hoop and r in g o] III I' Scarjftno unt,

Th e 111 '0 g l/IIS lI'ere aligned such their co nes offire COII verged at 200 ya rds, a sing le p illar and head foresig ht and

FSL Tiark s and AGL Wentwort h in I).H.9 13 7588 FSL Hyslop and AGL Pac ey in I).H.9 13 7603

ring ba ck sight I\'ere fixed Oil the centre line bet we en the 111'0

barrels.

Th e g l/IIS lI'ere mod ified byfitting a 11i1///Ih trigg er 10 g i ve

Clarke took the form ation up to 16000 feet but the practice patrol was deemed to be unsatisfactory.

eas ier ope ra t io n when wea r ing hea vv gauntlets. F ilially, the rubb er band "s p r ings " ({scd [ or ra isi ng the

hoop with it s gun \Fere replaced hy st ron ger rubber ba nds

/0

at 09,40

co ntpcnsa tcjort he ext ra weigh! oftw in g uns and the cra dle. I II co tnb at .

it 1\'0.1' genera l pract ice 10 op enfin: wi th one

FCdr Steve ns and Obs.SLt Christian in D.H.9 13 7589 FCdr Wrig ht and AGL WoolI' in I).H.9 13759 I FSL Ban nuty nc and AGL Hollingsbcc in I).H.9 13 759 I FSL Stock er and AGL Ryan in I).H .9 13 7597

g un. keep i llg the OIli er ill reserve. I] on esp cciallv go od ta rg et

presented itse lf and III I' gun ne r 'sfirst sho ts werc Oil targ et, li e niiglu op en 1/11 wi th h011i g l/ IIS 10 make su re ofa kill.

Ist ~ la rch t o 3rd March Yo flying due to unfavo urable wea ther,

at 16.40 FCdr C1 arkc and FLt.Obs si. .Iohn in D.H.9 137599 FS L Warrcn and AG L O· Bricn in D,H.9 137596

With an increase in thc numb er or pilots and aircra ft assigned to thc squad ron. thc facilities at Peti te Sy nthc were start-

FSL Pitt and AGL Bcu crid ge in 1).1'1. 9 13 7587

ing to be stretched. In a me moran dum related to aerodro me accom modat ion produced o n the 3rd Mar ch 19 18. Wing Captain Lambe reported that No.6 Sq uadron requ ired another 60 feet x 20 fcc t hut for Officer 's accommodation and also that the sq uadro n requ ired a Store s and a work shop . Lamb e also recor ded that the road needed to be finished and rolled and thc largc d ug-out nccd to be co mplctcd. 4t h March No r1ying duc to unravourab lc wca thcr. Thc sq uadron rcccivcd a bric r visit at midday rrom Wing Co mmandc r JT Cull. thc Co mma nd ing Orri cer or 0 .5 Win g. who flew in rrom Co udckcrkc in B.E.2c 9970 .

FSL Tiar ks and AGL Wentworth in D.H.9 13 7588 FSL Hyslop and AGL Pacey in D.H.9 13 7603 FSL Bann utync and AGL Woolf in I).H.9 13 7591 The weather was too misty for formation fl yin g and the pilots lost sta tion bc rorc thc patro l had reached 1000 rcct. Artcr loosing ro rmation . Pitt and l3,cttc ridgc Ilcw out to sca 1'01' gun practice, FCdr Wright and FS L Warr cn look D.H,4 D 1753 10 Dovcr Acro dromc at 13.30. FSL Warrc n collcctcd ncw D,H.9 136703 rrom Dovcr and was accompanicd back to Pctitc Synthc by FCd r Wright in I) 1753 at 14 ,45.

/ 29

A History ofNo.t, Squad ron Roya l Naval Air Service ill World \I¥lr 1

7th March

An A me rica n Officer. Lt Po we ll. mad e two fa m ilia riza tio n

In ea rly Mar ch, Maj or A ubrey c irc ulate d a mem o noti fyin g No .2 Squadro n.

o.6 Sq ua dro n and

T

flight s. o ne 10 minute loc a l flight with SC d r M aclar en and a

0 . 13 Squad ron that the y

60 minute form ati on pra c tice with FCd r St e ven s:

had bee n a llocated rating s from No. Z? A me ric an Sq uadro n Head qu art e rs wh ich had been split up :

at 14. 30 FC d r Wr igh t a nd AG L Wool f in D.H .9 13 75 91

HQ ReI ... 5 27 1

FC d r S teve ns a nd Lt Powell in D.H .9 13 75 89

7998

FSL Stoc ke r and AGL Ryan in D.H .9 13 75 9 7

Headqua rters. R.N. A .S.

FS L Tia rks and AG L Went worth in D.H .9 13 7586

Dun kcrquc

r-SL Warren a nd AG LO ' Bri en in D.H .9 13 75 96

7.3. 18 Th ree te st flights we re ca rrie d o ut in the aft ernoon:

/1'1e m o ra I/(IIll II I II CO li till IIIII ion

of H. Q. R4 7998 l!f the l st instant th e

SCdr Ma clare n a nd PO (RN) Ro ss in 137603 at 14 .32

A m erican Sq uad ron (No.22) Head qu a rters has b een sp li t

FSL Stocke r and PO AGL Ryan in 13 7597 at 15 .23

lip and the m en a llocated as att ached lists.

FCdr W rig ht a nd

rst. Stocke r in N75 97 at 16.40

Th e Sq ua dro ns conce rned should co llect th ese m en as

SOO Il

as possible.

Win g C o m ma nde r C ull paid an ot her vis it in the a fte rnoo n. U nus ua lly . tw o RF C pil o ts. It. Race a nd 2Lt S to ne ho use.

H R A ubrey Maj o r

landed thei r FE2 ma chine s at the ae rodro me. They were e n-

Attach ed I-J. Q. R.N. A .S.

rout e from l y m p ne b ut it wa s not recorded w he the r they we re

For Se nior O.fJiCCl: R.N. A .S.

lo st or makin g a so c ia l c a ll!

Dist ribut ion

Sth i\ la rch

e. O. No. 1 Willg e. O. No.5 Willg

Three A me rica n O fficers . Lt Po well. Lt C lap p an d Lt Eg be rt

c.o. A./J (tra n sp o rt )

flight.

we re g ive n fa miliarisa tio n fligh ts. in Po we ll' s case. his th ird Five loca l flig hts wer e carr ied out:

Th e fol lo win g list wa s att ach ed for No .6 Sq uad ro n: SCdr Ma claren and Lt C la pp in D.H.9 13 7603 at 09 .35

Private

Shellenberge r: C F

Welder

Co rpo ra I

Kinsell a. Pliill ipJ

A er ia l G unne r

FSL Hysl op a nd AGL W illia ms in D.H.9 137600 at 15. 00

Pri vate

M ason, Thomas I

A eria l G unn er

FS L T ia rks and Lt Eg be rt in D.H.9 13 75 89 a t 15 .50

Private

I'rice. J ohn IJ

A erial G unner

SCd r Ma claren and FC dr Ed wa rds in D.H.9 13 7600 al 16.15

FS L Stock er and A G l PO Ryan in D.H.9 13 75 92 at 10 .30

Private

Schofiel d. Lau e A

A erial G unner

Pri vate

h ehil. Mavn a rd

A e rial Gun ner

Private

Bcrg fo rd. Lest er N

Aeria l Gunn er

Pri vate

Sort er. M a tthe w IJ

Carpent er

13 760 4 by FS l Pitt a t 12. 15

Private Private

Ketter. John C

Carpenter

13 760 2 by FSl Hyslop at 12.25

snu. Arthur L

Carpenter

13 7605 by FS l Bannatyn c at 12.50

Three new D.H.9 s were co llec ted from Dov e r ae rodrome :

Pri vate

Re id el. Georg e A

Carpenter

Serg eant

Carmean. Ha rry P

Clerk

Pitt was no t ha pp y w ith hi s mac hin e and rep o rted th at the e n-

Sergean t

Pease. Tod fI

Clerk

g ine sp luttered for the e nti re fligh t.

Se rgeant

Kent. Ha rtwel l B

Stenog rapher

Cook

Ra lph. Arthur S

Cook

Private

Holmes. Ra vmond, /J

D rau ghtsman

Pri vat e

Lalor; vince n t G

Co pp ers m ith

FC d r W right led a for ma tio n practi ce patro l:

130

A NewRole

at 14.30 rCdr Wright and Lt Powell in D.H.9 13 759 1 rS L Tia rks and AGL Wentworth in D.H.lJ 13 7588

cu lty in gelling away from the formation after signalling "washout" ! FCdr Wright carried out an engine test in D.H.9 13 7586 at 16. 15. His passenger was AM Tarran t. Wrigh t wanting Tarrant to experience the problem at first hand .

FSL Pill and AG L Betterid ge in D.H .lJ 13 758 7 r SL Stocker and AGL PO Ryan in D.H.9 13 7597 FSL Bann atync and AG L Holl ingsbee in D.H.lJ 8 75lJ2 FSL Warren and Obs.SLt Christian in D.H.9 13 7596

The 8th March IlJI8 effe ctive ly marked the completion of 0.6 Squadro n's per iod of " working up" to combat readi ness. Although fully equipped with D.H.lJ s. one D.H A was

Th e practice patro l headed to Gravclincs and then along the

retained by the squadron for ne w pilot fam iliarisation n igh ts.

co ast at 8000 fee t. Pill reported that FCdr Wright had di ffi-

MH E I NO l the so n o f Cha os h ut 11 i\IS Errbus, a Royal i\'ava l Mo nitor till ed with Iw O 15" g uns.

13/

C HAPTERN IN E

RA IDS OVER BELG IUM

Th e Reco rds Office): Su b Li eu ten ant Bas il Rook,

\I Til tc

fur-

stu nt ing and hedg e -h lllillill g h is D. /-/.9 a s thou gh lie tho ught it

ther rem iniscences of th e ea rly days a t Pet ite Svn tlie: " 0 11 1.1'

\I'crc a B ri s tol Fi ght er. \l'il h th e PUll/a

',I'

propen si ty [o r

un reli abilit v. victor Tiarks 11/0.1' wcl! h e cons idered 10 have 11 0 1 10 ha ve su ffered a ll eng ine fai lure during

odd mem ories linger ofthe Squad ron \ ea rly days

becnjon una tc

at Petite Synthc. I reme mber tnvfirstjligh], e l'el; wit h \l C

hi s exube ran t .flyillg exhibi tio ns. Th e D./-/. 9 witho ut a

Tia rks.

that .IS Il'rig lll, reg ardl ess 1I(Ihe huh-

load di d have a reasonably handy performance. climb and

th e

lOp spe ed. The p rovi s ion {if twin Lewis gUlls fo r the observer

171117

1 0 1.1'11 reca ll

aro und hi ll/

[loor against the

ill

1\'0 11

11/1'.1'.1',

would pork hi mself

and immerse himsel]

ill

1111

th e

\I'!J(JI ap -

wo uld a lso have been o] grc«! value

i ll

17011/17

the fig hter ro ll'.

peered 10 h e music scores. Th e Mo ck Clicker Spa nicl lNt: Clarke bro ught outfnnn England 111/1.1'1 0 1.1'11 h e m entioned. [ or !III th e g round. Clarke. hi s observer S I. John an d th e dllg \I'eJ'(' 0111/11.1'1 inseparable. As SO!llI as the pla nes land ed

naissa nce patrols I\'ere introduced where a sin g le "[ig htcr"

[ rom ope rations the dll g luu l all ullcallllY abilit » 10 single

aircraft would undert ak e h ig h reco nn aissa nce f lig hts deep into

out Clarke \ D./-/. 9 an d

1'111'111.1' territory. A lso

1\'0.1' thefirst

lni tial lv. at lea s I, Cla rke used several D,/-/.9 \ asfighters

to escort bombing [ortnations. \l'hell th e sq uad ron beca me NII,206 Sq uadron RA F

to g reet h ill/ wh en he

cl itnh ed out 1I( Ihc plane. "

l st April 191 8 , long range reCIIII -

on occasion. line pa trols Irere perform ed

wh ere th e D,/-/. 9 " fig hte rs" ca rr ied 1'11/.1'

II \'ery unusual aspect {!!'FCd r IN C Clarke \ st ra tcgvfo r

1111/

S\l'eCIIS

10

dri ve ell-

2 -,I'l' a le rS m l'ay [rom the lilies, C la rke :1' vision p erhaps

11 111 scenti ng

so strang e {(! ie r o il '!

\I/ilh th e co mmencemen t o] I\'ar [lig ht s, the squadron

N II.6 Sq uadron in vol ved th e use o ft he D.lI.9 {IS a fi g 111er air-

era] ![or escort du ties. Th e defi nitio n

1111

ill

sta rted to experience th e Il'II e extent oft he eng ine unreliabilitv.

this in stance wo uld h e a 2 -scalc r with both of fen sive and d e -

witl: missi ons having /0 he cancelled dil l' to the unserviccabi litv

III'

"[ig lite r aircraft "

[cnsivc a nnament, exa m p les (!( traditional fig 111ers wo uld he

o] /11011." oft he aircraft . III o rder III o verco me th e \I'lIrSI of the

the Sopwith I 1/2 Stru tter (lype 9400) , FE2h and o] co urse

p roblems. the some what ext reme m easure

the superb Brislo l F2a/F2h Figlll l'l: II Ims illlllllre reCelll lill/es

ellgille \ cxhausl

Ihallhe agile {!lfellsil'ely arll/ed si llglc semerll/ach ille sWr/ed

e l'ellwa lly adllpled, Th is illmll'ed Ihe ledillus w sk {!( s /l'ip -

III he rl:!£' rred

Ilillg Ihe cm ll hll.l"es, pla cillg all illl/llCIISC h urdell UpOIl Ihe CII-

10

as a Jig llll'l:

Th c id eo {!( usillg a D./-/.9 as a.figlller is , 10 he c!wriw hle , a slrallg e cllllcep l. Th e lIa lu ra l reo Cl i llll

11(11/0.1'1

gi lle .fillcrs Irho 91)JJI

rea d ers heillg

e\'(~ ry

1'0 11'1'

{~I' rep lacing

sp rillgs {(Iier e l'e ry daY :I sc r l'ice

\I 'Ol ild .filld

ea ch 11'0 .1'

Ih elllsell'cs I\'orkillg .fimll 5m ll

10

day,

III ridicule Ihe ideo. Th e D ,/I. 9 I\'ilh ils 230hp Siddelcy Dca sy PUllla ellg il/l'

1110 .1'1

cerw illly

\1'0.1' 11 01 i ll

Ihc sm ile leagu e as a

9th i\ la rch

FSL Warren and Awl. I Spei rs carried oul a lesilli ghl in D,H,9 13 7603 at 08.40,

Urisllli F2h , hOlrel 'c /: il is kil OI\'II Ilw l FS L \l CAI '1/a rks Iw d a rel)[l/millll I\'ilh ill Ihe s qua droll./fl r h eillg a " ,Ip lil a rsc p ilOl",

132

Raids ove r ttcl g iurn

Th c squadro n flew its first two offensive missio ns o n thc 9th. The first mission was a bomb ing raid on billets and railway sidings at St. Pie rre Cape lle. FCdr Lc Mcsuri cr who had j ust returned to France and had been posted to the ne wly re-

at 13.33

for med No. 11Squ adron.joined the mission flying one of No.6 Squadro n's D.H.9 aircraft.

FS L Hys lop and AG L Pacey in 13 760 2 FS L Tiar ks and AGL Went wo rth in 13 7588 FS L Bannat yuc and AG L Hol lingsbee in 13 7592

FCdr Clarke and FIt.Obs St. John in 13 7583 FCdr Le Mcsuri er and PO AG L Ryan in 13 759 1 FCdr Ste ven s and Obs.SL Christian in 13 7603

at 10.01 FCdr C larke and FIt.Obs St Jo hn in 1375 83 FCdr Le lesu ricr and AG L Wil liams in 13 7600

Hyslop and Pacey agai n railed to reach the target and returned to the ae rodrome. The other five machines released twen ty-

FCdr Steve ns and Ob s.SLt Christian in 13 7589 FCd r Wright and AG L Wool f in 13 759 1

ra ul' 25 1b and sixtee n 161 b bo mbs ove r the objec tive from heigh ts o r 1500 to 3900 feet and 150 rounds were also fired at

FSL Hyslop and AG LAGL Pacey in 13 7605 FS L Warren and AG L O 'B rie n in 13 7603

the enemy mac hine. Bombs were observed to burst in very clo se proximit y to the mac hine and many tracers we re see n to e nter it. Approx imately 200 German troo ps gathered round

FS L Pitt and AG L Betterid ge in 137587 FS L Stocker and AGL PO Ryan in 13 759 7 FSL Bannatync and AG L Hol lingsbee in 13 7592

the target were attacked with machine g un fire and see n to sca tter in all direct ions. Th e pilots repo rted that the Gia nt' s

FS L Tiarks and AG L We ntworth in 13 7588

starboard wing was almos t on the gro und and it was ass umed that the mac hine' s underca rriage was broken .

T he attack was co mposed o r se ven bombi ng mach ines and

Durin g the course of the mission, the patrol was attacked

th ree fightin g machin es, however FS L Hys lop and AG L Pacey, were forced to ret urn to the aero drom e afte r suffe ri ng e ngine

by six ene my scouts over St. Pierr e Ca ppelIe. Lc Mcsuri cr put 13 759 1 into a dive and drew away from the defend ing force and a running rig ht developed to within a qu arte r o r a mile or

trou ble.

T he squadron drop ped thirty- two 251 b and twent y-four 161 b bombs fro m height s varying betwee n 13000 and 15000 teet. The target was reported to be we ll co vered with seve ral

the lines. Le Mesuri cr's gun layer. PO AG L Ryan was able to fire 50 rou nds at one sco ut. shooting it down to cra sh on the edge of the flood s. where it was obse rve d burnin g on the g ro und. FSL Banu ntyne a nd AG L Hollin gsbec were both

bombs see n to burst on. or close. to hut s and bui ldings It was co nside red probable that at least three were di rect hits as in o ne case a fire was caused and in two othe rs dense clo uds of smoke were obse rved.

se rio us ly wo unde d by e ne my fi re . desp ite hi s inj uri es, Ban natyne managed to put D.H.9 8 7592 down safe ly on the beach bet ween Oos t Dun kcrq uc and Coxy d. At appro xima tely 15.00. a co mb ined force fro m I and II Mari ncfcldja stas reported attac king a British bombing group

FSL Pitt and AG L Betteridge repo rted that they dropped eig ht bomb s scor ing hits o n a large buildin g and some huts at a railway siding and several large fires were started. A Gcrman Staak en R.YI was observed in a fie ld ncar SI. Pierre Ca ppello and Betterid ge tried to bo mb it but was unab le to obse rve the effe cts, Durin g the co urse of the mission . th ree

protected by Sop with sing le sea te rs. Ltn z S H Wessels of Mari nefcldj astu I cla imed a D.HA between ieuport and Slype at 15. 10. Although the machine type cla imed was inco rrec t (this would have bee n the Ge rmans' first encou nte r with a

enemy aircraft approac hcd the bo mbin g fo rce but would not engage closely enough 1'01' Betterid ge' s liking.

D.H.9). the time and location provided a very close match. it therefore see ms q uite possib le that Wesse ls was respon sib le

PS L Hyslop and WO Tuck carried out a lest flight in the misbe having 13 7605 at 11 .58. Th c seco nd bo mbi ng raid was an unsched uled attac k on

1'01' wound ing

the stranded Stuaken bom ber reported by Pitt and Bette ridge. Pe rmissio n to attac k the G iant was obtained and six mach ines were immediat el y refu ell ed and rearmed.

and forc ing down Hnnnatyne and Holli ngsbce. YzFlgM str Ado lf Bottl er or II -larinc fcldj asta flying a Pfalz Dllla was repo rted as wou nded in action dur ing the e nco unter. Bottler was able to return to his ow n ai rfie ld and was subsequently se nt to Marine field hospit al III for treatm en t. he co uld well have bee n inj ured by Le Mcsuri cr and Ryan . A seco nd D.H A and a Sop with sing le sea ter were erro neo usly cl aim ed by the de fenders.

/3 3

A I lisIOIT of No .S Squad ron Royal Naval Air Se rvice ill World 1I'tlr I

Th e Sraukcn is beli eved to have been an R. V I. seri ul num-

bcr R.n of Rfa 50 I. this mach ine look off o n a bombing mission from Ghent on the nig ht of the 71h March bUI suffe red problems due to fro zen fue l lincs before it crossed the coast and was co mpelled to make a forced landi ng. T he mach ines engines and instruments were salvaged before it was destroyed by No.6 Squad ron's bomb s and gunfire. A seco nd Staa kcn from IH a 50 I also made an e merge ncy landing on the night of the 7th/8th March. this was R.36 and thought to be the machin e that land ed at Ghistcl lcs ae rodrome. R36 was dismant led on site. 10th 1\ larch

SCdr Mac l. arcn and AG L Dray ca rried out a visibility test in D.I-I .9 13 7604 at 10.28 . An cight machine bombi ng raid was despat ched 10 Enge l aero dro me at I I A 7: FCdr Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier DSC and tw o bars. was not attached t o N O.6 Squadron. but never t heless was invo lved in the action on the 9th March 1918 when his gunlayer.PO Ryan.claimed an enemy scout crashed at the edge of the floo ds. Le Mesurier liked to make unofficial flights and in 1917 was shot down in a N o. 12 Squadron Sopw ith Triplane whilst flying as unofficia l escort to a N o.5 Squadron bo mbi ng mission. On com pletion of his to ur of duty with N o.5 Squadron . Le Mesur ier was assigned to N O.1I Squadron. a conte mporary o f N o.6 Squadro n. He w as killed on the 26th May 19 18 wh en his N o.2 1I Squadron RAF D.H.9 broke up in the air over Perv yse. Courtesy JMBIGSL Collection

FCd r Steve ns and Obs.SL Christian in D.H.9 13 7589 FS L Tiark s and AG L William s in D.H.9 13 7600 FSL Stocke r and PO AG L Ryan in D.H.9 13 7597 FCdr Wright and AG L Woolf in D.H.9 137591 FCdr Clarkc and FII.Obs. sr. Joh n in D.I-I .9 13 7583 FSL Warre n and AG L O ' Bricn in D.H.9 13 7603 FSL Hyslop and AG L Pacey in D.H.9 13 7602 FSL Pitt and AG L Betteridge in D.H.9 137587

A number of test fligh ts were curried out:

Steven s and Christian in 13 7589 experienced engine trou ble and retu rned without attacking the target. makin g a forced landing at Bray Dunes aero d rome .

FCd r C larke and FIt.Obs Sl. John in D.H.9 13 7583 at 13.33 FS L Stocker and PO AG L Ryan in D.I-I .9 137597 at 15.35 FCd r C larke and PO Ottley in D.H.9 13 7596 at 16.45

A total oft wenty-seven 251b and twent y 161 b bomb s were drop ped, many of which we re seen 10 burst close to the han-

FCd r Clarke and FIt.Obs.

gars. Four 161b bombs were dropped o n Engel dum p and two fires were started. Pitt and Betteridge failed to find the ir objcct ive and dropp ed the ir bomb s o n a building to the so uthwest of the target.

Wing Co mmander Cull wrote to Wing Captain Lambe on the

FS L Hysl o p too k ne w pi lo t FSL Be wc ll o n a loca l familiarisation flight at 15. 10.

sr. John

in D.H.9 137603 at 17.30

II th with a detai led report of Bannat yuc and Holl ingsbces forced landing: From: Commanding Offi ce I: No.5 Wing Headq ua rters. R.N.A.S. 1iJ: Senior Of flc£'!: Headqua rters. R.N.A.S.

11th Ma rc h FSL Bowel l was taken on another short fami liarisatio n flight

March 11 th / 918

with FCd r Stevens and the n carried out two loca l flight s. the first acco mpanied by PO AG L Ryan at 11 .30 and thc second with AGL Cousins at 14 .37. le w p il o t FS L Oak c sh o tt wa s tak cn o n a loca l

ReI ··.7/ 7S0

familiar isatio n flight by FCdr Wright at 13.35. Oakcshott thcn

Submitted. Here with. part iculars. asfar as I can give them oj"Flight Sub Lieut enant Bannatyn e 'sf orced land ing betw een Oost

ca rried o ut a local flight accomp an ied by AG L Dray at 14.50 . 134

Raids m 'e/" Belgium

Dun kerqu e and Coxyde. f u rthe r to th e recommenda tion

of th is offi ce r in my 0839 of March l Otli

19 18.

Th e mach ine wa s vel)' ba d ly shot about, thre e E.A. ha ving gOI on the ta il of the ma chine and l think ca ug ht the G unlayer un awa res. Th e mai n spar of the lej i 100I'er pl an e \l'as sh ot thro ugh . A j 7ying wire lI'as shot through an d th e co ntrols of th e lower aile ron shot through. Th e re lI'ere also num e rous holes in th e f us e/age and plane. A certa in number o] these being cause d. I sho uld say. hy exp los ive bullets. Fl ight Su b Li eut enant Banna tyn e lI'as 11'01I//(led in the buttock a nd le]: hand. Althou gh only heing abo ut 4000 feel at the time. he man aged

pilot his

10

mach ine hack and make a landing on the sands. witho ut [urtli er damag e

10

the machine. I sho uld like

10

poi nt 0 /11

that there was no question or a straight glide hom e an d that the pi lot must ha ve kepi hi s wits ab out hill/ a ll th e I ill/e.

Thi s. in II/Y op inio n shows g reat p luck and det ermi-

nat ion on his pa ri. \Ie ry little a mm unition had been fi red at all [rom th e rear g un and all bombs lI'ere on the II/a -

chine. which shows they lI'ere at tack ed before they reach ed th eir targ et an d the g uulaycr

11/1/,1'1

ha ve been wo unded

st raight a wuv in the leg. He was fo und propped up ag ainst the gl/n mounting when the machine landed. This l th ink shows that he ma de el'elY endea vour: altho ugh wounded, 10

rep el the attack hv E.A. h I/I his

11'011//(1.

bein g a I'ery

Engel Aerodrome. attacked by N O.6 Squadron on the 10th March 19I 8.Whilst the Allies refer red to t he aerodrome as Engel.the Germans called it Icht egem Aerodrome. Courtesy johon Rhyeul

se rio us one, he \l'as, at the sa m e time. in a semi-co nscious slate.

12th March Test flig hts carried out o n the 12th : FCdr Ste ve ns a nd A M Mab bs in D.H.9 8 7604 a t 08 .50 FC d r Wr ig ht and A M Mother ill in D.H.9 13 7591 at 09 .30 A seve n machine bombi ng raid to Ae rtryc ke was ca rr ied ou t in the mornin g: at 10,10 FCdr Ste ve ns and O bs.S L C hristia n in D.H.9 137604 FSL S toc ke r and PO AGL Rya n in D.H.9 13 7603 FS L Tiark s and AGL Wi llia ms in I) .H.9 13 7600 FC d r Wri g ht a nd AGL Wool f in D. H.9 13 75 9 1 FC d r C la rke a nd

r u.or«. St.

Joh n in D.H.9 13 75 83

FSL Warr en and AGL 0 ' Br ian in D.H .9 13 7596 FS L Hysl o p a nd AGL Pace y in I) .H .9 13 7602

A closer view of Ichtegem Aerodrome. N ote the bomb crater below the farm buildings at the bottom of the photograph. Courtesy johon Ryheul

/3 5

II History oj No.6 Squad ron Royal Naval Air Service ill World \I'ar I

Steve ns and Christian suffered engine trouble and were forced to return to the ae rodrome. Stoc ker and Ryan were also forced to abort the mission. returning afte r 20 minutes. Due to the incidence of engine trouble. FCdr C larke diverted the attack to the seco ndary target o f St. Pierre Cappello. Billets and the railw ay sidings we re attacked with fifteen 251b and four 161b bomb being dropped. The target was well stradd led and a fire started. At 13.45. Stevens. acco mpanied by an American Of ficer. Lt F Cla pp returned D.H.9 137604 to the depot for an engine

16th March SCdr Macl.arcn reported that the squadron had ten serviceable and five unserviceable aircraft. Six of the squadron's pilots were sent to Dover to co llect new aircraft. FCdr Clarke and Lt.Cd r, Bristow carried out an engine test in 13 760 2 at 10.46. FCdr Clarke and FIt.Obs. St. Joh n carried out a small ca libre bom b practice flight in 13 7583 at 14.15 . 17th March A num ber of engine tests were carried out on the 17th :

test. Th ere was still o fficial conce rn ove r the condition o f

FCdr Clarke and Flt.Ob s. St. John in 13 7583 at 10.04

13annatyne and Hollingsbec, as evinced by the following memo from Wing Captain Lamb e to the Vice Admiral. Dove r Patrol: No . If. Q. 10805

FSL Bcwcll and AGL Co sten in 13 7603 at 10.15 FCdr Stevens and new pilot FSL Rolandi in 137605 at 10.21 FSL Oakeshott and PO 13ates in 13 7600 at 10.25.

\lice Admiral , Do ver Patrol

FSL Rolandi and AGL Jarvis in 137605 at 12.10

(Th ro ' COII/ II/odore)

Three local flights were carried out in the afternoo n: Sulnnitted. Forwar de d, with refere nce to /I1Y tel egram No .2 11B ofthe

FSL Rolandi and AG L Jarvis in 13 7605 at 14 '(l6

9th March. The Medical Ojfice rto-da » rep ort s that Flight

FCdr Clarke and FIt.Obs. St. John in 13 7583 at 14.10 FCd r Clarke and Sgt.Maj Carmean (USAS) in 13 7583 at 14.23

Sub Li e ut ena nt A /vI Bannat yn e a nd A .C. I G un layer Reginald Alf red Hollin gsb ce who has luul his leg

{l/ II PU-

tot ed, thou gh both seriously wo unded, are pr o g ressing as

l Sth March

favo urably as ca ll he expected.

Four engine tests were ca rried out: 2. This I\'as the p ilot 's f irs t occa sio n ofcrossing th e Lilies and appa rently he sho wed g reat co urage and determine -

FCdr Clarke and Flt.Obs. St. John in 13 7596 at 09.55

tion ill bringing his mach ine home.

FSL Oakeshott and FSL Dray in 13 7600 at 11 .55 FSL Stock er and AM I Ellis in 8 759 1 at 11 .40 FCdr Clarke and Obs.SL Christian in 8 7583 at 17. J 0

Captain R.N. If. Q. RN A.S

Oakcshott and Dray suffered engine failure and crashed 13 7600

12/3/1 8

13th March Bad weather and unserviceab le engines seriously interfered with flying ove r the following week. On the 13th. the weather restr icted flying to a 35 minut e eng ine test by FCdr C lark and WO Tuck in 137602 at 14.30. 14th March There was no flying on the 14th .

at 12.15. FCdr Ste vens led a three machin e formation practice for the benefit of new pilots at 10.22: FCdr Ste vens and Obs.S L Christian in 13 760 2 FSL 13ewell and AGL Costen in 13 7603 FSL Rolandi and AG L Jar vis in 13 7605 FCdr Cla rke and FIt.Ob s. St. John carried ou t a s mall calibre bomb practice in 13 7583 at 14.53.

15th March The only flight carried out was an engine test by FCdr Clarke and Lt.Cd r Bristow in 13 7605 at 12.03 . /36

Raids o ver Belgium

19th M a rc h T he squadron's prob lem s with unse rviceable D.H.9s co ntin-

Si gne d CL Lam be Cap ta in NN

ued to get worse. SCdr Maclaren reported 5 se rviceable and 10 unserviceab le mac hines. Desp ite unsuit ab le weather. two eng ine tests were carried out:

D ist ribu tion :

c.c. No . 1 \ ving c.c. No .5 \Villg

FCdr C larke and SC dr Maclaren in 13 75 88 at 09.50 FSl Stoc ker and AM Ellis in 13 7591 at 10AO

S.O.. N.N.A.S.. Do ver "Q "

f Cdr Stevens and Lt McD onnall carried out a local Il ig ht at 11.00 .

"A "

T he supply of tra ined D.H. pilots was stretching the Royal Nava l Air Se rvice's reso urces. Wing Capta in Lambe form u-

"S.C. " 20th Ma rc h

Four of the squad ron' s pilots that had been kick ing their heels in Eng land waiting fo r ne w aircraft arrived bac k at Petit e

lated a new policy whereby No. 12 Squadro n wo uld train pilots for No.5 Sq uad ron which was o n loan to the RFC and No .6 and No. 11 Squadrons wo uld be respo nsib le for bringin g

Sy nthe. in so me cases . after a co mplicated se ries of flight s:

o n their own ne w pilots. To this e nd it was decided to all ocate No .6 Squadron and No. 11 Squadron a co uple of BHP eng ined

FCdr Wright and FS L Pill in D.H.9 D2782 from Chingfo rd to Do ver at 10040

D.HAs for training purposes.

FCdr Wright in D.HA A7996 fro m Dover to Coudckcrkc at

16.15 H. Q.. N.N.i\. S.. Duuk erque 19th Ma rch 1918 IJEFfl. Q. 11234

FSl Warren in D.H.9 137595 Fro m Dover to Peti te Sy nthe at 18.08 FSl Hyslop in D.H,9 13 7594 from Do ver to Peti te Sy nthe at 18.08 FCd r Wright in D.HA A 7996 from Coudckerkc to Bcrques at 18.30 FSl Pill in D.HA 139498 from Do ver to Petite Synthe al 18,30

Mem o randum Flllure Poli c\, As Ne Ral'ds h a illill!! Of' D.H. Pilots

D.H A A7996 and D.I-I ,9 13 7595 were handed o ver to No. 11 Sq uadro n. D.HA 13 9498 was also handed over to No. 11Squadron but not until the 22 ml Marc h. by which time it had been used for se veral practice and familiarisatio n flights. Se veral e ngi ne tests were ca rried out during the day:

No . 12 Squadro n wi ll be usedfor tra ini ng D.H. p ilots to comp lete No.5 Squadro n only. i ii do this, th ere sho uld always be, asfar {I S possible. betweenfour and six pilots a t No . 12 Sq uadro n.

f Cd r Ste vens and AG II Bush in D.H.9 13 7603 at 14045. FCd r Clarke and FIt.Obs. St. Jo hn in D.I-I .9 13 7599

2, AI/ other D.I!. p ilots appointed to the co mm and wi ll be allotted to No.1'. 6 and I I Sq uadrons alte rnately where they will be tra ined. For this p urp ose two or more D. fI." chilies with

IUI/~

eng ines will be allotted

10

11 /(/ -

Nos .6 and

squadro n's invent ory that no w stood at 8 servicea ble and 9 unserviceable aircraft.

I I Sq uadro ns.

J. No mo re p ilot s wi l! be alloca ted

T he two add itio na l aircr aft mad e sc a nt differe nce to the

10

New pilots fS L R Robinson and FSl HA Co nnop arr ived

Sq uad rons Nos.Z

and 17 ./i)I' the present, Aft er l st A p ril the N. F C. will be

at the sq uad ron.

resp onsiblefor the replacement ofp ilo ts at No .5 Squadroll and [ro m that da te on wa rd No. 12 Sq uadron will be

21st 1\ la n:h

resp on sib le jill' Nos.2 an d 17.

O ne additi on al ne w machine was de live red o n the 2 1st:

/3 7

1\ H isto ry ofNo.o Squadro n Royal Naval Ai r SI:' I'I'i cl:' ill Wo r ld 1I'Ilr/

FSL Tiark s in D.HA N6390 from Dover to Peti te Synt hc at 13.55.

ABO VE:Westland built D.H.9 B759 5.Th is ma chine was co llecte d from Dover on the 20th March 1918 by FSL W arren . but was hand ed over to N o.1 I Squad ron upon arr ivalat Petite Synthe . It was passed back to NO.6 Squadron o n th e 29th March. just before the squadron moved to St. Marie Ca ppelIe . Courtesy jMB/GSL Collection

Two eng ine tests we re ca rried out: SCd r Macl.aren and Lt.Cdr Bristow c in D.H.9 137602 at 13045 FCdr Clarke and Lt Powell in D.H.9 13 7583 at 17040

The squadron mounted a bombi ng raid to Bruges docks with six machines at 14.10:

Loca l fligh ts were carri ed out by:

Cdr C larke and PO AG L Ryan in D.H.9 13 7600

FSL Roland i and AG L Jar vis in D.H.9 13 7605 at 10046 FSL Robinson in D.HA 139498 at 11040 FSL Warre n and Lt Clapp (USAS) in D.H.9 13 7596 at 12.00

FCd r Stev ens and Obs .SL Christian in D.H.9 137602 FSL Pitt and AG L Betterid ge in D.H.9 13 7599 FSL Tiarks and AG L Williams in D.H.9 137603 FSL Hyslop and AGL Pacey in D.H.9 13 7605

FSL Rolandi and AG L Jarvis in D.H.9 13 7605 at 14.05 FSL Co nnop in D.HA 139498 at 14. 12 FSL Robinson in D.HA 139498 at 15.35 FCdr Steve ns and FCdr Bcnl ey in D.H.9 13 7602 at 17. 15 FSL Co nnop in D.HA 139498 at 18. 10 22 nd 1\ lar ch

Four engine tests were carried out as thc squadro n attempted to ge t more of thei r aircraft servicea ble for war flying : FSL Hyslop and LM Matthews in D.H.9 13 7605 at 11 . 16 FSL Tiark s and AM Hornby in D.H.9 13 7600 at 11.20 SCdr Stevens and Aivl Whinh am in D.H.9 13 7605 at 11.23 FSL Pitt and AG L Bet teridge in D.H .9 137599 at 11,45

FSL Warrcn and AGL O 'B ric n in D.H.9 13 7596 Hyslop and Pacey had to abando n the mission after 15 minutcs when the water in B7605' s radiator sta rted to boil. Tiarks and Williams had to return after 55 minutes with carb urcttor trouble. Due to thc drop -outs. FCd r C larke was forced to dive rt thc attack to the seco ndary target of Enge l dump . He reported that the shooting was good and a tota l of 5281bs of bombs were dropped on the du mp and a further 200lbs of bomb s were dropped on the railway sid ings at SI. Pierre Capel le. Pitt and Bette ridge repo rted tha t thc a nti-a ircraft fire at St. Pierre Ca ppe llo was very heavy and that one of their str uts was badly damaged . Betteridge reported that they started a very large

138

Raids o pel" ttel giurn

fire and the smoke column from the ce ntre of the dump rose to a height of 2000 fee t.

Oil qllay between no rth atul south Da rses III wa ter o] so uth Da rse

A further e ngine test on 13 7605 was carried out in the eve ning, FCdr Wright and AG L Woolf taking the machin e up

Oil shed

Oil

quayside at sou thern cud co mer o] eas t

Bassin. fire started.

for 37 minute test. 23rd March Six engine tests were carried out in the mornin g. preparatory to anothe r bombing raid :

FS L Robinson made another local fam iliarization flight in 0 " -1,4 139498 at 15.28. SCdr Macl.arcn and Lt.Cd r Bristowe carried out an engine test in 13 759 1, one of the machines that was forc ed to

FCdr Clarke and AM Hayes in 137599 at 10.15 PS L Tiarks and AM Kendal l in 13 7588 at 10.55

abort the raid ea rlier in the aftern oon. MacLaren re ported that the machine was unsatisfactory. D.H.9 13 76 17 was transferred from No. 11 Squadro n.

FSL Hyslop and AG L Pacey in 13 7603 at 11. 15 PCdr Steve ns and Al'vl Smith in 13 7589 at 11,45

24th March A new D.H.9. serial D2783, was ferried from Dover to Petite Sy nrhe by FSL Oakeshou at 11 ,45.

FSL Pitt and LM Smith in 137587 at 12.10 PCdr Stevens and AM Coo mbes in 13 7603 at 12,45 MacLaren optimistically repo rted nine serviceable and nine unser viceab le airc raft, all nine useable machin es bei ng despatched on a bom bing raid to Bruges Docks, a fighter escort

All o f the squadron's serviceable D.H.9s, with the exce ption of the newly arrived D2783, were despat ched on a bombing raid to Brugcs Docks: at 15.04

was provided by two D.I-l .9s from No. 11 Squadro n:

FCdr Clarke and FIt.O bs St. John in 13 7600 FCdr Stevens and Obs.SL Christian in 13 7589

FCd r Clarke and Flt.Obs . St. John in 13 7600 FCdr Steve ns and Lt O' Co nnell (USAS ) in 137589 FCdr Wright and AG L Woolf in 13 759 1 FSL Warren and AG L 0' Brie n in 137596

FCdr Wrigh t and AG L Woolf in 13 759 1 FSL Tia rks and AGL William s in 13 7603 FSL Pitt and AG L Betterid ge in 13 7587

FSL Pitt and AGL Betteridge in 13 7587 FSL Tiarks and AGL Williams in 13 7599 FSL Hyslop and AG L Pacey in 13 7602

at 13,56

FSL Hyslop and AGL Pacey in 13 7602 FSL Rolandi and PO AG L Ryan in 13 7599 PSL Be well and AG L Chapman in 13 7605 PSL Warren and AGL O' Brian in 13 7596

The raid approached Brugcs from the sea at a height of 14500 feet. Wright and Woolf ex perienced engine problems in 13 759 1 and were forced to ret urn to the aerodro me. A total of twent yfour 161 b and twenty-three 251b bomb s were dropped, shoot-

Stevens, Wright and Tiurks ex perienced engi ne trouble with their aircraft and were all forced to ret urn to the aero drome. Pitt reported that only three o f the nine mach ines reached their objec tive. Pitt and his gun laye r. Bette ridge, claimed several good hits on sheds in the dock s, C larke made the followi ng report: 30

(41' 251b and 13

(~n'

161hs bombs \Vere dropp ed [ro m be-

twe en !4000 and 16000 [ce t. /-lits \Vere observed as [a llows :

Oil shed O il nort h quaysidc (~{ no rth Darsc ' Oil she d O il south end o] no rth Bassin III water slightly north east of large dest royer ill end Darse

ing was rep orted as good with one fire sta rte d . Pitt a nd Betterid ge rep orted that they dropped eight bomb s resulting in hits on so me sheds at the side of the ca nal. Pitt noted that they enco unte red a hostil e aircraft that had a larger bottom plane than top plane, whilst some odd obscure German prototypes had lower wings of wider chord than the top wing, it is difficult to ex plain what Pitt saw. or though t he saw. Bruges was the centre o f RNAS atte ntion on the 24 th Marcil, with other raids ca rried out by the /.1.1'. machines o f No.7 Squadron. both in the early hou rs and late in the evening. Whilst very little effective damage was caused du ring these raids. some interruption to U Boat operations was cause d.' New pilot FSL H IP Bailey made a local fam iliarization - flight in D.H,4 139498 at 15,45.

/ 39

A His!OI:\' of No. 6 Squadron Royal Nava l Air Service ill lI'orld lI'ar I

-A n overhead view of Br uges Docks. Cra te rs from a bomb ing att ack can be seen t o be ho pelessly off target. Courtesy johon Ryheuf

Th is phot ograph of a flattened dockside structure depicts typical damage caused by a bom bing raid at Bruges. Courtesy johon Ryheul

Another shot of bomb damage at Bruges docks. Courtesy johon Ryheuf

Inside an occupied U-B oat pen. Courtesy johan Ryheul

A U-Boa t pen at Bruges. Courtesy johan Ryheul

140

Raid s

(}\ 'I'I"

Belgium

25 th Marc h No flying due to bad wea ther. 26th March Th e sq uad ro n despatch ed eig ht D.H .9s o n a bombing raid to O stcnde at 14.07 : FCdr C larke and Flt.Obs . St. Jo hn in 8 7600 FCdr Wr igh t a nd AGL Woolf in 8 759 1 FCdr Stev e ns and Obs .SL Christia n in 8 7589 FSL Warren and AGL O'B rien in 8 75 96 FSL Pitt and AGL Betteridge in 8 7587 FS L Ti ark s a nd AGL Willia ms in 13 7599 Gh istelles A er odr o me, a frequent target fo r Royal N aval A ir Ser vice bo mb ing squadro ns.The aerod rom e w as attacke d by N o.6 Squadron on the 26t h March 191 8, but it is do ubt ful if much damage was inflicte d. Courtesy EF Cheesman

FSL Hys lop a nd AGL Pacey in 8 7602 FSL Ro land i a nd PO AGL Ryan in 8 7588

Two e ng ine tests were ca rrie d o ut in th c e ve ning :

S teve ns a nd C hristian in 8 7589 we re 10 minutes late in ge ttin g away and s uffered e ng ine troub le, ev en tua lly ha ving to ma ke a forced la nd ing on the beac h at La C lipo n. Pitt a nd

FSL Oak cshott and AG L Dra y in D. I-I ,9 D2783 at 18,30

Be tteridge a lso suffe red e ng ine troubl e a nd were unable to

FS L Pitt and AM Jo nes in 8 75 87 at 18.40

keep up with the format ion , eve nt ua lly turning back and return ing to thc ae rodrom e. Th e re was a ve ry stro ng w ind and

Pitt land ed at La C lipo n o n thc beach next to FCd r S teve ns '

FCdr C larke was forced to dive rt the attac k to the seco ndary

a irc ra ft a nd A M Jon es was abl e to effect a rep air that e na ble

ta rget of G histe lles Aerodrom e. Twent y-se ven 161b a nd scv-

Steve ns a nd Christian to return to Petit e Sy nthe at 19 .45 .

c ntcc n 251b bombs we re d ro pped a nd FCdr C larke rep ort ed

BELOW: Gotha G.IV bombers of KG III based at Ghistelles, one reason why the aerod rome was such an attractive target to the RNAS. Courtesy EF Cheesman

that so me bursts wer e close to the han gars.

/.+/

A History ofNo.t) Squadron Royal Naval Air Service ill 1I'I1I·1t/ mll' /

27th Ma rch

No flying due to bad weath er. 28t h Ma rch

Wing Ca ptain Lambe was makin g preparations to send the squadron south to SI. Maric Ca ppcl: Fro nt : Senior Off/cel: R.N. A. S. H Q. To: " C " , "A " , " Q" Dal e:

28 1h March 191 8

No .6 Sq uadron will probabl » h e requ ired 10 go into ba ttle ab o ut next M onday o r Tuesday. Ende avou r 10 co mp let e th em with ma chin es an d pilot s. Ifn ecessary. pilo ts ca n he ta kenfront No . 11 Sq uadro n. II will he a ll riglu ifwe ca n se nd th em down with 16 m achines and 18 pilot s and b ring thctn up 10 strength aft erwa rds.

