18th April 1915
The French pilot Roland Garros has reportly been shot down. He was last seen gliding to land on the German side of the front line.
Showing posts with label Aviation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aviation. Show all posts
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Sunday, 29 March 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
Edward Rickenbacker was born in Colombus, Ohio on the 8th October 1890. As a young man at the start of the first world war, Edward was a leading racing car driver and was subsequently given the role of being chauffeur to General John Pershing.
By March 1918, Edward grew restless of driving and wanted to do something more for the war effort and so joined the US Air Service. He soon became one of the US's leading flying aces after having 26 victories to his name in a short period of time. Whilst on a reconnaissance mission, Edward single handedly attacked seven enemy aircraft and was awarded the Medal of Honour for his bravery.
Edward survived the war and later went on to fight during the second world war as well.
By March 1918, Edward grew restless of driving and wanted to do something more for the war effort and so joined the US Air Service. He soon became one of the US's leading flying aces after having 26 victories to his name in a short period of time. Whilst on a reconnaissance mission, Edward single handedly attacked seven enemy aircraft and was awarded the Medal of Honour for his bravery.
Edward survived the war and later went on to fight during the second world war as well.
Sunday, 22 March 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
Ontario, 1894 a boy named William Bishop was born. Years later in 1914, this young man joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but by 1915, he had transferred to the British Royal Flying Corp. He high skills meant that he was soon promoted to Commander of the Flying Foxes. In twelve days he had scored 25 victories and so was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
On the 2nd June 1917, William single handedly attacked a German aerodrome and was awarded the Victoria Cross. By the end of the war, William had a staggering 72 victories to his name and continued his service in the Canadian Airforce.
On the 2nd June 1917, William single handedly attacked a German aerodrome and was awarded the Victoria Cross. By the end of the war, William had a staggering 72 victories to his name and continued his service in the Canadian Airforce.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
On the 26th September 1897, Arthur Rhys-Davids was born in Forest Hill. Aged just 19, on the 28th August 1916, Arthur joined the Royal Flying Corps as a Second Lieutenant. After completing his training, Arthur was sent to France, arriving in early 1917. He flew the SE-5, a plane which was extremely popular amongst the Allied pilots for its manoeuvrability as well as its speed and easy to fly status.
Arthur's first combat flight took place on 7th May 1917, where he was unfortunate to be witness to flying ace Albert Ball being killed in action. By the end of the month, Arthur had five victories to his name, probably more determined to fight the enemy after the events he had witnessed. He was now classed as one of the few Flying Aces.
Within six months of being in France, Arthur was awarded the Military Cross and just a few short months later was awarded the Military Cross and Bar. He also agreed to be painted by William Orpen.
On the 23rd September 1917, Arthur was one of the few pilots that helped to shoot down German flying ace Werner Voss. Despite his huge success, on the 27th October 1917, Arthur went missing east of Roeselare. It took until 18th March 1918, for it to be declared that Arthur was killed in action, after being shot down by Karl Gallwitz.
Arthur had achieved so much during his short life and had known no fear, he was just doing what he could to help win the war. Because of his efforts, he was post humorously awarded the Distinguished Service Order, although unfortunately, he would never know it.
Arthur's first combat flight took place on 7th May 1917, where he was unfortunate to be witness to flying ace Albert Ball being killed in action. By the end of the month, Arthur had five victories to his name, probably more determined to fight the enemy after the events he had witnessed. He was now classed as one of the few Flying Aces.
Within six months of being in France, Arthur was awarded the Military Cross and just a few short months later was awarded the Military Cross and Bar. He also agreed to be painted by William Orpen.
On the 23rd September 1917, Arthur was one of the few pilots that helped to shoot down German flying ace Werner Voss. Despite his huge success, on the 27th October 1917, Arthur went missing east of Roeselare. It took until 18th March 1918, for it to be declared that Arthur was killed in action, after being shot down by Karl Gallwitz.
Arthur had achieved so much during his short life and had known no fear, he was just doing what he could to help win the war. Because of his efforts, he was post humorously awarded the Distinguished Service Order, although unfortunately, he would never know it.
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
In this next mini series I thought I would share with you some of the brave flying aces that fought on the Allies side during the First World War. In the previous mini series, you will have learnt about that types of aircraft that were used, so I thought it would be only fair to share with you some of the stories of the men that actually used them.
The first Ace I would like to share with you is unfortunately one of many that never saw the end of the war. He died aged just twenty years old and had the Victoria Cross, the Military Cross and the Croix De Guerre medals to his name. This is the story of Albert Ball...
Albert was born in Nottingham, England on 14th August 1896. At the outbreak of the war Albert had been studying Engineering but stopped to instead join the Sherwood Foresters. These were men that fought on the ground and were sent to many countries including France and India at the start of the war. But Albert was restless and so transferred to the new Royal Flying Corps in May 1916 and became just one of many pilots to provide air support during the Battle of the Somme.