Trv andfix th em UII wi th tran sp o rt so 11/111 th ev call ge l th ei rlo rries load ed.

The weather co ntinued to bc unsuitab le for war flying. it was possib le. however, to ca rry out two engine tcst flight s dur ing the mornin g: "Last minute adjustments"l Courtesy CCI ArchIVe

FCdr Wright and AM Holmes (USAS) in D.I-I.9 13 759 1at 10.00 FCdr Wright and AM Bor land in D.H.9 13 7586 at 10.25

M cnio ra nd um :

29t h March

Referen ce sh eet 2 7. 1140 ,000

M ov e lif No .6 Sq uad ron

No flying due to bad weather,

I. No .6 Sq uadro n wi ll m o ve 10 S T MA R IE CA P P I!.L Aero -

With the prospect o f an imminent move so uth to a more active Front. thc squadro n was brought up to strength with an additional seven D,H,9 aircraft. Serials 13 7590. 13 7594. 137595.

d rom e ( P25.c) IOII/O/TOW. (0 11 3 1.3. 18 )

13 7495.1376 18.13 76 19 and 13 7622 were transferred in from No. 11 Squadron. Instructions for No.6 Squadro n's move and thc new re-

R.N. A .S.

porting structure were issued by Major HR Aubrey from RNAS headq uarters:

2. Ordersfor m a ch in es 10

S /(/ J'/

w ill he g iven [ro m H Q.,

3. CiO, No .5 Willg w ill inden t Oil H Q. Fir the necessa ry

/lW ISP0 rJ. Rou te [o r transport via Cassel an d Bergu es. 4 . 0 11 arriva l III S T M A RIE CA P P EL No .6 Sq ua dro n wi ll

SECRET

co nic underthe co nuua nd oIC.O .e. , Znd Brigade, R. F e. A ce rtain num be r of A mcrican p ersonnc! will he a tta ched

ReI H Q. 7998

Headqua rte rs, R.N. A ,S .

10 No. 6 S q ua d ron Oil a rri val. No Am e rican personn el are

Dun kcrqu e

10 p roceedfrom P ETITE S YN THE wit h No,6 Sq uadron.

29.3 . 18

5. e.0.. No .5 Willg w ill d etail a gua rd P ETITE SYNTHE until re -occupied.

/ 42

10

he ill cha rge of

Raids ove r Belgium

6. Co mplet ion of I/lOl'e to be rep orted to f-1.Q.. R.N. A .S. Sig ned f-IR A ub rey M aj o r A ttac he d f-I. Q.. R.N. A .S. Fo r sen ior officer. R.N. A .S.

Dist ribntion: A group shot of o. 06 Squadron Officers at Boisdinghern.They are included here as they were all with N o.6 Squadron by he 31st March 1918. From left to right. Lt EA Burn (first RFC officer to Join No.6 Squadron), Cp t GLE Stevens. Lt LA Christian, Cpt IN C Clarke , Cpt JM Beddall (Armaments Officer), Cpt. JS Wright. Courtesy CCIArchive

No .5 Wing (2 ) f-I. Q.. R.F e. 2nd Brigade. R. F e. S.O. f-I.Q. Victualling Paym ast er

) For inform at ion

C Fli ght AFCdr .JS Wright. Flighl Commande r FSL LE Oakc shott FSL R Robinson FSL HA Co nnop

Ov erseas Ba se Paymaster

e. O..

N&

f)

WO o Le Suer A .Q. e.

Two new pilots arr ived at thc squadro n. Lt EA Burn and FSL WC Cutmore. Lt Burn was an RFC officer and joi ned the squadron onc day before the RAF carne into ex istence,

30th March

The weather was still unsettled on thc 30th. howe ver three e ngine tcsts were carrie d out:

D.H.9 13 76 15 was transferred in from 0. 11 Squadro n. Thc squadron moved south to St. Marie Cappel with control transfer ring to II Wing 2 Brigade RFC. The wea ther was

FCdr Clarke and AM Pierce in D.H.9 13 758 3 FSL Rolandi and AM Woodgate in D.H.9 137605

still unpleasant with rain and strong winds and the n ight was

FSL Hyslop and AM Wheeler in D.H.9 13 7602

descri bed as very bumpy. The last day as No.6 Squadro n Royal 1 ava l Air Serv ice was marred by two serious flying acc ide nts:

31st March

With the de mise of the Royal Na val Air Servi ce and thc squadron's renam ing to 1 0.206 Squadro n Royal Air Force j ust

FSL I-I A Co nnop crashed D.H.9 13 7590 j ust afte r leaving the aerodro me and subsequently died of his injuries in thc eve ning.

24 hou rs awa y. thc final structure as a purely naval squadron was as shown:

A Flight FCdr I TC C larke, Flight Co mmande r FSL LR Warren FSL GA Pitt FSL VCM Tiarks FLt.O bs RS SI. .J oh n

FSL LE Oakcshou and AGL I-I W Dray were flying D.I-I .9 13 7622. Oakeshott made a flat turn into the wind and cras hed the machine. Oakcshott died of his injuries later that day and Dray succ umbed to his wou nds on the 4th Ap ril 191 8. On the first of April. 1918. the squadro ns of thc Royal l aval Air Serv ice amalgamated with those of thc Royal Flying Cor ps to becom e thc Royal Air Force . No.6 Squadro n RNAS beca me No.2 06 Squadro n RAF.

B Flight

AFCdr GL E Stevens. Flight Commande r FSL CM Hyslop FSL RL 13cwell FSL VFA Rola ndi Obs.SL LA Christian

NOTES I A Da rse is lite rall y a wei dock . , Th e di ary o f - Boat UB-30 rep ort s that a homh passed through the Boat shed o n the 24 th a nd dama ged the sh ip' s deck . Th e - Boar lcft Bru ges o n the 29 th Ap ril hut was for ced to re turn to Os ten de o n the l st !> lay du e to prob le ms with the re pair to the hu ll. Furt he r rep ai rs pro ved ineffe ct ive a nd B-30 was kept out o f acti on unt il the 20 th April.

/4 3

C HAPT ER TEN

TH E ROYAL A I R FORCE

T

he creati on of the Royal Air Force is a topic that co uld

It is diffi cu lt to argue against the decision to rem ove the

eas ily occ upy several volumes. a detai led acco unt is beyond the sco pe of this book and the author trusts that readers will forgive the vast ly simplified ou tline prov ided below.

RFC from Army contro l. after all. the Army was not co mfortable with av iation. More interested in men than machin es. the Army mind set showed litt le in the way of innovation in aer ial

Politics Whi lst the need or wish for an air service. independe nt from the army and navy. had been a subject of bitter debat e e ven before the start o f hosti lities. a succession of ineffe cti ve co mmittees and board s failed to come to any resolution . Follow ing unrest after the daylight Gotha raids on London durin g the summer of 1917. a Gove rnment Cabinet co mmittee was formed in August 19 17. nom inally chaired by Prime Minister David Lloyd Geo rge but effe ctively co ntro lled by the So uth African Defen ce Minister. Lieutena nt Ge neral .I C Smuts. Smuts had been brough t into the debat e. ostensibly to provide an impa rtia l viewpoint. T he co mmittee' s final rep ort produ ced in October. pop ularly referred to as the Smuts report. recomm ended the form ation of an Air Ministry to co ntrol and admini ster all aspects of the air war and reco mmended the amalgamati on o f the Royal Flying Co rps and The Royal Nava l Air Se rvice. After the appropriate Parliamentary procedu res had been followed. the date of 1st April 19 18 was chosen for the inauguration o f the Roya l Air Force. De spit e S mut' s s upposed impa rt ia lit y. it mu st be e mphasised that amalgamation of the RNAS and RFC was a political decision. not a military decision . As is usual with political decisions. the long-term co nsequences were ignored in favour o f percei ved short-term benefits.

matters. The Royal Navy on the other hand . was a techni cal se rvice. used to using machinery in new and innovative ways. T he RNAS was a far more modern and co mpetent se rvice than the RFC and the most effec tive Nava l av iation wing o f any nation al that time. The loss of the naval air arm in 19 18 was strongly resisted in some circles but the ine vitab le was ultimat el y acc c ptcd .

The effect upon the Na vy was pronounced. many o f the land based sco ut and bomb er squadrons were immediately diverted away from their naval obligations. lea ving shipping and port s unprotected . After the war. it became more obvious that the Navy still needed an air arm. however. all of the ex perienced airme n they wo uld need for re-bui lding a naval air service were gone. The Air Mini stry fought the Admiralty at every oppo rtunity for fund s and status and it was not unti l ju st before the start of WW 2 that the Navy finally clawed back control of shipboard aircraft. When Britain went to war in 1939. the new naval air service was equipped with obso lete ai rcraft. inexperienccd airmcn and outmodcd tactics. .I an Smuts destroyed the most effec ti ve and modern naval ai r service in the wor ld and cr ippled Britain 's cre dibility as a sea power. A cynic might we ll be j ustified in claiming that by killin g off the Royal Naval Air Service, Ge ne ral Jan Smuts obtained his revenge for his defeat by Britain during the Boer War.

The Royu ! A ir Force

Pr actical ities In the sho rt term . du ri ng the spring of 19 18. the mo st no tice-

ab le e ffec t upo n the

1

10

No,5 Wing (7)

COIIII I/(//ulin g Offi cer. Man ston c

COIIIII/(//uling Officer. Eastcliurch

. 1 Squadron R AS became No .20 I Sq uad ro n RA F a nd

No .6 Squadron R ' AS beca me

D r{ljiin g CO/I/II/(/nder

Warmn l Office r I.e S ueur. II. Q. R FC (3 )

a va l sq uad ro ns was the ir re-n um be rin g

by the s im ple expedi e nt o f addin g 200 to their nu m be r. th us 10

No.4 Win g (3)

Aircraft Depot (0)

.20 6 Squadron RA F. T he

R AS W ing s we re re -numbe red by the additi o n of 60 to the

T he R AS pe rso n nel ado pted the milita ry ranks used by the

Win g num be r.

R FC:

The fo llow ing memo fro m Win g C a pta in Lambe. was c irSq uadro n Comma nde r

becam e

Maj or

F lig ht Com mander

beca me

Capta in

/-lEA D Q UA lU ER S ,

F lig ht Lie uten an t

becam e

Lie uten ant

R.N A. S.,

F lig ht Su b L ie uten ant

beca me

2 nd Lieu te nant

c ulated o n the l-Ith M arch 19 18 :

14 1h M arch, 191 8

Th e uni form s c ha nge d. thou gh . in mo st cases. not im med ia te ly. So me na val trad ition ali st s reta ined the ir nava l un ifo rm s

No . 9423

to the e nd o f the war. T he g rea t na va l tra d itio ns . fun ct io ns that had been o b-

SEC RET M EM O RA ND UM

Owing 10 the [o rmation ofthe A IR Force, in volving th e

se rved by the most lan d -lock ed na val sq uad ro ns. we re not a l-

amalgamation ofth e Roy a l Na\'( 1! A ir Service and th e

ways ki lled off immed iate ly. watc h keepi ng, the ship 's be ll.

Roya l Fly ing C()J]Js, it ha s b ecome necessary 10 re- num-

libe rty boat. o ffice r of the watch ctc. . often te nded to persi st

b el' the R.N. A .S. units in the Dunkerqu c Comman d. In

we ll into 191 8 to the g reat amusement of e x R FC offi cers a nd

Older that the Squadron s a nd lI'in gs tnav retain asfar a s

men po sted to the sq uadro ns . It is not recorded whether thc

possible their o rig ina l identitv. it ha s been ar ranged that

d rin king of "p ink g ins" wa s ab and on ed !

all Squadron s wi ll b e re- n um be red with th e p refix 200

O ne less we ll recog n ised aspec t of the c ha nge from the

and the lI'in gs w ill he re- num b e red wi tl: th e p refix 60.

R I AS to the RA F in vo lved the chan ge in tran sport requ ire d

i.e.. the existing Na \'(1!Squadron No . 1 will bccotnc Squad-

to ac h ie ve sta nda rd isa tio n wit h the R FC. O n the 13th Febru -

ron No.201 , Na \'(1! Squ adron No.2 will become Squadron

a ry 191 8 . Win g Captain Lambe wrote the foll o win g memo -

No.202, ell,'.. et c. No . 1 lI'in g wit! becom e No ,6 1 Wil/g and

ran d um to the Mot o r T ran sp ort Park :

Nos . 4 and 5 lI'ings will beco me nos . 64 and 65 Win g s

respectively.

Headq ua rte rs

Th e a bove nom en cl a ture will co ni c int ofo rce on th e

S I:'C R I:T

1.1'1 Apr il 191 8 .

RN A .S.

C I. LAi'vllJE,

13 1h Fe bru a r» 1918

Capta in, R.N .

R (~f' No . 0 9 1 5

S enio r Offi cer: R.N A .S. M enuira nd um

vice-Admiral, Do ver patrol (f ill ' infonnat ion ] (2) S . O . ,

Wilh regard 10 th e allocation o f M ot or Tran sport in th e

[u tu re. the fo llo wing should b e aimed at .

R.N A .S.. Do ver (5)

Co m m odore. Dunkerq ue (Fir iufonnation ) O ve rse as Base

Paym aster

2. A ll Na\'(1! ve hicl es including S iege Guns. Na val Suppl »

Ba se COIIIII/(//uler (fo r in fo nnation ] victual lin g Payn ias-

(JIficl'l: C. ,'-I. B \' an d No. 1 Win g II. Q. together with Nos. 1. 2, 10 , 13 and 17 Sq utul ron» sho uld b e equipped with

IeI' G.A .Q.I. Si g s.

Fleet Pavmastct: DOI'e r

Pierce A rrOl\' Lo rr ies, Lancia Tende rs. La ncia Tou rin g

N o. 1 Win g (5 )

Fl eet Pa vm ast er: Trafalga r Ho use

Ca rs, Su nb ea m M otorcycl cs. Douglas Cy cl es being used

/ 45

A

H is l OI ~1'

ofNo. r: Sq uadro n Roy al Na \'(/I A ir Se rvice in lVorld lVar I

/4 6

The Royal Air Force OPPOSITE TOP:A ir and gro und crews of N o.206 Squadron RAF on Armistice D ay.Third from the left in the second row is It GA Pitt. DFC. Pitt 's regular gunlayer during N o.6 Squadron RNAS days,Sgt.Observer G Betteridge,D FM, Cro ix de Guerre and Order of leopo ld II is seventh from the left in the back row, Courtesy A Price via Chris Myers . BonOM: N o,206 Squadron RAF personnel at Bickendorf, Cologne, January 19 19.Second from left in th e fron t row is It BH Rook,N o,6 Squadron's records officer; N ext to Rook is Cpt EA Burn an RFC Pilot but attached to N o,6 Squadron before the formation of the RAF. Fifth along is Major CT Maclaren, OBE. Cro ix de Guerre. George Pitt is seventh from the left. Finally, at the ext reme right of the second row is Chief Master Mechanic Morri s. Courtesy A

mu ch mor e rar el y. se nio r o ffice rs were so me ti mes tra nsfe rre d from a n ex -

ava l sq ua dro n to com ma nd an ex - RFC sq uad -

ron . To the men and o ffice rs of

0.6 Squ adron . No .206 Squad-

ro n RA F from the 1st Apri l 19 18. the life and dea th strugg le contin ue d . New string s we re ad ded to the sq ua d ro n's bow un der RA F con trol. w ith reconnai ssa nce and ph o tographi c mi ssion s supple me nting the day lig ht bombing ro le and occasio na l line patrols usin g the D.H .9 in th e fighte r mod e . More

Price via Chris Myers

trained o bse rvers we re requ ired to e na ble the rec onna issan ce

if there are 1I0t suffi cient Sunbeams and Austill WorksllOps

an d ph ot o g raphic func tio ns to be impl ement ed a nd these we re

bein g gradua lly replaced by Lcyl an ds. A lso. all othe r

s upp lie d throu gh the ex- RFC trainin g ro utes. The sq uad ro n

makes of vehicles s uch as Lanchesters, Talb ots, sho uld

thu s s uffe red erosion to its

be uti lisedfor theses units.

a va l identity a nd by the tim e o f

the Armi stice ther e were ve ry few ex- RN AS o ffice rs le ft w ith

The establish me nt sho uld be as laid do wn with all

the sq uadron .

the squadrons being Oil the ba sis of imm obi le squadron s.

Win g C a pta in Lambe . o r to g ive him hi s ne w rank. Brigadi er Gen era l Lambe. w rot e to the ex- nav a l sq uadro ns o n the

3. The fo llowing Squadrons will be attach ed to the A ir Force under th e Com mande r III Chic]. ill Fra nce and

1st A pril: O n A pr il l st. Th e Ro yal A ir Force w ill co me int o being .

sho uld be g radually equipped with Motor Transport as jar as possible Oil the p resent R.F.C. est ab lish me nt and

Ajier ha ving comma nded the Royal Na\'{[1 A ir Sc r-

usin g Leyland Lorries , Leyland Workshops. Cross ley Tell-

vice Units and Duukcrqucfor the pa st two yea rs and eight

ders, Cross ley Touri ng Ca rs and P&M Motor Bicycles,

months, l wish to exp ress II/y sincere thanks to all O.fl/c-

Do uglas Moto r Bicycles bein g used to complete but as

ers and Rati ngsfor the ma gnifi cent spirit they ha ve dis-

ja r as po ssible Squadrons sho uld be kept alike.

played durin g the who le o] this per iod.

No 3. 4. 5. 6, 7. 8, 9. II , 14, 15. 16. 18 Sq uadrons.

thei r skill and courage established a high reputa tion . The

4. No .4 Willg. H. Q. and No.5 Willg H. Q. and No. 12 Sq uad-

this com bina tion co uld onl» ha ve been achieved by the

roll may be used to [acilitate the abo ve arran gem ent s as

loyalty and hard 1I'0r k o] the Ground Offic ers. Sq uadron

it does not matt er Fi r the present that the transport o{

COII/ II/(/J /de rs and Willg Commanders.

The Pilots and Observers and Gunlayers ha ve, by Rati ngs have invariable worked long hou rs ch eerf ullv atu!

these units is standardized.

The sma ll percen tage of casualties 1 attrihutc to the great techn ical skill and untiring effo rts o] the Eng ine

Sign ed CL Lambe

Office rs and Engin e Ratings g enerall y.

Capta in R.N.

The Royal A ir Force will undouln cd!v exp and Fery rap idly and will, 1think p rove to be the deciding [a cto r {if

Depo rt Willg Commander

the

lHf f Pa rk

\I '{//:

I hope that the Nava l Sq uadrons will maintain their

Nos . I. 4, 5 Willg G Q.

old traditions. records and reputation Fir efficiency. UII -

SQ

dcr their lIell' numbers. III than kin g el'ery Officer and II/m / ,/(1/' their loyal ty

A s lig htly lo nge r-te rm effec t invo lved the supply o f new pi-

and support ill the pa st, 1 wish them all su ccess ill the

lot s and the tra nsfer o f o ffice rs between sq uadro ns . T he o ld

[uturc and call conf identb : rely Oil their doin g thei r ut-

na val sq uad ro ns sta rted to recei ve ne w pil ot s and mor e es pe-

IIWSt ill the Royal A ir Force to \I'ill the

c ia lly. o bse rvers. from the R FC training es ta blis hme nts and

/47

\I 'W :

A History o/ No.6 Sq uadro n Ro va! Na val Ail' Service in Worl d \Va l' l

(sgd )

C.L. Lambe

llrigodicr-Gcncrol Royal Ai r Fo rce

The new No.106 Squadro n Royal Air Force would go on to serve with distinction until the armistice in November 19 18 and remained active afte r that datc as part of the Army of Occupation.

l SI April Major Co lin T Macl. a rcn Royal A ir Force

BE LOW: 206 Squadron D.H.9 at Bickendoti. the squadron marking was a very uninspiring white Flight letter aft of the Fuse lage cockade. Courtesy Les Rogers BonO M: 206 Squadron D.H.9 Rogers

/4 8

"J"

in the hange r at Bickendoti. Courtesy Les

Th e 1<0.1'11 / A ir Force

Another view o f 206 Squadro n at Bickendorf in 1919. Courtesy EF Cheesman

•

~

\

J

A irborn e. not always a for egone conclusion with the Siddeley Puma powered D.H.9. Courtesy Les Rogers

/ 49

APPEN D ICES

APPEND IXA

AI RCRAFT TYPES USED BY NO.6 SQ1)ADRO N

Part I: Ca ud ron G. IV

Performance Speed at 650 0 ft: Spe ed at 10000 ft: C limb to 10000 ft: Ser vice ceili ng : End urance: 4 hou rs

Th e twin eng ine Ca ud ro n G . IV was a deve lo pm ent o f the G . III. Th e machines used by No .6 Squ ad ron . po wer ed by two An zan i 100h p radi al engines. we re purch ased from Ca udron at Rue and initiall y served as lo ng ra nge bombers fo r day and night use. Th ese aircraft were obso lesce nt by the time that No .6 Sq uad ron too k them ov er fro m 1"0.10 Flig ht. A Squ adro n. 4 Wing at the e nd o f Novem ber 191 6 . Th ey we re brie fly use d by th ose pi lo ts that eventuall y moved o ver to 1\0 .7 Squadron .

82 mph 80 mph 33 mi nute s 1400 0 n

132 kph 128.75 kph 4267 met re

Part 2: SPA» S7

S pcc lflcu t ion Type : Cau dro n G. IV 2-sea ter. 2 x 100 hp Anzan i Radi al Ma nufacturer: Caudron. Rue. Fran ce Principl e Dim en sions 55.4 ft 16.885 metre Span : Len gt h : 23.6 n 7. 19 metre 2.55 met re Heigh t: 8.37 ft Wing Area : 396 .4 sq ft 36 .82 8 sq metre Ar ma ment: One Lew is g un mou nted in fron t co ckpit. bomb s carried on racks be nea th win gs

BELOW: A typical Caudro n G IV in serv ice w ith the RNAS at N o.5 Wi ng.

CourtesyjM B/GSL Collection

/ 5/

The R1\A S wa s kee n to purchase the S PAD 5 7 an d co ntracts we re place d w ith Mann. Eger to n and Co . of No rwi ch to prod uce seventy-five mach ine s under lice nce and w ith the British Nieupor t Com pan y for a further fi fty. A single mac hine was ordered fro m S PAD at Ju visy for eval ua tion pur poses and for subseq uent use as a " pattern" by Mann Ege rton. T his e va luation a irc ra ft. whic h for rea son s un kno wn initiall y ca rried the se rial N3399. was deli ve red to the depot at St. Po l o n the 23 rd No ve mbe r 19 16. By the 29 th No vember the aerop lan e had been mar ked w ith its correc t se ria l n umber of 96 11. I'Ll A DW A llen carried ou t an o ffic ia l te st at St. Po l o n the 6th Decem her 1916 an d the 5 PAD rema ine d wit h No.6 Squa dro n for ty pe testing until a llocated to the Desi gn Fight at Eas tc hurch on the 24 th Decem ber, I'Ll A DW A llen flew the air craft fro m Peti te Synthc to Eas tc h urch o n C hrist mas Eve 191 6. In a se ries o f agreem ent s wi th the War O ffice . the Ad m ira lty agreed to hand ove r a ll of the 5 PADs th at we re co ntracted to be bu ilt und er lice nce in exc hange fo r all of the So pw ith Tr iplanes o n o rder for the RI' C. 96 11 wa s a lso tran sferred to the RFC. recei ving the RF C se ria l num be r B388 o n the 2 nd March 19 17.

A History oj No .6 Squa dron Royal Na val A ir Se rvice ill Wo rld \Var I

S pcc iflca riu n Typ e : S .7 .C. 1 s ing le sea te r. 140 hp Il is pa no S u isa ,\ Ia nufae ture r: Soc ie te Po ur Av ia tio n ct sc s Der ive s. J uvi sy, Fra nce Prtn cip lc D im e ns ion s Spa n Uppe r plan e 25 ft 8 inc hc s Lo wer p la ne 24 n 10 1/ 8 inc he s 19 ft II 3/ 8 inc hes Le ngth I lei gh t 7 ft 2 5/8 inc he s 19 2.14 sq feet W ing A re a Ar ma me nt : O ne sy nc hro nise d Vic ke rs gun

By th e time th at No. 6 S q uadro n took over the t wo Nie upo rt l Os from A Sq ua d ro n 4 Wing. the y we re we ll a nd tr u ly o bso let e . ha vin g bee n in se rv ice s ince the la tter pa rt o f 191 5 a nd had bee n dam aged a nd par ch ed up man y times. Dur ing Janu ary. Fcbrunry a nd Murch 191 7 . ne w pi lot s wo uld ge ne ra lly ma ke se ve ra l prac tice fl ig hts w ith the Nie upo rt l Os or Nic upo rt 12s befo re being g ive n access to thc N ieuport I I s. A lt ho ugh nomin all y 2-se atcrs, it is bel ie ved that the Nic upo rt l Os wer e flo wn a s s ing le seate rs w hilst w ith No /' Sq ua dro n . T he y we re a lso ar me d a s the y we re used fo r ho stile ai rcra ft patro ls o n seve ra l oc ca s io ns .

(7 .8 22 met re ) (7 .573 me tre ) (6 .0 8 met re ) (3 .20 met re ) (1 7 .85 sq me tre )

S p ec ificn t io n Ty pe : Nic uport Typ e 10 2-s c a te r. 80 hp l.e Rh on e 9 C M a nu fac ture r Soc iet e A no ny me de s Et ab lisse mcn ts Nic upo rt. Pa ris. Fra nce

Pcrtorm an ce S peed

Cli mb Ce iling

a t se a le ve l 120 m ph ( 193 km/h) I I (, mp h ( 187 km/h) at 2000 me t re 112 mp h ( 180 km/h ) at 3000 metre 10 8 m ph ( 174 km/h) at 400 0 me tre to 2000 me tres 6 m in 4 0 scc on d s I I m in 20 seco nds to 3000 met res 2 1500 fce t (655 3 me tre)

I' rin d p al d im c n s io ns : S pa n o f upp er main p la ne Sp a n o f lo wer mai n p la ne Le ng th

Height \ Viug area We ight empty load e d

26 .5 7 n 22 . 15 ft 23.4 6 ft 9 .35 ft 194 sq n

970 lbs 15 20l bs

(8 .1 me tre ) (6 .75 m etre) (7 . 15 me tre ) (2.85 me tre ) ( 18 sq met re ) (4 40 kg ) «,<)0 kg )

l'u rt 3: Nieu po rt III Des ign ed as a co mpa c t 2-scat fight e r po we red by a n 80 hp Le Rho ne ro tary e ng ine. the N ie upo rt 10 or Nic u po rt S ta nda rd a s it wa s c o m mo nly kno w n wi th in the Roya l Nava l Air Se rvice , e m ployed a re la ti vel y co nv e ntio na l co nstruc tio n co m pr is ing a w ire braced woode n bo x sec tio n fus e la ge , sta bilisc r o f me ta l tub ing a nd a ses q uip la ne ' w ing layo ut w ith a qu e stion ab le V s trut to lo wer w ing a ttac hmc nt that led to a la rge num ber o f struc tura l fa ilure s. T he pilot sa t in fro nt o f the o bse rve r in the machin es supplied to the R N AS , though the pos it io n, were reversed ill the original design. Armam ent comprised a fixed Le wi s g un ab o ve the ce ntre sec tio n. o pe ra te d by Bo w den cab le. T he R1\AS o rde re d a tot a l o f 36 Nic upo rt l Os a nd sta rte d to ta ke del ive ry o f the ty pe from M ay 19 15 . A nu m ber we re co nv e rte d in-se rv ice to s ing lc sca t mach ine s a nd flo w n a s sc o uts .

A rma me nt: O ne Le wi s 0 .30 3 in machine g un mou nted ab o ve the w ing

Perto rmu nce S peed a t se a le ve l C limb to 500 metres C lim b to 10 00 me tre s C lim b to 20 00 me tre s Servi ce ceili ng

87 m ph

( 140 kph )

3 minu tes 7 min utes 17 m in ute s (3800 met re s ) I 24 67 ft

E nd ura nce : 2 ho urs

BELOW:A n early Fre nch N ie up ort 10.T he observe r w as posi t ioned in fron t o f t he pilot and was expected to put his upp er body th rou gh t he hole in the ce ntre sec t ion wh en firing t he Lewis G un. Courtesy jMB/GSL Collection

152

Appendix A - Aircraft Typ es Used bv No.6 Sq uadron

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II Hist o ry I!( No .6 Squ adron Ro va! NII\'(/! Air Se rvice ill lVor!d

Pa rt 4: Nicu por t 11 T he Nieuport II was of similar construction to the Nieupo rt 10 describe d above. T he mac hine was s malle r than the type 10 but powe red by the same XOhp Le Rh6n e eng ine . Known as the " Hebe", the type I I was a light and agile sing le gun sco ut. Imme nse ly popular, it had a succes sful caree r with the RNAS serving in the Euro pean and Aegean theatres. Arma men t was a single Lewis gun fitted above the top wing to fire o ver the prop e ller are. nu mero us mou nts we re ado pted and the RNAS eve n ex perimented with twi n Lewis gun installatio ns. Photograph s o f Nicuport I I seria l 390 1 show such a twin gun iustallat ion altho ugh it is bel ie ved that the aero plane had reverted to a conve ntiona l single gun Iiuncm whilst serving with No .6 Squadro n. Le Prior rock ets could also be carried by the type II . No.6 Squadro n pilots carr ied out se veral practi ce !lights armed with the rockets but did no t use them operationally. No.6 Squadron em ploye d a tota l o f se ven Nicuport I Is d urin g Januar y. Feb ruar y and the ea rly part of March 19 17. both for practi ce !ligh ts and operationa l patrols be fore bei ng equipped with the Nieuport 17 Bis. T he Nieuport II was an obso lesc ent type by 191 7. S pe cificat io n Type: Nieuport Type I I sing le seater. 80 hp Le Rhone 9C Man ufacturer: Societe Anonyme des Etab lisse mc nts Nieuport. Par is. Fra nce

154

\\ { I/ '

I

Principal di men sio ns : Span o f upper main plan e Span o f lower main plane Le ngt h Ile igh t

24 .67 It (7.52 metre ) 24. 2X ft (7.40 metre ) 2 1.65 ft (5.60 metre ) 7.87 ft (2.40 metre ) \Ving area 14 3 .2 sq ft (1 3 .3 sq metre) Wei gh t e mpty 706 Ibs (320 kg ) loaded 105X Ibs (4XO) Arma me nt: One Lewis 0 .30 3 in machine gun. mou nted on the top wi ng Per forma nce Speed at sea le ve l Speed a t 2000 met res Climb to 2000 metres C limb 10 3000 me tres Service ce iling Endurance : 2.5 ho urs

103 mp h ( 165kph) 101 mph ( 162 kph) X m inutes 50 seconds 15 minutes 16404 ft (5000 metres)

BELOW: A typical RNAS N ieupor t I I. CounesyjMB/GSL Collection

A ppendi» A - A ircraft 7)'111',\' Use d by No ,6 Sq uadron

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A Hist o ry o/No.6 S q uadron Royu l Nava l A ir Service ill lI!rir/d ll'rlr f

Part 5 : N icu po rt 12 Th e N ieuporl 12 was an enl ar ged versio n of the N ie u po rt 10. powe re d by a C lerg e t 9 Z of I IOh p . n lik e th e ty pe 10 . th e typ e 12 w a s int ended 10 be armed with a forwa rd fi ring Le w is g un mounted o n th e top w ing for the pil ot a nd a rea rward s ti ring Le w is g un o n a n Etcv c mount for the o bs e rve r. Th e R N A S a nd ind eed . No.6 Squadron used th e typ e 12 sourc ed fro m bo th Nieupor t and fro m Be a rd mo re . Th e re we re su bt le d iffe re nce s betwe en aircraft su pplied by Nicuport and by Be ardm or e . the ea rly Be ard mor e mac h in es ha ving a lo we r w ing s pa n thai w a s on e ri b bay w ide r o n ea c h lo wer plane. a bs e nce o f wa sho ut o n ailero ns. s ma ll fai rin gs o ve r the flyi ng w ire fuse lage au achmcu t po int s a nd a sma ll fa iring be h in d the carburcuor a ir intakes. So me Beard mor e ai rcraft were su pp lie d w ith a sy nc h ro n ised Vickers g un in p lace o f the win g moun ted Lewi s g un. Late r Beardm or e m achine s e m p lo ye d a co nve nt io na l fix ed lin. ho wev e r the se mac hi ne s were not in usc with NO.6 Squad ron . Pilo ts di d 110 1 re ga rd the Nicuport 12 a s a parti cu lar ly p lea sa nt mach in e to fl y. in fa ct (he RF C wa s quite scathi ng o f th e ty pe wh en the y ev a luated a Bear d mor e built ma chin e at Upa vo n in O ct ob er 191 6 :

Pilot 's \'icw not xo otl O il account of the high f a iring rou nd the co ckpit. Whell carrying fu ll reco nna issa nce load it is so hcavil v loaded as to hi' no t o nly use less in the ma tte r of performance bitt dan ge rous 10 j7y. whil e ill lilly ClIse it i s III lIch 100 ba d ill cl imb /() be li ll y li se as II [ig htcr : \'i b m l es ba dlv.

Tiring

10

I lIIp /"{}\ 'l' IIl CIl I S ill Design Owing 10 the \'ery bad pe rfornuuu :e oj th is machine. it appea r s that 110 altera tions pructira blc would ren der ;1fi t [o r service o \ 'crSelU .

During Jan uary. Februa ry and March 19 I 7. ne w pi lot s would ge ne ra lly mak e se ve ra l pr acti ce fli ghts w ith th e Nicupor t lOs o r Nieuport 12 s before be ing g ive n acce ss 10 the Nic uport I I s. A ltho ug h no mi na lly 2-sealer s. it is known th ai at least so me o f the Nieuport 12s were flown a s s ing le se ate rs w h ils t wi th No,(, Sq uadro n a nd we re a rmed a s th e y we re used for Ho st ile A ircra ft patrols 0 11 se ve ra l occasions.

S peci ficut ion Type : Nieuport T yp e 12 2-se a te r, 110 hp C lcrge t 9Z Manufucturerx: Societe A nonyme de s Eta hlisse me nts Nieuport . Pari s. Fran ce W ill ia m Beardmore 8: C o. Dalmui r P rin cipal dim ensi on s: Span o f up per m a in pl an e 29 .5 3 fl (9 .0 0 metre ) Span o f lower main plane N ieuport 22 . 15 fl (6 .75 met re ) Be ardm o re : eac h lo w er plan e rib ha y lon ge r 22 .97 n (7 .0 0 me tre ) Len gt h iU, 6 fl (2 .70 metre) l le ight W ing a rea 23 6 .8 sq fl (22 sq metre ) Wei g ht e m pty 12 I 3 Ibs (5 50 kg ) load ed 18 74 Ibs (8 50 kg ) Armam ent : On e fi xe d 0 .30 3 in Vicke rs g u n and o ne 0 .303 in Lewi s g un o n E t cn~ ring mo urn ing

}1." owing to cra ntpcd position.

Landing n ' ry difficu l: ill a co nfi ne d spa ce a s there i s 1/01 suff icien: 1'1cvuto r co ntrol to gCI the 111 il p roperly down. Rema rks I . Pilot 's position I'ery cruniped. II", rudder ba r being IIIlI ch 100 d ose. 2. Swi tch is awk wa rd 10 reach; it wou ld be hct tcr 1,IlI c ed O il II", inst ru 11I1'111 boa rd . Fine adj ustm ent is con trolled at curbureuor and i s d i/f i cu lt to reach a nd operate. Thro ttle is plu ced 100 nearpilat. J. Tailplutu: i s IIII/ ch 100 sma ll. Ma rh in« tends 10 stall wit h en giiu: and d i r t' wit h cn giiu: oJJ

I)e-r fu r m u n c'c Sp eed at 2000 met re s C lim b to 1000 metre s C lim b to 20 0 0 met re s Servi ce ceiling End ura nce : 3 ho ur s

9 1 mph (1 46 kph ) 5 minut e s 40 sec 14 min ute, 15 sec 13 123 ft (4 0 0 0 metres)

BELOW:A typical RNAS N ieup or t 12. Courtesy JMBIGSL ColleGion

/ 56

Appendix A - Aircraft Typt:» Used lr: No .6 Sq uadron

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" Hist o ry of No .t: Squadron Royu l Nil 1'1I1A ir Se rvice ill Wo rld \I~ l r/

Another view of N eiuport 12 9209. Courtesy JMBIGSL Collection

Part 6: Nieu por t 17Bis The Nicupo rt 17Bi s has be en ver y poor ly documented in co nte mporary literature and is in co nse q ue nce a re lati ve ly unknown ae ro pla ne. Fo r this reaso n. the typ e is described here in much g rea ter det ail than ha s been devot ed to the o ther mac hin es 110 w n by No .6 Squadron. O utwa rd ly appearin g to be a lig htl y modi fied and up -rate d Nieupo rt 17. the 17 Bis proved to be a major d isappointment in RNAS serv ice . Th ere is a we ll-know n say ing. " if something looks right. it is rig ht" - the Nie uport 17B is wa s the exce ption to this aph or ism. Arguably o ne o f the mos t attrac ti ve Alli ed sing le sca t sc o uts o f the period. the 17 Bis was an ove rwe ight and unsucc essful whit e e lepha nt. Th e Nic upo rt 17Bi s had the di stin cti on of be ing the first produ cti on twin gun sco ut to ente r British se rv ice . healin g the RFC s SE 5 int o fro nt line se rvice hy two wee ks. The most o bvio us visual differen ces bet ween the 17 Bis and a standa rd Nieupor t 17 we re the ado ptio n o f a plea santl y rounded fuse lage profile. a narrow eng ine cow ling that tapered inw ards slightl y from fro nt to ha ck and o f co urse . two g uns . The rou nde d fuselage profile was achieved by the add itio n of six th in plywood for mers to the Nicupo rt 17' s "s la b" sid es and twel ve spruce stringers ru nnin g from the s ide c ladd ing hack to the upri ght membe r at the fro nt o f the stahilizer . Th e side c ladd ing co ntinued the curve d pro file fo rwards to fa ir into the firewa ll and a lumi niu m cow ling. The arma me nt co mprised a fuselage mo unted Vickers gun sy nchronised to fire th ro ug h the prope ller a nd a Lewis gun mo un ted o n the to p wing firi ng a bove the prop el ler arc . Fren ch A lkun-Ha my inte rrupter gea r wa s em ployed to sy nchro nise the Vickers g un to the pro pe ller positio n. Unlike any ot he r Nieupo rt 17 va riant. the mou nting po sitio n of the Vickers gun was offset to the port side of the ce nt re line of the fuselage . Th e l.c wis g un was atta ched via a Iixcd mo unting and it was not possib le to pu ll the g un hack to c ha nge a mmunitio n drums . On so me ma chi nes. an o ptical sight was o fte n mount ed o n the top win g . be nea th the Le w is gun. In an att em pt to increase perform ance and. it is sus pec ted. to co mpe nsa te for the extra we ight of the addi tio na l woo d wor k and seco nd g un inst allati on . the eng ine was upratcd from the standa rd Nicuport l 7's II0hp Le Rh6n e to a 130hp C lcrge t 'lB . nfo rtun at cl y. the C le rge t also ca rr ied a wei ght pen alt y o ver the Lc Rho ne . bein g so me 22 to 25 kil ogr am s heavi er (de pe nd ing upo n spec ification). Th e front o f the 17 Bis co w ling was o f a slightly larger diam eter than that o f the Nicuport 17. in o rde r ( 0 acconuuod.ue the 130 hp C lcrge t Olt rotary en gin e. To a vo id fitt ing a new firew all. the cow ling ta pe red hack to match the diamet er o f the l 7's bu lkhead .

S pcciti cu t iu n Ty pe: Nie uport 17Bis . 130 hp C lcrgct Mnnufacturers: Soci et e A no ny me de s Eta hlisse me nts Nie upo rt. Par is. France T he Briti sh Nieu port Co mpa ny. C ricklcwood. U K " r ind pa l Dim en si on s Sp an of up per main planes 26 .77 n (8 . \ 6 me tres) Sp an o f lowe r ma in plan es 25 .6 n (7 .< metres) 4 .05 n ( 1.233 met res ) C hor d o f upper main planes C ho rd of lo wer main plan es 2.36 n (0 .720 met res) Win g Area 158.77 sq ft ( 14 .75 sq me tres ) Incidence of upper main plan es : l" 50' Incidence of sta rboa rd lo wer main plan es : 4" Incide nce of port lo wer main plane : At roo t: 4" At wi ng tip : 5" Dih ed ra l o f upper main planes: 0" Dih ed ra l of lo wer mai n planes: 2" 20 ' Ra ke of up per main planes: 2" 20 ' Rake of lo we r main plan es (a pprox imate ): Y' 30 ' A ng le bet ween V o uter struts : 36" 1'1' 2. 12 ft (0. 64 5 met res ) Stagge r at side o f cow l: Stagger at V o uter struts: 2.33 ft (0.7 10 metres) O ve ra ll le ngth : 1'1.03 n (5.8 me tres ) He ight: un n (2 .40 me tres ) A ng le of inc idence o f ta il plan e : 0" Unde rcarriage trac k: 5 .25 ft ( 1.60 metr es) Wei gh t - fuelled and arme d i csthnatcd} " : 1323 Ihs (600 Kg ) Armamen t: On e sy nc hro nise d Vickers 0.3 03 in machine g un mo un ted to the port side o f the ce ntre line o f the fusel age a nd o ne Lewi s 0 .30 3 in mounted above the to p win g. " Th e wei ght is a matt er of som e co ntroversy. most so urces refe ren ced put the gross weigh t as e ither the sa me as. or slightly light er than the sta ndar d Nieupo rt 17. Thi s is so clea rly a no ma lous. the a utho r is surprise d tha I it has neve r been serious ly questi on ed in the past. Th e sta ndard Nicupo rt 17 is usu ally q uo ted as havin g a we ight o f 560 Kg ( fue lled and armed) . It is not c lea r whethe r this rela tes to the arma me nt he-

ing a synchronized Vi ckers gun or a win g mounted L ewi s gun hu t the author sus pec ts that it refer s to the latt er. Th e struc ture o f the Nieuport 17 was an e lega nt exe rc ise in wei ght reduction wi th a ll wood en and meta l pa rt s. whe reve r po ssib le. reli ev ed o r hollowed . a lmos t to the poi nt o f fragi lity. To th is

/ 58

AIJfl l' lu/ ix 1\ - Ai rcraft Type» Used hy No.6 Squad ron

de lica te ly re fined struc ture. the 17 B is adde d 12 s pruce stringe rs a nd 6 plywo od fo rme rs. a C lc rgc t 9 B e ng ine that was at least 22 Kg hea vie r th an the II Ohp l. c Rho ne. a n e xtra gun. g un mo unt. sy nc h ro nizing gea r a nd 4 00 or so ro und s o f a m m unitio n (say 20 Kg ). Th erefore , a co nse rvative es tima te wo u ld be that the 17 Bis ca rried a we ig ht pe na lty o ve r the sta nda rd N ieupo rt 17 of a t lea st 40 Kg.

Pe rform a nce S peed a t 500 ft (152 me tre ) (2 133 metre ) S peed a t 7000 ft (3 048 met re ) S pee d a t 10000 ft (30 4 8 met re ) C lim b to 10000 ft (6096 met re ) C lim b to 200 00 ft End ura nce : 1.75 ho urs

109 mph ( 175 kph) l l o mp h ( 187 kph ) 10 7m ph ( 172 kp h ) 9 min 20 sec

J21l1 in

Pu bli shed pe rform a nce fig ures for thi s peri od mu st always be regar ded with sus pic io n. the tests we re ofte n ca rried o ut in the mo st un sci en tific ma nner w ith w ild ly var yin g resu lts fro m o ne te st to a not he r. At fir st g la nce the per form an ce o f the N icup o rt 17 Bis loo ks to be ver y pr om ising . T he o nly rel ia ble measur e tha t we ca n a pply at th is j unc ture is to ask " ho w d id the mac h ine co mpa re to its o ppositio n?" In the case o f the N ic upo rt 17B is. the re ply must be " no t fa voura bly" . Initially. the 17 Bis pe rfor ma nce appear ed to be mor e tha n acce pta ble. T he im press ive result s achi e ved d uri ng SC d r Pe tre ' s tests ca rrie d o ut o n the 2n d . 6t h a nd 7th o f Fe bru a ry wo uld ha ve been ve ry e ncouragi ng.

Many N aval (} pilots arc known to have remo ved their over-w ing L ewi s gun

]'\3 184 o n 2nd Feb r uu r y 1917 C lim b : 1000 fee t in 45 sec o nds 40 00 feet in 3 m inutes 10000 fee t in 8 min utes 15000 fee t in 15 m inu tes 200 00 feet in 50 m inutes Cei ling : 23000 fee t ]'\3 18 4 on lil h Fe h ruury 191 7 (c o m pa r iso n It,sl with Sop wi t h Tri plu ne) N icupo rt rea c hed 10000 feet in sa me time th at So pwi ih T ripla ne reac hed 82 00 fee t ]'\3 184 o n 71h Feh ruarv 19 17 (co m pa r iso n test wi t h So p wit h Tripl auc} Nic upo rt a nd So pwi th Tr ipla nc bot h took sa me time tn reach 15000 feet (pre su ma bly 15 mi nu tes ) T he Sopw ith Trip lan c was 4 kno ts faste r than the Nic upo rt at 15000 fee t. T he type ex hibited so me less than per fect c ha rac te ristics . ho we ver a nd o n the 12th Febru ary Pe tre re po rte d:

This ma ch ine is \"£":" he avv Oil all controls hUI ( ' ( l/l he nut uoeu vrcd quickl » by " pilot who will use brute [ orce /(I .II .-i ll g it about, Thr position, 1'\ '1'11[ora pilot ,~r
C o nte mpo ra ry phot og raph s o f the sq uad ro n's airc ra ft sho w that ma ny pil ot s c hose to re mo ve the Lewi s gun, sac rific ing fir e power for a bett er c lim b a nd faster top speed. Fro m the test s ca rr ied o ut by SC d r Pe tre. the 17 Bis ini tiall y a ppe a red to ha ve had a pe rforma nce eq u ivale nt to . or pe rh ap s e ve n be tte r in so me respect s tha n the conte m po ra ry So pw ith Tri pla ne . I lo w is it then th at the So pwi th Tripl .mcs pe rforma nce in early 191 7 was co ns ide red to be " st a te o f the a rt" b ut the 17B is per for man ce wa s " d isa ppo inting"? Th e ha ndlin g de fic ien cies. hea vy co ntro ls a nd hig h land ing s peed we re d ue to the we ig ht o f the mac hine . If two simila r a irc ra ft. in th is case the 17 and 17 Bis ha ve d iffe re nt weig hts. the hea vie r mach ine wi ll ha ve a hi gh er stall speed a nd its co ntro ls wi ll be hea vie r. T he poor c limb a nd poo r ce iling we re d ue to lack o f e ng ine po we r. Th e British built C lcrgc t 130 hp I)B was a not o riou s ly fic k le e ng ine to keep ru nnin g a t peak pe rfor ma nce a nd its po we r wa s known to fa ll away rapi d ly bet ween its stip ula ted ma intena nce per iod s. In itia l op e ra tion rep o rts sho wed tha t o btura to r ring s. roc ke r arm pins and ex ha ust va lve springs requi red fre q ue nt rep lacem e nt. Th e Fren ch bu ilt Clcrgc t wa s co nside red to be mor e po we rfu l a nd mor e co nsi ste nt tha n the British b uilt e ng ines . ex pe rie nced pilo ts suc h as Ra ym o nd Co llisha w o f No . 10 Sq uadro n we re kno wn to tak e pa ins to sec ure a ll the ava ilable Fren ch built e ng ines for the ir ow n Iligh t's use . T he poo r top speed was d ue to the ov e ra ll dr ag o f the airc ra ft a nd also was not he lped by the ste ad ily dec lin ing po wer ava ila ble from the C lerge t. to ga in a co u ple o f kno ts speed. So me airc ra ft a re know n to ha ve been supplied by Nieupo rt w ith inco rrect prope lle rs. until re plac ed this wo uld ha ve had a de tr imen tal e ffec t up on speed a nd c limb. If we co ns id e r th e co m b ina tio n o f the se fau lts p lus th e N ie u po rt scs q uipla nc 's we ll do c um en ted wea kness in the strut to lo we r spa r atta c hme nt. whe re by the lo wer planes co uld twi st or e ve n b reak a wa y d uring violen t co m ba t ma noe uvr es. it is no surprise tha t the sq uad ro n suffe red a high a ttr itio n ra te an d re lative ly poo r record o f co m ba t cl aims . It is p rob a bly sa fe to say th at in s ing le gu n fo rm and fitted w ith a fresh Fren ch built C ler ge t. the N ic upo rt 17 Bis had a s im ilar rate o f cl imb a nd ce iling to the co nte m po ra ry So p with Tri planc . It was. ho we ve r, s lo we r tha n the Tr iplun c by sev e ra l m iles per hour a nd did not e x hih it the T ri plan c 's lig ht ha ndlin g c ha rac te ristics . A skilled and agg ressive pi lot co uld ge t the best o ut of the Nic upo rt 17 Bis. which is why FC dr EW Nor to n wa s so success fu l w ith the type. T he maj or ity o f No .6 Squadro n's Nicupo rt 17Bi s a irc raf t we re o f Fre nc h manu fac ture. supplied from N ic uports Pa ris fac tor y. In to ta l. the RNA S o rde red 32 ma c hines from ' ic upo rt and a furthe r 100 fro m Th e Briti sh Nieuport C o m pa ny a t C ric klcwood. W he n the mode l' s deficien ci es beca me a pp ar e nt. the or de r placed npon the Bri tish N ieupo rt Co m pa ny was subs eq ue ntly re d uce d to 50 . M any o f these Brit ish bui lt a irc ra ft wer e im med ia tely pla ced into stor ag e a nd subse q ue ntly de leted a ltho ug h o ne. N51)06 . was sh ipped to the USA fo r Lad y Dro gh ed a's Ex hihi tio n. Lo sses a nd unsc rvi cca bi lit y o f the a irc raft in se rvice wi th '0 .6 Sq uad ro n we re suc h that the de po t a t Dun kcrque was una ble to supply e no ugh Frenc h bui lt machi nes to kee p up with the sq uad ro n's dem an d s. Fo ur British bu ilt ai rc ra ft were supplied d urin g A pri l and Ma y 11)1 7. these ar c readi ly ide ntifia ble in ph o to gra phs as the Bri tish supplied a irc raft had upp e r surfaces pai nted in PC IO. Fre nch su pplied airc ra ft we re paint ed o ve ra ll in a lumi n ium do pe. S pa re ai rfra me pa rts co m mo n to the N ic upo rt 17 we re supplied fro m the RFC s stock. w ith the result that so me a ircr a ft co uld eve ntua lly he fin ish ed in a m ixtur e o f a luminium and PC I0 do pe . No .6 Sq uad ro n wa s the o n ly sq uad ro n to be uniform ly eq u ipped with the 17B is. a ltho ug h so me airc ra ft wer e use d by No . 11 Sq uadro n wh ic h wa s e ffect ive ly be ing used as a n ope rat io na l train ing sq uad ro n a nd pilot's pool. T wo ve ry ea rly e xa mp les we re used by No .1) Squad ro n whilst the y we re " wo rk ing-up" during Feb rua ry II)17.

Poo r c lim b Poo r top s peed lI ea vy co ntro ls Poor ceiling

II ig h la nd ing speed

/ 59

A History of No .6 Sq uadro n Ro val Nava l A ir Se n -ice ill \\'orldll'ar I

A n unusual view of a Nieu por t 17Bis.The hinged w indscreen w hich fits to th e w ing pylon appears to be reinforced w ith chicken wire' CourtesyjustinYoung

Th is phot ograph provides a goo d view o f the Lew is Gun mount on the top win g. Courtesy jusunYoung

A mce detail view of he tail assembly show ing combat damage to the fuselage top longeron. Courtesy Justin Young

A port side view with the inspection panel removed. Courtesy Justin Young

100

App end i» A - Ai rcra]! Types Use d /)." No.6 Squad ron

Pa rt 7 : Sopwith FI Ca m el :-.10.4 Squa dro n and No .6 Squadro n were the first units to be eq uipped with tbe So pwi th Camel. Bot h RNf\ S squadro ns were supplied with aircraft from the first prod uct ion batch manufactured by So pwit h, howe ver. whilst No.4 Squad ron was equipped with the far more desirable I50 hp Bentl ey powered Came ls. No.6 Squadro n received 130hp C lcrgct 9 B po wered machi nes. No .6 Sq uadron received its first Clergct powered Ca me ls o n the Xth June 19 17 when five machines were co llec ted from the depot at St . Po l. T he squadro n was fully eq uipped by the last week of June 1917 and ca rried ou t their first patro l on the 27th June whe n FCdr i\lac Len nan led ao unevent ful o ffe ns ive patrol at 11. 15. No .6 Sq uadro n's first Ca mel victory cam e three wee ks later on the 20t h Jul y whe n Mac l.cn nan was credited wi th a n Out of Contro l. Th e Sop with Ca me l has been co vered ex te nsive ly in many books. therefore it is not deemed to be appro priate to plo ugh up the same gro und aga in. Th e foll owing disc ussio n will be limi ted to lesser-kn own aspects as they relate to the early prod uction Ca me ls used by No .6 Squadro n. Readers wishing to acquaint the mse lves more fully with the Sopw ith Ca me l arc reco mmended to the type and manufacturer spec ific books listed in the bibliography. T he Came l e pitomised a new de sign approac h for Sopwith , wherea s a ll previou s designs had ten ded towards stability. the Ca me l lived on the edge of instabi lity. Th e Ca me l wa s an "agile" , twin gun. single sealer. desig ned

fro m the o utse t to pro vide pilo ts wit h the fire powe r. perfor ma nce and man oeuvrab ility that had been lack ing in the So pwith Co mpany's Pu p and Tri plane design s. The slightest tou ch on the co ntro ls could se nd the machin e tumb ling across the sky. giving the de sign a feared reputation amo ngst ne w pilots. Whilst the a ircra ft was tota lly un forgi vin g of tent at ive o r c lumsy han dli ng. it was a deva stating wea po n in the hand s o f those skilled eno ug h to master it. NO.6 Squ adro n's Ca me ls were a llocat ed from the first prod ucti on batch of 50 machines man ufactur ed by the So pwith Aviatio n Company .a t Kingston upon T hames. T his batc b cove red the serial number ra nge N6330 to N6379 . some were manufactured with Clcrgc t eng ines and some with the Bentl ey. No.6 Squadro n rec eive d C lerge t powe red a ircraft whi lst No.4 Squ adron recc ivcd the Bentl ey po wered machines. Further C lerge t powered mach ines wer e supplied to NO.6 Squadro n at the end of Jul y fro m the second So pw ith produ ction batch which cove red the se ria l numbe r range B375 I to B3950. As migh t be expected with the introduct io n o f a new type. No .6 Squadron expe rienced a great dea l o f teethi ng trou b le. the most frustrating fau lt bei ng gun stoppages. a prob lem that tended to per iod ica lly affec t a ll of the RNAS Ca me l squadro ns. Bcntlcy vs C le rgct As ment ioned above . No .6 Squadron rece ived C lcrgct powered Ca me ls. Th e Clerge t was a cons iderably inferior e ng ine to the Bentley. Th e Ben tley BR I. or to g ive it its correct name at that time. the A R I (Ad miralty Rotary No . 1). was e ffective ly a rede sig n of the C lerge t. T he Clerget ex hibited a serious design problem that could ca use overheating and subse q uent severe damage to the engine. T he RNAS co mmiss ioned FLt WO Be ntley. an ex Grea t No rthern Railwa y enginee r and later to be famo us for the marq ue of cars bearing his name. to look at the pro ble m with the C lcrgc i and suggest so lutions to ov erco me its tende ncy to overheat. Bent ley replaced the C lc rgc r's stee l pistons and cy linde rs with alumi nium pistons and an a lumi nium cylinder shrunk onto a cas t iron liner. Un fort unate ly. the British manu factur er of Clerge t e ngines . Gwy ncs and Co . were not res po ns ive to acco mmoda ting Bent ley 's changes and few modi fied C lergc ts were ma nufactured . T he Admira lty we nt ahead with the Bent ley design and commiss ioned it to be manuf ac tured as the AR I. Th e AR I was a s ig nificantly better e ngine than the C lcrget, it wa s cheaper to man ufac ture. it de livered considerab ly more power and had a bett er se rv ice life. At first. the C lerget and AR I e ngines were bot h spec ified by the Ad mira lty for tinnc nt into Came ls. apart fro m the ob vious supply probl e ms with a new design . a valid co mparison of the two engi nes unde r service co nditions was req uired . As confidence wa s built with the A R I and produc tio n ramp ed up to meet dem and the C lerget wa s phased o ut o f RNAS service to be re placed by the Be ntley AR I. Upo n the formation o f the RA F. the ex-na val fro nt line Ca me l squadro ns were e xc lusive ly equipped with the Bentley (now na med BR I to remove any Admira lty conno tations) whereas the ex-RFC Ca mel squadro ns were equipped with C lcrgct or Ie Rhone powered aircraft.

/ 6/

A r ma me nt Stan da rd armam ent on the Sopwit h Ca me l wa s a pair o f Vicke rs Mk I* of 0 .30r calibre. The ea rly produ cti on Came ls e mployed ammunitio n carried on canvas bando liers. Under co mbat cond itions. the pilot was req uired to co llec t the used belt on a "take up" spool fitted beh ind the ins trume nt pa nel. A band le o n the ins tru me nt pane l a llo wed the pilot to rotate the spoo l to "take-up" the ex pe nded be lt. Soo n aft er productio n co mmence d. disintegrating lin k ammuniti on be lts came io to widesprea d usc. negating the need for the belt takeup spool. Spent ca rtridges were then e jec ted from a chute on the po rt side of the gun's breech. In the case of the port Vicke rs gun. the chute was very short. di rectin g the cartridge ca ses out in to the s lipstream. A visual identifi cation fea ture of early Ca mels is the lac k of a port s ide ejec tio n chute on the g un cove r.

Gun stoppage s on the early machin es we re o fte n ca used by the fab ric bando liers absorb ing moistur e a nd then freezing at a ltitude . Stop pages were a lso caused by mec hanica l fa ilures. both o f the ammunition and the c lose ly to le ranced mechan ica l compone nts. In tc r ru ptc r gl'a r To a llow the guns to fire thro ugh the pro pe ller arc. the Sopwi th- Kau pcr interru pter gear was fitted to the ea rly Ca me ls. T he So pwit h Kaup er gea r fea tured a mec hani cal linkage to preve nt the guns from firing du ring the interval that the pro pe ller blade was passin g in fro nt of them. C o nt rols The posit ion ing o f the fusela ge e ntry po int for the e leva tor co ntro l wires is d istin ctive on early Ca me ls. both upper and lower wires usc the same entry po int. On later produc tion. the lower wire e ntry poi nt was lowered to provide a more natural " run" . Fuc l I'rcssuri sat io n. Early prod ucti on Clcrgct Ca me ls were not fitted with a Rot herham s lipstream dri ven air pump. Pressur isation of the fuel tank was achieved by means of a mechan ica l a ir pump fitted to the back of the e ngine. S pc ci ficu t iu n (early Came ls as used by No .6 Sq uadro n) Type : So pwith F. I. 130 lip C lerget Manufacturer : So pwi th Aviati on Co. Ltd .. Kingston on T hames

Prhi clp le Dim cn sion s Wing span (bot h planes) Chord (bot h planes) Chord of tailplane Incide nce (bo th pla nes) Gap at fuse lage Gap at outer stru ts Dihedr a l . uppe r plane Dihedr a l. lower plane Ov era ll length Ile ight Wheel trac k Whee l d iameter Ta ilplane inciden ce Stagge r at ce ntre sectio n

Tail span Centre section width A ir screw di ameter

Areas

\Ving

Ailero ns (each) Tailp lane Elevators Fin Rudd er Tan kage i\la in fue l tank Gravity fue l tan k Oil We ight Empty Fully loaded

2Xft Oin (X.53 metre) 4ft 6 in ( I.34 metre ) 3ft 4 1/2i n ( I .0 2me tre) 2 degrees ( 1.52metre) 5ft Oin ( 1.27metre ) 4ft 2in Ni l :; degrees

IXft 9in (5.72 me tre ) Xft 6 in (2.34me tre ) 4ft 5 IMin ( I.35me tre ) 2ft 4 in (0 .7 1 metre ) I 1/2 degrees (0 .46 metre ) 1ft 6in sn 2 1/ 2in (2 .5 metre) 7ft 3 1/ 2in (2 .22 metr e ) sn 6in (2 .59 metr e) 23 1 sq ft (21 .46 sq metre ) 9 sq ft (O.X4 sq met re ) 14 sq ft ( 1.3 sq metre) 10 1/2sq ft (0.98 sq me tre) 3 sq n (0.2X sq me tre) 4 .9 sq ft (0.46 sq me tre ) 3D galls ( 136 .36 Litre ) 7 ga lls (3 1.X2 Litre ) 6 1/2 ga lls (29 .55 Litre ) 96 2 lbs (43 6.36 kg ) 1422 Ibs (645 kg)

Arma men t: Two synchronised * 0 .303 in Vicke rs machine guns moun ted on the top o f the fuse lage.

" History uJ Nu. 6 Squadron Royul Na val Air Se rvice in Wur ld War I

This Camel was not used by N o.6 Squadro n but the photograph clearly depicts the salient featu res of a machine fro m the Sopwi th Com pany's first prod uct ion batch. N ot able po ints include the stabiliser control cable ru n, the lack of ejection chutes for spent disint egrating link ammunitio n and the lack of a Rot herham Pump fo r fuel pressurisation. Cou r tesy Terry Treadw ell

a vai lab le. parti cu larl y the Roll s Ro yce. we re not ava ilable in suffic ient qu an tit y. T he e ng ine sho rtage was not spec ifica lly the fa ult of Roll s Royce but rather d ue to the Ai r Board and Go vern me nt po lic ies tha t e ff ective ly pre vent ed Ro lls Royce from ex pandi ng prod uct ion facil ities. The type was used by No .6 Sq uad ro n whilst " wor king -up" bet ween January and ea rly Marc h 19 I8. the sq uad ron re placi ng the D.IIA w ith the D.11.9 for o pe ratio na l usc . O ne D.I IA was reta ined for fam iliarisatio n and traini ng o f ne w pilot s. A ll o f th e sq uad ro n's a irc ra ft were manufactur ed by the West land A ircr aft Wor ks an d we re filled w ith the 230 hp Sidde ley Dea sy Puma eng ine. the least sa tis fac to ry varia nt wi th regard to performan ce but probab ly mo re than adequate for traini ng purp oses .

• So pwith Kaup er synch ronisatio n gear Perlurm an ce (typica l for an ea rly 130h p C lerget Camel) Speed : at 6500 ft ( 198 1 metre) 108 mp h ( 174 kph ) at 10000ft (3 048 metre) 104.5mph ( 168 kph ) 9 7.5 mph ( 15 7 kph ) at 15000ft (4572 metr e) C limb : to 65 00 ft ( 198 I met re) 6 m in 40 sec II mi n 45 sec to 10000ft (30 48 met re) to 15000 ft (4572 metre ) 23 min 15 sec (5639 metre) Ceiling : I8500 ft Endurance : 2 1/ 2 ho urs

Part 11: D.l1.4 Desig ned by Geoffrey de Havil land for the A ircra ft Manufactu rin g Co . Ltd (or A irco as the co mpany was co mmo nly re ferred to ). the D.l IA was o ne o f the grea t a ircraft of World War I. Succ ess fully used as a day bomber and fighte r recon nai ssan ce mach ine . the D.II A was still in usc at the end of the war whe n it sho uld have bee n repl aced by the tro ubl esom e D.II. 9 at the beginn ing o f 19 I8. Th e D.IIA was av a ila ble w ith a ran ge o f e ng ines which inc lud ed the 230 hp S iddc lcy Pum a , 230 hp Ga llo way Adriatic. 200 hp RAF 3a. 260 hp Fiat A 12. 250h p Ro lls Ro yce Eag le I. II. III and IV. 275 hp Ro lls Royce Eagle V. VI and V II and 375 hp Ro lls Royce Eag le V II I. Eq uipped with a Ro lls Ro yce Eag le. the D.11.4 had the streng th. per for mance (spee d. c limb. ce iling and manoeu vrab ility) and arm am ent to ef fect ivel y per for m its duti es and de fe nd itself. On the do wn side. its maximum bo mb load wa s rega rded as too small fo r 19 I8 and the va rio us e ng ines

S pcc ilka tio n Type : D.II A . 230 hp S id dc lcy Deasy Pum a Manufact urer : West land A ircra ft Wor ks. Yeov il P ri nc ipal Dimcnsio ns Wing span 42ft 4 5/ 8 in ( 12.92 metr e ) Le ngt h 30 n 8 in (9.35 metr e) io n I in (3 . 18 metr e ) lI e ig ht Wing area 434 sq ft (40 .32 sq metre ) Wei ght (e mpty) 2209 1b ( 1002 kg ) (loaded) 364 1 Ib ( 1570 kg ) Arm am ent: O ne or two 0 .30 3 in Vick er s machine g un and o ne 0 .30 3 in Lew is machine gun.

Two 230 lb bombs or fo ur 1121b bo mbs o r eq uivalent.

162

Appendix A - Ai rcra]: Typ es Used bv No.6 Sq uadron

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II .I I I I II I I I I I I II I I II II I II I II I1I 11 I1I I I III I I III II I I I I II III I I ' I I I I II I I I II Lu-

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/ 63

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V

A Il ist orv ojNo.t: Sq uadro n ROYI/I N I/\'(/I Air S e rv ice ill World \\'tlr /

Performan ce (2JOh p BliP ) S pee d at 10000 ft I IOm ph* ( 177 kp h ) C limb to 10000 ft 24 m in 55 sec " Se rvice ce iling: 1350 0 ft* (4 115 me tre)

A ll but o ne o f the D.11.9 s de live red to No .6 Sq uad ro n we re ma n ufac tur ed by th e We stlan d Aero Work s and we re fille d w ith th e S id de ley Dea sy l' uma e ng ine . Just o ne mac h ine . D 2 7 ~ 3 . wa s man uf ac ture d by S hort Bro the rs a nd wa s a lso fill ed w ith a S id de lcy De asy Puma.

* T he

S pec iflcn t iu n (e a rly 0 .11.9 s a s used by No .6 Sq uad ro n) Typ e : D.Il .9 . 230 hp S iddc lcy Puma Ma nu facture r: We stla nd A irc ra ft Wor ks. Yeo vi l S ho rt Brot her s. Roch est e r

pe r for ma nce w he n fille d wi th a Ro lls Ro yce Eag le was co ns idc ruh ly in e xce ss o f the se fig ure s.

Part 9: D.II.9 T he D.Il .9 wa s o nce desc rib ed a s a ··D.Il A wh ic h had been o fficia lly inte rfe red w ith so a s to be s u ita b le fo r ma ss -prod ucti o n and the B. I I. I'. moto r". De spite its e xe m pla ry se rvice record . the D.IlA wa s pe rce ive d by o ffic ia ldo m as ha ving a nu mber o f defici e nc ie s: It d id no t ca rry a s uffic ie nt pay lo ad to mee t the Roya l Fly ing Co rps fo reca st need s fo r 19 1 ~ . Th e pilo t and ob serve r we re too fa r apa rt to co m mun ica te e ffec tive ly. Th e Ro lls Ro yce Eagle po we r un its requ ire d skilled ass e m b ly and were no t dee med to be s u itab le for ma ss prod uc tion . Th e A ircraft M a nu facturi ng Co mpa ny wa s ta sked with dev elo p ing the ir D.H A to cr ea te a ne w ma ch ine ca pa b le o f ca rry ing a g rea te r bomb load . w ith th e pi lot's c oc kpit mo ved back be hi nd the ce ntre sec tio n so tha t th e pi lot and ob ser ve r co uld be se a ted back to back a nd using a n e ng ine su itab le fo r ma ss prod uc tio n. In the searc h for a s uita ble e ng ine . the A ir Boa rd decid e d that the unpro ven pri vate ve nt ure Bil l' ( Bea rd more Il a lfor d Pu llingc r) wa s a su ita b le c and ida te . T he BI II' wa s a ve rt ica l six cy linde r mo to r o f I ~ .~ litres c a pac ity. It was ba sed upon a n a lum in ium mon o h lo c k c ra nkc ase w ith thr ead ed steel liner s sc re wed into it. the thr ee va lve (two e xha us t a nd one inle t) cy linde r head s we re cast iro n a nd the wa te rjac ke ting wa s fab ric ated from shee t stee l. In pract ice . the a lu m ini um c ra n kc ase pro ved very d iffic u lt to ma nu fac ture

Prin cipa l Dim en sions 42 ft 4 5 /~ in ( 12.92 me tre ) W ing s pa n: 30 ft 6 in (9. 26 met re ) Len gt h: He ig ht: I 1ft 2 in (3 .4 met re ) 43 4 sq It (40.3 2 sq me tre ) W ing Ar e a: We ig ht: (e mpty ) 2203 lbs (99 9 .26 kg ) ( lo aded ) 36 69 Ib s ( 1664 .23 kg) Ar ma me nt: O ne (U03 in Vick e rs Mach ine gun a nd o ne 0 .303 in Le wi s ma -

chine gun* Two 23 01b or Four I I 21b bo mb s or eq ui va le nt we ight in s ma lle r mu ni tion s.

* No .6 Squadro n freq ue ntly ad o pte d a twin Le w is g un set up de vised by the A rma me nts Office r.

with porous cas tings and poor mac hini ng resulting in a very low product io n y ie ld . Initial o rde rs we re p laced w ith the S idd c lcy Dea sy Mo to r Co mpa ny a nd the Gall oway E ng inee ring Co m pa ny. Whi lst G a llo way E ng ineerin g manufact ure d the ba sic Bi ll' de sig n. Sicklclcy Dea sy took it up on them se lve s to red es ig n the e ng ine in the inte res ts o f m an ufuc turab ility an d wi th a des ig n ta rget o f incr e asing the pe rfor m a nce to 30 0 hp. A mo ngs t the modi fic ation s. the cy linde r hea ds we re c ha nge d to cas t a lum in iu m int o w hic h stee l line rs we re scr e we d wi th sho rt th re ad s a nd the wate r ja ck et s we re a lso c ha nge d to

aluminium castings. Th e (lew de s ig n. re fer re d to a s the S idd c ley P um a wa s 4 5 Ib s ligh te r th a n the Bill' but wa s di men sio na lly a differ ent e ng ine to the Ga lloway Ad ria tic w h ic h still ad he re d to the Bi ll' spec ific atio n. T he re s u lt wa s th at the two e ngi nes co uld no t be inte rc ha nged . T he S iddclcy Dea sy P um a fa iled to de live r the pro mi se d 30 0hp a nd wa s de -ra ted to 23 0 hp. the sa me po wer ra tin g a s the B I ll' e ng ine upo n w h ic h it was ba sed . Both the Pu ma a nd the Bil l' in itia lly pro ved un rcl iub lc in se rvice with b ro ke n va lve springs an d burnt o ut e xha us t val ves a co ns ta nt pro ble m.

Perturmance (23 0 hp S iddc lcy Puma ) S pee d : at 10000 ft (304 8 me tre ) at 15000 ft (4572 met re ) at 165 00 n (5029 met re ) C li mb: to 6500 ft ( 198 I met re ) to 10000 ft (3 04 ~ metre ) to 15000 n (45 72 m etr e ) to 16500 ft (50 29 me tre ) Ce iling: IW OOft ( 4 ~ 27 met re ) End ura nce : 4 1/2 hr

I 11.5 m ph ( 179 .6 kph ) 97 .5 mp h ( 157 kph ) 9 I m ph ( 14 6 .5 kph) 10 m in 20 mi n 5 sec 4 5 m in 67 min

D uring No .6 Sq uad ro n' s b rier o pe ra tio na l per iod wi th the D.11.9 . fro m the 9 th to the 3 1st Ma rc h 19 I8 . inci de nts d ue to e ng ine prob le m s we re s ig nifica nt wi th two e ng ine fai lur e s/ for ced la nd ings an d two crashe s tha t k illed the crew. bo th a lmo st ce rta in ly d ue to p ilo t e rro r b ut pro babl y prom pted by a n e ng ine fa ilure . M issio n e ffec tive nes s wa s seve re ly co m pro m ise d w ith man y a irc ra ft co ntinuo us ly un se rv iceab le and o fte n a 15 % to 30% d ro pout o f ma c h ines from bomb ing ra id s. T he sq uad ro n's s tra tegy o f usin g tigh t form at io n fl ying to bo th ha ve the g rea te s t im pact upo n the ta rget a nd to pro vide the be st de fen sive o ptio n a ga inst e ne my fighte rs s uffe red by the va riab le a nd un rel ia b le pe rfo rm an ce o f th e S id dc ly Deasy e ng ines . Me mbe rs o f the form ation wer e freq ue ntly una b le to kee p up or ma int ai n positio n. T he sq uad ro n c ontin ued to usc D.Il .9s w he n it bec a me No.2 06 sq ua d ron RA F o n the Ist Mar c h 1 91 ~ . Desp ite S idd c ley De asy o ve rco m ing ma ny o f the pro b le m s with th e Puma e ng ine . the c re ws ne ve r fu lly re gain ed th ei r los t tru st in w ha t was ba sica lly an ob so le te a nd unde rpo we red e ng ine .

NOT E I "Scsqu iplane" re fers to a b ip lan e w he re the lo we r wing is cons idc rub ly s ma lle r tha n the uppe r wing . Sc squi lite ra lly mea ning In.

/ 64

APPE N D IX B

COLOR PROFILES AND SmJADRON MARKINGS

MWM

Profile 000 I Ni euport 17Bis serial N 3204, t he A Flight Co mmander's machine. A Flight colours comprise d a blue cow l and whee l covers. Flown by FCdr CT Maclaren from 14t h March 1917 until he we nt on leave on t he 25t h May 1917. N 3204 was t hen fiown by Flt FP Reeves w ho was killed w hen th e aircraft broke up dur ing combat on t he 6th June 1917.

166

App endix B - Color Profi les and Squadron Ma rkings

MWM

Profile 000 2 N 3 10 I ,th e B Flight Commander's machine. B Flight aircraft had t he cow l and w heel covers unpaint ed. On t he 6th June 19 17, A5Cdr Draper claimed one scout out of cont ro l and anothe r destroyed to th e nort hwest of Cambrai. FLt GA Gooderham crashed and w rote off N 3 10 I on t he 15t h June 19 17.

MWM

Profile 0003 N320B ,The C Flight Commander's machine. Briefly flow n by FCdr N orton from 22nd t o t he 29t h A pri l 19 17, N320B carries three red bands arou nd the fuselage, a red cow ling and red w heel cover s. W hilst flying N 320B, Norton shared a claim for a scout out of cont ro l at Honnecour t in the early afternoo n and claimed a sco ut in flames with another out of cont rol at Guise duri ng the evening of t he 29t h Apri l. 5Cdr CD Breese was flying N 320B on t he I st June 19 17 w hen he shared a claim for an "apparent ly out of cont ro l" 2-seater at 5t. Qu ent in.

167

App endix B - Color Profiles and Squadro n Markings

MWM

Profile 0007 N 320 3,"3" of A Flight, was fiown by FLt LC Keeble from 24th March to 22nd April 1917,and t hen t aken over by the Canadian,FSLArt hur McBurneyW alton, from 30th April to 20t h May 1917,W alt on crashed N 3203 at Flez on t he 20th May,effect ively ending the machine's career.

MWM

Profile 0005 N 3 196," 2" of A Flight, N 3 196 was used by th e A Flight deputy leader, FLt BHP D e Roeper,from t he 7t h A pri l t o 13t h May 1917, Cod ed " 2" . N3 196 is unusual in having th e flight numb er repeated on the to p decking.

169

App endix B - Color Profil es and Squadron Ma rkings

MWM

Profile 0008 N 3 189,"6" of A Flight , was fiown by the Canadian pilot F5L OJ Gagnier, from 24t h March to I It h May 1917. Gagnier claimed an A lbatros scout crashed nort hwest of Fresnoy Ie Grand on t he 10th May 19 17, but was himself shot down and seriously injured on the I It h May 19 17.

MWM

Pro file 0009 N 3199,"8" of B Flight was Canadian pilot F5L CL Bailey'sregular mount between t he 25th March and 20t h May 19 17. Bailey was a member of B Flight during March and Ap r il. F5L A McB Wa lton took charge o f N 3199 fro m the 23rd May to t he 13th June 19 17. Both Bailey and Wa lto n submitted claims w it h t his machine, Bailey claiming a scout out of control at 51. Que ntin on t he 20t h May and Wa lto n claiming an apparent ly out of control 2-seater at 51. Q uent in on t he I st June 1917. In addit ion to these claims, F5L RR W inte'r "borrowed" N 3199 on t he 29th April and claimed a scout out of control at Guise.

171

A History of No.6 Squad ron Royal Naval Air Service in World War /

Pro file 00 10 N3 200, "9" of B Flight, arrived at t he squadro n on th e I Ith March 1917 and led a relatively quiet life in th e hands of FS L D avid Plaistowe. FSL ST Edwards used N 3200 on a line patro l on the 23rd April 1917, suffered a fuel pressure probl em and crashed th e machine at Ch ipilly, br inging a premature end to N3 200's career.

Profile 0011 N31 02 was unusual. one of the very few Nieu port 17Bis aircraft in the squadron to carr y a fuselage cockade. N 3102 was delivered from the Ni eupor t factory to th e RFCs N o.2 A D at Candas, it is believed th at the RFC depot t ook the decision to apply t he fuselage cockade. FSL ST Edwards used N31 02 in B Flight from th e 24th A pril unt il the 13th June 19 17.

/ 72

App endix B - Colo r Profiles and Squadron Marki ngs

MWM

Profile 0012 N 3 186, " 12" of B Flight was ori ginally delivered to t he squadro n on 15t h Februar y 19 17. FSl Cl Bailey crashed at take off on I It h March and t he aircraft was not repaired until 22nd A pril 19 17. FSl PE Beasley fiew N 3 186 and it is believed th e Flight code " 12" and t he diagonal red stripe are his markings. Beasley fiew N 31 86 fro m 29th A pril t o 12t h May 1917, t hereafter it w as taken over by FSl Gl E Stevens until 27t h May 1917. FSl Holyman was fiying N 3 186 on the I st June 19 17 when it was hit by anti-aircraft fire and damaged duri ng the subsequent forced landing.

MWM

Profile 00 13 N 5860 was one of t he four British Ni euport comp any built machines used by N o.6 Squadron .The convent ional Brit ish PC I 0 brow n finish provides a stark cont rast t o t he A luminium doped aircraft.This machine was used by Fl t GG Macl ennan of C Flight from th e 24th April to 5t h June and t hen by FSl PE Beasley from t he 6th Juneto t he 12th June 1917.

173

A History of No.6 Squadron Royal Nava l Air Service in World War /

MWM

Profile 00 14 N 5862 was anot her of t he Briti sh N ieuport Co mpany built machines. N 5862 was flown by C Flight's FSL Haro ld Law son from th e 3rd May to 29t h May.FSL ST Edwards fer ried N586 2 back to t he depot at Dunkerque on t he 5t h June but caused some damage w hen he ran a w heel into a ditch w hen landing.

MWM

Profile 00 15 N3192," 15" of C Flight. was on the squadron strength from l Oth March to t he 29th April 1917 w hen FSL AHV Fletcher was shot down by Ltn Herman Go ring of Jasta 26. Fletcher was wounded and spent t he rest of the war in captivity.

/ 74

App endix B - Color Profil es and Squadron Mark ings

MWM

Profile 00 16 N 3 195," 16" of C Flight. FSL RRW inter new N3 195 from 27th March to 29th Ap ril 1917, New Pilot FSL Berridge new N3 195 o n t he 3rd May 19 17 and was killed whe n he sta lled and crashed just after taking off from Citadel Aerodrome.

MWM

Pro fi le 00 17 N 6330 as received fro m the Sopwith Factory,The fi rst batch of Camels was built by Sopw ith for t he RNAS, and co mpr ised a mix of C1e rget and Ben t ley powered machines. All Camels supp lied t o No.6 Sq uad ron were fitted wit h C lerget rota ry engines. Early Ca me ls used fabric ban do liers of am munit ion and can be eas ily recogn ised as there was no spe nt cart ridge chute on the po rt side gun cover.The co ntro l w ire "r un" for the elevators was also different on early productio n aircraft. The Sopwit h Camel drawings spec ify PC 12 for t he upper surfaces and it is be lieved t hat at le ast the fi rst batc h of Sopwith built Camels were finished in PC 12.

175

A History of No.6 Squadron Royal Naval Ai r Service in World War /

Profile 0018 B3882 came from a batch of Came ls built by Sopwith for t he RFC.Th e fi nish was most probably PC I0 and this came l exhibits the spe nt cartridge chute and revised e levator contro l run . Fuel pressurisation was prov ided by a slipst ream driven Rotherham pump .earlier production machines used a heavier air pump driven by the engine .

I : Ca ud ron G.l V Ca udrons in RNAS serv ice were finis hed in the normal Frenc h finis h of clear doped fab ric surfaces and light ye llow pa inted meta l areas and forward fuselage. These machines were at the end of their opera tiona l lives and might be expected to be stai ned and dirty. 2: SPAD S7 It is pres umed that the "e valuatio n" SPAD was finished in the normal Frenc h finish of clear doped fabric su rfaces and light ye llow painted met al areas and forwar d fuselage. A coa t of fatty varnish was ofte n applied to the fabric areas enriching the yello w shade . Th e exce llent quality photogra ph of N3399 would tend to support this suppos ition. T he machin e was only briefly with the squadro n for type trials and no spec ial marki ngs would ha ve been carried . 3: Nicuport 10, 11 and 12 These machi nes were only in temporary use with the squad ron pending reeq uipping with the Nieuport 17bis and they carried no spec ial markings. Th e finish was the usual cle ar do ped linen, with the fuselage tape ofte n painted a dark co lour, poss ibly French blue. As these aircraft were quite old and near the end o f their operational lives, it is ass umed that the finis h was sta ined and dirty. 4: Nieupor t 17bi s The Nie upo rt 17 Bis as del ivered fro m the factory at Par is, was finished in alumini um dope on upper and lower surfaces. Cockades were carr ied above and below the upper wings and below the lower wings, however, there was no cockade on the fuselage side . It is surmised that the Nie uport fac tory had excess stocks of Nieupo rt 17 Wings manufactured for the Aviat ion Militaire, as many of the machines were de livered from Paris with the French style of Cockade, much to the annoya nce of RNAS staff at the St. Pol Depot. Co ntemporary photographs show that the aircraft ofte n remain ed in se rvice with No.6 Squadro n for a co nsiderable time before the wing cockades were con verte d to the British sequence of co lours . One co nsequence of th is bein g that the coc kades ' proportion s were to the French sty le, not the British. Thi s effective ly meant that the cen tral ci rcle of the coc kade was co nsidera bly larger

diameter than normally seen on a British roun de l or cockade . Th e "all flying" rudde r carried the normal Britis h blue/w hite/re d flashes.

Flight Identification Flight ident ification for the three flight s co mprised indi vid ual numb ers on the fuse lage side (so metimes rep eated on the top of the fuselage ), co loured cow lings and whee l covers, Flight Co mmande rs' aircraft were designated by red band s aro und the fuse lage. A Flight Flight Co mmande r's machine ca rried one red band around fuse lage . Large red numerals in the range 2 to 6 marked on the fuselage side and sometimes repeated on the top of the fuse lage. Engine cow ling and whee l co vers painted blue. B Flight Flight Co mmander 's mach ine carried two red band s around the fuselage. Large red nume rals in the ra nge 8 to 12 mark ed on the fuselage side and so metimes repeated on the top of the fuselage. Engine co wling and whee l covers left unpainted. C Flight Flight Co mma nder's machin e ca rried three red band s aro und the fuse lage . Large red nume rals in the range 14 to 18 marked on the fuse lage side and so metimes repeated on the top of the fuse lage. Engine cowling and whee l covers pain ted red. As is often the case , seve ral " marki ngs" anomalies ex isted:

/ 76

Photographs show that N3 102 , finished in aluminium do pe, carried a fuse lage cockade. Wh ilst one photograph probab ly shows it in the cond ition "as received" fro m No.2 AD, another very poor, photograph undoubtedly shows it at a later stage, still ca rry ing the fuse lage cockade. It is believed that the fuse lage coc kade was applied by the RFC when the mach ine was delivered to No .2 AD from Paris.

App end ix B - Color Profiles and Squadron Markin gs

Four Nieupo rt 17Bi s aircraft, N5860, N5861, N5862 and N5 865 , were de livered from the British Nieuport Co mpany, these differed in sma ll details from machines built by the pa rent company and were finished in the more conve ntiona l brown PC I0 upper surfaces with clear dop ed linen under surfaces. At least one but cer ta inly not all of the se machines carried a fuselage cockade . N3186 carried a red dia gon al stripe on the fusela ge side, this is beli eved to be a person al markin g,

5: So pwit h Came l Unfor tunately, there are no kno wn phot ographs of a Sopwith Ca me l in service with No.6 Squ adron . Whilst possession of a came ra on acti ve serv ice was a serious mi lita ry offence , man y Command ing Officers turn ed a blind eye to the ir officers' photo gr aphi c fora ys. It is beli eved , ho wever, that when the Sop with Cam el was first issued to No .4 and No. 6 Squ adron s in Jun e 191 7, an ord er rein forcin g the prohibiti on of photography was issued . One of No. 6 Squ adr on 's officers is reputed to have been caug ht trying to photo graph his Camel and had his cam era smas hed for his trouble. All available evidence ' indi cates Thatthe Sop with Camels used by No. 6 Squadro n did not ca rry any special markin gs and rem ain ed in sta nda rd Sop with spec ified fill ish. Uppe r fab ric surfaces of ea rly Sopwith built aircraft were fi nis hed in PC12 ' (most eas ily descri bed as a choco late bro wn colour), plyw ood pa nellingfinished in Cop al varni sh (a reddish brown) , alu minium panels and cow ling left unp ainted, und ersurfa ces, whee l covers and fin in clear doped linen, Sop with "logo " ca rried on fin and cock ades in the usual 6 places. Later aircraf t we re undoub tedly finished in PC10 on upp er surfaces . The ser ial num bers were mark ed ill black and ca rried ill a white box at the rear of the f uselage.

NOTES I Inter view s co nducted by SK Taylor with surviving Ca nadia n members of No.6 Squadron .

An offici al squadron identifi cation markin g of a wh ite square on the fuse lage side behind the cockade was alloca ted on 25th August 19 17 but as the squadron was disbanded on the 27th Au gust it seems most un like ly that this was taken up .

6: Airco D.H.4 The D.H.4 was only used f or working up, re-equippi ng and as a pra ctice machin e fo r new pil ots init ial f am iliari sation fl ight s. It is the refo re most unlikely that any markin gs other than the standard PC 10 upper surfaces and clea r doped linen unde r surfaces were used. 7: Airco DH9 All of the squadron's DH 9s with one exception deri ved from the first batch man ufactured by Westland , the exce ption bein g D27 83 manufa ctur ed by Shor t Brothers. Westland ' s first batch of 1U0 air craft was bui lt under con trac ts no. AS 17570 and AS22 860 . The Westland mach ines were typi call y fini shed in PC 10 on all upp er surfaces with the nose and engin e cov er in grey, cle ar dop ed linen on undersurfaces and clea r do ped wheel cove rs . Var iati on s could of course occur, some machin es havin g no grey pane ls at all and some displaying much mo re grey . Th e only known photo graph of a D.H .9 used by No.6 squadron sho ws the co nve ntiona l markin g describ ed above. Short Brothers aircraft we re ge nerally fini shed in PC lO on all up per surfac es , clear dop ed linen on und ersur faces and clea r doped whee l cove rs. Wh en the squadro n become No .206 Squ adron RAF, a large white ide ntification lett er was ca rried on the fuselage side beh ind the coc kade . As No.6 Squadron used DH9 s for a ma ximum o f six wee ks, with most of the aircraf t on strength for on ly four weeks before the squadro n becam e No .206 squadro n RAF, it is doubtful if the lett er ma rk ing had been adopted be fore the 1st Ap ril 1918.

2 Official Sop with drawings spec ify PC 12 to scheme A on all upper fabric surfaces. Whil st Camel sub-co ntractors undo ubted ly used PC I0, it is a reasonable hypothesis that the Sop with factory adh ered to their ow n drawin gs and finishing instructions for the initial batch of 50 aircra ft.

177

Ar r EN [) IX C

RO ST ER O F PI LOT S

Part I : 27/11/16 tn 2X/X/17 Ah hot t, Ed wa r d Dixon , FS L Born 13t h Janu ary 1897. fro m Ea stbo urnc. Susse x. RAcC Ce rtificate No .3452 . gained 28th Aug ust 19 16 at Eastchurc h. Jo ined the RNAS on 4th Fe bruary, 191 7. Unde r instruct ion at Crystal Pal ac e on 4th Fe bruary 19 17. Unde r instruct ion at Eastc hurch fro m 7th Ap ril 191 7. Under instruction at Cranwe l l fro m 2nd June 191 7. Do ve r on 23rd J uly 19 17. No . 12 Squadron from 9th Aug ust to 12th August 19 17. i\:o .6 Squadro n fro m 13th Aug ust to 29 th August 19 17. No . IO Squadron fro m 30th August 19 17 to 13th September 19 17. when shot do wn ncar Rou ters. Abbot was wo un ded and beca me a prison er of war.

Combat record with No.6 Squadro n: 17/'1', 11 7 Sco ut

06 . 10 to 0'1', . 10

OO C

A lle n, A r t h u r Denni s Wi !(ntm. AF Cd r Born 19t h August 1'1', 94 . at Bu rwo od , New So uth Wa le s, A lle n 's se nio r ed ucat io n was co m p le te d in Eng land fro m I ~J 0 6 to 191 2 at S ummer Fields Sc hoo l. Oxfo rd and at St. l'ctcrs Co llege (now know n as Rad ley Co llege) . O xfo rdshirc .

RAcC Certifica te No. 1746. guincd 1st Septembe r 191 5 at Easichurc h. Abbott Courtesy RAeC Trust

Se rve d with Australian Co m mo nwea lth Forc e s with ran k o f L ie ute nan t in 1914 .

Joined RNAS on 11th Jul y 19 15. Unde r instructio n at Wha lc Island gunnery schoo l. Port sm outh . fro m 11 th July 191 5 to 7th August 19 15 . Unde r instru ct ion at Ea sic hurc h fro m 7th August 19 15 to 20th Se ptember 19 15 . No . 1 Wing fro m 20 th Se ptember 191 5 to 5th Jan uary 19 16. Eas tchurch fro m 5th January 19 16 to 25th Marc h 19 16 . Detached for du ty with RFC in France from 25th March 19 16 to 17th April 191 6. A Squadro n. No .4 Wing. from 17th April 19 16. No .6 Sq uadro n fro m 27th November 191 6 to 24 th April 1917. Martlcsham Heath from 25th ApriI 19 17. Directorate o f Ai rcra ft Production fro m 30 th Nove mbe r 19 1'1', to Ist Ap ril 191 9. Trans ferred to unem ploy me nt list on Ist Ap ril 191 9. DSC gaze tted on 12th May 19 17. Air Force Cross guzcucd on 2nd Nove mber 191 g. A fter leaving the RAE A llc n resumed his chosen caree r in the fa mi ly busin ess of Al len, Alle n and Hemsley, So licitor s. being admitted as a so lici tor o n 2 1st Octobe r 1922 . Hecam e c hairman of New England Airways in 1935. Part owne r of the Victori a Derby winning racehorse "Advocate" in 1952. Died on -lth Jun e 1967 at Double Bay. New So uth Walcs.

Allen Courtesy RAeC Trust

Bail c)'. C ha r lcs Leon ard , FS L Born 23r d J une 1'1', 96. fro m Tor on to. Ontario . ACA Certificate gained on 23 rd Febru ary 19 16 at Curtiss Schoo l. Jo ined Ri\:AS on 29th Feb ruary 1916 .

178

Ap p endix C - Nost er 11 Pilots

Unde r instruct ion at Portsmouth from 23rd March 1916 to April 19 16. Unde r instru ct ion at HI\IS Exce llent from Apr il to IOth May 1916. Unde r instruct ion at Crys tal Palace from 10th May 1916 to 20lh I\lay 1916. Under instruction at Chingford from 20th May 19 16 to l l th Augus t 19 16. Under instruction at Cranwe ll from I Ith August 19 16 to 13th Se ptember 19 16. Under instruction at Frciston from 14th Se ptem ber 10 l J th Oc tobe r 1916. Do ver on I31h Oc tober 19 16. A Squadron 1\0.4 Wing from 25th October 191 6. 1\0.6 Squ adron from 27th November 19 16. i"0.4 Squadron fro m 7th June 19 17. Canadia n leave from 15th Octobe r 1917. return ed to England on 9th January 1918. Unde r ins truction at Cranwe ll, Instructor's cours e. from 2nd Feb ruary 19 18 to l J th Feb rua ry 1918 . Chingford. instruc ting. from l J th Feb ruary 1918 to 3 1st March 19 18. 207 TDS Chingford fro m 1st Ap ril 19 18 to Feb ruary 19 19. CL Bailey died on the 91h Febru ary 197 1. C OII/!> lI t

19/5/ 17

record with No .6 Squadron : Albatros Northeas t of St. Quentin

11.50

Out of co ntro l

Beasley. Perc y Exeter, FLt Born 9th October 1894. from Victor ia. British Co lumbia. ACA Ccrtificare :-.10.349. gained 18th October 1915. at the Wrigh t schoo l. Joined RNAS on 3 1st October 1915. Under instruc tion at Chingford from Ist Decembe r 1915 to 7th April 19 16. Under instruction at Eustc hurch from 7th April 19 161 0 29th Apr il 19 16. No.3 Wing. Dcrling, from 30th April 19 16 to 29th I\lay 191 6. :-.10.:1 Wing. M ansion from 30 th j\ lay 19 16 to 3 1st Jul y 19 16. i"0 .:1 Wing. l. uxeuil from 3 1sl July 19 16 to 8th March 19 17. No. 1 Wing from 9th Murch 19 17. :-.10. 11 Sq uadro n fro m March 19 17. i"0 .6 Squadro n from 16th Ap ril 19 17 to 18th Ju ly 19 17. Leave to England and then Canada fro m August 191 7 to Octobe r 191 7. :-.10. 1 Squ adron from 20th Octob er 191 7 to 5th Nove mbe r 191 7. Mauston from 51h No vemb er 19 17 to 17th November 1917 . Dunkerq ue on 171h Nove mber to 181h No vembe r 19 17. i"0. 13 Squadro n from I th Nove mber 191 7 10 I Ith March 1918. No. 11 Squadron as Flight Comman der fro m II th March 1918 to 3 1st March 1918. No.21 1 Sq uad ron RAF from 1st April 1918 to 30 th June 19 1 . l.cysdown as an instructor from 6th Jul y 1918 to 1st Oc tober 1918. PE Beasley died on the 9th August 1976. Ben'id ge Ra ymond Winchesler. FSL Born 28th May 1897. from Gerrards Cross. Huck inghamshirc . RAeC Certifica te i"0.:198 9. gained 30th Novem ber 1916. at Vend ome. Pre viou sly served in R:-.I AS at White City with rank of A:V 1.1. Co nfirmed as Probationary Flighl Sub Lie utenant on 27th August 1916. Under instruction at Crys tal Palace from 27th August 1916 10 7th Octobe r 1916. ndcr instruction at Eastbou rne from 7th October 1916 to 1st Nove mbe r 19 16. Under instruction at Vendomc from Ist Nove mber 19 16 to 20th January 191 7. Under instruction at Crunwc ll from 20th January 19 17 to 7th April 19 17. Do ver on 7th April 1917. No. 11 Sq uadron from 14t h Ap ril 19 17 to 1st May 1917 :-.10.6 Sq uadro n from 1st May 19 17 to 3rd May 19 17. when d ied of his inj uries after crashing at Citadel Aerod rome. southwest of Albert. Breese, C ha r les Dempst e r. SCd r Bo rn 23rd Ap ril 1889. at Epsom. Surre y. Entered Royal Navy in 1905. RAeC Certi ficate 1\0.654. gained 16th Octobe r 19 13. at Central Flying School. Upavon. With Royal Flying Corp s (Nava ] Wing ) in 1913. under instructio n at the Cen tral Flyin g Sc hoo l. Upavon, in October 19 U . Appoint ed Instructor in Theory a nd Con struction at Ce ntral Flying School. Upavon. o n I th Dece mber 19 1:1 to Apri l 19 16. Instructor in Theory and Co nstruction at C ranwell Cen tra l Depot and Tra ining Establi shme nt fro m April 1916 10 11th Feb ruary 191 7. Co mmanding Offic er of 1\0. 10 Squ ad ron fro m 12th February 19 17 10 l Jth Apri l 19 17. Co mmand ing Officer of i"0.6 Squadron from 14 th Apri l 191 7 to 27th August I') 17. At Cen tral Stor es Depot. Wor mwood Scru bbs , from 3rd September 1'9 17 to January 19 18 with rank of Wing Co mma nde r. Deputy Director of Train ing with the Air :V linistry from 1st April 1918 with ran k of Lieut enant Co lonel. Co mma nda nt of Centra l Flying Schoo l from 7th April 19 19.

/ 79

CL Bailey Courtesy SK Toylo r

Beasle y Courtesy EF Cheesmon

Berridge Courtesy RAeC Trust

A History o] No .6 Sq uadro n Royal Na \'(/I Ai r Se rvice ill \\'or ld \\'ar I

With HQ RA P Ind ia from 28 th Ap ri l 192 0 . Co m ma nd ing Office r o f A ircraft dep ot . Indi a fro m 9 th Mar c h 19 2 1. Co m ma nd ing O ffic e r o f Te chnic a l Tr ain ing sec tio n. 1'10. I So T !' (A ppre ntice s) from 9 th Ja nua ry 19 25 . Co m ma nd ing O ffice r RAF Go spo rt fro m 3n l Se p te m be r 19 28 . I IQ Iraq Co m ma nd fro m I Ith Ap ril 1930 . Su pcn u uu crary. RA F De pot from I st Ju ly 19 32. SASO . II Q Inla nd Ar ea fro m 15th Mar ch 1933 . AO e. No .23 Group fro m 16th Ap r il 19 34 . AO e. No .23 (T ra in ing) Group fro m Is t M arch 1936 . AO e. No . 17 (T ra in ing) Group from 5th Ma rch 193 7 . AOe. No. 18 (reco n nai ss a nce) Grou p from 27 th S e pte mbe r 1938 Ro se to ra nk of A ir Vice Ma rsh al in RA F and d ied in 1941 . w he n a n o bse rve r in a Co as ta l Co m ma nd Loc khe ed lI ud so n w hic h cra s he d o n W ick Aerodrome . A FC gaze lied o n 3 1st Ma y 19 18. COli/ hal reconl with No .6 SIl l/a t/ ro il 1/6/17 2-s eate r * S ha red w ith FS L A i\lcB Wal to n.

Breese Courtesy RAeCTrust

Campbell-O rde Courtesy EF Cheesman

St. Q ue ntin

0 8 .35

Ap pa re ntly o ut of co ntro l*

Brown Willi am No rma n no)'. FS L Born 10 th Ju ne 189 7. Join ed RNAS on 23 rd Janu a ry 191 6. Unde r Ins truc tio n a t C ry sta l Pa lace fro m 27 th Fe bru ar y 191 6 . foll owed by an " E" co urse at Fish gu ar d . Unde r in stru cti o n a t W h ite C ity fro m 171h A pril 191 6. Unde r inst ructi o n at C h ing for d fro m 25 th A pril 191 6 . Unde r ins tru ct ion at Ea s tc h urc h from 3 rd Se pte m be r 19 16 . Do ver o n 18th Se pte m be r 19 16 . Ad m it ted to C ha tha m Ho sp ital on 6th Oc tobe r 191 6 s u ffe r ing from Go nor rhoea . d isc ha rged fit o n 27 th Oc to be r 191 6 . 0:0 .4 Win g fro m Nove m be r 1916 . Ad m it te d to lI aslar Hospit al o n 12t h M ar ch 19 17 s u ffer ing from Nas o pha ry nx C ata rrh. S urve yed o n 30th Ap ril 19 17. fo und fit for instr uc tio na l dut ie s but u nfit for flyin g above 100 0 feet. Ve nd om e fro m 2 1st May 19 17 . Re sign ed Co m m iss io n o n 2 1st Ma y 191 7. re si gna tio n acce pted o n 23 rd Janu a ry 19 18 . C a m p be ll-O r d e, A la n Co lin. FS L Born 4th O c to be r 1898. from Loc hgil ph ead , A rgyl l. Ed uca ted at Sherbo rn e. Dor se t. Jo ined RNAS o n 17th December 191 6. Unde r in stru ct ion a t Cry sta l Pala ce fro m 26 th Dec embe r 191 6 to 5th Fehru a rv 19 17 . Unde r in stru ct ion a t Vcndom c from 5th Feb ruar y 19 17 to 5th May 19 17. Unde r in st ruc tion a t Cra nwe ll fro m 5th i\lay 19 17 to 7th J u ly 191 7 . Do ve r on 7th Jul y 19 17. '0 . 12 Sq uad ro n fro m 15th J uly to 18th J uly 19 17 . 1'1 0 .6 Sq uadro n from 18th Jul y 191 7 to 26th Ju ly 19 17 w he n wo und ed du ring co m bat. 0:0 . 12 Sq uadro n fro m 10 th Se pte m be r 19 17 to 13th Septe m be r 19 17. 1'1 0 .9 Squadro n from l-Ith Sep te mbe r 19 17 to l -Ith O c tob e r 19 17 w he n brok e rig ht le g in a n ac c iden t. Ad mi ra lt y A ir Dep art men t. sec tio n III . fro m l-ith Ja nuary 19 18 to 3 1st M a rc h 191 8 . RAF D PD Ferry Pi lot fro m Ist A pril 191 8. fe rried del ega te s to th e Pari s Pea ce Co n fe re nce in 19 19 . Co m me rc ia l Pil o t w ith A ir Tr an sp ort S: Tr a ve l from 19 19 . Flyi ng Instru ct or a nd Av ia tio n Co ns u lta nt to the G o ve rn me nt Of C h ina in Pek ing fro m 19 2 1. Fly ing Instru ct o r. late r bec o m ing C hie f Te st Pilo t. w ith A rm stro ng Wh itworth from 19 24 . O pera tio ns Manager w ith British A ir wa ys fro m 1936. becom ing BOA C a fte r mer gi ng wi th Imper ia l A irwa ys . D uring Wo rld War II res po ns ib le for lia iso n w ith RAF Tr an sp ort Co m ma nd . Retired in 19 57. AFC G a ze tte d on 22nd December 19 19 . C B E aw a rded 194 3 . E lec ted Fe llow of th e Roya l Aero nautica l Soc ie ty in 1954 . AC Ca m pb e ll-O rde d ied in A pril 1992. AC C a m pbe ll-O rde c la ime d 1 vic to ry w it h No.9 S q uad ro n. C a r ro ll. I{alph E dward. FS L Born 19 th Ja nu ar y 189 8. Fro m Toront o. O nta rio . RA e C Ce rt if ic ate No.383 6 . g a ine d 10th No ve m be r 19 16 a t th e Cu rti ss sc hoo l. To ro nt o . Jo ined the R1'IA S o n l Oth Nov e m be r 19 16 . Unde r in st ruc tio n a t Cry sta l Pa lace fro m 14 th Jan ua ry 19 17 to 17th Fe brua ry 19 17 . Unde r ins tru ct io n a t Vc ndom c from 17th Fe b ruary 19 17 to -lth i\la y 19 17 . nd cr ins truc tio n a t Cra nwc ll from 5th i\lay 19 17 to 6 th J un e 191 7. Unde r in s truct io n a t Fre isto n from 6th Ju ne 191 7. Do ver o n 20 th J un e 19 17. 1'1 0 . 12 S q uadro n from 25th June 19 17 to 28 th Jun e 19 17 .

180

Append ix C - Roster of Pilots

No .o Sq uadro n from 28 th Ju ne 19 17 10 27 th A ug ust 191 7 . No . IO Sq ua d ro n from 29 th Au g ust 191 7 to 23 rd 'o ve m ber 19 17. w he n inju red le a ving Do ve r ae ro d ro me a nd tra nsfer red to Dea l infirmar y s uffe ring from co nc ussion a nd wo unds to fo re he ad . S uffe re d insom nia as a re su lt of his inj uri es a nd e nte red hos p ital in Ca na da in i\lay 191 8 for o pe ra tio n to re lieve problems a ss ocia ted w ith his inj ur ie s . RE Carro ll d ied o n th e 2 1st March 19 87 .

COli/hili record with No .6 Squadron: 2 1/7 / 17 A lbarro s sc out Ea sl o f N ic uport 17/ 8/1 7 2-s e a le r Ea st o f We ste nd e * sha red w ith M acgre gor a nd de Roe pe r R E C a rro ll a lso c la ime d 2 vic to rie s with No . 10 S quad ro n.

20 .05 18.1 5

Out o f co ntro l C ra shed '

C u r t is, Wilfr ed A us t ill, FSL Born 2 1s t A ugust 189 3. from Ha vel oc k. O nta r io . RAe C Ce n ifie ate No .339 I. ga ined 11th A ug ust 19 10 a l the Cu rt iss sc ho o l. Tor ont o. Jo ined RNAS on 11th A ugust 19 10. Unde r in st ruc tion at C rys ta l Pa lac e fro m 17t h Sep te mbe r 19 16 . Unde r ins tru ct ion at C runwe ll fro m 14 th October 191 0 bUI per iod o f sic k le a ve 10 23 rd M a rc h 191 7. Under instru cti on at C ra nwc ll from 23 rd Ma rc h 19 17 10 10l h J'vlay 191 7 . U nder instru ctio n a l Do ve r fro m l oth J'vlay 19 17 10 141h Ju ne 191 7 . No . 12 Sq uadro n from 141h Jun e to 24 th June 191 7. No .o Squadron from 24 th Jun e to 27 th A ug usl 191 7 . No . IO Sq ua dro n from 28th Au gu st 191 7 10 27 lh Ja nuar y 191 8. Ca na d ia n le av e fro m 30th J a nua ry 191 8. RAF II Q in Ca nada fro m 2 nd i\lay 191 8 . 00 s ic k lea ve from 27 th May 19 18 10 10th O ct ob e r 191 8 . Sc hoo l o f Spec ia l f ly ing in Ca nada fro m l Oth O c tob e r 19 18. Po st wa r o pe ra ted the WA C urt is Insuran c e Co mpa ny. A Fo under member o f the To ro nto fl ying C lub a nd its pres ide nt for three yea rs Se rve d in RCA f d urin g Wor ld War II. risi ng to ran k o f A ir i\lar sh a l. Be came C hie f o f A ir S taff in C ana da from 1947 10 195 3. DSC ga ze tted o n 19 th Dece mb er 19 17 . Ba r to DS C ga ze tte d o n 16 th i\lar ch 19 18. O ther decor at ion s a nd honours incl ude Ord er of Ca nada. Co m ma nde r of the British Em p ire . Co m ma nd e r o f the Bath. U.S . Le g ion o f M erit . C ro ix de G ue rre ave c Palm . f re nch Le gi on o f Ho nour a nd Co nu nc nda torc de ll Ordi ne i\ lili ta re dIta lia. Wilfred C urt is d ied o n th e 71h Au gu s t 1977 . WA C urt is c la ime d 13 vic to ries w ith No . 10 Sq ua d ro n. Da rnt un , Rupert E d wa r d . FSL Born 15th Ju ly 1895 . from Ro yston . He rtfo rd sh ire RAe C Cert ific a te 1'10.228 9. ga ined l oth Ja nu ar y 191 0 a t Rcd car, Pre viou s ly se rve d as a Sub L ie ute na n t RNVR wi th th e RNA S Ar mo u red C ar Divi sio n. Jo ined RNAS o n 17th Se pte m be r 191 5 . Unde r inst ruc tio n at C h ing fo n l from 17th Se pte m be r 191 5 to 2 nd Dec e m ber 191 5 . Unde r in struc tion at Red ca r fro m 2 nd Dece mb e r 191 5 to 20th Ma rch 19 16 . Unde r instru c tion at Ea stc hurc h fro m 26th Ma rch 19 10 10 25 1h Ap ril 19 16 . Do ver o n 25th Apri l 19 10. Admi tted to C ha tha m Hos p ita l o n 2 nd Ma y 191 0 s uffe ri ng fro m G o norr ho ea . di sc harged as fit o n the 24 th J\ lay 191 7 . Turned ma chine o ver o n 20 th Ju ne 191 0. s us ta ine d a bra sio ns and co ntusi ons to le ft te m po ra l a nd m o lar regi o ns. abra sion o f nose a nd upper lip and slig ht burn s to butt ock s a nd le ft le g . Readmitte d to C hatha m Ho sp ital on 17t h Ju ly 191 7 with G on orrh oea. Disc ha rge d as fit o n 2 81h Ju ly 19 10. Adm itted to Il as la r Ho sp ital o n 23 rd Au gu st 191 0 s u ffe r ing from a n o ld inj ury to le ft le g . Di sc har ged to sic k le ave on 25th A ug us t 19 10 a nd reponed fit on 8th Se pte mbe r 191 0 . Dun ke rqu c o n l o th Se pte m be r 19 10. 4 Win g fro m 171h Se pte m ber 19 16 . No .o S qua dro n from 27t h No ve mbe r 19 10 10 51h Ja nua ry 19 17. No .7 sq uad ro n fro m ot h Janu ar y 19 17 to 5th feb rua ry 19 17 . Adm itte d 10 C ha tha m Hospi ta l on 5 th f ebrua ry 19 17. di sch ar ged 10 sick lea ve o n 7th February 191 7 . S ur veyed a nd found fit on 2nd June 19 17 . Rep ort ed sic k with to ns illi tis o n 7th June 19 17 . De ve lop ed Dip hth er ia by 10 lh J une 19 17. Sur ve yed o n 27 th A ugu st 19 17 a nd fo und fit for d uty. Unde r ins tru c tio n at Mau ston from 271h A ug ust 191 7 10 15 th Se pte m be r 191 7 to rc -q ua lify, i\lan sto n I la ndl e y Page Squad ro n from 151h Se pt ember 19 17. A Sq uadro n. i\lan slo n from 5th Oc tob er 191 7 . be comi ng No . 16 Sq uadron o n Sth Jan ua ry 19 18 . O n sic k lea ve suf fe ring from me a sles fro m 2 7th Jan uar y 19 18 10 15 th Febru ar y 191 8 . Returned to No . l ri sq uadro n on 3rd Ma rc h 191 8 .

/ 8/

Carro ll Courtesy SKToylor

Cur tis Courtesy SKToylor

A Histo ry of No.6 Sq uadron Ro va! Na n d Air Se rvice ill World \Var /

De Roep e r. B runo Phili p Hen ry, AFC d r Born 2 2ml " la rc h 189 2. at Fo re st Gat e . Lon do n. RAeC Ce rt ificate No. 1379 . ga ined Ist Jul y 191 5 a t He ndo n, Served w ith Lo ndo n Rifle Brigad e from 8t h Se pte m be r 191 4 . Jo ined R NAS o n 16 th A pril 19 15. Unde r ins truc tio n at l le ndo n fro m 16th April 19 15. Unde r ins truc tio n at C h ingfo rd Irom Sth Jul y 191 5 . Rcdcar, hom e def en ce and instruc ting. from 22nd Oc to be r 19 15 to 16th Dece m be r 191 6. Do ver o n 18th Dece mb er 19 16. No.4 Win g from 4t h Janu ar y 19 17. No .6 Sq uadro n fro m 6th Jan ua ry 19 17 to 25th M ay 19 17. whe n wo unde d in lowe r j a w by e ne my fire. No .6 Sq uad ro n fro m 19th J uly 19 17 to 27 th A ug ust 19 17. C h ing for d . inst ru ct ing from 10th Se pte m be r 19 17. Vc ndo me. inst ru ct ing from -lth Oct ober 191 7 to 16th Dece mbe r 191 7. Ce ntra l Fly ing Sc hoo l. Sc hoo l o f Phot og raph y fro m 15th Au g ust 19 21 . AF C g aze lied on 3rd J une 191 9. Gro up Ca pta in Brun o De Roep er d ied in SI. Andre w 's Ho spital . No rtha m pto n. afte r a lo ng illnes s o n Ist A ug ust 196 5 .

De Roep er Courtesy EFCheesman

COIII!"" record with No.6 Squadron : 20!5! 17 2-s ea te r 22 /7/1 7 2-seate r 15/ 8/1 7 A lba tro s sc o ut 17/8/1 7 2-se ate r 20/8/ 17 2-seater * Shea red w ith C arro ll a nd M acg regor

Elinco urt 11.40 No rtheast of Di xm ude 20AO Gh istelle s 17.40 18 .15 East of West cn dc Moc re 10. 50

O ut of co ntro l a nd smo king O ut o f co ntro l O ut o f co ntro l C ras hed * O ut o f co ntro l

Di!-:hy. Fra n k T ho mas . I' Ll Bo rn 2nd A ug us t 1895 . from So uth Ha m pstead. Lo nd on . RAeC Ce rt ifica te j'\o . 10 69 ga ined 1st Febru ary 19 15 at Hen d on. Jo ined RNAS o n Ist Dece m be r 1914 . Unde r instruc tio n at Ce ntra l Fly ing Sc hool fro m 12th Fe brua ry 191 5 . Unde r inst ruct ion at II"I S Exce lle nt fro m 2 1st Ap ril 191 5 . No.4 Sq ua dro n at Do ver fro m 15 th M ay 19 15 . Dunkc rq ue fro m D rd Se pte mbe r 19 15 . Eastc hurc h from 30 th Decem be r 19 15 . No . 1 Win g from 24 th Fe bru ar y 191 6. No.4 Win g fro m 25 th Ma rch 191 6. No .6 Squad ro n fro m 27 th No ve mber 191 6 to 6th Janu ar y 19 17. No .7 Sq uad ro n fro m 6th Ja nua ry 191 7. Ma nsi on Ha nd le y Page Squ adro n from 30 th March 191 7. Du nk erque fro m 5t h " la y 19 17. Redeal' Hand le y Page Fligh t from 11th Se pte mbe r 19 17. Ma ust on Hand le y Page Flig ht fro m 3rd Octo ber 19 17. Ho me Esta blishme nt fro m 3rd June 191 8. DSC ga ze tted o n 12th v lay 19 17. DSO gaze tte d o n 26 th A pril 19 18. Cro ix de G ucrre gaze lle d o n 10 th Oc to ber 191 8. Din g wall , Go r do n Ca ulfield Wi lso n. FS L Born 26th A pril 189 2. at Toro nto. O nta rio. Jo ined RNAS o n 3rd Ma rch 191 6 . RAeC Ce rti fica te No .n 7 1. gained 2(llh " lay 19 16 a t Eas tbo urne . Unde r instr uc tio n at C ry sta l Pal ace fro m 27 th Feb ru a ry 19 16 to 12t h Ma rch 19 16. In Il asla r I lo spital w ith d isea se of the eye lid fro m 12th Ma rch 19 16 to 20 th Ma rch 19 16. Unde r instructi on at Fishg ua rd fro m 20 th Ma rch 19 16 to 17th A pri l 191 6. Und e r instruc tio n a t W h ite C ity fro m 17th Ap ril 19 I() to 25 th A pril 19 16. ndc r instruct io n a t Eastb o urne from 25 th April 19 16 to 19th A ugu st 19 16 . Unde r instruc tio n a t East c hurc h from 19 th Au gu st 19 16 to 6th Se pte m ber 19 16. Do ve r o n (ith Septe mbe r 191 6. S ick fro m 20t h Oc to ber 191 6. No .7 Sq uad ron fro m 27th No ve m be r 19 16. No .6 Sq uadro n fro m I Ith Dece mb er 19 16 to 25 th Feb ru ar y 19 17 wh en crashed a N ic upo rt 12 a nd inju red s pine. S ick lea ve to Ca na da . still unde r treatm e nt in Janu ar y 19 18 . GC W Di ng wa ll d ied o n the 7th No ve m ber 19 70.

D ingwall Courtesy SK Taylor

Draper. C h r isto p he r, AS C dr Bo rn 15t h Ap ril 1892 . in Behin gton . C he sh ire . RAeC Ce rt ificate No. 646. ga ined 9th Oc to be r 19 13 at the Graha me-Whi te sc hoo l. lI e nd on. Jo ined RF C (Nava l Win g ) as a S ub Lie ute nant RN R o n the 25th Ja nua ry 19 14 .

/ 82

Append ix C - Roster of Pilots

Under instructio n at RFC Ce ntral Flyin g Schoo l. Upavo n fro m 25th January 1914 to 26th April 19 14. RNAS Eastchurch from Ju ly 19 14 to end October 19 14 . Fort Grange from end Octobe r 1914 to 19th Nove mber 19 14 . Gos forth (Newcastle on Tyn c ) from 19th Nove mber 19 14 10 8th July 19 15. RNAS Dundee from 8th Ju ly 1915. RNAS Scarborough unt il 7th Ap ril 191 6. Com mand ing Off icer of the Eastchurch War Flight from 7th April 1916 to 24t h Jul y 19 16. No.3 Wing (initially at Manston. then Luxeuil) from 24t h July 1916 to 7th March 19 17. No. 1 Wing from 7th i\larch 19 17. No. 11 Squadron from 15th March 19 17 to 2 1st April 19 17. No.6 Squadron from 22ml April 191 7. Commanding Officer of the Eastchurch War Flight from 11th June 19 17 to 28th July 19 17. No.8 Squadron RNAS from 28th July 1917. Co mmanding Officer of No.8 Squa dro n RNAS from 28th October 191 7 to 3 1st Marc h 19 18. Co mma nding Officer of 208 Squadro n RAF fro m Ist April 1918 to 14th Jan uary 19 19. Draper wrote an autobiography titled "The Mad Major". publ ished in 1962. Christo pher Draper died on 16th Ja nuary 1979. DSC gazetted o n 26th April 19 18. COli/bat reco rd with No.6 Squa dron: 6/6/ 17 Albatro s sco ut northwest of Cambra i 6/6/ 17 Albatro s sco ut north west of Cambrai Draper also made the fo llowing c laims with other squadrons:

3 Wing No.8 Sq uadron 1'10.208 Squadron RAF

12.00 12.00

Destroyed Out of co ntrol

4

2 2

Dr aper Author's collection

Ed wa r ds . Ste a r ne Til-:hl'. I'Ll Born 13th February 1893. in Carlton Place. Ontario. ACA Certificate 1'10.350. gained 11th Octobe r 1915 at the Wright schoo l. Dayton. Ohio. Joined RNAS on 3 1st October 1915. Under instruction at Chingford to 'Ith April 1'11 6. Unde r instru ct ion at Eastchurch from 9th Ap ril 19 16 to 30 th Apr il 19 16. No.3 Wing fro m 30th April 1916 to 19t h March 191 7. 1'10. 11 Squadro n from 20t h March 191 7 to 18th April 19 17. No.6 Squadro n from 19th Ap ril 1917 to 29th Jun e 19 17. Left sq uad ron for period in hospital fol lowed by leave. No.9 Squadron from 10th August to 3 1st Ma rch 19 18. No.209 Squadro n RAF from Ist Apri l 1918 to 23rd i\lay 19 18. when he suffered fro m nervous ex haustion and was hospitalised. Instructor at No.2 Fighting Schoo l. Mar skc. from 3rd Ju ly 1918 to I I th August 19 18. 38TDS in charge of trai ning Amer icans from 12th August 1918.. Critica lly inj ured in a fl ying accide nt on 12th Nove mber 19 18 and subseque ntly d ied on 22 ml November. DSC gaze tted on 2nd Nove mber 19 17. Bar to DSC ga zetted on 2 1st June 1918. Edward s made the following claims with o the r squadrons:

No.9 Squadro n '0.209 Squadron RAF

Edwa rds Courtesy SK Taylor

Fi nd lay. J\ la xwcll Hut ch eon , FSL Bor n 17th Febr uary 1898 . in Aberdee n. spent his early life in Ca nada. RAeC Certificate No.6566. gai ned 6th Decem be r 1918 at Freiston. Served with the 1st Highland Cyclist Batta lion as a Lance Co rporal from the outbrea k of war. Joined RNAS on 26th Nove mber 19 16. Unde r instruc tion at Crystal Palace from 26th November 191 6 to 11th Janu ary 19 17. Under instruct ion at Vcndo me fro m 11th January 19 17 to 14th April 1'117. Under instruction at Cran wc l l from l -Ith April 191 7 to 6th Ju ne 1917. Dover on 6th June 19 17. No. 12 Squadro n from 10th June 1917 to 23rd June 191 7. No.6 Squadro n fro m 23 rd June 1'11 7 to 27th August 1917. No. 1 Squadro n from 29th August 191 7 to 3 Ist March 19 18. Ad mitted to No .3 General Hospita l o n 4th Oc tobe r 19 17. transferred to 1\'0 .5 1 Ge nera l Hospital. Discharged to duty o n 4th November 19 17. No.20 1 Squad ron RAF from l stA pril 19l S. Posted to Horne Estab lishment on 30th Jun e 1918. 1\'0.4 Fighting Sc hoo l fro m 6th Dece mber 191 8. No.7 Gro up from 19th i\lay 19 1'1. No.2 Squadro n RAF fro m 10th Ju ly 19 19.

/ 83

Findlay Courtesy EF Cheesman

A History of No .6 Squ adro n Royal Na val A ir Service ill World War 1

Pos te d to Ind ia. HQ a nd No .3 1 Sq uad ro n RAF from I Ith Dec embe r 19 19 . No .20 S q uad ro n RA F from 2nd January 1920 . No .3 Gro up from 15 th A p ril 19 2 1. No .20 7 Sq ua d ro n RA F fro m 4 th Ma y 19 2 1. No.3 9 S q uad ro n from 1st Ju nc 19 2 1. In I9 3()' s becam e sa lcs m anage r a nd Ily ing inst ructo r a t Broo k land s Sc hoo l o f Fly ing . To ok pa rt in the Joh an ne sbu rg A ir Race in O cto be r 1936 . fl ying a n Airspee d En vo y. C ra she d a nd wa s ki lled w he n tak ing o ff from a n a irfi e ld in No rthe rn Rhod e si a . DSC Ga zc llc d 17th A pril 19 18 . D FC G a ze ucd 3rd A ug us t 19 18 .

Co mba t reco rd with No .6 Squ adro n: 22 /7 /1 7 A lba tro s SCO UI Wcs t o f S tee ne 20/8 /1 7 A lba tro s sco ut M idd lck crk e Findl ay a lso mad e th e foll o wing c la ims w ith o the r sq uad ro ns : No . 1 Sq ua d ro n No .20 1 Sq ua d ro n RA F

17.50 0 7.20

O ut o f co ntro l O ut o f co ntro l

7 5

Fletc her, A lber ! II arT)' Viet o r, FS L Bo rn 24 th May 189 3 . a t Durban . Na ta l. RAc C Ce rtific ate No .285 3. ga ine d 10th 1\lay 19 16 at C h ing fo rd . Joi ncd RN AS o n I Ith Feb rua ry 19 16 . Under inst ruc tion a t C hing for d fro m 14 th Fe br uary 19 16 to l Sth Ju ne 19 16 . Unde r instru cti on a t Eastc h urc h fro m 18th Jun e 19 16 to 3rd Ju ly 19 16. Do ve r o n 3rd Jul y 19 16 . No .4 W ing fro m J uly 19 16. No .6 Sq ua d ro n fro m 27th No ve mbe r 19 16 to 29th Apri l 19 17 . with a peri od o f sic k le a ve from 3rd Fe bruary 191 7. S ho t do w n cas t o f Ha rcou rt o n 29th Ap ril 19 17 . injured a nd becam e a pri son er o f wa r. Eve ntua lly rep atri ated a nd ba c k in London on the 20th Jan ua ry 191 8. C OIII /U ll

29/4/ 17

record with No .6 So uadro n: A lba tro s sco ut

Eas t o f Harco urt

13. 15

Ou t o f co ntro l*

* S ha red w it h Nor to n

Fo rman , J u mes Hen ry, FSL

Flet cher

Courtesy EF Cheesman

Bo rn l s t Fe b rua ry 189 6. in Kirk ficld . O nta rio . Trai ned a t the C urt iss sc hoo l. To ron to b ut fai lc d to ga in c ert ific at e . Jo ined RNA S o n 17th Nov e m be r 1'116 . U nde r ins tructi o n a t C rys ta l Pa lacc from 17th Dece mb er 1'116 to 20 th Ja nuary 19 17 . Unde r ins tru c tio n a t Vc ndo mc fro m 20 th Janu ar y 1'117 to 2 8th A pril 19 17. Unde r in struc tion a t Cra nwc ll fro m 28 th Ap ril 1'117 to 2 nd Jul y 1'117 . No . 12 S q ua dro n fro m 12th Ju ly 191 7 to 18th J uly 1'117 . No .6 Sq uadro n fro m 18th J u ly 19 17 to 28th Jul y 191 7. wh e n wo unded in right shou lde r by bur st o f fire from a G e rma n o bse rver 's m ach ine g un. No . 1 S q uad ro n from 29 th Se pte m ber 1'117 to 3 1s t March 1'118 . No .20 1 Sq uadro n RA F fro m l s t A pril 19 18 to 2 1st Ma y 19 18 . With 70 sq ua d ro n RA F a s " A" Flight Co m ma nde r fro m 2 1st 1\lay 19 18 to Sth Se pte m be r 1'118 . w he n he wa s sho t do wn a nd be ca me a priso ne r o f wa r. Served w ith the RC A I' as a n ad m ini st rat io n o ffice r in the Sc co nd World War. D FC G a ze tte d 3rd A ug us t 191 8 . JII Fo rc ma n d ied o n th e 12 th O c tob e r 19 72 . COlli /W I record wi th No .6 Sqtuulron: 26 /7/1 7 A lba tro s sco ut SI. G eo rge 17 .50 27 /7 / 17 A lba tro s sco ut No rthe as t o f N ic u po rt 17 .10 South o f Wilsk erke 16 .15 28/7/1 7 A lba tro s sco ut Fo rm a n a lso m ade the fo llo win g c la ims w ith o the r sq uad ro ns :

1'\0. 1 Sq ua d ro n 1\'0 .20 1 Sq ua d ro n RA F No .70 Squadro n RA 1' 1

Ou t o f c ont ro l

Destroyed O ut o f co ntro l

3 4

Fram e, Rohcrt Bruce, FSL

Forem an

Courtesy SK Taylor

Born 25 th Jul y 1891 . fro m e w Ze a la nd . Jo ined RNA S o n 4 th Jun e 1'116 . U nder ins tru ctio n a t Cr ysta l Pa lace from -lth Jun e 19 16 . U nde r ins tru ctio n a t Eas ic hurc h from 24 lh J une 19 16 . U nde r in st ructi o n a t Ea src hurc h G u nne ry Schoo l from Sth O ct ob er 1'116 . Do ver o n 4 th No ve m be r 19 16 . No.4 Win g fro m Nove mbe r 191 6 .

184

A flflelldix C - Ros ter of Pilots

Admitted to Dun kc rquc Ho spital on 27 th Apri l 191 7. suffe ring from a ner vo us co ndition. Grain fro m n th June 19 17 performin g gro und duties. ~ I an s t o n Figh ting Sc hool fro m 24th Oc tob er 191 7. Under instruct ion at Cr an we ll from 17th No vember 1917. training as an instru ctor. C h ing for d , instruc ting from 29th No ve m be r 19 17. Rcdcar lnstructors Schoo l fro m 29t h April 19 18. Co mme nce d 6 months leave to ;>': cw Zealand from I81h ~ I ay 19 18. C aj( n icl·. Oliv er J oseph , FSt. Bo rn 13th Ja nuary 1896. from Mon tre al. Qu ebe c, RAcC Ce rtifica te ~ 0 . 3 3 9 7 . ga ine d 15th A ugu st 19 16 at the Curtiss schoo l. Toro nto. Joined R:"A S on 15th August 191 6. Undc r instr uct ion at Cr ysta l Palace fro m 17th Sept emb er 19 I6 to l-Ith October 19 16 . Unde r instru cti on at Cran wc ll fro m 14th O ct ob e r 191 6 to 7th Februa ry 19 17. Dover on 7th February 19 I7. ~ o . 6 Squadron from 241h f eb ruary 191 7 to II th :-'Iay 19 17. when shot do wn and ove rturned in ~o Mans Land at Villers Outrcaux, was ser ious ly inju red wi th gunsho t wo unds to arm and chest and had to have his le ft arm amputated. Sick lea ve from 11th May 19 17 to 10th Aug ust 191 7. Ca u e wa ter . gro und d uties from 10th Augu st 19 17 to December 191 7. Canadian Lea ve fro m December 19 17 to ~ I a rc h 19 I8. Canada as memb er o f recrui ting party fro m 13th J uly 191 8. Ass ista nt to the Pro vost Marsha l for the RAF in New York from 28th Se pte mber 19 I8. Tra nsferred to unem ployed list o n 17th Octob er 19 19. OJ Gagni er d ied in Nove mber 194 2.

Combat record with No.6 Squad ron: 10/5/17 A lbat ros SCO UI

~W

o f Fresnoy lc Grande

c ras hed

G ib h», Victnr Richard. FSt. Born 131h October 1893. from Finsbury Park. London . RAeC Ce rtificate ~ 0. 25 65 . ga ined 17th March 19 16 at Hendon. Previoux service as a Sub Lie utenant R:"VR w ith the R ~ A S Ar moured Car Division. Joined R ~ A S on 22ml January 19 16. Unde r instruction at Hend on fro m 30 th January 191 6. Undc r instruction :II Wh ite C ity fro m 25t h March 19 I6. Undc r instruct ion at East bo urne fro m 141h Apri l 191 6 . Admit ted to Haslar Hospita l o n 23rd May 191 6 suffering fro m Go nor rhoea . d ischarged as fit on the 24 th J uly 19 16. Unde r instruction at Cra nwcl l from 1st Sep temb er 191 6. Eas tchurc h War Fligh t from 23rd October 1916. Resu rveyed on 5t h No vember 19 16 and found to be unfit for duty. d ischa rged as fit on the 19th No vem ber 19 16. Dover on l Oth January 191 7. No .« Squ ad ron from Ist Feb ruary 19 17. No .7 Squ ad ron from 12th Februa ry 191 7. No , 14 Squadro n fro m 9th December 191 7. Adm itted to ~ o . 14 Genera l Hospital Wimcreu x on 18th Febr uary 19 I8. Ad mitted to No. 5 1 Genera l Ilosp ita l Eiuples on 2 1st Febr uar y 19 I8. Rep orted to Medical Board o n 14th May 19 17. DSC gazetted o n 17t h Nov ember 19 17. Cro ix de Guerrc wi th palm . Ser ved in RAF durin g Wo rld War II with rank o f Wing Commander. G uode rh um, G ru nt A rms t ru ng, FIA Born Sth January 189 2. from Tor on to . Ontario, RAeC Ce rtifica te :"0. I522 . gained 12th J uly 19 15 at the Curtiss School. Toron to . Jo ined R ~ A S on 131h July 19 15. Unde r instructio n at Ching ford from 8th Au gu st 191 5 to 17th Septem ber 191 5. Whitley Bay fro m 17th Septe mber 191 5 to 2 th March 19 16. A Squadro n I Wing from 291h Apri l 191 61 0 6th Dece mber 191 6 . No. I Squadron from 6th December 191 6 10 10th February 19 I7. Sid from 10th Fcbruury 191 7. re ported to Ad miralty for survey on 14th March 19 17. NAD Section o f the A ir Depa rtment o f the Ad mira lty from 17th March 19 17. Martlesham Heath as test pilot from -lth Junc 191 7 to 6th June 19 17. No .6 Sq uadron fro m 7th J une 191 7 to n Ih August 191 7. ~ 0 . 2 Squ ad ro n (A Fligh t) from 3rd Se ptember 19 17 to 28t h Jan uar y 191 8. Rcdcar fro m 29th Janu ary 19 I8 to 24th Apri l 1918. Cra nwc ll on instru ctiona l slaff from 7th :-'1 ay 19 I8 . 203 T DS from 12th Au gust 19 18 to Decemb er 19 1 . GA Gooderham took his own life on the 2nd May 19 19. Cro ix de Gu crre (France) gazetted on 2 1sl Septem ber 19 1S. DFC gazetted o n Ist Januar y 191 9.

/ 85

Gagnie r Courtesy SK Toylor

Gibbs Courtesy RAeC Trust

Gooderham Courtesy Fleet AirArm Museum

A Hist o ry I!{ No .6 Squadron ROYIII N il 1'111A ir Se rvi ce ill World \\{Ir I

COIIII"'1 record 1\';111 No.6 Squadro n: 23 /7 /1 7 A lhat ro s sco ut

Moerc

20. 15

O ut o f co ntro l

lI all . A r th u r Ed win. FS L Born Sth Jan ua ry 189 8. fro m Ba lham . Lo ndon . RAc C Ce rt ifica te 1'1 0.4 118. ga incd 15th No ve m be r 19 I6 at C ra nwc ll. Jo ined RNAS o n 20 th J u ly 19 I6 . ndc r ins truc tio n a t C ry sta l Pa lace fro m 23rd Ju ly 19 I6 to 12t h A ug ust 19 16 . Unde r ins truct io n a t C ra nw c ll fro m 12th A ug us t 191 6 to 15th Ja nua ry 191 7 . ndc r ins tru c tio n at Eas rch urc h from 15th Ja nua ry 19 17 to 22 nd Fe bruary 19 17. Do ver o n 22 nd Fcbruar y 191 7. No .6 Sq uadro n from 8th Ma rc h 191 7 to 5 th A pr il 19 17 . 1'10, 11 Sq uadro n from 2 1st A pril 19 17 to 5th May 19 17 . crashcd N ic upo rt 2 1 aft er p rac tice Il ig ht. fra ctu re d th ig h a nd ho s pital iscd

Hall Courtesy RAeC Trust

H umilt ou -B o wyc r, S ta n ley A r t h u r. FSL Born 28th A ugu st 1895 . Fro m Lo ndon . Jo incd the RNA S o n 1st O c tobe r 19 16 . Unde r ins truc tion a t C rys ta l Pa lacc from l st O c to be r 19 16 . Unde r Ins truc tio n a t C h ing fo rd from 11th Nove m be r 19 16 . Unde r ins tru c tion at Cr a nwc ll from I I th A pr il 191 7. Unde r instru ctio n at Frc is to n fro m I I th J uly 19 17 . Do ve r from 23rd J uly 191 7 to 13t h A ug ust 19 17. 1'10. 12 S q uadro n fro m l-lth A ug ust to 22 nd A ugu st 19 17 . No .6 Sq ua d ro n from 22 nd A ug us t 19 17 to 27 th A ug us t 19 17 . 1'1 0 , 10 Squ adro n fro m 30 th A ug us t 19 17 to 29 th Nove m ber 19 17. tran sfe rre d to C ra nw c ll w hilst o n lea ve . C ra nwc ll fro m 15 th Decembe r 19 17 to 27 th Decem be r 19 17. Ma uston Wa r f-lig ht fro m 30 th Dec e m ber 19 17 to 3 1st M a rc h 191 8 . Ha mi lto n- Bo wyc r made th e fo llow ing c la ims w ith o the r sq uad ro ns : 1'10. 10 Sq uad ro n

Hartgill Courtesy RAeC Trust

H u rt u ill . G c o rgc Lc igh . FS L Born l-lth A p ril 1889 . fro m Fcil d ing . No rth Is la nd . Ne w Zca la nd. RAc C Ce rt ifica te 1'1 0 .2 245 . ga inc d 29 th Dece mb e r 19 15 a t Ea stc hurch. Jo ined RNA S on 22 nd Nove m be r 19 15 . Undc r ins tru ctio n a t Eas tc hurc h fro m 22 nd Nove mbe r 19 15 to 10th Fe b rua ry 191 6. No .4 Wing at Eas tc h urc h fro m 10 th Fe b rua ry 19 16. Ea stc hurc h Wa r Flig ht fro m 19 th J une 191 6 . D unk crq ue on 26 th June 191 6 . 4 W ing fro m 26 th Jun e 19 16 . No .6 Sq ua dro n from 27 th No ve mbe r 191 6 to 3 1st Ma rc h 191 7 , Pe riod in I lo spita l fo r o pe ra tio n o n Icg fro m 30 th Janua ry 19 17to 3rd M arc h 19 17 . Ad m itte d to ho spita l w ith a hern ia o n 3 1st Ma rc h 19 17. Ro syth , g ro und du ties fro m 23 1'£1 Au gu st 19 17 to 18th O c tob e r 191 7 . Ro syth Scap la uc Dcp o t from l Sth O c to be r 19 17 to 18t h Fe bru ary 19 18 . Tu rn ho use from 18th Fe b rua ry 19 18 to 1st l\ lay 19 18 . Co m ma nd ing O ffic e r o f Flee t A irc ra ft De po t fro m I st May 1918 Po sted to une m ploye d list o n 17th Ma rch 191 9 . C ivilia n occ upatio n s hee p ta n ner, Ad m inistra tio n O fficc r w it h RNZA F In itia l T rain ing W ing in Wor ld War II. G L I lart g ill d ied o n 17t h Ma y 1964 a t Pal me rsto n No rt h. Ne w Zc a land . Holym au , Victu r C live , FS L Bor n 27th A ug us t 1894 . from De vo nport , Tasmania. Jo incd RNA S on 18th Ju ne 191 6. U nde r instruc tion a t C ry sta l Pa lacc fro m l Sth June 19 16 to Sth Ju ly 19 16 . Under in st ru c tio n at C hing ford fro m Sth Ju ly 19 16 to 231'£1 Oc tob er 191 6 . Unde r instruc tio n at C ra nw c ll fro m 23 rd O cto ber 19 16 to 17th Nove m be r 19 16 , No .3 W ing fro m 17th No ve m be r 191 6 to 9 th Mar c h 19 17 . 1'10 , 11 Sq ua d ro n fro m 10t h Marc h 19 17 to 26 th May 19 17 . No .6 Sq ua d ro n fro lll 27th M ay 19 17 to 14 th Ju ly 19 17 . on sick lea ve unt il 2 nd O c to be r 191 7 . Manston Wa r Sc hoo l fro m 2nd O c tobe r 191 7 to 29 th O c to ber 191 7 . Ma rtlcsh a m Hea th fro m 29 th O c to ber 19 17 . In 19 32 fo unded Hol ym a n Bro thcr s PT Y Lt d in co nj unc tio n w ith his bro ther Iva n Ho ly man . A me rger w ith L McK Joh nston fo rme d Ta s ma nian Ae ria l Se rvice s Ltd .. w hic h thc n bec a me l lol ym a n 's A irways PTY o n 1st O c tob er 1934 . Vic tor Ii o ly ma n d icd o n 19th O c tob er , 1934 . o ve r Ba ss S tra it in " Mi ss Hoba rt" . a D118(, w hic h bc lon gcd to hi s a irl ine ,

Holyman Courtesy SKTaylor

186

Apn endi» C - Roster of Pilots

Kee ble, LOllis C leme nt, FLt Born 22 nd July 1893. fro m Kensington. Lond on. RAcC Ce rtificate No . 153 1. ga ined 29th July 191 5 at lias tbo urn c . Joi ned RNAS on 12th i\lay 19 15. U nder instruction at Eas tbo urne fro m 12th i\lay 191 5 to 2nd Se pte mbe r 19 15. Dct ling from 2nd Se ptembe r 19 15 to I Ith April 191 6. Du nkerqu c on II th April 19 16 . Chingford to 8th Janu ary 191 7. Do ve r on Sth Jan uary 191 7. No .6 Sq uadro n from Fe bruary 19 17to 24th Ap ril 19 17. Man ston from 25 th April 1917 to 22ml April 191 8. Rcdcar, instruct ing . from 22ml Apri l 191 8 to 6th May 19 18. Mau ston from 6th May 191 8. Ke nd al l, Edward II cxt . FSI. Born 6th Ju ly 1895. fro m l leswall. Cheshire. RAcC Certificate No.45 28. gai ned 2 1st April 191 7 at Chingford . Previously se rve d in the T hird Batta lion o f the Duke o f Cornw all's Light Infantry with thc rank o f 2nd Lieut enan t. Joined RNAS on 14th January 191 7. Under instructi on at Crysta l Pa lace fro m 14 th Januar y 19 17 to 17th February 19 17. Under instruction at Ching ford fro m 17th Feb ruary 19 17 to 15th June 191 7. Dover on 15th June 191 7. No . 12 Squadro n fro m 27th J une 191 7 to 4th J uly 19 17. No .6 Sq uadro n fro m 4th J uly 19 17 to 12th Ju ly 19 17. killed whe n shot down in flumes ncar S lypc.

Keeble Courtesy Fleet Air Arm Museum

Kin!:sfonl. Mnurice Rooke, FSI. Born 7th April 1892. from To ron to. Ontar io. RAcC Ce rtifica te No .2537 . ga ined 5th March 19 16 at the Gra ha mc-Whitc schoo l. Hendon , Previously se rve d in the 30 th Batta lion o f the Ca nadian Expe d itionary Force with the rank o f Lieu-

-,-

tenant. Joined RNAS on 15th Decemb er 191 5 . Unde r instruction at He ndon fro m 6th Januar y 19 16 to 16th March 191 6. Unde r instruct ion at Wh ite C ity fro m 16t h Xla rch 191 6 to 14 th Ap ril 191 6. Unde r instr uction at Eas tbournc fro m 14 th April 191 6 to 8th July 19 16. Unde r instruction at Cranwc ll fro m Sth J uly 19 16 to 22nd August 191 6. No .3 Wing fro m 22 nd August 19 16 to 7th Mar ch 191 7. No . 1 Wing from 7th i\larch 191 7. No. 11 Squadro n fro m Mar ch 191 7 to 2nd Ap ril 191 7 No .6 Sq uadron fro m 3rd Ap ril 191 7 to 5th April 19 17. whc n brok e leg in crash fo llowin g eng ine failure. Sick fro m 5th Apr il 19 17 to 17th July 19 17. at 14th Genera l Hospital. Boulognc. Dover on 17th July 19 17. Walm e r De fence Fligh t from 24th July 191 7. No . 12 Squadro n from 23 rd September 19 17 to 26 th Septe mber 191 7. No.8 Squadro n fro m 27 th September 191 7 to 30th Janu ary 19 18. Unde r instruction at Cranwe ll Instructor 's Schoo l fro m 30th Jan uary 19 18 to 14 th Febru ary 19 18. Man sion , instructing. from 14th Feb ruary 19 18 to 12th Se ptember 19 18. No.3 Tra ining gro up as ass istant instructor fro m 12th September 191 8. 55T DS Iro m l J th September 191 8 to 7th Octo ber 19 18 to 11th Febru ary 19 19 . with a period in hospi ta l fro m 7th Octob er 19 17 to I Ith Octob er 19 18. M R Kingsford dicd on the 30 th Au gu st 197 3 . Kirk pa tric k. C enrge Deni son , FLt Born 25 th August 1896. fro m Tor on to. Ont ario . RAcC Certificate No .320 1. ga ined 19 th J une 19 16 at Eastbo urnc . Joi ned RNAS on 7th Feb rua ry 191 6. Unde r instructi on at I IMS Victory fro m 27 th Febru ary 19 16 . Unde r instr uction at Fishguard fro m Marc h 19 17 to 17th Ap ril 19 16. nder instructio n at Wh itc C ity from 17th April 19 16 to 25 th April 19 16. Unde r instru ction at Eastbournc fro m 25 th Apr il 19 16 to 22ml July 19 16. Under instruction at Eastchu rc h from 22 ml Jul y 19 16 to 6th August 191 6 . Under instruction at East For tun e fro m 7th August 19 16 to 28th August 19 16. Unde r instruct ion at Aberdee n from 29th August to 23 rd Septembe r 19 16. No.3 Wing fro m 14 th Sep tember 19 16 to 7th March 191 7. No . 1 Wing on 7th j\ larch 191 7. No. 11 Sq uadro n fro m 8th March 191 7 to 4th April 19 17. NO.6 Squadro n from 5th Ap ril 19 17 to 19th Aug ust 191 7. wounded in acrash landin g and hospita lised in Eng land. Slough o n co mpass co urse on 5th No vembe r 19 17. Ca nad ian leave from l Sth Dece mber 19 17. Yarmout h from l Sth May 19 18. Yarmout h. No .4 G roup from Sth Aug ust 19 18 to 14th February 19 19.

187

Kendall Courtesy RAeC Trust

Kingsfor d Courtesy RAeC Trust

II History of No.6 Squa dron Royal Na val Ai r Ser vice ill I\'o rld I\'ar I

La wson . Ha rold, FSL Born 15t h Ap ril 1897 . From Gos fort h. Nort humber land . Joined the RNAS on 11th June 19 16 . Unde r inst ruct ion at Crysta l Pa lace 2 1st J une 191 6 to Ist J uly 191 6 . Unde r instructio n at Eas tbo urnc Ist Jul y 191 6 to Ist Sept ember 19 16 . Under instru ct ion at Cranwc ll from 1st Sep te mber 191 6 to 22IH! January 19 17. Do ver on nIH! January 191 7. 6( N) fro m I Ith February 191 7 to 27 th Augu st 191 7. 10(N) from 28th Augu st 19 17 to 19t h September 191 7. tran sferr ed to I Wing. Dover n IHI No vember 19 17. Unde r instruct ion at Cranwe ll, instruc tor s co urse . fro m 26th Novem ber 191 7 to 16th Dece mber 191 7. Ching ford , instructing. from 16th December 191 7. 20 7T DS afte r Ist Apri l 19 18. On RAF une mp loyed list 23rd January 191 9.

Kirkpatrick Courtesy EFCheesman

j\ l a q .:regor, Nor m a n i\ l i~ rs , FS L Born 29th May 1896 . From Lond on . RAeC Certifica te No . 3 135. ga ined 1st June 191 6 at Chingford . Joined the RNAS on 12th February 191 6 . Unde r instru ction at Fishguar d from 27 th Februa ry 191 6 . Under instruction at White C ity fro m 17th April 1916. Under instruc tion at Ching ford from 25th Ap ril 19 16. nder instruetion at Eastchurch fro m 8th July 191 6. 3 Wing from Ist August 19 16. I Wing from 9th ~ I arch 19 17. NO. I I Sq uadro n fro m 15th March 191 7. No .6 Sq uad ron from 22nd April 191 7to 27 th Aug ust 19 17. No . IO Sq uadron from 28th August 19 17 to 28th January 19 18. Eastchurch fro m 28th Ja nuary 1918 for disposal. Martlcsha m Hcath from 26 th Feb ruary 1918 to 16th April 1918. Furious on 16th Apr il 19 18 for dispo sal. Eastchurch and Leysdown . instructor. fro m 27th April 19 18. DSC ga ze tted on 22 nd Fe bruary 19 18.

COli/hat record with No.6 Squad ron: 2817117 2-sea ter 17/811 7 2-seater 20/8/ 17 2-seater 22/8/ 17 A Ibatros scout

Lawson Courtesy EFCheesman

Nicup or t E of Wcstcndc Mocrc N of SI. Pie rre Cappel Ie

16.00 18.15 10 .50 09A5

Crashed " Cras hed ** Ou t of co ntro l*** Destroyed

* sha red with Winter ** share d with de Roepe r and Carro ll *** shared wi th de Roeper Macgregor also made the fo llowing claims with other sq uadro ns: No. IO Sq uadron

3

:'\ la c La r~ n.

C olin Templ e, Fed l' Born 27 th April 189 1. from Ric hmond . Sur rey. Wor ked as a Cotto n Broker in Bomb ay. RAeC Cert ifica te No . 1306. ga ined 6th Jun e 19 15 at C hingford . Pre viou s ly served in the Lahore Divis ional S igna l Co mpany in Augu st 191 4 as a Mo tor Desp atch Rider with the rank of Cor pora l. Join ed RNAS on 16t h Ap ril 191 5. Under instru ction at l lendon fro m 16th April 1915 to 22IH! Ju ly 19 15 . At Do ve r o n nl1(! J uly 19 15. At Du nkcrquc on 23 rd Septe mber 191 5 . Eastchurch from 30th Dece mber 19 15 to 12th January 19 16. Ce ntral Flying Sch oo l fro m 12th Jan uary 191 6 to Ist April 19 16 . Cranwe ll from 1st Ap ril 19 16 to 26th Ap ril 19 16. Yarmouth fro m 26th April 191 6 to 5th ~l a y 19 16. No A Wing at East church fro m 5th :'\Iay 1916t o 16t h Se pte mbe r 19 16 Do ver on 16t h Sep tembe r 1916 . NoA Wing from 16th Sep tember 191 6. No.7 Squadro n fro m 27th Novembe r 191 6. NO.6 Squa dron fro m January 1917 to 14th August 19 17. Command ing O fficer of the Wa lmer De fence Flight fro m 14th August 191 7. Co mma nd ing O fficer of No .6 Squad ron from Ist January 191 8 to 3 1st Murch 191 8. Command ing Offi cer of No .206 Sq uadron RAF from 1st Ap ril 19 18 to 23rd May 19 19. Cro ix de Gucrre (B) gazetted on 15th July 19 19. a BE gazetted on 15th Ju ly 191 9. Macgregor Courtesy EFCheesman

188

App end ix C - Roster oj Pilots

~ la eLe nnan,

George G or d on. FCdr Born 26th January 1886. fro m Euge nia, O nta rio. RAeC Ce rtificate No .205 8. ga ined 8th No ve mber 19 15 at the Curtiss school. Toro III o . Jo ined RNAS on l l th Nove mbe r 191 5. Under instr uction at Centra l p lying Sc hoo l fro m Decem ber 19 15 to l l th March 19 16. Ce ntra l Flying Schoo l as an Ass ista nt Instructor from l l th March 19 16 to II th April 191 6 . Unde r instruction at Eastchurch fro m l l th April 191 6 10 30lh April 19 16. No.3 Wing (initially at Del ling) fro m 30 lh Ap ril 191 6 to 7th March 191 7. No. 1 Wing on 7th March 19 17. No. 11 squadro n fro m 71h March 19 17 to 18th April 191 7 . No.6 Squadro n fro m 19th April 1917 to 20th Jul y 19 17. killed in ac tion d uring an e ngageme nt with ene my aircra ft over M iddl c ke rk e. Cro ix de Guerrc (France) .

Combat record with No.6 Souad rou: 1/6/1 7 A lba tros scout 20/7/1 7 2-sea ter

Eo I' Tcmpl eux Lc Gu erard NW o f Wilskerkc

18.55 14 .30

Out o f co ntro l Out of co ntro l

~ I a u nd ,

lI ug h Bing ham, FSL Born 30lh Mny 189 6. From Hampstead. Lon don . Se rved in Sth Batta lion . Canad ian Expeditionary Force. with ra nk o f Lieu tenant. Joined the R lAS on 6th Nove m be r 191 6 . Under instr uction at Crystal Palace fro m l Uth Decemb er 19 16. Under instructio n at Eastchurch from 27th Jan uary 191 7. Admitted 10 Cha tham Hospit al on 91h Apri l 191 7, with head in juries. Under instruction at Cranwe ll fro m 13th Ap ril 191 7. Dover on IOlh May 191 7. No . 12 Squadron from 2 1st July 19 17 to 26th Jul y 191 7. No .6 Squadro n fro m 26th July 1918 10 27th August 191 8. No. IO Squadro n from 28th August 191 7 to 3 1st Ma rch 1918 . No .2 10 Squadro n RAF from I st April 191 8 10 28 th May 191 8. when wo unded in hands. No .204 Squadro n RAF fro m Jan uary 19 19. becom ing Command ing Offi ce r on 23rd Jan uary. to 3 1s t December 191 9. Maun d made the follow ing c la ims wi th other squadro ns:

No. IO Squadro n No .2 10 Squ ad ron RA F

Macl aren Courtesy Erme Jupe

2 9

No r ton, E rn es t Wi lliam , FCd r Born l-lth May 1893. From Mon tgom ery, Po wys, RAeC Certifica te No . 1476. ga ined 291h J uly 19 15 at Ce ntral Flying Sc hoo l. Upavo n. Joi ned RNAS o n 25 th Muy 19 15. Under instruction at Eastbo urne fro m 25 th May 191 5. Under instr uction at Ce ntral Flyin g Schoo l. Upavon to 281h August 19 15 . No .5 Squadro n at Dov er. as Eng ine Off icer. fro m 281h Au gu st 19 15. A Squadron. I Wing from June 191 6 10 6t h December 19 16 . No. 1 Squadro n from 6th Decem ber 191 6 to 3 1st January 19 17. No .6 Squadron fro m 3 1st January 19 17 10 l-lth May 191 7. No . 12 Squadro n. Command ing Officer from Ist J uly 191 7 to 15th Sep tember 191 7. No.9 Squadron. Co mmand ing Of fice r from 15th Septembe r to 12th Jan ua ry 191 8. Cranwc ll from 12th Jan uar y 191 8. No.204 Sq uadro n RAE Co mma nding Of fice r from 27th Ju ly 19 18 to 10th Dece mber 19 18. Gra nted pe rmanent co mmission in RAF on the ISl August 191 9. reached the rank o f Air Co mmodore. School of Tec hnica l Tra ining (boys) on sta ll fro m 2 1st Febru ar y 1920. No.6 Armoured Ca r Com pany. Co mmanding O fficer from 15th December 1924 . No .70 Squadron Commandi ng O ffice r fro m I st Decem ber 1925. No .58 Squadro n. Co mma nding O ffice r from 28th July 1927. RAF Worthy Dow n. on staff fro m 7th Decemb e r 1928. temporary Co mmanding Officer fro m Ma rch 192 9. No.58 Squadro n. Command ing O fficer fro m 181h Ap ril 1929. RAF Upa von, Co mma nding Office r from 18t h Aug ust 1930 . 1\0.5 FTS . Co mmanding O ffice r fro m 23rd J uly 1932. AOA IIQ Coastal Co mmand. fro m 15th February 1937. AOA HQ RAf Far East. from 28th Decem ber 1937. Ret ired in 1944. DSC. gaze tted on 1st January 191 7 . Cro ix de Guerre (Belg ian) gaze tted on 151h Ju ly 191 9. Cro ix de Guerre (Fre nch).

Macl ennan Courtesy EF Cheesman

Maund Courtesy EF Cheesman

/ 89

A History of No.6 Squa dron Royal Na vul Air Service in World War I

COli/hat record wi th No .6 Sq uadron: S/2/17 2-seate r Ho uthulst Forest A lbatros scout 5/4/17 W of Dou ai A lba tros scout W o f Dou ai 5/4/ 17 <)/4/ 17 Al ba tro s scout Cam brai A lba tros sco ut <)/4 / 17 Ca m brai 2<)/4/ 17 A lba tros sco ut E of Ha rco urt 29/4/ 17 A lba tros scout G uis e 29/4/ 17 A lba tros scout Gui se " sha red with Th orn e "" sha red wi th Flet che r No rton al so mad e the fol low ing cl aims wit h othe r sq uadro ns:

17.0 0 17.00 11,45 12.00 13.1 5 IS.55 IS.5 0

O ut of co ntro l. smo king Destroyed in fla mes Out o f co ntro l Dest roy ed " Out of co ntrol Out of co ntro l t " Dest ro yed in fla mes O ut of co nt ro l

I Wing

No rt o n Courtesy Les Rogers

Or m erod . Leo nard Willi a m . FSL Born 25 th June IS96 . from Ru ssell Square. Lo nd on . RA eC Certi ficat e ;'\0.26 31 ga ined 30 th Ma rc h 19 16 at I iall sc hoo l. l lc ndo n, Jo ined RN AS o n 3rd A pri l 19 16. nde r instructio n at W h ite Ci ty fro m 10 th Apri l 191 6 . Unde r instru c tion at C hingfo rd fro m 20t h May 191 6. Unde r ins truc tio n at C ra nw c ll fro m 30 th J une 191 6. Do ver o n 17th Oc tob er 19 I(,. 4 Win g from Oc to ber 191 6 No .6 Sq uadron fro m 27 th Nov em ber 19 16. i':o .7 Sq uadron fro m (,th Jan ua ry 191 7. No .5 Squadron from 15t h A pril 19 17 to 16 th March 19 IS whe n ki lled in actio n. bu ried a t Lc Cat ca ll. DSC gaze tte d on 2nd Nov e m ber 19 17. Paynt e r. J oh n de Cum phou rn e. FSL Born 17th Ma y IS9 8 . Fro m Souih sca . Ha mpsh ire. RA eC Ce rtificate i':o .3659 . ga ined 16th Se ptember 19 16 at C h ingford . Unde r ins tr uc tio n at C rys ta l Pa lace from 25th Jun e 191 6 . Unde r ins truc tio n at Chingford from 15th J uly 19 16. Unde r ins truc tio n at Cr an wcl l fro m 13th No vem ber 1916. Do ver o n 29 th No vember 191 6. No.6 Squadron fro m Janu ary 1917 to 91h Ap ril 19 17. whe n ho sp itali sed wi th a n inju red back foll ow ing a crash during a storm . ;'\0 .12 Squ ad ro n from 9 th to 151h O c to ber 19 17. :"10. 10 Squ ad ron from 16th Oc tob e r 191 7 to 25th Oc to ber 191 7. No .9 Squ adron fro m 25 th Oc tob er 19 17 to 26 th Octob e r 191 7. Dun kc rqu c . gro und d ut ies. from 26 th October 191 7 to 2n d Ja nua ry 19 IS Seapl an e defe nce Squ udr on /N o .l J Sq uadro n from 2nd Ja nua ry 19 IS to 3 1st Mar c h 19 1S. i':o.2 13 Sq uad ron RAF from Ist April 191 8 to 1\ th June 19 1S. when fat all y wounded by bomb fra gm e nts duri ng an a ir ra id o n 2 13 Sq uad ron 's ae rod ro me . Admitted to Q ueen A lex andria ho spital. di ed o f pe rfo rat ed live r. () FC ga ze tte d o n 17th April 19 IS.

O rmerod Courtesy EFCheesman

COli/hat record with No .6 Squ udro n: 1/3/17 2-sea te r G histcl lcs Pa ynter a lso made the fo llo wi ng cla ims w ith o the r squadro ns : No .9 Squa dro n i':o . 13 Sq uadro n ;'\0 .2 13 Sq uadron RA F

I 4 5

Perre tt. C la ud e. FSL Born 11th Novem ber IS96. from G rea t Yarmo ut h. Nor fol k. RAe C Ce rtificate i':o . 1473. ga ined o n 27 lh J uly 1915 at Eas tc hur ch, Pre vio usly se rved wi th Ro ya l Aus tra lian i':ava l Reser ve in 19 14. Jo ined Ri':AS o n 12th /l. lay 1915. nder instruc tion a t Winde rmere fro m 12th ~I a y 1915 . ndc r instructi on at Ch ing ford . Eustc hurch War Flight fro m 21 sl Jul y 1915 . i':o ,4 Wing from 3rd Sept ember 191 5. :"10.7 Sq uadro n from 27 th No vem ber 19 16 . i':o.6 Squ ad ron from 16th Ja nua ry 191 7. No.7 Squ ad ron fro m 23 rd January 191 7. :"10.2 Squ ad ron from 23r d Ap ril 19 17.

Paynter Courtesy EF Cheesman

190

Out o f co ntro l

Appendix C - Roster of l'ilots

Petre, J ohn .losc ph, SCdr Born I Ith April 1 8 9~ . Fro m Ingall ston c. Essex . RAeC Certificate :\ 0 . 9~ 2 . ga ined 141h Octobe r 191 ~ at East bourne . Jo ined RNAS on 171h Se ptember 191~ . Under instruct io n at Eastbourn c fro m 17th Septe mber 1914 to 27lh Octo be r 1914 . Under instruct ion at Eastc hurch from 27th October 191~ to 121h January I'J 15. At RNAS Grain from 12th January 1915 to 12th February 1915. To I Wing Dunkcrqu e on l Zth February 1915. Inj ured in inciden t with FilA Flyin g Boat seria l Ll l-l on 2~ t h Muy 1'J15. Commandin g O ffice r o f Il Group I Wing from 30th Dece mber 1915. A Squ adron I Wing from earl y June 191 6 to 6th Decemb er 1916. No.1 Squadron from 6th Decem ber 1916 to 3 1st Decemb er I'J 16. No.4 Wing in Jan uary 1917. Co mmandi ng Of ficer of :\0.6 Sq uadron fro m February 191 7 to l J th April 1917, killed when his Nieu port broke lip whi lst divi ng at a target on a gunnery range. DSC gazetted on nnd Ju ne 1916. Cro ix de G ue rre (Fra nce) . Pe tre made the follow ing c laims with o the r squadrons: A Sq uadron I Wing Pluist o wc, David . FSL Born 28th March 1898. from Wakefield . Yorkshire. RAeC Certi ficate No.3667. ga ined lst October I'J 16. al Chingford. Pre viously served in RNAS with rank of A,\ 1.2 at Roehampto n. Co nfi rmed as a probationary Flighr Sub Lieuten ant on the 18th July 19 16. ndc r instru ct ion at Crystal Palace from 23rd Ju ly I'J 16 to l Zth August I'J 16. Unde r instru ction at C hing ford from 12th Augu st 191 6 to -lth Decemb er 19 16. ndcr instructi on at Cran wcll from ~th Decem ber I'J 16 to 30t h December I'J 16. Westgate fro m 30th Dece mbe r I()16 to 10th January I'J 17. At Do ver on lOth Ja nuary 1'J17. NO.6 Squa dro n from l Zth Febru ary I'J 17 to 25t h Apr il 1917. then to hosp ita l in Eng land . Hendon fro m 6th Jun e 191 7 to 9t h April 1918. Martlcsh am Heath from 91hApri l 19 18

Pet re Courtesy Mike O'Connor

Puwles. G corl:c Pa ul et, FSL Bo rn 121h March 1897. from Ken singto n, London . RAeC Certificate 1'0 .2560 . ga ined 16th March 191 6 at the Gracme-White scho ol. Hendon. Pre viously served with rank o f Private in the London Regime nt. Joined RNAS on 24th Dece mber I'J 15. nder instr uction at Hen don from 19th Jan uary 19 16to 23rd ;"Iarch 19 16. Under instr uction at White C ity from 23rd Marc h 1916 to l-Ith Ap ril 19 16. Under inst ruction at Eastbournc from l-lth April 1916to 151h Ju ne 19 16. Under instruction at C ranw ell from 15th Ju ne 1'J16 to 28th Augu st 1'J16. Dover on 28th August 19 16. No.4 Wing from Se pte mber I'J 16. No.6 Sq uadro n from -lth February 1917 to 26th Febru ary 1917. when intern ed in Holland afte r suffer ing dama ge from ground fire and makin g a forced land ing at Cadza nd. Zee land. Plaistowe Courtesy RAeC Trust Redpath , Ron ald Fru ncis, FLt Bo rn 7th Ju ly 1888. Fro m Montreal. Canada. Unde r instruct ion at Curtiss schoo l. Toro nto. from 30th August I'J 15 to 3rd Nove mber 1915. did not finish co urse hut j oined RNAS on lst Dece mher I'J 15 as a Probationary Flight Sub Lieu ten ant in Ottawa without an I'AI Ce rtificate. Under instruct ion at Ching ford from 20 th Decemb er 1915. RAeC Cert ificate 24 18 gained on Sth Febru ary I'J 16 at Chingford . Under instruction at Crysta l Palace from lsI I\lay 1916 to 20th I\lay 1916. Under instruction at Eastchurch Gunn ery choo l from 20t h ;"Iay 191 6 to 6th August I'J 16. :\0.3 Wing from 7th August 1'J16 (at M a nsio n ) 10 14th March 1917. :\0. 11 Squadro n fro m 15th Murch 191 7 to 21s1April 1'J17. :\0.6 Squadron from n lHf Ap ril I'J 17 to l J th Augu st 1917 . Sick from 2 1st June to 5th Augu st. 1'0. 11 Sq uadron from 15th August to Ist September 1917. No.3 Squad ron. temporary atta chment from 2nd September to 23rd Sept ember 191 7. No. IO Squadro n from 23r d Sep temb er to 141h Dece mber I'J 17. 20 I T DS Cra nwe ll from 27th Dece mber I'J 17 to 10th June 19 18. Rcdca r 10t h June 1'J 18 to 22nd June 1'J18. Cranwc ll n nd June I'J IS to 18th No vember I'J 18. No.20'J Sq uadron RAI' from 18th Novc nrbc r I'J 18 to 'Jth :-'Iarch I'J I'J: Cra nwc ll 'Jth March I'J I'J to 2~ lh Apri l I'J 19. To unem ployed list on 2~ t h Apri l I'J I'J. Became a post-war d irec tor of the Canadian Air Force . Red path died o n 11th January 1970.

/ 9/

Powles Courtesy RAeC Trust

A Histo ry of No.6 Sq uadron Roya l Na val Air Se rvice in \\'orld Wa r I

Comhtu record with No.6 Squadron: 6/6/ 17 A lba tro s sc o ut i'\W of C a m brai Red pa th mad e the foll o win g c la im s w ith o the r sq uad ro ns :

12. 00-1 2.1 5

Ou t o f co ntro l

No .3 S q uadro n Ree ves . Fa h ia n Pemb er, I'Ll Bo rn 12t h De ce mb er 189 5. from Lo ndo n. Jo ined RNAS o n l Sth J u ly 19 15 . Pre viou s ly se rve d with the OT C fro m 19 14 to 19 15 . Unde r ins truc tio n a t H MS Vic to ry fro m l Sth Ju ly 19 15 to 15t h Au gu st 191 5 . Unde r instru c tio n a t Ea stch urc h from 15th A ug us t 19 15 to 1s t O c tob er 19 15 . i'\o 4 Sq ua dro n fro m Is t O ct ob er 19 15 to 23rd No ve m be r 191 5 . I le ndo n fro m 23rd Nov e m be r 191 5 to 22 11(1 f e b rua ry 19 16 . Ya rmou th from 22nd Feb ru ar y 191 6 to 15t h Ju ly 191 6 . Ea stc hu rc h fly ing sc hoo l as a tempor ar y in stru c tor from 15th Ju ly 19 16 to 2 nd O ct ob e r 19 16. Adm ira lty A ir Dep a rt me nt. M S ectio n from 2nd O cto be r 191 6 to 10 th Marc h 191 7. Do ve r o n 10 th Ma rch 19 17 . '0 .6 S q ua d ro n from II th Ma rc h 191 7 to 6th June 191 7. w he n his N ic upo rt 17 Bis br ok e up in th e a ir d uring c o m ba t o ver Mo e vrc s.

Redpath Courtesy EF Cheesman

Shaw Courtesy EF Cheesman

Siedle Courtesy RAeC Trust

Ru th ven. .lnhn Ed ga ,·. FSL Born 2 2nd Ju ly 1895 . from Ke nda ll. We su uo rland RAeC Ce rt ific a te 1'10.360 6 o bta ine d o n 26th S e pte m be r 1916 at Ch ing fo rd . Jo ined RNAS o n 14 th M ay 19 16 . Unde r ins truction at C ry sta l Pal ace from 14th Ma y 191 6 . Unde r instru c tio n at C h ingfon l from 3rd Ju ne 19 16 . Unde r instr uction at C ra nwc ll fro m -lth No ve m be r 19 16. Do ve r o n 17t h Nove m be r 191 6 . No.4 Win g from 18th No ve mbe r 19 16 . No .? Sq uad ron fro m Ja nuary 19 17 . Admitted to Chartharn Ho sp ital o n 24 th A pril 191 7 s u ffe ring from C onj unc tivitis. Disc harged fit o n 20 th June 19 17 . Do ver o n 27 th Ju ne 19 17. S ur ve ye d o n 12t h Se pte m be r 191 7 a nd fo und unfit. Re su rve yed o n 12 th No ve mbe r 19 17 a nd fo und un fit for furth er fly ing b UI fit for g ro und du ties . nd e r instr uct io n at S lo ugh o n Co m pas s c o urs e fro m 19 th Nove m be r 191 7 . Ea s t Fo rtu ne A irs hip S ta tio n fro m 2 8th December 191 7 . initiall y se rvi ng a s Co mp ass O ffice r a nd late r as a n Adj uta nt with the RA F. T ra nsfer red to une m p loyed list o n 22nd O c tob er 19 19 . S h a w. J am es A le xa nde r, FS L Bor n 23rd Se ptember 1893 . US A Ce rt ifica te No .382 ob ta ine d o n 25th Dece mb er 19 15 at Wri ght sc hoo l. A ug usta . Join ed Ri'\AS on 1st Ja nuary 191 6 . nde r in stru ction at Rcd ca r fro m Ist Janu ary 191 6 . Unde r in s tr uct io n at C runwe ll fro m 5 th J une 19 16 . Do ver o n 11th Se pte mbe r 191 6 . Admitted to C ha tha m Hos pit a l o n 28th Se pte mber 19 16 su ffe ring from S yph ilis . Di sch arge d fit o n 24 th O ctob er 19 16 . Re -ad m itted to C ha tha m Hos p ita l o n 27 th O cto be r 19 16 s u ffe ring fro m sec o nda ry Sy ph ilis. No .4 W ing from No ve m be r 19 16 . No .8 Sq uad ro n from Fe brua ry 191 7. No .9 Sq uad ro n from 17th M ar ch 19 17 . Adm itted to Chatha m Hos p ita l o n 13th A p ril 19 17 with inju ry to knee . Walmer Defe nce Fligh t fro m 28t h April 19 17 . M an s to n D II Sc hoo l fro m Janu a ry 191 8 . S ied le. Gcotf'rcy Erne st, FSL Bor n 23 rd Nove mher 1898 . a t Sw a nsea . RAeC Ce rt ifica te 1'10.4 73 8 . ga ine d 28 th Ma y 19 17 at C h ing for d . Join ed RNA S 41h Februa ry 19 17 . U nde r instr uc tion at C rys ta l Pa la ce fro m 4 th Februar y 19 17 10 12t h Ma rch 191 7 . Unde r in struc tio n at C h ing for d from 12th Ma rc h 191 7 to 9th June 19 17 . U nde r instru ct io n at C ra nwc ll fro m 9 th June 191 7 to 23rd J uly 19 17 . Do ve r o n 23rd Ju ly 19 17 . No . 12 Squad ro n from Il lh A ugust 191 7 to 14th A ug us t 19 17 . No .6 Sq uad ro n from 14 th A ug us t 191 7 to 27th A ug ust 191 7. Ad m itte d to C hatha m Hosp ita l o n 3rd Se pte mbe r 19 17 s u ffe ring from Bron ch itis. Man s to n fro m 15th Nove mbe r 19 17 to 28 th Decembe r 19 17 . Du nk crque o n 28th December 191 7 . No . 12 Sq uadro n from 29 th Dece mb e r 191 7 to 6 th Ja nu ary 19 18 .

192

Appendix C - Roster of Pi/OIS

No .5 Squadro n from 7th January 191 8 to 3 1st Ma rch 19 18. Sied le made I indec isive c laim wi th No.5 Squadro n.

Sieve ki ng, Va lcn ti nc Edg ar', FSL Born 51h Feb rua ry IX92. from Ma ry le bon c, Lon don . Pre viou s serv ice as Proba tion ar y FSL fro m I Ith Se ptember 191 5 to 8th December 191 5 (te rm ina ted as sho wed no ability to lea rn to fly at Eas tbo urne) and as an Observer with the rank o f S I. RNVR fro m Sth December 1915 to 15th February 19 16 (te rminated as too heavy for an observer and poor perfor mance). Was not recomm ended for fur ther pi lot tra ining . Rejoined RNAS on 16th February 191 6. Under instru cti on at C ranwe ll fro m 16th Feb ruary 191 6. Suffered acc ident w ith two shee p at take o ff in RE7 224 1 rece iving abrasions on both legs. bru ises on face. broke n nose and shock . Sicvc king was not hel d responsible for the acc ide nt. Sur veye d on Ist Se pte mber 19 16 and pron oun ced fit. Do ver on 29 th Se pte m ber 19 16. O ve rt urne d Nieupo rt 10 serial 3966 whe n landing on 2nd No vc mher 19 16. suffe red mi nor injuri es and shoc k. 4 Wing from No ve mbe r 19 16. No .6 Squadro n fro m 27 th Nove mbe r 19 16. No .7 Squadro n fro m 7th Janu ar y 19 17. NO.14 Squadron from 9th December 19 17. No .2 14 Sq uadron RA F fro m Ist April 19 1Xto 18th May 191 8 when killed in action. DSC gaze tted on 221111 J unc 19 17. Bar to DSC gazc tted on 17th Apri l 1918. S im ps on , .Ja mcs Orro h, FS L Born l st Se pte mber 1896. Joi ned RNAS on 4t h March 191 7 . Previous se rv ice in RNAS as AM I . Unde r instructio n at Crysta l Palace from -lth Mar ch 19 17 to 17th Ap ril 19 17. Under instruct ion at Eastchurch from 17th Apri l 191 7 to 16t h Ju nc 191 7 . U nder instruction at Cra nwc l l fro m 16th J unc 19 17 to 28 th J uly 19 17. Dovcr o n 27th Ju ly 19 17. No. 12 Sq uadro n fro m 12th Aug ust 19 17 to 14th August 191 7. No .6 Squadro n from 15th Aug ust 191 7 to 27 th Au gust 1917. No . 1 Squadro n from 29th Au gust 191 7. Ad mi tted to Chatha m Hospital on 13th Ma rch 19 18 suffering from Chancro id . d isc harged to dut y o n 27 th April 1918.

Sieveking Courtesy EF Cheesman

S late r, Rob ert Kenn et h. FS L Born 18th Nove mber 1893 in Ottawa . RAcC Ce rtificate No .359 3. gained 2 1st Septe mbe r 191 6 at Redcur, Join ed RNAS on Sth April 191 6. Originally served with the 23 rd Batta lion o f Canadi an Infa ntry. Under instruct ion at the Whitc C ity fro m 25th April 19 16 to 20 th May 191 6 . Under instruct ion at Rcdcar fro m 20th May 191 6 to 23 rd September 191 6. Under instru ct ion at Cranwc ll from 23rd September 191 6 to 10th January 191 7. At Dover on 10lh Janu ar y 19 18. No .6 Sq uadro n from Ja nuar y 19 17 to 5th Ap ril 19 17 when he was shot do wn ncar Arra s at Ig,45 and becam e a prison er of wa r. RK Slater died in 1984 .

Slate r Courtesy SKTaylor

S teve ns, Gcorgc Lcs lic E uge ne , I' Ll Born I I Decemb er 189 2 at Peterborough , Ont ario. RAc C Certi fica te No . I724 . gained 4th Se ptembe r 191 5 at the Curtiss schoo l. Toro nto . Jo ined R I AS on 6th Se pte mber 19 15. Under instru ction at Chingford from 4t h Se ptember 19 15 to 1st Decemb er 191 5. Under instruction for night flyin g at Eastch urch from 1st December 19 15 to 27th Decemb er 19 15. S ick and Canadian leave from 27 th Decemb er 19 15. Undcr instruct ion at Rochford fro m Ist Marc h 19 16 to 5th Ju ne 19 16. Undc r instruct ion at Detl ing from 6t h June 191 6 to 28th Ju ly 19 16. Sick and Canadian lea ve from 29 th Ju ly 191 6. Red ca r for re-qu alif icati on on 7th December 19 16. Rcd car War Flight from 9th January 19 17 to 10t h March 19 17. Do ver from 10th Mar ch 191 7 to 29 th March 19 17. No . 11 Squadro n fro m 29th Marc h 191 7 to 2 1st April 19 17. No .6 Squadro n from 22nd April 191 7 to 26th June 19 17. S ick from September 19 17. Mau ston fro m 13th Nove mber 191 7 to 30th Nove mbe r 191 7. Dun kerquc on 30 th No vember 19 17. !'-:o. 12 Squadro n fro m Ist Decem ber 191 7 to 6th Decem ber 19 17. Sea plane Defen ce Squadro n from 7th Decem ber 191 7 to 10th February 191 8. No .f Sq uadro n from Janua ry 191 8 to 3 1st March 191 8.

Stevens Courtesy EF Cheesman

/ 93

II History of No .6 Squadron Royal Na val Air Se rvice in Wor ld War I

No. 206 S q uadro n RAF fro m I st A pril 191 8 to 17 th A ug ust 191 8. No .9 G ro up . g ro und d ut ies from 17th A ug ust 191 8 to 6 th October 19 18 . No. 24 1 Squ ad ro n fro m 7 th Octo ber 191 8. G LE S te ve ns d ied in 1963 .

Combat record with No.6 Squadro n: 6/6 / 17 A lba tro s sco ut N W o f C a m b ra i S tev e ns a lso m ad e th c fo llo w in g cl a im s w ith o thc r sq uad ro ns : No .206 Sq uadro n RA F

12 . 15

O ut o f co ntro l

2

S tru t h y, F ord S t ua r t, FSL Born 2 nd Sep te m be r 189 7. from To ront o . O nta rio . R A cC C e rt ific a te No .3832. ga ined 5 th Nove m ber 191 6 a t th c C urt is s sc ho ol. To ron to . J oi ne d R N A S o n 5 th Nove m be r 191 6 . U nde r instru c tio n at C rys ta l Pal ac e fro m 17 th De ce mb er 19 16 to 5 th Fe bru ary 191 7 . U nde r ins truc tio n a t Ve ndo me fro m 5 th Febru ary 19 17 to 28 th A pril 191 7 . Unde r instruc tio n at C ra n wc ll fro m 28 th A p ril 19 17 to 2 nd Ju ly 191 7 . Do ver o n 2u d Jul y 19 17. No . 12 Sq ua dro n from 13th Jul y 19 17 to 18th J u ly 19 17. N o.6 S q uad ro n fro m 18 th J ul y 191 7 to 17th A ug ust 191 7. w he n sho t d ow n and ki lle d ove r Zcvco tc .

Combnt reco rd with No.6 Squadron: 15/ 8117

Strathy Courtesy EFCheesman

A lba tros Sco ut

16 ,45 - 18 .35

Dest royed

Thorn e, A lfred Lewis, FSL Born 19 th J an uar y 1894 . fro m Ki ngc rs dorp . Tra nsv aal. R Ac C Ce rt ifica te No .2 4 4 7. ga ined 12 th Fe b ruar y 19 16 a t C h iug fo rd. Jo in ed R N A S o n 19 th O c to be r 191 5 . Unde r instru ct ion a t C h ing ford fro m 22 ml Oc to be r 19 15 to 2 1st Fe bruary 19 16 . Und er inst ru cti on a t tbc C e ntra l F ly ing Sc hool fro m 2 1s t Feb ruary 191 6 to 9 th A pri l 191 6 . Ea st c h ur c h fro m 9t h A pril 19 16 to 30 th A pril 191 6 . Grain fro m 3 0 th A pril 19 16 to 5 th Ju ne 191 6 . C ra nwc ll from 5 th Jun c 19 16 to Is t A ug ust 19 16. Do ver o n I st A ug ust 191 6 . B Sq ua dro n 4 W ing/ No .7 Sq ua dro n N o .6 Sq uad ro n fro m Fe brua ry 19 17 to 9 th A pril 191 7. ki lle d wh en he c ras he d d ur in g a s tor m .

Combat reco rd with No.6 Squadro n: 5/411 7 U nkno w n 9/411 7 A lbatro s sco ut * Shared w ith No rto n

Thorne Courtesy RAeC Trust

N ic u po rt

.,

'J

O ut o f co ntro l

C a m bra i

11,45

Destroyed "

Wa lker, Frederic C loe t e. FSL Bo rn 2 1st A pr il 1898 . fro m Lo ndo n . RA c C Ce rt ifica te 368 4 ga ined l s: O c tob er 191 6 a t C h ing fo rd . J oi ned R N A S o n 18t h Ju ne 19 16 . U nde r inst ructi on a t C ry sta l Pa lacc fro m 18th Ju nc 191 6 to 8th Jul y 191 6 . U nde r instru cti o n at C h ing fo rd fro m 8 th Ju ly 191 6 to 26th Nove m ber 19 16 . Unde r inst ruc tio n at Eusic h urc h fro m 26t h Nove m be r 191 6 to 22 nd Dece m be r 191 6 . " G" C o urse fro m 2 2 ml De cembe r 191 7 to 30 th Dec e m be r 19 16 We s tg at e fro m 3 0 th Dece mb er 19 16 to 10th J an ua ry 191 7 . A t Do ver o n 10 th J a nua ry 191 7. No .6 Sq ua dro n fro m l l th February 191 7 to 17 th M a rch 191 7. d ied at Savy a ft e r sta lling h is m ach in e at 40 0 te et a nd c ra shing . W a ltnn, Art hu r i\ lc B u l'lll'Y, FSL Born 17 th O c to be r 1896 . in Ne w York C ity o f Ca na d ia n Pa ren ts. Sc ho o led a nd re s id e nt in To ro nto . RA cC Ce rt ifica te No .34 0 4 ga ined 18 th A ug ust 19 16 a t thc C urt iss sc ho o l. Toronto . J oi ne d R N A S a t Otta w a o n 18th A ug ust 191 6 . U nde r instruc tio n a t C ry sta l Pa lace 17 th Se pte m be r 191 6 . U nde r In stru cti o n a t Cran w c ll 14th O ct o be r 19 16 . Do ve r fro m 3 rd Ma rch 19 17 . N o . 11 S q uad ro n from 26th M a rch 19 17 . N o . IO Sq uad ro n fro m l s t A pr il 191 71 0 4 th A pri l 19 17 . N o .6 S q uadro n fro m 5 th A pri l 191 7 to 4 th Jul y 19 17 . Ad m itted to C ha tha m Ho sp ital o n 20 th Ju ly 191 7. A ftc r d isci pl in ar y pro bl e m s , sub m itte d req ues t to te rm inat e Co m m is sio n o n 25 th J ul y 19 17. G ro und s were tha t he fe lt u nwort h y o f bci ng re ta ine d in thc R N A S . Rc s ig nat io n w as acc e pte d o n Ixt Au g ust 191 7 . A M c B Walt o n d ied o n th c 17th Feb rua ry 196 2 .

Walker Courtesy EFCheesman

194

Appe ndix C - Roster oj Pilots

Combat record with No. 6 Squad ron: 1/6/1 7 2-sea ler

* Shared with

St. Qu entin

08.35

App arentl y ou t o f co ntro l"

SCdr C D Breese.

Wint e r. Rupe rt Ra nd olph. I'Ll Born 24th April 1896 in Woods ide Park . North London . RAeC Ce rtifica te 1'1 0 .3066. ga ined 141h Ju ne 191 6 at Chingford . Formerl y se rve d as a Private in the 28 th Lond on Regiment. Join ed RNAS on 25th Apr il 1916. Under instru cti on at Fishgu ard from 27 th Febru ar y 1916 10 17th Apri l 1'11 6 . Unde r instru cti on at While Ci ty from 17th April 1'116 to 25th Ap ril 191 6. Unde r instru cti on at Chingford from 251h April 191 6 to 22n d J uly 191 6. Unde r instru ction at Eas tchurch from 22 ml J uly 19 16 to 7th Au gust 1'11 6 . Eastc hurch from 7th Au gust 1'116 to 2 1st Sept emb er 191 6. East Fort une and Lon g side from 2 1st Sep tember 191 6 10 30th Decemb er 1'11 6 . At Do ver on 30th Decemb er 1'11 6. No.4 Wing on 17th Januar y 1'11 7. No.6 Sq uadro n fro m 171h January 1'11 7 to 271h Au gust 1'117. Walmer Defence Flight from 2'1lh August 1'117 10 3 1st October 1'117. 1'10.'1 Squadro n fro m 181h Nove mber 1'117 to 3rd February 19 18. whe n sho t down and killed so uthwe st of Ro ulers.

Combat record with No .6 Squadron: 2914/1 7 A lbatros sco ut 2 117/17 A lha tro s scout 2817/1 7 2-sea ter Winter also c laimed the followin g victories No .9 Squad ron

Guise 18.50 Wcstcn dc 20.05 Nie upor t 16.00 with other squadro ns:

Out of contro l Destroyed Destroyed

W alton Courtesy SK Taylor

2

Woo d. Phil ip. FS L Born 9th July 189 7. From Shrew sbury. Sa lop. Joined the RN AS on 2nd Ju ly 191 6 . Unde r instru cti on at C rys ta l Pala ce fro m 2nd J uly 19 16 . Unde r instru cti on at Eas tc hurc h from 22 ml July 191 6. Unde r instru cti on at Cran wcl l from 7th Oc tober 191 6. Dover from 23rd Febru ar y 19 17. No.6 Squ ad ron from IOlh Marc h 191 7 to 27th Augu st 19 17. 1'1 0. 10 Squ adron from 2nd Se ptember 191 7 to 17th Se ptemb er 19 17. when suffe red a very se vere sc alp wo und and shoc k. Cranwe ll Instructor 's sc hool fro m 30lh Janu ary 1'11 8. Rcdcar from 13th Febru ar y 19 18. II~ I S Furi ous on 27 th Apr il 191 8 for disposal. Turnhou se fro m 25th Sep temb er 191 8 to 27 lh Ja nuary 191 9 . Lcuchars from 27 th January 1'11'1 10 2 1st Februa ry 19 19 . Tran sferred to Une mploy me nt List on 19th Feb ruar y 1'119. Edi nburgh Cas tle Dispersal Ce ntre on 2 1st Febr uary 191 9.

Combat record with No .6 Squadro n: 2317/ 17 A lbatros scout

W inter Courtesy Justin Young E of Di xrnud c

20 .30

Out o f contro l

Pa rt 2: 1st J anuary 1915 to 3 1st Marc h 1915 lIaill'~'. Eric He n ry Pla tt . FSL Born 25th Mar ch 1898. from Enf ield. ~ I iddle s ex . RAeC Ce rtificate 1'10.5603 ga ined 30 th Janu ary 1'11 8 at Cranwc ll. Previously served in RN AS for 12 month s as AC II. Joined RNAS on 22nd April 191 7. Unde r instruct ion at Crystal Palace fro m 22m l April 1917. Unde r instruc tion at Rcdcar fro m 8th Se ptember 1'11 7. Unde r instruction at Cranwe ll and Frciston fro m l Uth November 1'11 7. Unde r instruc tio n at Munston DI14 sc hoo l fro m 261h Febru ary 191 8. Dun kcrqu e on 13th March 191 8 . No.6 Squa dron from 241h March 1'11 8 to 3 1Sl March 1918. 1'10.206 Squ adron RAF from Ist Ap ril 191 to 27 th April 1'11 8 when tran sferr ed to hospit al at St. Orner suffering from Scab ies. 1'1 0.206 Squ ad ron RA F fro m 23rd July 19 18 10 II th Au gust 1'118. shot down and killed to the north of Lille.

Wood Courtesy SK Toylor

1\15

A History oj No .6 Squadron Royal Na val Ai r Service ill world lVar /

Bannat yn c. A n d re w :\ Ia ns lic ld . FS L Born 3rd Ju ly 1899 . from Bed fo rd . Jo ined R lAS o n 8th Ju ly 19 17 . Unde r instruc tio n at C rys ta l Pal ac e from 8th Ju ly 19 17 to 11th A ug ust 19 17. Unde r instr uction at C h ing fo rd fro m 11th A ug us t 19 17 to 29 th Se pte mbe r 191 7. Unde r instruc tio n at C ra nw c ll fro m 29 th Se pte m be r 191 7 to 3rd Dec embe r 19 17. Und er in stru cti o n at M unsto n from 3rd Decem be r 19 17 to 12th Ja nu ar y 191 8. Du nkcrque o n 12th Janua ry 19 18 . No .(i S qua d ro n from 19 th Jan uary 19 18 to 9th M ar c h 19 18 . wh en wo unded during bo m b ing raid . Ad mi tte d to C hatha m Ho spit al wi th m ultipic gu ns ho t wou nd s. C ro ix d e G uc rre w ith pa lm ( Fre nc h) guzc uc d o n 15th J uly 19 19 .

EHP Bailey Courtesy RAeC Trust

Bcw cll. Rob ert Llo yd . FSL Bo rn 20th A ug us t 1898. fro m Reg ina. Sa sk at c hew a n. Pre vio usly se rved w ith the Ca na d ia n Re se rve Cycl is ts a nd De spat c h Ride rs . Jo ined RNAS on 4 th Ju ly 19 17 . Unde r ins truc tio n a t Cry sta l Pala ce fro m 4 th Ju ly 19 17 to 2 1st J u ly 19 17 . Unde r ins truc tio n a t Rcd car fro m 2 1st J u ly 19 17 to 29 th Sep te mber 191 7. U nde r instr uctio n a t C ra nwc ll fro m 29 th Se ptem be r 19 17 to 14 th Februa ry 191 8 . Fa iled to g ra d ua te o n firs t fo u r a tte m pts. Unde r ins truct ion a t Ma uston War Sc hoo l fro m 14 th Fe br uary 191 8 to 26th Febru ar y 19 18 . Du nkcrq uc on 2(ith Fe b ruary 19 18 . No . 12 Squad ro n fro m 27 th Fe br ua ry 191 8 to 9th Ma rc h 19 18. No .ti Sq ua dro n fro m 10th Ma rch 19 18 to 3 1st Ma rch 191 8 . No .20 (i S q ua d ron RA P fro m Ist A pri l 191 8 to 15th A pri l 19 18 . ad m itte d to the G e nera l ho sp ita l at Eta ples . Disc ha rged as fit on 7th i\lay 19 18 . Burn. E ld o n Ab r a ha m , Lt Bo rn 22 11(1 Ju ly 189 3 . fro m Wa terl oo . O n tar io . No .l03 Sq uadro n R FC o n 2 3rd O c tobe r 191 7. No .ti Sq uadron from 3 1st Ma rch 19 18 . No .206 Sq uad ro n RA P fro m I st A pr il 191 8 . Ad m itted to Hosp ita l o n 27 th A p ril 19 18 . Ad m itte d to I lo sp ital o n 4 th Se pte m be r 191 8. d isc ha rged o n 9th Se pte m be r 191 8. No . 123 S q uadron RA F fro m 3rd Ma rc h 191 9 . Ad m itted to Pc tro g rad Il o sp ita l . Lo nd on . o n 12th Ju ne 19 19 . di sc ha rged on 13th Ju ly 19 19 . Ad m itte d Ca nad ia n Red C ros s Offi ce r 's Ho sp ita l o n 13th J uly 19 19 . Re pat ri ated to Ca nada o n 25th Se p te mb e r 191 9 . Burn c la imed 2 vic to ries w ith 1' 0 .20 6 Sq uadro n.

Burn Courtesy A Price via Chris Myers

Ste ven s (L) and Christian (R) Courtesy EF Cheesman

C h r ist ia n. L co A r th ur. Ohs Lt Born 9 th O cto ber 189 2. fro m A rms tro ng . British Co lum b ia Jo ined RN AS o n 19t h A pri l 19 17 . Under in s tru cti o n at C ry s ta l Pal ace fro m 19th A pr il 19 17. Unde r in s tru c tio n at ,\ (a nsto n fro m 2 1st Ma y 191 7 . A fter ga in ing hi s ce rt ific a te was " was hed o ut" a s a pi lo t. A ppo in ted as Pro ba tio na ry O bserve r Office r o n 25 th A ugu st 19 17 . Unde r inst ru c tio n at Eas tc hurc h fro m 2 5th A ugust 19 17 . Dunkerquc o n 18th Janu ar y 19 18 . No .(i Sq uadro n fro m 19th Ja nu ar y 191 8 to 3 1st Ma rc h 191 8 . No .20 (i Sq uadro n RA P from Ist A pr il 191 8 to 24 th A ug us t 19 18 . 1' 0 . 14 Ge ne ra l Hospi ta l from 24 th A ug us t to Se pte m be r 19 18. D FC gaz c ttc d 2 1st Sep te m be r 19 18 . Pos t war re turn ed to Bri tis h Co lum b ia to b reed ho rse s. Jo ined RC A I' in W W 2. LA C hr istia n di ed in 194 8 . 9 vic to rie s c la imed with No .20(i Sq uad ron RA F. C la rke, Ir win Na p ier C o li n . FC dr Bo rn 8th A pril 189 3. from Fo o tscra y. Me lbo urn e . Jo ined RN AS o n 14 1h A ug ust 19 15 . RAcC Ce rt ificate No. 202 6 ga incd 3rd O c to be r 191 5 at Ea s tc hurc h. Unde r instruc tio n. navigatio n co urse fro m 141h A ug ust 191 5 . Unde r ins truc tio n at Ea s tc h urc h from 11th Se pte m be r 19 15 . Post ed to Dard an e lles from 9 th Decem be r 1915 . not co ns idered to be su ita b ly tra ine d a nd a rrive d bac k in E n ~ l a n d o n 7th Fc bru ar v 19 1(i. R cpri~ll a ndcd a nd nea rly I,',s t h is c o m m issio n fo r h is co nd uc t at G ihra ltar d ur ing his re tu rn fro m th c easte rn Med ite rran ea n. Unde r ins truc tio n at Eas tbo urnc fro m 9t h Fe b rua ry 191 6 . Do ve r on 4t h Mar c h 19 1(i. No .5 Sq ua dron from May 191 6 to 28 th O c tober 191 7 . Re mo ve d a s Plig ht Co m ma nde r a fte r a d isagre e me nt w ith Co m mandi ng Officer,

/ 96

Ap pendix C - Roster III Pilots

Dover from 28t h Oct ober 191 7. No .o Squ ad ron from 19th Ja nu ary 19 18 to 3 1st M a rc h 1918 . No .200 Squad ron RAF from l sI Ap ril 191 8. No .1 Co m m un ica tio ns Squ ad ron from Ju ly 1918 . To un employ ed lisl in Ju ne 191 9. Returned 10 Au str al ia o n 5th Sep tember 191 9. RAAF with ra nk of tempora ry Fli g ht Lieuten ant on 3 1st Ma rc h 192 2. Fir st aeri a l sur ve y o f Lak e Eyr e in i\ la rc h 1922 . Resigned Co m m iss io n in RA A F o n 17th Ap ril 192 3. Enlisted in RA F o n sho rt co m m ission wit h ra nk of Flyin g Officer o n 3r d July 19 23. nder instr ucti o n a t C FS Upa vo n, rem ained as an ins truc to r until 19 25. No.6 Squ ad ro n RAF a t Mosu l. Me sop ot ami a from Janu ar y 1920 . Ho me Air c raft Dep ot . He nlo w, from Janu ary 1928 . DS C ga ze tte d o n 12th May 19 17. Bar to DS C gaz e tte d on 141h Se ptember 19 17. Dir ector and C hief Pilo t of Personal Fl yin g Service s LId .. d ied in a n ae roplane cra sh at S tranraer in 193 2. I vic to ry c laime d wi th No.206 Squadro n. C o n n o p. lI a mld A r no , FSL Bo rn 6t h Jun e 1899. from I o ttingha m . A tte nded No tti ng ha m lI ig h Scho o l a nd wa s Sc hoo l Ca pta in in 191 7. Was e lec ted 10 a c lass ica l sc ho larshi p a t Cor pus Christi Co llege . O xfor d but joi ned RN AS o n 51h August 191 7 instead . Unde r instr uc tion a t C rysta l Pa lace fro m 5t h A ug ust 19 17. Unde r instruc tio n a t Rcdcar fro m Sth Septem be r 191 7. Unde r instru ct io n at Cran we ll from 19th Nov em ber 19 17. Unde r instruc tio n a t Ma nsto n DII4 Sch ool from 19th Fe bru ary 191 8. Dunke rqu e o n l-lth Ma rc h 19 18 . No.1 2 Squ adron fro m 17th Ma rc h 19 18 10 18th Ma rc h 19 18 . No.o Squad ron from 19th M arc h 191 8 to 3 1st Ma rc h 191 8. C ra she d D.11.9 wh en lea v ing ae rodro me a nd subse q ue ntly died o f his inj ur ie s in the ev e ni ng.

Clarke Courtesy)MB/GS L Collection

C u t mo re, W illi am C ecil. FSL Bo rn 9th Au gu st 189 9. from Cr ick lewood , London . Served with C ade t C o rps in 191 6. Joined RNAS o n 27 lh Augu st 19 17. nd er inst ru ct io n a t G reen wi ch fro m 27 th Aug us t 191 7. nd er instruct ion a t Ven do me from 28 th Sept ember 19 17. nd er instru cti on a t C ra nwe ll from 4 1h No vem ber 19 17. nd c r instru ct ion a t Ma uston D.II . Sch ool from 26th Februa ry 19 18. Dunkc rq ue on 131h M arc h 191 8 . 1"0 .12 Sq uadro n fro m 20 th Ma rc h 19 18 to 30 th M arc h 191 8 . No .6 Squadron o n 3 1st March 19 18. No .206 Sq uadron RA F on Ist April 19 18 to 24 1h J une 191 8. fa iled 10 re turn from lo ng reconn ai ssa nce. reported dead by te legr am from Cope nha gen . Hysl op , C lella nd Mackcnz le. FSL Born 2 51h Se pte m ber 1897. from Dum fries. Jo ined RNAS o n 29th April 19 17. Under instruc tion a r C ry sta l Pa lace from 291h Ap ril 191 7. Under instru ct io n at Vcnd o rnc from 20 lh May 19 17. Un der instruc tion at Cra nwe ll fro m 28th July 191 7. nd e r instruc tio n at Munsto n Wa r Sc hool from 9th No ve mb er 19 17. M Dunk crq ue o n 91h Janu ar y 191 8. No .o Squ ad ro n by 27th January 19 18 . NO.20 6 Squadro n RAF fro m Ist Apri l 191 8 .

Connop Courtesy Nottingham High School For

Boys

l\lacLaren . C o lin Te m p le. SCd ,· Born 27 th April 1891 . fro m Ric hm ond. Surrey . Wo rked as a Colt o n Brok e r in Bombay. RAeC Ce rti fic ate No. 130 6. ga ined 6 th June 1915 ar C h ingford . Pre viously se rved in the Lah o re Di vision al Si gnal Com pan y in Au gust 19 14 as a Moto r Desp atch Rid er w ith the ran k of C or por al. Join ed RN ASon 161hApri1 1915 . nd er instruc tio n at lIe ndo n fro m 161h Ap ril 19 15 to 221H1Ju ly 191 5 . A t Dover o n 22nd Jul y 191 5 . At Dunker qu e on 23r d Sept em ber 1915 . Eas tch urc h from 30 lh Dece m be r 1915 10 12th Janu ar y 1910. Ce ntra l Fly ing School fro m 121h Jan uary 191 6 to 1st April 19 10. Cr a nwe ll from 1st Apri l 19 161 0 20th Ap ril 1916. Ya rmo uth fro m 20 lh April 19 10 to 5th Ma y 19 16. No.4 Wing at Eas tc hurc h from 51h ,\ Iay 19 16 .

/ 97

A Il is/OIJ of No .6 Squadro n Royal Nand A ir Se n -ice in Wor ld lVi /r I

Do ver on l oth September 19 16. No.4 Wing from Sep te m ber 19 16. No.7 Squadro n from 27th Nove mbe r 1916. 1'\0.6 Sq uadron from Jan uary 19 17 to 14th August 19 17. Co mmand ing O fficer of the Wa lmer De fe nce Flight from 14th August 19 17. Command ing Office r of No.6 Squa dro n from Ist January 19 18 to 3 1st March 191 8. Commanding Offi ce r of No.206 Sq uadro n RAF from Ist April 1918 to 23rd j\ lay 19 19. Croix dc Gucr rc (B) gaze tted on 15th Jul y 1919. O BE gazetted on 15th Ju ly 19 19. Oakcsh ott . Lenna rd E nglnud . FSL Born 23rd April 1899. from Stroo d. Kent . Pre vio us ly se rve d in the 32IH! Training Rese rve Batta lion w ith rank o f Private . Jo incd RNAS on 23rd Julv 191 7. . Under instruct ion at Cryxtu] Palace from 23nl Ju ly 191 7 to l l th August 19 17. Unde r instruction at C hing ford fro m l l th August 19 17 to 6th Octo be r 19 17. Under instruct ion at Cranwc l l from (,th October 191 7 to I st Jan uary 19 18. Under instruction at M ansion War Schoo l from I sl January 19 18 to 20th February 191 8. At Dunkcrque on 20th Feb rua ry 191 8 1'\0. 12 Sq uadro n fro m 22IHI Fe bruary 1918 to 10th Ma rc h 191 8. No.6 Squadro n fro m II th March 1918 to 3 1st March 19 18. Died fo llowing a crash in B7600. Maclare n Courtesy A Price via Chris Myers

Pit t. (;co rJ,:c Albert, FS L Born 23rd M ay 1899. from Sw iss C ottag e, London . RAcC Ce rtifica te No.5360. gaincd -lth Sep tember 191 7. at Eas tbournc . Jo incd R1'\AS on lOth June 1917. Under instruction at Crys ta l Palace from lOth Jun e 191 7 to 7th Jul y 1917. Unde r instruction at Eastbo urnc from 7th July 19 17 to 22 nd September 191 7. Under instruction at Crauwc ll from 22nd Se pte mbe r 19 17 to 7th No vember 191 7. Under instruction at Man ston War Schoo l from 7th November 19 17 to 9th January 191 8. Du nk crqu e on 9th January 19 18. No.6 Sq uadron from 13th Jan uary to 3 1st March 19 18. No.206 Sq uadro n RAF from 1st April 19 18. DFC gaze tted 3rd June 19 19. Roh iuson , Ra lp h. FS L

Pitt Courtesy A Price via Chris Myers

Born 24th May 1899. from Northampton. Joincd R -AS on lOth Jun e 19 17. U nder instruction at Crys tal Palace from 10th June 19 17 to 14th July 191 7. U nder instruction at Ching fo rd from l -Ith July 19 17 to 15th September 191 7. Under instruct ion at Cranwc ll from 15th Se pte mb er 1917 to 30th January 1918. Fai led to g rad uate o n first two atte mpts. Unde r inst ruction at Mauston War Schoo l from 30th Janu ary 19 18 to l J th March 191 8. Dunkcrq ue on l J th March 191 8. No. 12 Squadro n from 17th Ma rch 191 8 to 19th March 19 18. No.6 Squadro n from 20th March 19 18 to 3 1st March 19 18. No.206 Squadro n RA I"' from Ist April 1918 to 12th April 191 8. killed when crashed ncar aero drome and bomb s exploded. Ro la ndi , Viet or Frede r lck A lbe r t , FS L

Born 26th August 1897 in Lon don. resi de nt at Brighton. Sussex . Previously serve d for 3 years as a cade t with Roya l Na vy Salonica transport. Joincd RNAS on 19th August 191 7. Unde r instruction at Crysta l Pa lace from 19th August 19 17 to 22IHI Septem ber 19 17. Unde r instruction at Rcd car from 22nd September 19 17 to 25 th Nove mber 191 7. Unde r instruction at Cranwc ll from 25th November 1917 to 14th Fe bruary 19 18. Under instruction at Manston War Sc hool from l -Ith February 19 18 to 26t h February 191 8 Dunkerquc on 26th Feb rua ry 1918 . No. 12 Sq uadron from 27th February 19 18 to 9th March 191 8. No.6 Squadro n from ltith March 1918 to 3 1st March 19 18. No.206 sq uadron RAF fro m 1st April 1918. Wounded on 17th April 19 18 and invalided to Eng land on the 24th April 19 18. 494 Flight. 250 squadron RA F at Padstowc fro m l l th Nove mbe r 19 18. Tran sferred to unempl oyment list on 23rd March 19 19.

Robinson Courtesy Hal Giblin

St eve ns, (;co r J,:c Les lie EUJ,:c nc. A FC d r Born I I Decem ber 1892 at Pete rborough . Ontario. RAcC Ce rtifica te No. 1724. gaincd 4 th Septem ber 19 15 at the C urtiss school. To ronto. Joined RNAS on 6th Septem ber 1915 . Unde r instruction at Ching ford from -lth Se pte mber 19 15 to lst Dece mbe r 1915. Under instruction for night fly ing at Eastchurch from 1st December 19 15 to 27th Dece mbe r 19 15 . Sic k and Ca nad ian leave from 27th Dece mber 19 15 .

198

Appendix C - Roster of Pilots

Unde r instruction at Roch ford from l st March 19 I6 to 5th Jun e 19 I6. Under instr ucti on at Det ling fro m 6th JuncJ 91 6 to 28t h J uly 1916 . Sick and Ca nadian leave fro m 29th July 191 6 . Rcdcar for rc-q ualifi cation on 7th Decembe r 191 6. Rcd car War 1'1 ight fro m 9th Janu ary 19 I7 to 10th i\ larch 19 I7. Do ver fro m 10th Ma rc h 19 I7 to 29th Ma rc h 191 7. No . 1 I Squa dro n fro m 29th March 19 17 to 2 1st Apri l 19 17. NoJl Sq uad ron fro m 22 nd April 191 7 to 26th June 19 17. S ick fro m Se pte mb e r 19 I7. Mauston fro m 13th Nove mbe r 19 17 to 30lh Novem be r 19 I7. Dun ke rquc o n 30 lh Nove mber 19 I7. No . I2 Squ ad ron from I st Decem ber 1917 to 6t h Decemb er 191 7. Seapl ane Defe nce Squadron from 7th Dece mbe r 19 17 to IOlh Feb ru ary 19 I8 . No .6 Squ adron from January 19 1 to 3 1st Xlnrch 19 18. No .206 Squadron RA F from I st April 19 I8 to I71h Augu st 191 8. No .9 Group . gro und duties from I71h Au gu st 19 18 to 6th Oct ob e r 19 I8. No .24 1 Squadron fro m 7th Octo ber 191 8. Gt E Steven s died in 196 3.

Combat record with No.6 Squadron: 6/611 7 Alb atro s SCOUI NW of Camhra i Stev ens a lso mad e the follow ing c lai ms with o ther squadro ns: No.206 Squadron RA F

12. 15

Out of co ntro l

2

St. .lohn, Gl'Urgl' Ron al d ', FI.t .O hs Born 1888 al S hank lin. Isle O f Wigh t. Joi ned RNAS on 20lh Octob er 1915 . Previous se rvice as Lt RNVR at II:"\I S Ellida. Under instru cti on at Por tsmo uth from ISl No vem ber 19 I5 10 3 1st January \91 6. Talb ot Wor ks with wrr du ties from 3 ISl January 19\6 to 7th Febru ary \ 9 I6. Dover on 7th Feb ruary 19 I6. Admitted 10 lI aslar Hospita l o n 23 rd Octob er 191 6 wi th fractured right c lavicle. disc harged tit on 18th Nov e mber 19 I6 . NoA Squadro n in February 19 17. Appointme nt te rmin ated on Ist April 19 I7. appointed Tempor ary O bserver Lieute nant on same dale. Dover on 2nd Apri l 19 17. No.5 Wing fro m Apr il 19 I7. No .7 Squa dro n fro m 23rd Ap ril 19 17. No .5 sq uadron from 28th Ju ne 19 \ 7. Appo inted to rank of Fligh t Observer on 3 1st December 191 7. No .6 Squ ad ron fro m 3 Ist December 191 7 to 3 1st J\ larch \ 9 I8. No.206 Squadro n fro m I st Ap ril 19 I8. nitcd States Nav al Service headqu arters. Paris from \51h August 191 Adm itted ( 0 Ho spital on 28th Oct ob er \ 9 I . Tran sferr ed 10 England on 12th No ve mb er \ 9 \ 8. pronou nced ti l for light ground d uties o nly. Tran sferr ed 10 unemploym e nt list on 24th J une 19 I9. Gran ted a per manen t Co mmiss ion on the Ist Augu st 19 I9 but notification ca nce lled on 11th No vember 19 19. DSC gazetted 29th August 19 17. Ron a ld SI. Joh n died of Black water Fe ver in Burm a on 3 1st March 1940. I victory c laimed with No .5 Sq uadron .

S1. John Courtesy jMB/GSL ColleGion

Stucker. Edward C ut h ber t. FSL Bo rn 23rd Au gu st 1899. fro m Lon g Ash ton. Somer set. RAeC Certifi cate No A306 . ga ined 28th Febru ary 191 7 at Bourn cmouth Aviation Scho ol. Join ed RNAS o n 27th Au gust 191 7. nder instruction at Green wich from 27 th Au gu st 1917 to 28th No vemb er 19 I7. nder instructi on at Vendom c from 28th No vember 19\ 7 10 30lh Octob er 19 I7. nder instruct ion at Cra nwc ll from 30th Octob er 19 I7 to 30th January 191 . ndcr instructi on at :"\I anslon Fighti ng Scho ol from 30th January 19181 0 20 th Febru ary I <) I8. Dunkcrqu e on 20lh Febr uary 19 I8. No . 12 Squadro n from 22 nd February 19 I8 to 241h February 19 18. No .6 Squadro n from 251h Fehruary 19 I81 0 20th :"\ Iarch 19 18. No .5 Squadro n from 20lh M arch 19 I8 to 27 lh M arch 19 18. when killed in action. T iur ks. Victur Cha r les l\lonis. FSL Bo rn 241h :"\I ay 1898. from Wakefi eld. Yorkshi re. Joined RNAS on 24th June \ 9 I7. Unde r instructi on at Crysta l Palace from 241h J une 191 71 0 281h July 191 7. Unde r instructi on al Ching ford from 28th Ju ly 191 7 to 22nd Septem ber \9 17. Unde r instruct ion at Cra nwcl l from 22 nd Sept e mber 191 7 10 25th November 19 17.

199

Stocker Courtesy RAeCTrust

A llistorv oj No.6 Squadron Royal Nava l Ai r Se rvice ill World War I

Unde r instruction at Mauston Fighti ng School from 251h Nove mber 191 7 to 91b January 1918. Dunkcrquc on 9th January 1918. No.6 Squ adron fro m January 19 18 to 3 1st March 1918. No.206 Squ adron RAF from Ist Apri l 1918. Admitted to No.l -t Ge nera l Ilospital o n 29th ~ I a y 1918. Admitt ed to Hospital at Wimereux on 15th August 1918. Invalided to England and struc k of streng th of Expedi tionary Force on 7th Septemb er 1918. Rated as fit for grou nd du ties only. -t9-t Flight. 250 Squa dro n RAF at Pad sto we from 7th Novem ber 19 18. Transferred to unemploym ent list on 19th Feb ruary 1919. Post War became a co tton planter and jo ined the Sudan Plantation Syndicate. returned to Eng land in 19-t5.

Tiarks Courtesy Sarah Whitmore

W arren Courtesy RAeC Trust

Wa r rcn . Lesli e RCl-:imlld . FS L Born 2 1st Janu ary 1899. from Leamin gton Spa. Warwickshir e. RAeC Cert ificate No.5 19-t. gained 26th August at Chingfo rd. Pre viou s ser vice with Royal Navy. Joined RNAS o n Sth Apr il 191 7. Unde r instruction at Crys tal Palace from 8th April 19 17 to 19th Muy 191 7. Unde r instruct ion at Chingford from 19th May 191 7 to 25th August 1917. Under instruction at Cra nw c ll from 251h August 19 17 10 15th Oc tobe r 1917. Under instruction at Mau ston Fighting Schoo l from 15th O cto be r 19 17 to 9th Janu ar y 19 18. D unkcrq ue o n 9th January 1918. No.6 Squadron from Februar y 19 18 to 3 1st March 19 18. No.206 Sq uadro n from 1st April 1918 to Octo ber 19 18. DFC gaze tted o n 2 1st Septe mb er 19 I8. 8 victori es were claimed with '0.206 Squadron RAE W r il-:ht. J ohn Sou t hey, AFCdr Born 1898. from G rea t Amwe ll. Ile rtford shire. Joined RNAS on 18th Jun e 1916. nder instruction at Crys tal Palace from 18th Jun e 191 6. nder instruction at Eastchur ch from Sth Jul y 191 7. nder instru ction at Crunwc ll from lSI Sep tem be r 191 6. Inj ured knee on 9th October 19 17 whe n cras hed a BE. machine dam aged and thr ee shee p killed. Do ve r on 29t h Novem ber 1916. Manston Flying School from -tth June 1917. Do ver on 27th June 1917. No.5 Squad ron from 2nd July 191 7. No.6 Squadron from Ist Janu ary 1918. i\'0.206 Squa dro n from 1st April 19 18 to 27th May 1918. reco rded as unfit for flying fro m 7th May 1918. Adm itted to London Hospital o n 27th May 1918 suffering from " flying sic kness". 20-t TDS from 12th June 1918. instructing. 203 TDS from 2nd July 1918. instru ctin g. -t5 TDS from 2nd Nove m be r 1918. 2 1 Wing Wireless Flight fro m 2nd January 19 19. 6 1 TDS fro m 11th Jan uary 1919. DSC gaze tted on 2nd No ve m be r 191 7.

i\'OTE I There is considerable co nfusion surro unding St. Joh n's Christian names. In his I{NAS record his full name was given as Ronald George St. John. howe ver. in other RNAS paperwork he appears as RS St. Joh n. In the 1901 Census and in his obituary in The Times his name is stated to he George Ronald St. John.

Wright Courtesy JM BIGSL ColleCtIon

200

APPENDIX D

ROSTER OF NON -FLY I NG OFFICERS

Part I : 3 1st December 191 (i 10 291h Augu st 1917 Ad li nuto n, C la ud e G eorge. SL.

I~~V I~.

Reco rd ()flkcr

Bo rn 8th M a y 1890. from Strat ford. Lond on . Previous se rv ice with RNAS as Aircru ft sman 2. Jo ine d se rvice o n 20th January 191 7. Dove r on 20 lh Januar y 19 17. perf orming inte llige nce dut ie s. No .6 Squ ad ron from Ap ri l 191 7 to 27 th Au gu st 191 7 . Du nkcrqu e fro m Is t Se ptember 19 17 to 20 th Nove mber 191 7. wh en co m miss io n terminated d ue to ad verse rep o rt s from his Co mma nd ing O fficers.

Ca se. Albe r t Edward , WO It, S to rc s Bo rn 20 th Au gu st I 887 , fro m Po rtsm ou th. Ha m psh ire . Joined RN AS on I st M arch 19 16. No .I O Squadron fro m 12th Fe bruary 191 7 to 19 th Ap ril 191 7. No .6 Sq ua dro n from 20 th Ap ril 191 7 to 27 th A ugu st 191 7 . R N AS Wormwood Scr ubb s fro m 5 th December 191 7. Re c ommended fo r co m m iss io n as Lt. in RNVR o n 23 rd Janua ry 19 18 bu t wa s not a ppo inte d .

Da m p ie r, Ernest Patrick, WO II , St ores ,,\: E ng inc c r in g Bo rn 23 rd M arc h 189 7, from Gillingha m. Ken t. Jo ined th e RNAS o n 1s t Ju ly 191 4 . Eas tbou rne (in c ha rge o f stor es and lec tures o n ae rop la ne e ng ines ) from 6 th Jun e 191 6 . No .6 Sq uadro n from Feb ruar y 191 7 to 22m! A p ri l 19 17 . 1'0. 10 Sq ua dro n from 23 rd Ap ril 191 7 10 23 rd J u ly 19 17. tr an sferred to A D. l\ l n lic n. .la m es William, i .r, RNVR , Recor d O fficer Born 30th No ve mber 1875 . from Leed s, Yor ksh ire Previo us se rv ice wit h Rl': A S as A,\ 111 Joined R N AS o n 23 rd M arc h 19 17 w ith intelligence dut ies . Du nkerqu e o n 23 rd M a rch 191 7 . No. 6 Sq uadron fro m April to 27 th A ug us t 19 17. RNAS Fc li xsto we from M a rc h 191 8 .

'!C IlI. William , S L RNVR, A rnuuneut s Ornt'c l' Jo ined RN A S o n 14 th :,> Iay 191 6 , Unde r instruct io n at C rys ta l Pal ace fro m l -Ith M a y 191 6 . Unde r instruct io n at Eas tbo ur ne fro m -lth J une 191 6 . Re s ig ned Comm iss io n o n 23rd Au gu st 19 16 . as he wa s "i ncapab le o f le arn ing to Ily d ue to nerve s" , Appointed as S ub Li e utenant in R:,
Part 2: l st .la nua ry 191810 3 1s1 Marc h 1918 Beddn ll, .loh n i\turduch , Lt

R~V R.

Ar ma m en ts Officer

Born 3 rd Februar y 18 80 . from Finc hl c y. Nort h London . Pre vio us se rvic e a s a sup pe r I W T, Royal En gi neers.

20 1

A History of No.6 Squadron Royal Na val Air Servi ce in World War I

Joined service o n 9 th Ju ly 191 7. Eas tc hurc h fro m 9 th J uly 191 7. Ad m itted to Chat ham Hospital on 6 th Nove mbe r 191 7. retu rned to d uty o n 7th Decem ber 191 7. Dover o n 2 1st Dece mbe r 191 7. arma me nts du ties. No .6 Sq uad ron fro m Ist January 19 18 to 3 1st March 19 18. No .206 Squa dro n RA F from I st April 191 8. Berry, Alfre d S idney, WO, Sto res Officer Pre viou s se rvice with rank of C PO Ill . D unkerquc o n 15th January 191 8. Bri st ow, Whiston Alfre d . Lt Cdr R NVR , Englneer lng Offic er Born 20th Jul y 1898. from Hendo n. Middl esex Appointed as Lt RNV R 10 the Air Departmen t Secti on Eon 3 rd June 191 5. Attac hed to the Air Board fro m I st Ap ril 191 7. No .6 Sq uadro n du ring March 191 8. No.206 Sq uadro n RA F from 1st April 19 18. Attac hed to the Air Ministry fro m 20 lh May 19 18 for liai son du ty with unit s. C oyle, P, WO. S tores Officer No.6 Sq uad ron d uri ng Feb ruary 191 8.

Milner, Percy Vic tor, WO , Cupentry Pre viou s service with rank o f C PO II Dunkcrque o n III 011 7 0.6 Sq uad ron from January to 3 1st March 19 18 Rook , Ba sil Henry, S L, RNVR , Rec ord Officer Born 3rd Octob er 1894. from De venport . Dev on . Previo us se rvice as Petty Office r. Join ed serv ice o n 7th Janua ry 19 18. No .6 Sq uadro n fro m 7th January 19 18 to 3 1st March 19 18. '0.206 Squ ad ron RAF fro m Ist April 19 18

Rook CourtesyA Price via Chris Myers

Tuc k, Robert, WO, E n ~ i n ee r i ng Officer Dunk erqu c on Ist Octob er 191 7. Under instructi o n at Sidde ley Dea sy work s from 3 1st Dece mber 19 17. No .6 Sq uadro n from January 10 3 1st Mar c h 191 8. No .206 Sq uadron RAF fro m Ist Apr il.

202

APPEND IX E

PARTIAL RO STER OF OTHER RANKS

Please note that the following list does not claim to be definitive but has been compiled fro m the informa tion available. Na m e

Rank

Allwor k. Charles Henry Octavio us AC.I Atkinson Bank s Bates. William Thom as 1'0 Bau lf Bence. Stuart Ja mes AC.I Bergford, Lester N (USAS) Private Better idge. Geo rge AC. I DFM . CdeG( B) & OL(B ) Blyth. William Slate r AC. I Borland AM Branch AC I Brill. Arthur L (USA S) Private Bush AS 2 Ca rmean. Harry P (USAS) Sgt Major Chapman. James AC. I DFM & CdeG (B) Coo k LM Co ombs Costen. Cha rles Frederick AM.2 Co usin AM Dailey AC. 2 Dicks AC. I Dray. Herbert Walter Died w hen crashed in B7600 Ellis AM Farley Fo uning AM Gascoy nc 1'0 Harris Hayes AM Ho llingsbcc, RA Wou nded in leg du ring bombing raid on 9th March 19 18. Holmes. Raymond. D (USAS ) Private Horn by AM Jarvis. FE AC. I Jenni ngs AM I Jouning AM I Jones AM Kend all AM Kent. Hartwell B (USAS) Sergean t Kette r, John C (USAS ) Private Kinsc lla. Phi llip J (USAS) Cor pora l

Fu nct ion AGL AGL AG L Eng ine fitter OS 2 AGL Aeri a l Gunne r AGL AG L

Carpe nter

C lerk AG L

AGL AGL

Betteridge CourtesyA Price via Chris Myers AG L AGL

AG L

AGL AGL Draught sman AGL Engine fitter

Engine fitter Ste nograp her Ca rpe nte r Acr ial Gunner

203

A History of No. 6 Sq uadro n Royal Ni/\'(I! Ail" Service ill II'II/·ltl \\'111" I

Lal or . Vincent G ( US AS ) Mabbs Mason . Th om as I ( USAS ) Matt he ws Mill e r

Morris

CPO Mo rris Courtesy A Price vio Chris Myers

M othe rell Na sh. Pe rcy Wil fred Newsha m. Herb e rt Willi a m No rma n No rth. A lfr ed Leo na rd O · Br ien . E Ott ley Pace y. Jo se ph Wood ley Pea rce Pease . Tod II (U S AS) Pie rce. Ro be rt Will ia m Pike . C M Price. Jo hn B (US AS ) Proct or Pugh Ra lph . Art hur S (U S AS) Reid el. Geo rge A ( US AS ) Reill y Re yn o lds . Sa muel Geo rge Rose . Rob e rt Stanle y Ryan Sc ho fie ld . La ne A ( SAS ) (US AS) She lle nbe rge r. Sh eph e rd Skinner Sm ith , Co lin Geo rge Sorter . Ma tth e w B ( US A S) S pa ld ing S u mmers Tr c bi l. Ma yn a rd (US AS) Trcn o wd cn Went wo rt h Westcott . George He nry Weston W hee ler Whi nh am Wiggin s Wilkin son Willi am s. Ho race Walt er Wood ga te Woo lf. G ilb ert Den nis

cr

204

Privat e Mechanic Pri vat e LM ANI I C C PO AM AC.2 AC. I AC. 2 AG L 1'0 AC.I LM Sergeant AM Rigger Private LNI E Coo k Private M AA LM 1'0 RN PO Private

Private

AC I

Private C PO Priva te OS 3 AG L A N!. I

Co ppersmith Ae ria l Gunner

Mechanic Lab o urer AGL AG L

AGL C lerk

Aerial Gunner AGL

C a rpe nte r Rigge r Rigge r AGL Ae rial Gunne r Welder AGL AGL AGL Ca rpe nte r AG L Aeri a l G unne r

Eng ine fitte r AGL

ANI A NI NIAA AN!. 2 M I AC.I

AGL AGL AGL

DF NI

APPEND IX

r

SQ1)AD RO N CLA IMS

Dat c 'iI/2 /17 1/3/1 7 5/4/1 7 5/4 / 17 5/4/1 7 9/4/ 17 9/4/ 17 9/4/1 7 29 /4 / 17 29/ 4/ 17 29 /4/1 7 29/ 4/ 17 29/4/ 17 10/5/1 7 20/ 5/ 17 20 /5/1 7 1/6/1 7 1/6/1 7 1/6/1 7 6/6/1 7 6/6/ 17 6/6/ 17 6/6/ 17 20/7/ 17 2 1/7/ 17 2 1/7/ 17 22 /7/ 17 22/7/ 17 23/7/ 17 23/7/ 17 26/7/ 17 27/7/ 17

Pilot FC d r EW No rto n FS L 1deC Paynt er [T d r EW No rto n FCdr EW No rto n FSL A L T horn e FS L A L T horn e FCdr EW No rto n FCdr EW No rto n FSL A ll Y Fletc her FCdr EW No rto n FCd r EW No rto n FCd r EW Norto n FSL RR Wint er FSL 0 1 Ga g nier FS L C Bailey FL BII I' de Roe per FS LA MeB Walt on FCdr C D Breese FC dr GG Mac Lennan FS L RF Redpath I' Ll G LE Ste phens SC dr C Drap er SCdr C Dra per FCd r GG M acL enn an FS L RE Carro ll FS L RR Winte r FS L M H Find lay I' ll BHI' de Roep er I' Ll GA Gooderham FS L I' Wood FS L 111 Fo rma n FS L 111 For ma n

Se r ia l N3 1'i14 N3 1'i14 N3 1'i17 N3 187 N320 5 N32 05 N3 1'i17 N3 1'i17 N3 192 N32 0 'il N3208 N3 208 N3 199 N3 189 N3 199 N3 209 N3 199 N320'il N58 60 N5'i16 1 N58 65 N3 10 1 N3 10 1 N6360 N6 355 N6 379 N6 339 N6 34 1 N6373 N6 334 N63 58 N6 358

28/7/ 17 28/7/ 17 2'i1/7/17 15/ 8/1 7 15/ 8/1 7 17/ 8/1 7 17/ 8/1 7 17/ 8/1 7 17/ 8/1 7 20/8 /17 20/8/ 17 20/8 /17 2 2/8 /17

FSL RR Win ter FS L N M Macgrego r FS L 111 For ma n FSL FS Stra thy I' Ll BliP de Roep er FS L ED Abbott I' Ll BHp de Roe per FS L Nivl Macgrego r FS L RE Carro ll FS L M H Find lay I' Ll BHP de Roep er FS L NM Macgrego r FS L NM Macg regor

B382 1 B3833 N6 358 N6359 B3882 B39 19 B38'i1 2 B3833 N6 35 1 N6339 B38'i1 2 B3833 B3833

9/ 3/ 18

FCd r Le Mesu rier and PO AG L Ryan

B759 1

Dl'l ail s Aviat ic 2-se ater o ut o f co ntro l and smo king . Iio uthuist For est. 2-seate r in vert ica l d ive at G histelles. A lba tro s sco ut sho t do wn in fl am es. west o f Dou ai . 17.00 . A lba tro s sco ut ou t of co ntro l west o f Do ua i. 17.00. Enem y machine ou t of co ntro l. A lba tro s sco ut sho t do wn at Cambra i, 11.45. shared w ith N3 187. A lbatra s sco ut sho t do wn at Cambrui, 11.45. shared w ith N32 05 . A lba tro s sco ut ou t of co ntro l at Ca mbra i. 12.00. A lbat ro s sco ut o ut of co ntro l 7 m iles cas t o f Harcourt, 13. 15. shared w ith N32 0'il. A lba tros sco ut out of co ntro l 7 m iles cas t o f Harco urt. 13. 15. shared wi th l\'3 19 2. A lba tra s sco ut sho t dow n in Fl ames at G uise . 18.55 . A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntrol at G uise. 18.55. T hi s was U II H Go ring o f .1 26 . A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at G uise. 18.5 0. A lbatros sco ut di ved and cras hed no rthwest o f Frcs no y lc Gra nde . A lbat ros out o f co ntro l nort hea st of St. Q ue ntin . 11.50 to 12.00 . A lbat ros 2-se ate r OUI of co ntro l and smo king at Elinco urt. north west of Bohai n. 11.40 . 2-sea ter a ppare ntly o ut o f co ntro l. St Q uenti n. 08.35. shared w ith l\'32 08 . 2-seate r a ppa rently o UI o f co ntro l. St Q uentin. 08.35. shared w ith l\'3 199 . A lba tros sco ut cras he d 10 the cas t o f Tcm plcu x Lc Gu e rard at 19 .00 . A lbat ros sco ut out of co ntro l nor thw est of C ambra i, 12.00 - 12.15. A lbat ro s sco ut out of co ntro l nort hwest of C ambrai, 12.15 . A lbatros sco ut ou t o f co ntro l nort hwest of C ambr ai. 12.00 . A lba tros sco ut sho t do w n and cras hed no rth we st o f Ca mbra i. 12.00 . Aviatic 2-seate r o ut of co ntro l to nort hwe st of Wil skerk c at 14 .30 . A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l and in fl umes to ca st of Nicuport at 20. 05. A lba tro s sco ut brok e up at \\'estende at 20 .05. Albatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l wes t o f Steene at 17 .50. DFW 2- se ate r o ut of co ntro l 3 mil es northeast o f D ixm ude at 20.4 0. A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l ncar Moore at 20. 15. A lba tro s sco ut o ut o f co ntro l to ca st o f Dixrnud c at 20.3 0 . A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at St. Geor ge . 17.50 . A lba tros sco ut dest royed in fla mes. crashe d in sea nort heast of Nieupo rt at 17.10. For man's victim was a lmo st ce rtainly Viflll O tto Brant of MF/ I who wa s repo rted as killed in ac tio n betwe en Midd lck erk c and West end e. O F\\' 2- seate r crashed ncar Nieu po rt at 16.0 0. sha red with B3833. DFW 2-sea ter crashed near Nie u po rt at 16.00 . shared with B382 1. A lbatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l so uth o f Wi lskerke at 16 .15. Ho st ile mach ine destro yed. broke up in air ov e r Nicupo rt, 04.4 5 1006.45 pa tro l. A lba tros sco ut o ut of co ntro l at G histe lles, 17.40 . Ene my mach ine o ut o f co ntro l. Avia tic 2-sea te r cras he d I mile ca st of Wcst cnde at 18.15. shared with B3833 and N63 5 1. Avia tic 2-seater cra she d I mi le cas t of Wesl ende at 18. 15. sha red w ith B3882 and N63 5 1. Aviatic 2- sea te r cra shed I mile cast o f West ende at IS. 15. shared with B3833 and B3882. Albatros sco ut out o f co ntro l .u M idd lck crke. 07.20 . Albatros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at Mocrc, 10 .50. shared wi th B3833. Al batros sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at Mocre, 10 .50. shared w ith B3 'i1 'i12. A lbatros sco ut brok e up in the a ir north o f St. Pie rre Ca ppe llo at 09.4 5 . Macgregor 's victim may ha ve been Flgobmt Luitjen Lu itjcn s o f M FJ I . Sc o ut (cl aimed as A lbatro s but possi bly Pfalz of /vlF / II) sho t do wn and crashed o n edge of Ilood s. ap pro x 14.00 .

205

CASUALT IES. CRASH ES AN D INCI DE NTS

Pa rt I : 271h No vem ber 191 6 10 211l h Augu st 19 17 Dal e

I'i lut

5/4/1 7 FS L OJ Ga gn ier N 3 18'1 Be cam e sepa ra te d from the ll ight ove r Arras a nd ev e ntu a lly landed a t Bus.

Se r ia l 5/4 /1 7 FCd r EW Nort on N 3 I87 Fo rced landing a fte r com ba t a t Bouque Mai so n. Lowe r plane da m aged .

2'1/ 1/1 7 I'SL G L Ha rtg ill 3'188 Bent ax le o n land in g . H it road w he n makin g a second land in g. 3/2/17 FSL V R Gi bbs C ras hed and wrecked.

3 1S5

5/4 /17 FSL~IR Kings fo rd N 3\9\ Eng ine failed a nd c ras he d fro m 200 fe e t. FS L King s for d injured.

4/2/1 7 nkn o wn C o ll ide d w ith a not he r N ie u po rt .

39 88

5/4/ 17 I'S L RK Sla te r N 3202 S hot d o w n ncar Arras at 18.4 5 . Slater beca me a p rison er o f war.

25 /2/1 7 FSL GC W D in g w a ll C ra she d and da m age d .

'!206

5/4 /1 7 FS L H La w son N3 1'14 Lo w o n fue l. lan ded at A ux Ie C ha tea u.

26/2/17 FSL GP Po wl e s 3'18 1 Fa iled to re turn from pho to rcco nna issance escort m iss io n 10 Zecbrugge , ta nk hol ed . for c ed la nd ing a t Cad za nd , Zee land . FSL G P Po w les inte rned in Hoi land. 11/3/1 7 FSLRKSlatc r C ras he d and d a maged on lan di ng .

1':3202

I 1/3/1 7 FS L C L Ba iley C ras hed on tak e -o ff.

N3 186

13/3/1 7 FS L A II V Fle tche r C ras he d on landing a nd d a maged .

N3202

N 31 8'1

7/4/ 17 FCd r C T Xlact.aren 1':3204 M ac h ine su ffe red from fai lur e o f bo th mec hanical a nd hand pre ss urisa iion syste ms . 8/4 /1 7 FCdr CT M ac l. nrc n 1':3204 M ach in e aga in su ffe red com p lete fa ilure o f fue l prc s suri sati o n syste m s. '1/4/1 7 FC d r EW No rto n N3 187 Cras hed d ur in g s to rm a nd burn t a t M ar ic ourt . FCd r No rto n inj ured . '1/4 /1 7 I'SL Jd eC Pay nt e r N3 1'10 Crashed d uri ng st or m a t Hinges . FSL Pay nte r inj ure d .

17/3/1 7 FSL FC Wa l~ e r N 3 201 St all ed a t 400 fee t and cr ashed a t Su vy, I' S L Wa lke r kill ed. 18/3/1 7 FS L R K Sl at e r C ras he d a nd written o ff.

7/ 4 /17 I'SL OJ G agni er D a maged wh e n landing .

'1/4/17 I'SL A L Th orne 1':320 5 Cra shed du rin g st orm. I'SL Th orne kil led .

N31 '18 I 1/4 / 17 I'Ll F P Re e ves La nd ed at M co u l, damage d w hee l.

28 /3/17 FSLA E Hall N3 1'17 For ce d la nd ing a nd s lig ht ly dam a ged machi ne at S us St. Le ge r.

N 320 7

11/4 /1 7 I' Ll B li P de Roep e r N3 1'16 Eng ine fa ilu re a nd for ced lan d in g .u Ba ill eul.

5/4/1 7 FS L AE lI a ll N 3 l97 I iall broke the ta ilsk id w he n lan d in g a fte r a le st fli gh t.

13/4 /1 7 S C d r JJ Pet re N3206 Bro ke u p in d ive at tar ge t on g un ne ry ra nge . SCdr Pe tre killed.

5/4 /1 7 FSL Jd eC Pa ynt er N 3 1'10 Dam aged th e e le va to r a nd ta ilplanc w he n land ing .

1'1/4 /1 7 FSL OJ Ga gn ier N 3 I S'I Del ivering despatc he s w he n developed trou b le wi th the e ng ine 's hi g h le ns io n lead s. la nded at M atig n y.

5/4/ 17 I'C d r C T M ac l. a re n N 3 207 Engi ne CUI a nd petrol floo ded o ut of th e pres sure rel ief val ve .

206

Appcndi» C - Casualties. Crashes and incidents

23/4/1 7 FS L ST Ed wa rds 1'1 3200 C ras hed a nd da ma ge d o n lan din g a t C h ipilly,

5/6/1 7 FL t ST Ed wa rd s C ras he d at Sl. Pol.

24/4/1 7 FSL ST Ed war ds 1'1 320 I En g ine fa ile d . fo rced la nding a t an RF C ae rod rome nc a r Doull en .

6/6/1 7 F Lt FP Ree ves 1'1 32 04 S hot dow n a nd lo st w ings nca r Moc vrcs. I'll Re ev e s killed .

2S/4 /1 7 FSL H La wson C ra shed a nd da ma ged a t Flez.

1'1 31 94

13/6 /1 7 I' Lt RF Red pa th N5 S61 Atte m pted to re turn ma chi ne 10 A D D h ut e ng ine troub le and mad e for ced landing at M a ricu x. damaging strut.

2')/4/1 7 I'SL RR Wi nter In co m bat a nd sho t-up

1'1 3 199

2')/ 4/1 7 FS L A HV Flet c he r 1'1 31 92 Sh ot d ow n cas t o f H arcou rt. FS L F le tche r wounded a nd be c a me priso ner of wa r. By L/II Gorin g o f J26 . 30/ 4/1 7 FS L N ~ I Macg re gor P ipe to pre ssure ga ug e fa iled .

N5S 62

22/6117 FLt ST Edw ard s 1'6331 Co w l ca me o lT d ur in g a le st fl ight . da ma ge d e ng ine. ce ntre sec tion. up per pla ne and brok e prope lle r. 27/6/1 7 FC d r M ac l. a rc n 1'637 1 Pr e ss ure va lve fell olT a nd d ropped down ins ide the co c kpit.

N3 100 1' 6 33 1 11/7 /1 7 FSL E ll Ken dall Tu rne d o ve r o n la nd ing a nd w re cked ma c h ine .

FSLA MB Wa lto n N32 0 3 1/5 /1 7 Lan ded at Mont did ier wit h e ng ine trou b le.

12/7 /1 7 I' SL E ll Ke nda ll 1'6350 S hot do wn in flam e s ne a r S lype . Kendall k illed .

3/5/1 7 FSL C L Ba ile y N5S 62 Co lle c ted fro m the Depo t a t 09 .30 b ut su ffe red a broke n push rod a nd wa s for ced to la nd a t Vi l lers Hcn onncux.

For ced land ing ncar aerodrome w hen eng ine seized til take o ff.

3/5/1 7 FS L P E Bea sle y For c ed land ing at La Bell e vu e .

20 /7 /1 7 FCdr GG M ac l. cnn an i\'6 3hO S ho t do wn a nd b urn t out on the g ro und. M acl . cnn a n killed .

N3 1S6

15/7 /1 7

3/5/1 7 FS L R\\' Be rri dge N3 195 S tall ed and crashed a t Ci tade l ae ro dro me immediatel y a fte r tak e o ff. FS L Berri dge killed .

FS LI'Wood

I' h33 4

1'1634 1 25 /7/1 7 F Lt Bill' de Ro ep e r Force d lan di ng in fie ld . o ve rt u rned a nd dam aged machine .

4/5/ 17 FS L RI' Redpath N5S6 1 Starboa rd bottom p la ne tw ist ed in a d ive . Redp at h wa s a b le to lan d sa fe ly.

26/7/ 17 FSL AC Ca m pbe ll-O rde 1'1 6 356 Sho t up during co mbat . e ng ine a nd tank s d am aged a nd FS L Campbc ll-O rdc wo u nde d in three place s on hi s left s ide .

4/5/ 17 SCd r C D Br ee se Pre ssure sys te m fai led .

Gunfire wo und in right sho ulde r. For ced land ing in fie ld. ma c hi ne turn ed

2S/7/ 17

N31 96

FS L Fo re man

1'635

over.

5/5/17 FS L ST Ed wa rds N3 102 T hrott le fell o lT an d the e ng ine s to ppe d . fo rced lan d ing .

\J /S/ 17 FSL ED A bbot 1'1 635 6 Tu rn ed mac h ine o ve r w he n lan d ing a fte r a pra ctice !li ghl.

11 15/17 FS L O J Ga gni er N3 1S9 Sh o t dow n and o ve rt urne d in No M an s La nd a t Vill ers Outrcaux . FS L O J Ga gn ie r se rio us ly wounded d uring the comba t.

16/S/17 FSL FS Struihy For ced land ing at R.29 d 6.0

14/5/17 I'SL ST Ed w a rd s N3 102 Pre ssu re sys te m fa ilure . o il tank rea d ing e m pty.

171S117 FS L FS S tra thy 1'1 6 33 4 S ho t do wn a nd kill ed o ve r Zc vccoi c.

I S/5 /1 7

N5 S6 1

I S/S/I7 F Ll G D K irk patrick 1' 6 35 7 Ov ert u rne d w hen taxyi ng in aft er patrol.

20/5/ 17 FS L A Mc B Wa lto n C ras he d a nd wr eck ed at Flc z.

N3203

I S/S/I7 I' Ll G D Kir kp at ric k N6 35 7 Cr as he d in fie ld durin g a te st flight . Kir kp at ric k injured .

25/5/1 7 FS L P Wood C ra s hed a nd w rec ked at Flez.

N3 193

1915117 FSL E D Abbott N635 1 Crashe d o n la nd in g a fte r lo sin g a w hee l in the a ir.

FS L Red path

L o wer wi ng tw isted during a d ive,

1' 6 359

25/5/17 I' L B H l'de Roeper N32 09 FLt d e Roe pe r wo unded in j a w by e ne m y lire .

I')/ S/1 7 FS L GE Si edl e 1'1 6 35 9 Crashe d in fi eld a nd co m ple te ly wr ec ked .

1/6/ 17 FS L VC Ho lyrnan N3 1S6 Dam aged by a nti-a irc ra ft li re. e ngi ne s to ppe d a nd for ced lan di ng made at A th ic s, lo we r plane damaged a nd pro pell er sm a shed .

FSL E D Abbott 22 /S/I 7 C rashed in field an d da maged .

B39 19

231S117 FLt RR W inte r Da maged wh e n lan di ng .

BJ.' 2 1

1/6/ 17 SCd r C D B ree se N320S Badl y s ho t up dur ing c o m ba t. SCdr Bree se sl igh tly wo unde d.

207

A History of No .6 Sq uadron Royal Naval Air Se rvi ce in World \I f/r I

Pa rt 2: 1st Janua ry 1918 to 3 1st Ma rch 1918 Da te C rew 28/ 1/ 18 FSL Pitt and AGL Wool f Propeller brok en by mud thrown up at tak e off.

Type DH4

S erial DI 754

17/ 2/1 8 FSL Pitt and AG L Bett er idge DH 4 N640 4 Pitt attempted a prac tise lan ding on the beach at Loon Plage and broke prope ller and rad iato r. 2 1/2/1 8 FS L Pill and AG L Ban ks DII4 A n o il uni on wor ked und on e ca us ing o il to leak all over the machi ne 's co ntrols.

D 1751

9/3/18 FS L Ban natyne and AGL Holl ingsbee DII9 B759 2 Pilot and g unlayer wou nded by e ne my fire . for ced landing o n beach between Oost Dunkerqu e and Co xyde . 10/3/1 8 AFCdr G LE Steve ns and Obs.S L I. E C hristia n Engi ne failure. force d landing made at Bray Dun es.

D H9

B7589

18/3/1 8 FS L LE Oak cshott and AG L HW Dray Eng ine fa ilure and cras hed .

DII9

B7600

26/3 /18 A FCd r G LE Steve ns and O bs.SL LE Christian Eng ine fa ilure. forced landi ng 0 11 beach at La C lipo n.

DII 9

B7589

3 1/3/1 8 FS L LE Oak eshott and AG L HW Dray DH9 B762 2 Pilot mad e a n at turn into the wi nd and cras hed the machi ne . Oakeshott died o f his injuries later that day and Dray succ umbed to his wo unds on the 4th Ap ril 191 8. 3 1/3/18 FSL HA Conn o p D.H.9 B7590 Cras hed at take off from Pe tite Synthe. Conno p subse q ue nt ly di ed of his injuries in the eve ning.

208

APPEN[) IX H

HISTORY OF AIRCRAFT USED BY NO.6

Ca ud ron G IV, 2-scatcr, 2

X

S~ADRON

100hp Anza ni

'0 .6 Sq ua dro n from 27 /1 1/ 16. To A D D by 1/2117.

9 113

27/1 1/ 16to Ja n 17

Wi th 10 Pil A S quadro n. Take n o ve r by

9 119

27/1 1/1 6 to Jan 17

Wit h 10 Pil A Squadro n. Take n o ver by No .6 Sq uadron from 27/ 11/ 16. To A D D by 1/211 7.

9 120

27/1 1/1 6 to Ja n 17

Wi th 10 Flt A Squadro n. Tak e n o ver by No .6 Sq uad ron from 27/1 1/16. To A D D by 1/2/ 17.

9 12 1

27 / 11/16 to Ja n 17

Wi th 10 Fil A Squadron. Ta ke n o ve r by No .6 Sq uadron from 27111/16. To ADD by 112/1 7 .

9 123

27111/16 to Jan 17

With 10 Pil A Squ ad ro n. Tak en o ve r by No .6 S quadro n from 27 /1 1/ 16. To AD D by 1/2/ 17.

9 130

27/1 1/1 6 to Jan 17

With 10 Pil A Squad ro n. Tak e n o ve r by

i

0 .6 Sq uadron fro m 27/ 11/ 16. To A DO by 112/ 17 .

ieuport to 2-scatcr, HOh p Le Rh one 3 185

27 / 11/16 to 2/2/17

Si ng le sea t co nve rs io n. Wit h 10 Fli gh t A Squadron 4 Wing from 2819/ 16. Tak en o ve r by No .6 Squ adron o n 27/11 /1 6 . C ras he d o n 3/2/17. FSL V R Gibbs. Del eted at A D D o n 24/3/17.

396 2

27 / 11/1 6 to 15/3/17

W ith 10 n ig ht A Squadro n 4 W ing fro m 28/9/16. Ta ken o ve r by No .6 Sq uadron o n 27 /12/ 16. To No . 11 Sq uad ro n o n 15/3/1 7 .

396 5

27 /1 1/1 6 to 2/2/17

S ing le seat conve rs io n. Inh e rited from A Sq ua d ro n 4 Wing o n 27/1 1/1 6 . To No .9 Sq uadro n o n 2/2/17.

Nieu por t I I Single sea ter, HOhp Le Rhone 398 1

11/1 /1 7 to 26/2/ 17

Fro m AD D by 11 /1/ 17. Fai led to retu rn fro m Zeebru gge ra id . forc e d la nd ing at Ca dz a nd. Zee la nd. 26/2/ 17. FSL G P Pow les int erne d in Ho lla nd . Machi ne used by Dut ch A ir Force ,

3987

1/2/17 10 8/3/17

Pro m ADD o n 1/2/ 17. To No . 11 Squadron on 8/3/ 17.

39 88

11/1/17 to 4/2/17

Prom ADD by 11/1 /1 7 . Ax le bent in he a vy la nd ing . FSL Hartg ill. 29/1/1 7. Co ll ide d with a no the r Ni c upor t, 4/2/17. De let ed on 24/3/17.

398 9

1/2/ 17 to 1513/1 7

Pro m A DO o n 112/1 7 . To No . II Squadron by 1513/1 7 .

399 1

11/1/1 71 0 1/ 2/1 7

Fro m A DD by 11/1 /17 . To AD D fo r rep air by 112/1 7.

4/3/17 to 1513/17

From AD D by 413/1 7. To I I( N) by 15/3/1 7 .

39 94

6/2/17 to 25/3/ 17

To No .6 Squadron by 612/ 17. To I I(N ) by,25/3/17.

87 46

27/ 11/1 6 to 813/17

W ith A Squad ro n 4 Win g in Ju ly 16. inh e rited by No .6 Squad ro n on 27/ 11/16. To 11(1'1 ) by 8/3/17.

874 7

812/1 7 to 8/3/17

From A D D o n 8121 17. To II (N ) o n 8/3/ 17.

209

A History oj No.6 Squadron Royal Naval Ai r Se rvice ill World War /

Nieupor t 12 2-seater, IlOhp Cler get 85 12

2S11 111 6 to 15/3117

Co llec teu from A D D on 28/ 11/ 16. S ing le se a l co nve rsio n. To No . 11 S q ua dro n by 15/3/1 7.

87 12

2711 1116 to 15/3117

Fro m No .5 Win g o n 27 111116 . Si ng le sc at co n ve rsio n.' To No . 11 Sq uadron o n 15/3117.

8726

2811 1116 to 15/311 7

Co llec ted fro m A D D on 2S/I I/l6 . To No . 11 Sq ua dro n by 15/3117 .

873 4

2711 111 6 to 8/311 7

Wit h A Sq ua dro n 4 Wi ng o n 17110/1 6 . Inh er ited by No .6 Squ ad ro n o n 27/1 1/16 . To No . 11 Sq ua dro n o n 8/3 /1 7 .

92 05

2711 111 6 to 24/211 7

From No .5 Win g o n 27/1 1/16 . Si ng le se at co n ve rsio n. To No . IO Sq ua dro n o n 24/211 7.

92 0 6

28 / 11116 to 25/211 7

Co llec ted fro m dep o t o n 2 8/1 1/16 . C ras he d o n 25 /2/1 7. G C W Din gwa ll.

Nieupor t 17Bis Single sea ter, BOhp Cler get N3 100

22 /4/ 17 to 13/611 7

De li ver ed from A DD via No . II Squadro n o n 22/411 7 by FS L Macgr ego r. To AD D o n 13/6/1 7 .

N3 10 1

22/411 7 to 15/611 7

De live red fro m A D D via No . 11 Sq ua dro n o n 22/411 7 by AS Cdr Dra per. Two red ba nd s aro und fuse lage. A lba tro s sco ut shot do w n a nd c ra shed a nd another o ut o f c o ntro l. no rth we st o f C a mb rui, 12.00 . 6/6 / 17 . SC d r C Drap er. C ras hed ncar aerodro me a nd w re c ke d. 15/ 6/1 7 . I' Ll GA G oo de rha m. To A D D on 15/611 7. d e le ted 27/611 7.

N3 10 2

24/ 4/ 17 to 13/6/ 17

From No .2 A D o n 24 /4/1 7. Ma rked w it h co c ka de o n side o f fuse lage . To AD D o n 13/6117 .

N3 184

1/2117 to 27/311 7

Fro m A D D by 1/211 7. Avia tic C o ut o f co ntro l and s mok ing . Hou th u lst Forest. 8/ 2/17. I' Ll EW Norton . 2-seater in ve rt ica l d ive a t G h istc lle s. 1/ 3/1 7. FSL Jde C Pay nte r. Te sted ag a ins t S o pw ith Trip lane o n 3/ 3/1 7. To I I (N) by 27 /3 / 17 .

N3 186

2/3117 to 15/311 7

Co llec ted fro m Paris 15/ 2/1 7 by I' Ll A lle n a nd de live red to dep ot. Co lle c ted from A DD o n 2/ 3/ 17. FSL T ho rne . A t No . 1 A D S t. O rn er o n 6/311 7. Cra she d o n ta ke o ff. 11/ 3/1 7. FSL C L Ba ile y. To A DD by 15/3111.

26/4117 to 1/6117

Del ive red fro m A D D via No . 11 S q ua dro n o n 221411 7 by FS L Stevens . Co de d " 12"" a nd marke d with a di ago nal red s tripe beh ind the coc kp it. Da maged by am i-a ircra ft fire. e ng ine s topped a nd fo rc ed la nd ing ma de a t A th ics, lo we r pla ne dam aged a nd prop e lle r s ma shed , 1/611 7. FSL Hol y ma n. To AD D o n 2/611 7 a nd de le te d 27 /6117 .

N3 187

24 /2 / 17 to 9/411 7

Co llec ted fro m Paris 15/ 2/1 7 by I' Ll Norto n a nd de live re d to de pot. Fro m AD D by 24/2/1 7. A lbatros D II in flam e s a nd a no ther o ut o f co ntro l we s t o f Dou a i, 17. 00 . the n for c ed lan d ing at Bou qu e Ma iso n. 5/4 /1 7 . A lba tro s D il l o ut o f co ntro l. 11.45 a nd an ot he r o ut o f co ntro l. 12 .00 . bo th C a mb ra i, 9/4/ 17. FCd r lOW Nor to n. C ra shed and bu rnt a t M ari co ur t. 9/ 4/1 7 . FCd r EW No rto n injured . De le ted 27/4117 .

N3 1S9

S/3117 to 11/5117

From A D D by S/3 / 17. C oded " 6" . Alb at ros sco ut d ived a nd c ra she d no rth west of Frc s no y Ic G ra nd. 15 .15 . 10/5117. FSL O J Gagni e r. Sho t do w n by 4 e ne my a irc ra ft a nd ove rt urne d in No M an s Land a t Ville rs O utreax , 19 .30 . 11/5117. FSL O J Ga g ni er se rio us ly wo und ed . Del e ted 14/5/ 17 .

N 3 190

9/3/ 17 to 9/4 / 17

Fro m A D D o n 9/3/1 7 . Crashe d at Hin ge s. 9/4/1 7. FS L Jd cC Paynt e r injured . To A D D by 12/411 7.

N3 19 1

I 1/3117 to 5/411 7

Co llec ted fro m A D D on 11/ 3/1 7 . I'Ll Kee ble. Eng ine fa iled a nd c rashe d fro m 200 ft aft er co m ba t. 5/4 /1 7. FSL Kingsford injure d . To A D D by 12/4/1 7 .

N3 192

24/3/ 17 to 29/4/ 17

Co llec ted from A D D on 10/ 3/1 7 . FLt W int er. Coded " I S". Alba tro s sco ut o ut o f co ntro l 7 m ile s ca st o f Ho nnec o urt, 13 .15 . s ha red w ith N3 20 8. thcn s hot do w n ca st o f Ha rcou rt. 29 /4/ 17 . FSL A HV Fle tc he r wo unde d a nd mad e prison er o f wa r. De le ted 11/5/1 7 .

N3 193

12/3117 to 3 1/5117

Co llec ted from Pa ris 4/3117 by SC dr Pe tre a nd de liver ed to de po t. Co llec ted fro m A DD on 12/311 7. SCd r Pet re. C ras hed a nd w rec ked a t Flcz. 25 /5/1 7. FSL P Wood . To A D D by 3 1/5/ 17. de let ed 27 /6 / 17 .

N3 194

10/ 3/1 7 to 28/4117

Co llec ted fro m Pa ris 4/ 3/ 17 by I' Ll de Roep e r a nd de livered to dep o t. C o llec ted fro m AD D o n 10/3117 . FS L Payn ter. Cras he d a nd dam age d a t Fle l.. 28/4117 . FS L H La wson . To A D D by 3/511 7.

N3 195

9/311 7 to 3/5117

Fro m A D D o n 9/3/1 7 . Co de d " I" an d " 16 ". Crashed a nd w recked a t 5 2 S q ua dro n RFC aero d ro me at C itade l. so uthea st o f A lbe rt, 3/5/ 17. FSL RW Be rr idge d ie d o f inj uries , To A D D a nd de le te d 27/6117 .

N3 19 6

10/3117 to 5/611 7

Co llec ted fro m A D D on 10/3/1 7. FCdr A lle n. Coded " 2"" . To A D D o n 5th Ju ne 191 7 .

N3 197

I 1/3/ 17 to 13/611 7

Co llec ted fro m A D D o n 11/ 3/ 17 . FS L Fletc he r. Force d lan d ing a nd slig htly d a maged a t S us S t. Le ge r. 2S/ 3/ 17. FS L Hall . To A D D o n 13/611 7.

N3 198

9/311 7 to IS/3117

From A D D on 9/311 7. C ra she d IS/3117. FS L RK S later. To AD D by 22/311 7. de let ed 24/3 / 17 .

N 3 199

15/ 3/1 7 to 13/6117

Fro m A D D by 15/311 7. Co de d " S" . A lba tro s sc o ut o ut of c o ntro l at G uise . IS.50 . o w n ma c h ine s ho t-up. 29/4117 . FSL RR W int er. A lba lros ou t o f c o ntro l nort heast o f S t. Q ue ntin, 11.50 - 12 .00 . 20/5117. FSL C L Ba iley. 2-seater a ppa rc ntl y o ut o f co ntro l. 1/6/1 7 . FS L A Mc ll Wa lton . shared wi th N 3208. To A D D o n 13/611 7.

2/0

Append ix II - l l isto ry of Aircra]: Used I))' No .6 Sq uadron

N32 00

I 1/ 3/1 7 to 26/,:;/\ 7

Fro m A DD o n 11/3/1 7. Code d "9" . Crashed o n land ing at C hipilly. 23/4/1 7. FSL ST Edw ar ds. To A D D by 26/ol/l 7.

N320 1

10/3/1 7 to 17/3/1 7

Collected from A DD o n 10/3/1 7. FS L Fletc he r, Sta llcd at 400ft and cras hcd at Suvy. 17/3/1 7. FS L FC Wal ker killed . To A DD o n 22/3/17 . de leted N /3/1 7.

N320 2

11/ 3/1 7 to 13/3/1 7

Co llected from A DD o n 11/3/ 17. I'Ll de Roe per. C rashed o n landi ng. 13/ 3/1 7. FS L A II V Fletcher. To A DD by 15/3/1 7. 29/ 3/ 17 10 5/ol/17 From A D D o n 29/ 3/ 17. Sho l down near Arras. 18A5. 5/ol / 17. FS L R K Slat er mad e priso ner of wa r. Del el ed 11/5/1 7.

N3203

22/3/ 17 to 20/5/1 7

From A DD o n 22/ 3/1 7. Cod ed "3" . Crashed and wr eck ed at Fle/. 20/5/1 7. FS L A:\Ic B Wa lto n. To A DD by 2ol/5 / 17. de leted 27/6/1 7.

N3200l

lol/3/1 7

10

6/6/ 17

Collected from A DD o n lol/3/1 7. I'Ll 1'1' Ree ves. Red ban d behi nd coc kpit . Shot down and lost wings nea r Moe vrc », 12.00- 12. 15. 6/6/ 17. I' Ll 1'1' Ree ves killed . Delet ed 25/6/1 7.

N3 205

15/3/1 7

10

9/ol/l 7

Co llec ted from A DD o n 15/3/1 7. FS LA L Thorne . Enem y machine o ut of contro l. 5/ol/l 7. Enem y machi ne OUI o f co III ro I. then c ras hed in stor m. 9/ol/l 7. FS L A l.Thorn c kill ed . To A D D by iavv t .

N3 206

24/3/17

10

13/4/1 7

Co llec ted fro m A D D o n l ol/3/1 7. FSL Payn ter. C ras he d d uri ng gunne ry practice. 13/4/1 7. SC d r JJ Petre killed . ToA DD by 19/4/1 7. del eted 27/4/1 7.

32 07

3 1/5/1 7

10

13/6/1 7

From A DD by 3 1/5/1 7. To A D D o n 13/6/1 7. deleted 27/6/1 7.

1

N3208

5/4 /17 to 13/6/1 7

A l 6(N) by 5/4/1 7. A lbatros sco ut o UI o f co ntro l 7 mil es eas t of Ho nncco urt, share d with N3 192 . 13. 15. 29/ol/l 7. A lbatro » scout sho t d o wn in flam es a nd ano the r o ut o f co ntro l at G uise . 18.55. 29/4/1 7. A ll FC d r lOW No rto n. 2-sea ter a ppa re nt ly o ut o f co ntro l. 1/6/1 7. SC d r C D Breese . shared w ith N3 199.To A DD o n 13/6/1 7.

N3209

13W I7 to 15/4/1 7

Collected fro m No .2 AD o n 13/4 /1 7 by FLt LC Kee ble . De live red to No.2 A D o n 15/ol/l 7 by FS L Bailey.

29W I7 to 1/6/1 7

Col lec ted from :-':0 .2 A D o n 29/ol/ 17 by FS L Winter. In co mba t with 2-seater to the Sou th o f St. Qu entin . 0 7A 5. 25/5/17. I'Ll BI'II de Roe per wounded in jaw. Bad ly shot -up in co mbat wi th 2-se ate r. 1/6 / 17. SC dr C D Breese s lightly wo unded . To A D D by 5/6 / 17. de leted 27/6/1 7.

N5860

26W I7 to 19/6/1 7

De live red from A DD via No .1 1 Squad ro n on 22/ol/ 17 by FL t Mac l. cnnan. ToA D D o n 19/6 /1 7.

N5 86 1

22W I7 to 13/6/ 17

De live red fro m A DD via No .1 1 Squ ad ron by FSL Red pat h o n 22/ol/l 7. A lbatros SCO UI o ut of co ntro l. northwe st of Camb rai . 12.00 - 12.15. 6/6/1 7. FSL RF Redp at h. At te mp ted to return ma chin e to AD D but mad e forced lan d ing at Maricux. dam aging strut. 13/6/1 7. I'Ll RF Redpath . Mac hine di smantled and ret urned to dep ot.

N5 86 2

3/5/17 to 5/6/ 17

From A D D o n 3/5/1 7. To A DD o n 5/6/1 7 where crashed o n lan d ing after run ning into a d itch . I'Ll ST Edward s.

N5 865

5/5/17 to 19/6/ 17

From A DD o n 5/5/ 17. A lba tros scout o ut of co ntro l. nort hw est of Cam brai . 12. 15. 6/6117. FLt G LE Ste ve ns . To A DD on 19/6/1 7.

Sopwith Ca mel, l311hp C ler get N633 0

22 /S/ 17 to 29 /8/1 7

From A DD o n 22/ S/l 7. To IO(N ) o n 2S/S/l 7.

N6 33 1

20/ 6/1 7 to 111711 7

Flo wn from ADD o n 19/6/1 7 by I' Ll ST Edw ards but made an ove rn ight soc ial ca ll 10 No .3 Sq uad ron at Furn es be fo re del iverin g to No .6 Squadro n o n 20/6/ 17. Co w l came o il du ring a lest fligh t. da ma ge d engine. centre se ctio n. upper plan e and bro ke pro pell er. 22/6117. FLt ST Edwards. O vertu rned whe n land ing afte r a patro l and wrecked . 11/7 / 17. FS L El l Ken dall . De leted al A DD on 16/7/1 7.

i\'6 33 ol

16/6/1 7 to 17/ 8/1 7

From A D D o n 16/6/1 7. Fo rce d landing ju st a fte r lak ing o ff wh e n engine se ized. 15/7/1 7. FS L I' Wood . A lbatros sco ut destroyed east o f Dixmude, 20 .30. 23/7 / 17. FSL I' Wood. Shot dow n near Zcvccoie . 17/ S/ 17. FS L FS Str at hy killed .

N6 339

25/6/ 17 to 30/8 / 17

Co llec ted fro m A DD o n 25/6/17 by FSL Fi ndla y. A lb.uro s sco ut o ut of co ntro l wevt o f Steene. 17.50. 22/7 /1 7. Alb at ros scou t out o f contro l at M idd lckc rkc. 07 .20. 20/S/l 7. bot h FS L :\111 Find lay. To No. 10 Squadron on 28/8/1 7.

N6 30ll

121711 7 to 2517117

From AD D on 12/7 / 17. 2-seater out of co ntro l 3 mi les NE o f Di xmude. 20AO. 22/7/1 7. FLt Bill' de Roep er. For ced land ing in fie ld. o ve rturned and damaged . 25/7 /1 7. I'Ll B HI' de Roe per. To A D D o n 26/7 /17 .

i\'6 3ol2

20/6/17 to 29/ /1 7

From A DD o n 20/6 / 17. To No . IO squad ro n o n 28/8/17 .

:-':6350

16/6/1 7 10 1217117

From AD D o n 16/6/1 7. Shot down in flumes near Slypc. 10 .50. 12/7/ 17. FS L Ell Kendal l kill ed .

i\'635 I

16/6/1 7 to 18/ /1 7

From AD D o n 16/6/1 7. 2-sea ter crashed I mile east of Wcs tcnde. 18.15 . I7/S/I 7. FSL RE Carro ll. shared wit h B3S33 and B3SS2. C ras hed on land ing afte r whee l fel l o tf. IS/S/l 7. FS L ED Ahbott. To No .10 Squ adron on 2S/S/l 7.

2 11

A History oj No .6 Squadron Royal Na val Air Service ill World War /

N6355

26/6/ 17 to 30/8 / 17

From A D D on 26/6/17 . A lbatro s sco ut o ut of co ntro l and o n fire ea st of Nicupo rt, 20.05. 2 1/7 /1 7. FSL RE Ca rro ll. To No . IO Sq uadron o n 28/8/1 7.

N6 356

8/6/ 17 to 15/8/1 7

Co llected from A DD by FLt Ed wa rds o n 8/6/ 17. S hot up d uring co mbat. e ng ine and tank s dam aged and FS L Ca mpbe llO rdc wo unde d in three places o n his left ha nd side . 26/7/1 7. Machine turn ed o ve r w he n land ing a fter a pra cti ce ni g ht. 13/8/ 17. FS L ED Abbo t. To A DD o n 15/8/1 7 .

N6357

8/6/17 to 20/8/1 7

Co llected from A DD by FSL Kirkp atri ck on 8/6/1 7. C ras he d in fiel d 18/8/1 7. FLt G O Kirkpatr ick injured. To A DD o n 20/ 8/1 7.

N6358

8/6/17 to 30/7/ 17

Co llected from A DD by FSL Winter o n 8/6/1 7. A lba tro s sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at St. Ge o rge . 17.50. 26/7 /1 7. Al ba tro s sco ut in n am es and cra shed int o the se a no rtheast of Nie upo rt. 17. 10. 27/7 /1 7. bo th FSL .II I Fo rema n. A lba tros o ut o f co ntro l then made fo rced land ing in a fie ld and ov erturned. so uth ofW ilske rkc . 16 .15. 28/7 /1 7. FSL .l1 1 Forem an injured . To A DD by 30/7/1 7.

N6359

8/6/ 17 to 19/8/1 7

Co llected from A DD by FSL Ho lyman o n 8/6/17 . Ene my machine bro ke up in the air o ver Nicupo rt. 15/8/1 7. FSL FS Strathy. Fo rced land ing at R.29 d 6.0 . 16/8/1 7. FSL Strathy. C ras hed in field and co mplete ly wrecked. 1918/1 7. FS L GE S ied le. ToA DD o n 2 1/8/1 7.

N6360

8/6/1 7 to 20/7/ 17

Co llected from A D D by I'Ll Mac l.c nnon o n 8/6/1 7. Bur st both tyrcs a fte r test ni ght . 12/6/1 7. FLt Mac l. cnn an . Aviatik o ut o f co ntro l north west o f Wi lskerk e at 14.30. then shot do wn. FCd r G G Ma cl.eun an killed. 20/7/17 .

N637 1

25/6/ 17 to 30/8 / 17

Co llected from A D D o n 25/6/1 7 by FCdr Macl.a rcn . To No . IO Squa dro n o n 28 /8/1 7.

N6373

25/6/1 7 to 30/8 /17

Co llected fro m A DD o n 25/6/17 by FSL Goo derham. A lba tros sc o ut o ut o f co ntro l near Mocr e. 20. 15 bu t bad ly sho t up in the process. 23/7 /1 7. FL t G A Goo derham . To No. 10 Sq uad ron o n 28 /8/1 7 .

N6379

25/6/ 17 to 30/8 / 17

Co llected from A DD o n 25/6/1 7 by SC d r Breese . A lba tros sco ut dest royed at Wcstcnd e . 20 .05 . 2 1/7 /1 7. FLt RR Winter. 'Il ) No . 10 Sq uad ron o n 28/ 8/1 7.

B382 1

2 1/7/ 17 to 23/8/1 7

prom A DD o n 2 1/7 /1 7. 2-seate r cr ashed near Nieupo rt, 16.00 . 28/7/1 7. I'Ll RR Wint er. shared w ith B3833. Damaged on lan d ing . 23 .8/17. FLt RR Wint er. To A DD o n 27 /8 /17.

13 3833

12/7/ 17 to 30/8 /17

Fro m A DD o n 12/7/ 17. 2-s eate r cras he d at Nic upo rt, 16 .00. 28/7/ 17. sha red w ith B3821 . 2-sea te r cra shed I m ile east o f Wcstcnd c, 18. 15. 17/ 8/1 7. shared w ith N6 35 1 and B388 2. A lba tro s sco ut o ut of co ntro l at Mocrc , 10.50 . 20/8/1 7. shared with B3882. A lba tros sc o ut des tro yed nort h o f St Pierre Ca pe lle. 09.4 5. 22/ 8/1 7. A ll FSL NM Macgrego r. 'Jl ) No . IO Sq uadro n o n 28/8/ 17.

B386 9

30/7/ 17 to 28/7/ 17

pro m A DD on 30/7 /17. Prese nta tion mach ine "Bu suto la nd No .5 l.erotho li". To A DD o n 28/7 /17 .

8 3882

26/7/ 17 to 30/ 8/1 7

prom A DD on 26/7 /1 7. A lbatro s sco ut o ut o f co ntro l at G histe llcs, 17.40. 15/8/ 17. 2-sea te r cras hed I m ile ea st o f Westcnd c, 18. 15. 17/ 8/ 17. shared w ith B3833 and N635 1. A lbatros sco ut o ut of co ntro l at Moere . 10 .50 . 20 /8/ 17. shared with B3833. A ll FLt BHp de Roep er. To No . IO Sq uadro n o n 28/8/ 17.

B39 12

7/8/17 to 30/ 8/ 17

prom A DD o n 7/8/17 . 'Il ) No . 10 Sq uadro n o n 30/8/17 .

13 39 19

14/ 8/1 7 to 23/8/1 7

prom A D D o n 14/8/1 7. Sco ut o ut o f co ntro l. 06. 10 to 08. 10 pat ro l. 17/8/ 17. FSL ED A bbo tt. Turned ove r when ta xying. 18/8/1 7. FS L ED Abbott. Cra shed in a fie ld and dam aged. 22/8/17. FS L ED Ab bott. To A DD o n 23/8/1 7.

B3933

18/ 8/1 7 to 30/8 /1 7

Fro m A DD o n 18/8/ 17. To No . IO sq uad ro n o n 28 /8 / 17.

B395 0

23/ 8/ 17 to 30/8 / 17

prom A DD o n 23/8/1 7. To No . 10 Sq uad ro n o n 28/8/1 7.

A irco D.HA N6 390

20/3/18 to 3 1/3/1 8

Fro m AA P Do ver o n 20/3/18 . Wit h No .206 Squ adro n fro m 1/4/1 8.

N64 04

1711 /1 8 to 7/3/18

From ll endon by 17/1 /1 8. To No. 11 Sq uadron o n 7/3/1 8.

B9498

20/3 / 18

Fro m A A p Do ver o n 20/3/ 18. To No . I I Sq uadro n 22//3/ 18.

B9499

19/1 /1 8 to 11/3/ 18

Fro m A A P Do ver o n 13/1/18. To No. 11 Sq uadro n o n 11/3/1 8.

D 175 1

13/1 / 18 to 11/3/1 8

Fro m AA P Do ver o n 13/ 1/1 8. To No . 11 Sq uad ro n o n 11/3/1 8.

D 175 2

19/1/1 8 to 11/3/ 18

From A DD o n 19/1/1 8. To No . 11 Sq uadro n o n 11/3/1 8.

D 175 3

3/1/1 8 to 11/3/1 8

Fro m AA P Do ver o n 3/1/18 . To No. 11 Squad ro n o n 11/3/1 8.

D 1754

27/1/1 8 to 11/3/1 8

From AA P Do ver o n 27/1 /18 . To NO. I I Sq uad ro n o n 11/3/1 8.

10

25/ 3/ 18

2 /2

App endix H - Hist ory ofA ircraf t Used hy No.6 Squadron

Ain'Il D. H .9 B7583

16/2/1 8 to 3 1/ 3118

Prom AA I' Do ver o n 16/2 /1 8. Wilh 206 Squadron fro m 1/4 / 18

B75 86

23/2 / 18 to 3 1/3118

From AA I' Do ver o n 23/2118 . Wit h 206 Sq uad ro n from 1/4 / 18 .

B758 7

19/ 2/1 81 0 3 1/3118

From AA I' Do ver o n 19/2/ 18. Wilh 20 6 Squ ad ro n fro m 1/4/1 8 .

B7588

2 1/ 2118 10 3 1/3118

From AA I' Do ver o n 2 1/2118. To 2 11 sq uad ro n by 6/4118.

B7 589

18/2/1 8 10 31/ 3118

Prom AA I' Do ve r o n 18/2118. En g ine fail ur e. forc ed lan d ing a t Bray Dun es on 10/3/1 8 . FCd r Steve ns a nd Ob s SL

Christian. Eng ine failure. for ced lan di ng o n beac h al La C lipo n on 26/3118. FC d r Steve ns and Ob s SL Christian. Wilh 206 sq uad ro n fro m 1/4/ 18 . B7590

29/3/ 18 to 1/4/1 8

Fro m NO.II Sq uadron o n 29/ 3118. Cras hed o n 3 1/3118. FS L II A Con no p killed .

B759 1

16/2/1 , to 3 1/3118

Fro m AA I' Do ver o n 16/2/1 8 . Alba tros seo ul shot down , spi ra l nose d ive . obse rved 10 c rash an d burn in flood s be tween SI. Pie rre Capcl le a nd lines. 14 AO. 9/3 / 18. FCdrTF Lc Mcsurie r and 1'0 AG L JJ Rya n. With 206 Sq uadro n fro m 1/4/ 18.

B7592

26/2/1 8 10 3 1/3117

From A A I' Do ver o n 26/2/18 . For ccd land ing o n beac h bet we en OOSI Dun ke rq uc a nd Coxyd , 9/3/1 8.PSLA I\I Bann aty ne and AC I AGL RA I lo llingsbee bo th wo unded . With 20 6 sq uadro n fro m 1/4/1 8.

B7 594

29/3 /18 10 3 1/3118

From No. 11 Sq uad ro n o n 29/ 3118. Wilh 20 6 sq uadro n fro m 1/4 /1 8.

B7 595

29/3/18 10 3 1/ 3118

From No . 11 Sq uadron o n 29/3/18 . Wil h 206 Squ ad ron fro m 1/4/ 18 .

B7 596

26/ 2/18 10 3 1/ 3/1 8

From AA I' Do ve r o n 23/2/ 18 bUI retur ned d ue 10 bad wea ther, fina lly ar rived 26/2118 . With 206 Sq uadro n from 1/4 /1 8.

B75 9 7

28/2/18 10 3 1/ 3/ 18

Pro m AA I' Do ver o n 28 /2118 . Wilh 206 Squ ad ron fro m 1/4 /1 8 .

B7599

2 1/2/18 10 31/3 / 18

Fro m AA I' Do ver o n 2 1/2/ 18. Wilh 206 Squ ad ron from 1/4/ 18.

B7600

27/2/18 10 3 1/3 / 18

Prom AA I' Do ve r on 27/2118. Crashed o n 18/ 3/1 7. FSL LE Oa kcs ho u a nd AGL II W Dray. Flyin g aga in by 22/3 /18 . Wilh 206 Squ adro n from 1/4/ 18.

B760 2

8/3/ 18 10 3 1/ 3118

Fro m AA I' Do ver o n 8/3118 . Wilh 206 Sq uadro n from 1/4118 .

B760 3

2 1/2/18 10 3 1/3/ 18

From AA I' Do ve r o n 2 1/2/ 18.

B7604

8/ 3/ 18103 1/3118

From AA I' Do ver o n 8/3118 . To A DD by 26/3/1 8 .

B7605

8/3/ 18 10 3 1/3118

Fro m AA I' Do ver o n 8/ 3118. Wilh 206 Squa dro n fro m 1/4118 .

B76 15

3 1/3118 10 3 1/3/ 18

Pro m No . 11 Sq uadron o n 3 1/3118. Wilh 20 6 Squ ad ro n fro m 1/4/1 8 .

B761 7

23/3/ 18 10 1/4118

Pro m No . 11 Sq uadron o n 23/3 118. Wil h 20 6 Sq uad ro n from 1/4/1 8.

B761 8

29/3118 10 1/4118

Prom No . 11 Squadro n o n 29/3 118. Wilh 206 Squad ro n from 1/4 /1 8.

B76 19

29/3 / 18 10 3 1/3/18

Pro m No . 11 Sq uadro n o n 29/3 118. Wilh 206 sq uadro n fro m 1/4118.

B76 22

29/3 /18 to 3 1/3/18

Fro m '0. 11 Sq uadron o n 29/3/ 18. Mad e flnt tu rn into wind and c rashed. co mpletely wrec ked, 3 1/3 /18 . FSL LE Oakcshotl and AG L HW Dray bot h di ed o f the ir injuries . To No A AS D o n 2/4/ 18 a nd delet ed o n 8/4/18 .

D27 83

24/3118 10 3 1/3/18

Fro m AA I' Do ver o n 24/3 / 18. W i th 206 Squadron from 114118.

wun 206 Sq uadron from

l\'OTE I

G L l lartg ills log book refers 10 thi s machine as a sing le sea ter

2 /3

1/4/1 8 .

APPEN DIX I

C ROSS REFER ENC E - AI RCRAFT TO PI LOT

C a ud r o n G .IV 9 113

FS L VE Sic vck iug

9 119

FSL RE Darnton . FSL LW Or merod

9 120

FSL A I IV Fletcher, FSL JE Ruth ven

9 12 1

FLt 1'1' Digby

9 123

FSL RB Fra me, FSL VE Sievc king

9130

FSL RE Darnton

8746 FCdr AD W Allen, FSL C L Bailey. FLt BlI pDc Roeper, FSLG C W Ding wa ll. F5 LA IIV Fle tc her. F5L G L lIartgill. FCd r EW Norton. FSL JdcC Paynter, FSL D Plaistowe. FSL G p Powles. FSL R K Slate r, FSL A L Tho rne. FS L FC Walkcr. ru RR Winter 8747 FCd r ADW A lle n. FSL C Bai ley. FLt Bli P Dc Roep e r, FSL OJ Ga gnier, FLl LC Keeble, FSL II La wson. FCdr J.I Pet re, FSL D Plaistowc. FSL G p Powle s, FS L RK S later. FS L AL Thorn e. FS L FC Wal kcr. FLt RR Winter

N ie u pu r t 12

N ieu po r t

rn

3 185

FSL VR G ibbs. FSL A L Th orne

396 2 FS L A IIV Flc tc hcr. FSL OJ Ga gni er, FSL VR Gibbs. FSL II Lawson. FS L AE Hall. FSL GL lIartgi ll. FSL D Plaistowe. FSL RK Slater, FS L AL T hornc. FSL FC Walkcr. FS L I' Wood 3965

87 12

FSL D Plai sto wc . r SL AL Th orn e. FS L FC Walkcr

8734 JJ Petre,

FCdr ADW A lle n, FCdr CT Macl. a re n. FCdr EW Norto n. SCdr

n 05

FSL LW Ormero d. FS L RK Slater, FS L AL Th orne.

l)206 Walkcr.

F5 L II Lawson. FS L D Pla isto wc, FSL AL Thorne. FSL FC

FCdr CT i\laciarcn

N ie u po r t 17Bi s Nie u po r t II

N3100

FSL Ni\1 Macgregor

398 1 FSL C Bai ley. I'Ll Bi ll' Dc Roeper. FSL GCW Dingwal l. I'Ll LC Keeble, FSL II Lawson . FSL JdcC Paynter, FSL G p Powles. FS L A L Thorne. FLt RR Wintcr

N3 10 I Redpath

SCd r C Draper, I'Ll GA Gooderham. FS L H Lawson . I'Ll RF

N3 102

FLt ST Edwards. FS L VC lIolyman

398 7 FCdr ADW Alle n. FSL C L Bailey. FSL GCW Dingwa ll. FS L G L lI artg ill. FS L II La wson. FCdr EW No rto n. FSL JdcC Payn ter. FS L D Plaistowc. FSLG p Powles, FSL RK Slater, FS LA L Thornc. FLI RR Winter 398 8

FSL G L Ilartgili. FSL AL Thornc

N3 184 I'LL ADW Allen, FSL C Bai ley. FLt Bli P Dc Roeper, F5L A HV Fletcher, FSL 0 .1 Gagnier, FLt LC Keeb le, FLt CT Macl. arcn, FLt EW Norton. FSL JdcC Paynter, FCdr JJ Pe tre. FS L G p Powles, FSL ALT horn c. FS L FC Wa lkcr. FLt RR Winter

3989 FCd r ADW Allen, FLt Bi ll' Dc Roeper, FSL GC W Dingwall. FSL OJ Gagnier, FLt LC Kccb le. FCdr CT Mac l.arcn. FCdr EW Norton. FSL JdcC Payn ter, FSL D Plaistowe. FSL G p Powles. FSL RK S tater, FS L A L Thorne. FSL FC Wa lker

N3 186 FLt ADW A llen, FS L CL Bailey. FLl p E Bcaxley. SCdr C Draper, FS L VC Holyman , FLt GG Mac l. ennan . r Lt G LE Stevens, FS L A L T horne N3 187

FLt EW No rto n. FCdr JJ Pet re, F5 L AL Thorne

399 1 FSL A II V Fle tc hcr. FSL OJ Gagnier, FSL AE lI al l. FSL GL Ilartgili. FS L II Lawson. FSL JdcC l'ayntc r, FS L R K Slatc r. FS L I' Wood

N3 189

FSL OJ Gagnier.

N3 190

FCdr A DW Allen, FS L JdcC Payn ter,

N3 19I

FSL M R Kingsford

3994 FS L A IIV Fletc her, FS L OJ Gag nier, FSL I I Lawson . FCdr EW Norto n. FS L RK Slate r. FS L AL Thor ne, FLt RR Winter

2 /4

Appendix / . Cross Refe rence . Aircraft to Pi/ot

N3 192

1'51. A Hv Fletche r, 1'51. GO Kirkpa tric k

N3193

SCdr CD Bree se , SCdr JJ Pe tre.. FLt RR Winte r. 1'51. I' Wood

SCd r C D Breese . FL t BH I' de Roe pe r, 1'5 1. NM Mac grego r, FLt N6 341 RR Winter

N319-1 FCdr C D Breese. I' Ll BHI' De Roeper, 1'5 1. G O Kirkpatri c k. 1'51. H La wson . I' Ll I' E Bea sle y. FL t R R W int e r

N6342 FSL R E Carro ll. FSL WA Curti s. FSL Red path . 1'5 1. GO Sim pso n

N~I

Mac grego r, FL t RF

FS L E D Abbott. S Cdr C D Breese. 1'51. WA C urtis . 1'5 1. E H Kendall. FCdr CT M acL ar c n. FSL A Mc B Wal ton

N635 0 N3 195 FCdr A D W A lle n, 1'51. RW Berrid ge, S Cdr C D Bree se . FCdr 11 Petre . 1'51. Thor ne, I'Ll RR Wint cr N3 196 I'Ll PE Bea sle y. SCd r C D Bree se. FLt B HI' Dc Roep e r, 1'5 1. II La wso n. I' Ll G LE Stevens, FSLA Mc B Walt on . FLt R R Wi nte r. 1'51. I' Wood FSL RW Berridge. FSL AE Hall . FSL G O Kirkpatri c k. FSL H N3 197 Lawson . FCdr EW Norton . SC dr JJ Petre. FLt G LE Stevens . 1'51. I' Woo d

N635 1 FS L E D Ab bott . FLt PE Be a sl e y. SC d r C D Br ee se , FS L R E Ca rro ll. FS L WA C urtis. FSL N M Macgregor N635 5 FSL R E Carro ll . FSL S imp so n. FLt RR Winter N6356

N3 198

~I H

Fi ndl ay . FS L H La w son . 1'5 1. J O

I' Ll ST Edwards . FSL ED Abbo t. I' Ll P E Beasl e y. SCd r C D

Breese. 1'5 1. AC Cam pbel l-Orde . FS L ~IH Find lay. FCd r GG M acL c nnan

1'51. RK Slatcr.

N3 199 FC dr C O W A lle n. 1'51. C L Ba ile y. 1'51. GO Kirk pat rick . 1'51. H La wson . SCdr JJ Pet re , I' Ll lOP Ree ve s, FSL A Mc B Walt on . I' Ll RR Wintcr

N6357 FSL E D A bb ott. SC dr C D Bree se . 1'5 1. R E C arroll. 1'51. AC Ca m pbc ll-Orde, I'Ll G O Kirkpat rick . 1'5 1. GO S im pso n

N3200 FC d r C D W A llen, I'Ll ST Edw a rds. FSL 0 Pluist o we , I'Ll 1'1' Ree ve s. 1'51. A Mc B Wa lton .

N6358 1'51. M H Find lay. 1'51. JH Fo rma n. FLt G O Kir kpa tric k. FLt RR W in ter , SC d r C D Bre e se, AS C dr C Drap e r

N32 0 1

FC d r EW Norton. 1'5 1. FC Walk cr

N6359 1'5 1. v C lI o lyma n. FLt GO Kirkpat rick . 1'51. GE S icdl c. FS L 1'5 S tra thy. I' Ll RR W intcr

N3202 Sl at er

SC d r CD Bree se, FSL A Hv Fletc her. 1'51. 1'1' Ree ve s, 1'5 1. RK FCd r GG Mac l.ennan. SCdr C D Breese

N6 360

'3 20 3 FSL C L Bail cy. SCdr C D Breese. FLt LC Keeble, I'Ll lOP Ree ves. 1'5 1. A Mc B Walt o n

N6371 SCdr C D Breese, 1'51. RE Ca rro ll. FSL MH Find lay . FCd r CT Macl. aren. 1'51. GO S im pso n

N 320-l

SC d r C D Bree se , FL t CT MacL a rcn . FLt 1'1' Ree ve s

N6373

FS L A L Th orne

N6379 S Cdr C D Breese, FLt. G A Goode rham. FCdr CT Macl.arcn , 1'51. H B M aund. FLt RR W int c r

3205

FC d r ADW A lle n, I'Ll P E Bea sle y, I'Ll 13 111' Dc Roeper, 1'5 1. N 3206 JdeC Paynter. SC dr JJ Petre. FL t 1'1' Reeves 3207 FC d r AD W A llen , I' Ll I' E Beasle y, SCd r C D Bre ese. 1'5 1. vc Ho ly ma n. 1'51. GO Kir kp at ric k. FCdr CT MacL ar c n. I'll FP Ree ves. FSL P Woo d ' 320 8 SCdr CD Breese. FLt GA Gooderham, 1'51. H Lawson . FCdr EW o rton. I'Ll RR W int er 3209 FSL C L Ba ilc y. SC dr C D Breese , FL t BPH Dc Roe pe r, FLt LC Kee bl e. FSL II La wson . FLT GG Mac Lcnna n. FC dr EW l o rto n. FLt RR Wi ntc r N5860

I' Ll I' E Bea sle y. FSL H Lawson . FLt GG Ma cL cnnan

N586 1

1'51. RIO Re d path , FLt G LE St e ven s

FLt GA G oo de rham . FC dr CT M acL ar cn

S Cdr C D Breese. FLt RR W int cr

13 3821

SCd r Bree se. 1'51. MH Fin d lay. I'Ll GA G ood erham. 1'51. H 133833 Lawson . FSL N M Mac gregor , FLt RR W intc r 133869 1'5 1. E D Abbott . SCdr C D Bree se . 1'51. SA Ha m il to n- Bo w ye r, I'Ll GO Kir kp at rick. FS L H La wso n. I' Ll RF Red path , FSL GE Si cd lc. I'Ll RR W int e r 13 3882

SCdr CD Bree se, FS L R E Carroll. I' Ll BliP de Roe per

B391 2 S imp so n

SC d r C D Breese . FSL M H Find lay. FSL II Law son . FSL G O

13 391 9

1'51. E D A bbo tt. S Cdr C D Bree se

13 39 33

1'5 1. ED Ab bott. S Cdr C D Bre e se, 1'5 1. R E Carroll

N5862 1'5 1. C L Ba iley. FLt ST Edwa rds . FS L H La wso n. FLt FP Ree ve s. I' Ll GLE Ste ve ns

13 3950

SCdr CD Bree se. FLt RR Wi ntc r

58 65 I' Ll GA Gooderham , FSL G D Kirk patrick . I'Ll 1'1' Ree ve s, FL t G LE S tev e ns

A i rco

1

N6 390

D.HA FS L vC M Ti arks

Sopwith 1'1 Ca mel N6-IO-l FSL C M Hyslo p. SCdr Mac l. arcn , FS L GA Pitt. FSL v CM Ti ark s, FSL LR Warr en . FC d r 1S Wri g ht

N6330

S Cdr C D Breese, FS L S A Ham ilton -B o w ye r, I' Ll RR Win tcr

N633 1

FSL RE Ca rro ll. I'll ST Edwards. FSL E ll Kendal l. FCdr CT

B9-19 8 1'51. E HI' Bailey. 1'51. HA Co nno p. FSL G A Pitt . 1'51. R Rob inson . FCdr JS Wri ght

N6334

FS L I\IH Fi nd lay. 1'5 1. 1'5 S trathy. FLt I' Wood

13 9-199 FSL A M Ba nn at ync. FCdr II C C la rke, FSL C M Hy slo p. FSL GA Pitt . FCdr G LE S teve ns , 1'51. v C~ 1 'ri ar ks. FSL L R Warre n

N6 339

S Cdr CD Bree se. FSL MH Fi nd lay

Mac l.aren,

2 /5

A Histo ry of No .6 Squadro n Royal Nav al A ir Service in lVorld IVa I' /

I) 1751 FSL AI-I Han nat yn e. FCd r INC C larke. FS L CM Hyslo p. SCdr CT Ma cL arcn . FSL GA Pill . FCdr G LE Ste vens. FS L VCM Tiark s. FSL LR Warr en. FCd r JS Wr ight

B7596

FCd r INC C larke . FS L LR Warre n

B7597

FSL EC Stock er. FS L VC M T iarks. FCdr JS Wri ght

I) 1752 FCdr INC Clarke. FS L CM Hys lop. FS L G A Pitl. FCd r G LE Steve ns. FSL Tiarks. FS L LR Warr cn

13 7599 FS L Bannutync , FCd r INC C larke . FS L CM Hys lo p. FS L GA Pill. FS L VFA Rolan di. FS L VC M Tiarks

I) 1753 FS L AI\I Ban natync , FSL CM Hyslop . SCdr CT Macl. aren, FSL G A Pill. FCdr G LE Ste vens. FS L Stocker. FS L VCM Tiark s. FCd r JS Wright

B7600 FCd r INC Clarke. FS L C M Hyslo p. SCd r CT Mac l.arcn, FS L LE Oa keshn u . FSL VCM Tiar ks.

I) 1754 FS L AM Ba nnaty ne, FCdr INC Clarke. FS L C M Hyslop . SCd r CT MacL aren. FS L GA Pill. FS L EC Stoc ke r, FS L VCM Tiark s. FS L LR Warren . FCd r JS Wright

B7602 FCd r INC Clarke. FSL CM Hyslop . SCd r CT Mac Laren FCd r G LE Steve ns. FSL LR War ren . B7603 FS L RL Hewe ll. FS L CM Hyslop . SCd r CT Mac Laren. FCdr GL E Stevens. FS L EC Stocker. FSL VCM T iarks. FS L LR Warren

A irel) D. H.9 B760 4 B7583 FCd r INC C larke , SCdr CT Mac Laren . FCdr G LE Ste vens. FSL VCM Tiarks. FCdr JS Wright. B7586

FS L EC Stocke r. FSLTiarks. FCdr JS Wright

B7587

FS L G A Pill. FCdr G LE Stevens FS L Stocker. FS L VCM Tiarks

SCd r CT MacL are n. FSL GA Pill. FCdr G LE Ste vens ,

B760 5 FS L AM Ban nat yne. FS L RL Bowe ll. FCdr INC C larke. FS L CM Hys lo p. FS L VFA Ro land i, FCd r G LE Ste ve ns B76 15 B761 7

B7588 FSL AM Bunnat yn e, FCdr INC C larke, FSL VFA Ro land i, FS L VCM Tiarks B7589 FSL 1\1\\ Ban na tyne . FS L C M Hyslop . SCdr CT Mac l.are n, FS L G A Pill. FCdr G LE Steve ns

B76 18 B76 19 B7622

FS L LE Oa keshott

1)2783

FS L LE Oukcshott

B7590 B759 1 FS L AM Ba nnat ync. SCdr CT Mac Laren. FS L EC Stocker. FCdr JS Wright B75'J2 Wright

FS L AM Ban natync . FS L GA Pill . FS L EC Stoc ke r.

B7594

FS L C M Hyslop

B7595

FS L LR War ren

rca- JS

2 /6

APPEN D IX

C ROS

J

REFERE NCE - PI LO T TO AL LOCATED A I RCRA FT

Wh ilst a pilo t o fte n fle w man y di ffer ent air e raft d ur ing his per io d o r se rv ice with No .6 Sq uadro n. he wo uld ge ne ra lly be allocated a sing le machine at a ny o ne time whe n Ily ing o pe ra tio na lly. O ther airc ra ft mi g ht be flo wn occasio na lly o n prac tice a nd test fl ights. or wh ilst the a lloca ted machine wa s un se rviceable . T he inte ntio n o r this app e nd ix is to re fe re nce the mach ines tha t eac h pilot normally Ilew o n o pe rations . nam e ly the Nic upo rt 17B is. Sopwi th Ca me l a nd D. H.9. T he Nieuport 10. I I a nd 12 ty pes. as well as bein g used wh ile " wo rking up" . were flo wn operat io na lly b ut we re not di sce rn ibly alloca ted to any pa rt icu lar pilo t. The severity o r S idd c lcy De usy Pu ma en gine problem s e xp erience d by the c re ws in 191 Xmea nt tha t pi lots ra re ly tle w a single D. II.9 fo r more than a fe w day s at a ti me . In pra cti ce, most or the pilot s flew wh atever was se rvicea ble .

Pa rt I: 27/11/1 6 tIl 2!!/!!/17 FSL Ed wa rd Di " "1 Abbott Sopwith C a me l B39 19 Sopwi th Cam el B39 33

From 15th A ugust 191 7 to n nll Au g ust 19 17 From 20 th August 191 7 to 281h A ugust 191 7

F Cdr Art hur De nn is W igra m A llen N 3206 Ni cu port 17 Bis

Fro m 24 th Ma rc h 191 7 to 13th Ap ri l 19 17

1

I'S L C h a r les Lenn a rd Bail ey ieu po rt 17 Bis '3 19 9

Fro m 25t h Ma rc h 19 17 to 20t h Muy 19 17

I' Ll Percy E xe te r Bea sl ey' ie upor t 17Bi s N3 1X6 Nic upo rt 17 Bis N3 196 Nie upo rt 17 Bis N5X60 Sopw ith Ca me l N63 56

Fro m Pro m Fro m Pro m

I'SL Raymond Winch est e r Berrid ge Nie upo rt 17 Bis 3 19 5

3n l May 191 7 (k illed )

S C dr C h a r les Dempst er Br eese Nicu po rt 17B is N32D9

Prom IDth I\lay 191 7 to 3 Ist Ma y 191 7

FS L A la n Co lin C u m p hell-O r d e N6356 So pwi th Ca mc l

Fro m n nd July 191 7 to 26 th July 191 7

FS L Ral ph Ed ward C a r ro ll Sopwith C ame l N635 1 Sopwit h C ame l N5342

Fro m 29th Ju ne 191 7 to 19 th Au gust 191 7 From 23rd A ugust 191 7 to 25t h Au gu st 19 I7

FS L Wil fr ed A us t in C urtis Sopwit h Ca me l 1 6 34 2

From 26th Ju ne 19 I7 to 28th Aug ust 19 I7

A I' C dr Brun ll Philip lI en r y De Roep er Nieuport 17 Bis N 31 96 N ic upo rt 17 Bis N 3209 Sop w ith Ca me l N634 1 Sop w ith Ca mc l B3XX2

Fro m Fro m Fro m Fro m

j

29 th A pri I 19 17 to 12th May 19 17 29 th J\ lay 191 7 to 5th Jun e 191 7 6th Jun e 19 17 to 12th J une 191 7 13 th J un e 191 7 til 11th Ju ly 191 7

7th April 19 17 to 13 th Muy 19 17 141h I\lay 191 7 to 25 th Ma y 19 17 Zln h J uly 19 17 to 25th Jul y 19 17 2Xlh J u ly 19 17 to 2Xth A ug ust 19 17

2/ 7

A Histo ry of No .6 Squadro n Royal Na\'(1! Air Service in \Vorld \Var !

AS C dr C h r isto p her Dr aper 1 ieuport 17 Bis N3 101

From 22nd Apri l 19 17 10 10 th June 101 7

F Lt S tearne Tighe Ed wards Nieupo rt 17 Bis N3102

From 241h Ap ril 191 7 to 13th June J 9 I7

FS L M uxwell Hut ch eon F ind lay' So pw ith Came l N6 339

Fro m 251h J une 19 17 10 28 th Au g ust 191 7

FS L A lbe r t Harry Vic to r Fle tc her Nieu por t 17B is 3 192

Fro m 23rd March 19 17 10 291h A pri l 191 7

FS L J am es Hen ry Fu r ma n Sopwi th Ca me l N635 8

From 20 lh Ju ly 19 I7 to 28th July 19 I7

FS L O liver Joseph Gagnier Nieup ort 17Bi s N3 I89

From 24 1h Mar ch 191 7 10 11th May 191 7

F Lt G ra nt Arms t ro ng Gooderha m Sopw ith Camel N6 373

Fro m 25 th Jun e 191 7 10 28th A ug us t 19 I7

FS L Art hu r Ed win lIall Nieupo rt 17 Bis

Fro m 27 th mar ch 19 I7 10 28th March 19 I7

N3 197

FS L Sta n ley Art h u r Hamilt on-Bow yer Sopwi th Camel N6330

Fro m 22ml Aug us t 191 7 10 281h Au gust 19 I7

FS L Victor C live Hol ym an Sopw ith Ca mel N63S9

From 8th June 191 7 to 12th July 1917

F I.t Lou is C lem ent Keehl e Nieuport 17Bis N320 3

From 24th March 19 I7 10 22nd Apri l 19 I7

FSL Ed ward Hext Kcnd all So pw ith Camel N6 33 1 So pwi th Ca mel N6 3S0

Fro m 51h J uly 191 71 0 11th Jul y 191 7 121h Jul y 191 7 (killed)

FS L M au rice Rooke K in gsford Nie uport 17 Bis 1"3 191

Sth April 19 17 (c rashe d )

FLt Gcorgc Deni son K irkpat r ick Nieuport 17Bis 1"3 197 Nieu po rt 17 Bis N5 865 1"635 7 Sopwith Ca me l

From 7th April 191 7 to 5th May 19 17 From 7th May 191 7 to 5th June 19 17 From 81h Jun e 191 7 to 18th August 191 7

FSL lI arold Lawso n Nie uport 17B is Nie upo rt 17Bi s Sopw ith Ca me l

Fro m 23 rd March 191 7 to 22 ml Apri l 191 7 From 4th May 19 17 to 29 th May 191 7 Fro m 28 1h June 191 7 to 28 th Aug ust 191 7

1"319 4 NS862 N63S5

FS L l o r m a n Micrs l\ la eg regor Nicuport 17Bi s 1"3100 Sopwith Camel 1"383 3

From 23 rd Ap ril 19 17 to 13th June 191 7 From 15th Ju ly 191 7 to 281h Aug us t 19 I7

F Cdr Co lin Te mp le Mae l.a ren N3204 Nie uport 17 Bis Sopwit h Ca mel 1"637 1

Fro m 14 th March 19 I7 to 251h May 19 I7 Fro m 11th July 191 7 10 13th Aug ust 19 17

FCd r Gc orgc Go rdo n l\ laeLc n na n Nicuport 17B is 1"5860 Sopw ith Ca mel N6 360

From 24 1h Aprii 191 7 to Sth June 191 7 From 8th Jun e 191 7 10 20th Ju ly 191 7 (killed)

FSL Hu gh Bingham I\la u nd So pw ith Ca mel N6 379

From 28 1h Ju ly 19 17 to 28 1h A ug ust 19 17

FCd r Erncst Willi am No r to n Nie upor t 17B is N3 187 Nicu port 17 Bis N3208

From 18th Mar ch 19 I7 10 9th Apri l 19 17 From 22 nd Apri l 191 7 10 29 th Ap ril 19 I7

FS L J ohn d e Ca m pho u rnc Pa ynter Nicuport 17 Bis '3 190

From 24th March 19 I7 to 91h April 19 17

2 18

Apperuli» / - Cross Refe rence - Pilot

FSL Duvid Pla is towe Nieuport 171lis

' 3200

/(I

Allocat ed Aircraft

From 241h M arch 19 17 to I 91h April 191 7

FI.t I{oua hl Frun cis Red pa th Nieuport 171lis 586 1

Prom 22 ml Apri l 1917 to 13th Jun e 1917

F t .t Fahia n Pem hn Reeves Nieuport 171lis 3207 ' ieuport 171lis ' 3204

Fro m 281h March 19 17 to 281h May 1917 From 281h May 191 7 10 6th June 19 17 (killed)

FSL (; eol'l"n,)' Ernes t S ied le So pwi th Camel 1'13869

Fro m 15th August 19 17 to 20 lh August 191 7

FSL .la me s Orru h Si m pso n Sopw ith Ca me l N637 1

From 16th August 19 17 to 281h August 191 7

FSL Ro bert Ke nnet h Slater Nieupor t 171lis 1'1320 2

Fro m 5th April 19 17 to 6th April 19 17 (s ho t down, POW )

I' Ll G eorge Lesl ie Nieuport 171lis

E u~e n e

S teve ns N3 186

Fro m 131h May 19 17 10 27th May 1917

FS L Ford St nart Stru thy Sopwith Ca mel N6359

From 20th Ju ly 19 17 10 161h August 1917

FSL Alfred Lewi s T horne Nieuport 171lis N3205

From 27th March 19 17 to 91h Apr il 19 17 (killed)

FSL Art h ur Mc ltur ney Wa lton Nieuport 171lis N3203 Nieuport 171lis 1'13 199 Sopwi th Ca mel N6350

From 30th April 19 17 10 20th May 1917 From 23rd May 191 7 to 131h Jun e 1917 From 26th Jun e 1917 to 2nd Ju ly 19 17

I' Ll Ru pert Rand olph Wi n ter Nicuport 171lis N3 195 Nicuport 171lis 1'13 208 Sopwi th Ca mel N63 58 Sop wi th Ca mel N6379 Sopwith Ca mel B382 1 Sop wi th Ca mel N3950

From 27lh Marc h 1917 to 291h April 191 7 Prom 251h May 19 17 10 5th Jun e 19 17 From 8th Jun e 1917 to 5th Jul y 19 17 Fro m 5th Ju ly 19 17 to 241h Ju ly Fro m 24th Jul y 19 17 10 24th August 1917 Prom 25th August 19 17 to 28th Augu st 191 7

FSL Phi lip Woo d Nieuport 17B is Nieuport 17Bi s Nieuport 17Bi s Sopwith Ca mel

From 5th April 19 17 to 25th May 19 17 Pro m 261h May 19 1710 28t h May 1917 Fro m 29t h May 191 7 to 13th Ju ne 19 17 Pro m 26th Ju ne 1917 to 14th August 1917

N3 193 1'1320 7 N3 197 N6334

Part 2: 1st J anua ry 1918 to 31st March 1918 FSL And rew Ma nsfie ld B unnut yn c 0 ,11 .9

B7592

9th March 19 18 (Wounded in ac tion)

FSL Ro bert L loy d Hewe ll 0 .11 .9 D.II .9

B7603 B7605

Fro m II th March 1918 to 18th March 191 8 Pro m 23rd March 1918 to 3 1st March 191 8

FCdr Irwin Na pie r Colin C la r ke D.l 1.9 0 .11 ,9

B7583 B7600

Fro m 9th March 1918 10 18th March 191 8 Pro m 22 m) March 1918 10 3 1st Mar ch 191 8

FSL C lella nd Mac ke nzie Hys lo p D.IL9

B7602

Fro m 9th March 191 8 10 3 1st March 191 8

FSL Leon a r d E ng la n d Ou kes hutt D.II.9 D.H.9 D.H.9

B7600 D2783 B7622

Pro m Illh March 19 18 to 18th March 19 18 Pro m 24th March 19 18 10 25th March 19 18 3 1s1 March 191 8 ( Killed)

FSL George A lbert Pitt D.H.9

B7587

Fro m 91h March 19 18 to 3 1st March 19 18

219

A Histo ry ojNo.t) Sq uadron Royal Na\'{/I Air Se rvice in World War!

FSL Victur Frede rick Albert Rola nd i D.H .9 D.H .9

AFC d r

G ellr~e

Leslie

E u~e ne

13 760 5 13 7588

Fro m 17th Ma rch 191 8 10 2 1st Ma rch 191 8 From 26th Ma rch 191 8 to 3 1st March 191 8

13 760 2 13 75 89

From 181h Ma rc h 191 8 to 22ml Mar ch 19 18 Fro m 23 rd Ma rc h 191 8 til 3 1st Ma rc h 191 8

13 759 7 13 759 1

From 91h M arch 19 181 0 11th Mar ch 191 8 From 18t h Mar ch 191 8 to 20 th Mar c h 191 8

13 7603 13 7599

From 22 ml Mar ch 191 8 10 23 nJ Mar ch 191 8 Fro m 24t h March 19 18 10 3 1Sl Mar ch 19 18

B7603 13 7596

From 91h M arc h 19 18 to 10th Mar c h 191 8 Fro m 121h Mar c h 19 18 to 3 1st Mar ch 191 8

13 759 1

Fro m 9th Ma rc h 19 18 10 31 st Ma rch 191 8

Ste vens

D.H .9 D.H.9

FSL Ed ward Cuthbert Stocker D.H .9 D.H .9

FSL Victllr Cha r les i\llIrris T i:lrks D.H .9 D.H .9

FSL Leslie Reginuld Warren D.H.9 D.H.9

"FCdr .lo hn Sou they D.H.9

Wri~ ht

220

APPEN DIX K

T HE N l EUPO RT SESou IPLA N E'S 0 ESIG N FLAW

b ) Th at the inside of the co lla r ins te ad of ha vin g g rooves running ci rcumfcrcn tially sho uld IUII'e dia gonal g rooves so as to g rip the wood mon' fi rm ly.

T he N ieupo rt's ses q uiplane w ing arra nge me nt pro ved to be its Achilles Hee l in se rvice and has g ive n the ty pe s I I. 17 and the ir variants a deg ree of notundeserved not o riet y w ith stude nts o f Wor ld War I av iation. It wa s the Nieu po rt Co mpany 's inte ntio n that the ang le o f incid en ce of the lo wer w ings co uld be adj us ted as req uired a nd then c lamped and secured by means of an annular cla mp attac hed 10 the botto m o f the w ing strut. T he c la mp e nc ircle d the lo wer w ing 's spar and o nce lightened . prevented any axia l tw ist fro m occ ur ring. In practice howe ver. it wa s foun d that the lo wer w ing' s inc idence ang le co uld change in fli g ht. part icu lar ly a fter vio lent manoeu vres. In ex tre me cases. the lo wer plane co uld sna p or ev en break away. If the w ing brok e away c leanly. a pilot mi g ht bc able to get the air craft down safely, bo th Majo r Mann ock and Co urt ney Ca mpbe ll survived such an occ urrence . If the w ing re mained attached. the result ing d rag and un ba lan ce cou ld g ive the pilot lillie chance of retaining co ntro l. The fo llow ing co m munication is typi ca l of the co ncern that was bein g ge nerated by bo th the RFC and the RNAS :

c ) Thot the two light ening holes ill the co llar. sh o uld he so punch ed as to lea ve a slight dep ression Oil the inside.

3. I should he glad to know Mess rs Nicuports opinio n Oil the whol e quest ion and also wh et he r they conside r it pos sible tofit so me fo rm of positive lock illg d evice inst ead of o r ill a ddi tion to the colla r: I may odd that in non e of the cases ill wh ich the 100I'er pla ne has tu rned. ha s th e machi ne co llapsed. 111 ""l' ry case the pilot has lan ded saf ely.

Brigadi er Ge nera l

o.«. &

c.n.rc. 2154 Q.

Q.M.G.

Roya l Flving Co rps

B.A.S.D . Pa ris

III the Field 10 th Ja nua ry 191 7

I . Three cases ha ve recently occurred of the lo wer plane ofNie upo rt SCOlltS, revolvin g slightly ill the ail; wh en th e ma chin e has been di ved steeply. The 100I'er pl anes ha ving o nly one sp ar; ha ve a ten den cy to do th is 11I1less the metal lock ing co //ar to which the tll'O stru ts a re sec ured, grips the packing blo cks round the main sp a r very se cu rely. So long as a reallyfirm g rip is o btained here it is no t co nside red pos sible for the spa r 10 turn but o wing to the f ac t that this twisting has taken pl ace 1II0 re than OIlCe. it wo uld app ea r that thefitting is not entirely sa tisfaclo ry.

It see ms pos sib le that the woo de n packing bl ock s m ay so me time s he ma de of un sea so ned materia l a nd that when they dr y and shrink. the blocks a re not suffi ci entlv la rge fo r th e met al col la r to grip them befo re th e 111'0 halves of the m eta l colla r bun III' against each othe r. III this case the only resu lt of tight en ing th e nu ts of th e securing holts is to b ring the two hal ves of the co //ar III' against olle ano ther without p rop erl y g rip ping th e woo d. There is also (J g ru b sc rew ill the lower co llar; which goes into one of the wood en packing block s IJlII ill its present form this does no t affo rd milch additional safe g uard .

Ano the r prob le m w ith the desig n as we ll as so me ra ther o m ino us q uality co ntro l pro blem s we re ide ntifi ed in the foll o w ing letter:

E.O . 13th Willg R FC Herewith. please, repo rt 011 the bottom plun c sockets 011 Nicupo rt Sro ut A6669 rece ive d fro m No. I A f) today. The flan ge of socke t.I' instea d of all equal o verlap ha s 1/ 8 " clea rance Oil the aile side and is hu tt ing into the wo od Oil till' other: This wo uld most cc rtainlv slip ill a d ive. Till' fixing holts ofhath f rolit and rear gunmounting should I" , inserted [ro m the 101' 10 al lown uts bein g tak en offfor tile purp o se offi xillg .fillillgs 10 A ldi s sig ht. Th e fro nt gunmount ing is reve rse d cll/Isillg the gun relea se to he to th e right inst ead of lef t luuul . These detai ls a re beillg rem ed ied ill Squadron.

2. I ha ve thefollo wing suggest ions to ma ke with a l'iew to ensu ring a better fast ening: a ) That a slig htly la rger gal' be leJi bet ween th e two halves ,,( the col la r so as to allo w f o r the wood shrinking ,

Signed FO Gibbon. 2 Lt E. O. f or Ma jo r O.C No.60 Sq ua d ron R FC 22/4/ 17

22/

A History oj No. 6 Squadro n Royal Nava l A ir Ser vice ill World 1I'llr I

Th e Nic upo rt Co mpa ny re fuse d to acce pt that there was anyt hi ng wro ng with the hasic de sign co nce pt and per sev ered w ith it fo r far too lo ng. Som e officia l repl ies fro m Nieuport went so far as to sugges ted that the ca use of the pro blem wa s incompet ence o n the part of the RFC and RNAS fitte rs . At o ne stage in 19 17 fail ures we re so pro lifi c tha t the RFC wa s se rio us ly co ncerne d tha t it wou ld no t be able to maintai n its Nieupo rt 17 sq uadro ns at full streng th. No .6 Sq uadron RNAS a lso suffered its share of inc idents w ith the Nieupo rt 17 13is: FS L Red pat h re po rte d that a lo wer wi ng shifted tw ice in a matt er of days. de sp ite a new wi ng be ing fitt ed a fter the first inc ident. Red path was for tu nat e to land sa fely o n both occas ions. SCd r JJ Petre was kill ed when his machine brok e up whilst d iving at a ground ta rget. Petre wa s ve ry experie nce d and had bee n fly ing ' ie upo rts si nce 19 16. Seve ra l unexpl ain ed cras hes we re may wel l have been due to lower w ing failure. Th e Nieuport Co mpa ny stu bbo rn ly clung to the scs q uiplanc co nce pt and it wa s not unt il thc introd uct ion of the type 28 th at Nicupor t ad mitted de feat and ado pted a mo re co nve ntio na l biplan e structure . Unlike the Ro yal Flying Cor ps whic h employed a num ber o f d iffer ent sco uts. the Ro ya l Na va l Air Se rvice de c ided to standard ise o n the new ly int rod uced Sopwi th Camel and sq uadrons sta rte d thc co nve rs io n process in Ju nel9J 7. 1"0 .6 Squ ad ro n wa s the seco nd unit to co nve rt and had d ispo sed of a ll the Nie upo rt 17 Bis machines by the end of June. T hese were the last Nieupor ts in RNAS se rv ice o n the Western Fron t. a ll surv iving ma c hin es we re rel egated to train ing and Ho rn e De fen ce du ties in Eng land .

A sketch prepared by 2Lt FO Gibbon of N o.60 Squadron RFC. The note reads: Section thro ugh A B showing how packing piece of bottom plane was riding on flange of locking ring.

222

APPE N DIX L

WAR

Ll Eli I' lIail cy Linsc llcs Co mm u na l Ce me te ry Lill c

France Gra ve rtf." D5

RAVE AN D MEMORIALS

F C d r Geo rge Go rd o n M acLennan O o stc ndc New Co m m u na l Ce me te ry O oste nd e Wcst- Vlaand cr e n

Belgium G ra ve ref: A, 18

FS L RW IIc r r id l:c Bra y M ilita ry Ce me te ry Bra y-sur-Somme

France Grave r"l ll . G. 21 FS L W C C u t m o re Bou c hoi r New British Ce met ery So m mc Fra nce Co m memorated o n Laboissicr c Gcrm an Cem etery Me mo rial FS L lIa r old A r no C o n nop Dunk e rqu c Town Ce me te ry Dun kc rq uc

FSL Valanti ve Edgar Si cvck ing Zcc b ruggc C hurc hya rd Bel giu m Gra ve ref: 16 9

F5L Leonard E ng la nd O akesh ot t Ha zeb ro uc k Commu na l Ce mete ry Nord

France Gra ve refr lll, E. 4 F5L LW Orm e rod SI. So uplet Br itish Ce me te ry France Gra ve ref: III. D. 5 FSL John d e C a m p bo u r ne Paynt er Dunkerquc To w n Ce me te ry Fran ce G ra ve ref: IV, A. 78

FS L Ed ward C u t h b e r t S toc ke r Arras Flyi ng Servi ces Me morial Pas de C ala is Fra nce FS L Fo r d S t ua r t S t r a t h y Ram sca ppcll c Ro ad M ilitar y Ce met ery N icuw poort West-V laauderen Bclg ium

Grave ref: VI. D, I FSL Al fre d Lewi s T ho r ne Caye ux M ilitary Ce mete ry So m mc Fra nce

Gr{/\'" r"l l,

c.

France Gra ve r"l lv' A. II AG L Herbert Walter Dray Ha ze br ou ck Co m m una l Ce me tery o rd

A SCd r John Joseph Petre Ce risy-Gailly M ilitar y Ce me te ry So m mc Fra nce Gra ve ref: I, D, 39

FSL Fr ede r ic C lo cte Walkcr Aubigny Co m m una l Ce me tery Ex te ns io n Pas de C ala is Fra nce GHIl'e re]: v A,36

F5 L Fah ian P ember Ree ves Arr as Fly ing Serv ice s Me mo ria l Pas de Ca lais Fra nce

I'Ll Rupert I{andolf Wint er Ha rle bc ke Ne w British Ce me te ry Wcst Vlaa ndc rcn

France Grave r"l lll. E. 6 FS L Ed wa rd lI ext Kendall Lar ch wood ( Railwa y CUlling ) Ce mete ry lep er Wcst - Vlaand e re n Be lgium Gra ve Hi ' I. n. 10

Belgium Gra ve ref: II, A. 8

F5 L Ralph Robinson Lon gucn cssc So uve nir Ce mete ry SI. Orne r

France Gra ve ref: v'A. 35.

223

BI BLIOG RAPHY

Bo ok s Sopwith Came l Squadrons, I. Roge rs. Alba tros Produ ct ion s B ritish Aviation Squ adron M ark ing . of wo rl d 1I",r l . I. Roge rs. Schiffer Publishing SO!,II'ith Aircraft 1912- 1920. II F King. Putnam SO!,II'ith Aircraft , :-'1 Davies. C ro wo od Sop with Camcl -: King ojCombot , C Bowyer. A sto n The Camel r il l'. Sturd iva nt & Page. Air Brit ain Tl u: /)114/ /)119 r il l'. Sturdi va nt & Page. Air Britai n Nicupo rt A ircruft '~f \\( ,rld lVa rl . Ray Sanger. C rowood Ro va l Na va l Aircraft Serials and V IIits. Stu rd ivant S: Page. Air Britain A!Jo l'l' the Trench es , Coles. Fra nks & Gu est . Grub Street A!Jm 'l' the 1I" r Fronts. Franks. Gu es t and A lc gi , G rub S treet Fight er Pilot 011 The II'l'st l'm Front , ED C rundall. Kimber I Chos e the Sky . Lli Rochford. Kimber Canadian A irm en AI/(l Th e 1,\1 \l'o rld I\l o·. FS Wise. nivcrsity of Toron to Th e Ju sta \l'a r Chronolog y, Fran ks . Bailey & Duivcn, Gr ub Stree t Nr C COIII/ll l/ ll itII U:,I' 1917- 1918. C Bowyer. Grub Street Na val A via tion ill tlu: Fi rst 1I" rld lVar. RD Layma n. Cax ton Ti ll' \\(/r ill the Air. IIA Jon es. Imperia l War Museum Till' Roya ! Na val A ir Service, B King. Hik ok i Botnb crPilm 1916-18. C PO Bart let!. Ian Alla n Th e Nava l Air Service, Navy Recor ds Socie ty Na ug ht Escapes V.I. Peter Gu nn, Th e 206 Squadron Association Airfi elds An d A irmen - Arras. M ike O 'Conno r. Pen & Sword Airf ields AI/(l Airmen - Camb ra i. Mike O'Conno r. Pen & Sword N,A .r: Sq uadrons, AC Jell or d. Airli fe Till ' Fring es of the Fl ee: & the Disti nguish ed Service Cro ss, RC Wille. Di.\ Noo nnn Webb A llis to rv oJNo , 10 Sq uadron NNA S ill \l'o rld lI"' r l . :-' Iike Wcstrop, Schiffer Puh lish ing

Air 119 I 312041S18S I. Pol icy and organ isation o f R,N,A,S, squadro ns on loan to R.F.C Ai r76. Air Mi nistry: Departmen t of the Master-Genera l of Personne l: Offi cers' Servi ce Record s A irI /43/ ISI9/ 16. :"0 ,6 Squad ron RNAS Da ily Report s o f O perations Ai ri /S I /I SI9136. :"o.-l Wing RNAS Daily Report o f O pera tio ns Airl /64 111 711221228. S Wing R1"AS report s of bo mb raids and uuacks to 19 18 March Air 1/849/ 2041S1388, Per sonn el Cas ua lty rep orts. 19 17 Janu ary to J uly A ir I /S7I1SI9IS4. List o f Non-Effec tive Officers, 19 16 Decemher to 191 7 December Ai rl /121 7/2041S12634, 6 Nuval Squ adro n Co mbat Rep ort s Air I/ 2 1091207/49/4 . Disposi tion of RNAS Offi ce rs. Oet - Dec 19 16 Air 1/2109/207/49/S, Disposition of R:" AS Officers. Jan - Mar 191 7 Air 1/2 11 01207149/6 . Dispos ition of RNAS Offic ers . Apr - Jun 19 17 Air 1/2110/207/4917. Disposit ion of RNAS Officers. Jul - Se p 19 17 Air I/2 111/20 7/49/8 . Disposition of RNAS Off ice rs, Oct - Dec 19 17 A ir 1/2 111/207/4919. Dispos ition of RNAS Offi cers. Jan - Scp 19 18 Air III OSI ISI91277. RNAS Dunkcrquc - me moranda from se nior o fficer Air 1/96/1S19126S, RNAS Dunkcrq ue - se nior of fice r, sec re t co rres po ndence Air1 /6411S19186. RNAS sq uadrons operati ng wi th RF C - ops re po rts & sum ma ries Air 11lS7 11204/S0/60 . 14 Wing Summary. Ap ril 191 7 Air 1/ 1S 7 1/204/80/S0. 14 Wing Summa ry. May 191 7 Air lllS 7 11204/80/SI. 14 Wing Summary. Jun e 191 7 Air 11lS72/204/S0/6 1. 14 Wing Summar y. July 19 17 A ir 11lS66 /204/80/S2. 14 Wing Su mma ry. Augu st 1917 Air 1/23 14/223/12. Nava l sta ll op eration reports o f RNAS with RFC/R AF A ir 1/3911 SI9IS. RNAS Co mmuniques vo lume 2 Air 1/S IIIS19136. RNAS 4 Wing su mma ry Air III 0811 S191288. RN AS Dunk e rq ue - ca s uul rics . p ro mo t ion s a nd

.Jou rn al s : Cro ss & Coc kade ( I n te rna t i o nal) Cros s s: Co c kade (US )

Air I12247/209/43/4. 4 Brigad e War Diary. Ap r 17 Ai r I12247/209/431S . 4 Brigade War Diary. May 17 Air I122471209/43/6. 4 Brigad e War Diar y. Jun 17 Air I12247/209/4317 . 4 Brigade War Diary. Jul 17 Air I12247/ 209/43/8. 4 Brigade War Diary. Aug 17 Air l/23 14/22311 2. Nava l sta ff operation reports o f RNAS wi th RFC/R AF Air III 0911 S128. RNAS cas ualties to officers Air III 088/204/S11 742. Reports & tests on Nic uports

com mi vsio ns

F I ~'in l.: Lo l.: Book s :. FS L SA Hami lton- Bow yer FSL WA C urtis FLt RF Red path FLt ST Edward s FSLGA Pill FSL GL lI artgill AG L G Betterid ge FSL VA Ro landi

Xu tin nu l A rchi ve Filcs : A D:-' I27 3. Ad miralty : Roya l Nava l Air Se rv ice: Regi sters of Offi cers ' Ser vice s Air119211S191228. RNAS I. 6. 8. 9. s. 10 squadrons co llec tive comb at reports

Oth er: Datab ase of the Com monwealt h War Gra ves Co mmiss ion Datab ase of the London Ga ze lle Database of the Royal Nethe rland s Air Force Ilistor y Unit Free Bi\1D da tabase 190 I Census dat aba se T imcs database Toro nto Star database 206 Squadron Associat ion arc hives

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