By October that year, Albert had an astounding thirty victories to his name and was written about in newspapers back on the home front where he was hailed a hero. He was then promoted to Flight Commander of 56 Squadron where he became well respected amongst the other pilots.
But Albert's story comes to an abrupt end. On 6th May 1917, he engages in a dogfight with a German plane. The planes collided mid air and his body was later discovered in the wreckage. He had seen more than a boy his age should ever see and had carried out his role as fighter pilot to his best ability.
Albert's story continued to be written about back home but many people never knew about his death. Through the newspapers he had become an inspiration to aspiring pilots and a few men that were to become flying Aces themselves, joined up after hearing about one Albert Ball. To tell the public of his death would have lowered morale and would probably have stopped many of the pilots from joining up. It would have shown the true danger of flying aircraft on the Front Line.
The first Ace I would like to share with you is unfortunately one of many that never saw the end of the war. He died aged just twenty years old and had the Victoria Cross, the Military Cross and the Croix De Guerre medals to his name. This is the story of Albert Ball...
Albert was born in Nottingham, England on 14th August 1896. At the outbreak of the war Albert had been studying Engineering but stopped to instead join the Sherwood Foresters. These were men that fought on the ground and were sent to many countries including France and India at the start of the war. But Albert was restless and so transferred to the new Royal Flying Corps in May 1916 and became just one of many pilots to provide air support during the Battle of the Somme.
By October that year, Albert had an astounding thirty victories to his name and was written about in newspapers back on the home front where he was hailed a hero. He was then promoted to Flight Commander of 56 Squadron where he became well respected amongst the other pilots.
But Albert's story comes to an abrupt end. On 6th May 1917, he engages in a dogfight with a German plane. The planes collided mid air and his body was later discovered in the wreckage. He had seen more than a boy his age should ever see and had carried out his role as fighter pilot to his best ability.
Albert's story continued to be written about back home but many people never knew about his death. Through the newspapers he had become an inspiration to aspiring pilots and a few men that were to become flying Aces themselves, joined up after hearing about one Albert Ball. To tell the public of his death would have lowered morale and would probably have stopped many of the pilots from joining up. It would have shown the true danger of flying aircraft on the Front Line.
Friday, 27 February 2015
The Great War - Aviation - Airco DH-4
The Airco DH-4 was a single engine bomber designed in 1916. The pilot was positioned beneath the centre of the wing, with the gunner sitting behind him. It was easy to fly and could fly higher than German planes and therefore didn't need a fighter escort. As well as bombing raids, the Airco DH-4 could also be used for artillery spotting, photo reconnaissance and coastal patrols.
There was one main problem with the Airco DH-4 and that was that the fuel tank was placed between the pilot and the gunner. Not only did it make communication near impossible, if hit by enemy fire both men could be burnt to death. The Airco DH-4 soon became known as the flaming coffins.
The Airco DH-4 had a maximum speed of 143 mph, a maximum height of 23,500 ft and could fly for up to six hours and forty five minutes. It could carry between two to four machine guns and up to 460 lbs of bombs.
There was one main problem with the Airco DH-4 and that was that the fuel tank was placed between the pilot and the gunner. Not only did it make communication near impossible, if hit by enemy fire both men could be burnt to death. The Airco DH-4 soon became known as the flaming coffins.
The Airco DH-4 had a maximum speed of 143 mph, a maximum height of 23,500 ft and could fly for up to six hours and forty five minutes. It could carry between two to four machine guns and up to 460 lbs of bombs.
The Great War - Aviation - Hadley Page
The Hadley Page was Britain's first bomber plane and was designed in 1916. During November 1916, the Hadley Page carried out the first large-scale bombing raids on enemy territory.
By 1918, The originally Hadley Page was replaced by a four engine version that could carry a new giant 1,650 lbs bomb. This version was to be converted for passenger transport after the war.
The Hadley Page Bomber had a maximum speed of 85 mph, a maximum height of 7,000 ft and could fly for up to eight hours. It could also carry five machine guns and 1,792 lbs of bombs.
By 1918, The originally Hadley Page was replaced by a four engine version that could carry a new giant 1,650 lbs bomb. This version was to be converted for passenger transport after the war.
The Hadley Page Bomber had a maximum speed of 85 mph, a maximum height of 7,000 ft and could fly for up to eight hours. It could also carry five machine guns and 1,792 lbs of bombs.
The Great War - Aviation - Airco DH-2
The Airco DH-2 was a two seater plane used by the Royal Flying Corps during the summer of 1915. By February 1916, it was replaced by the single seat version. It was easy to manouever but had a unreliable engine and a lack of speed. Even with this the case, it helped establish air supremacy over Germany at the Battle of the Somme.
The Airco DH-2 had a maximum speed of 93 mph, a maximum height of 23,500 ft and could fly for two hours and forty five minutes. It could also carry between two to four machine guns and 460 lbs of bombs.
The Airco DH-2 had a maximum speed of 93 mph, a maximum height of 23,500 ft and could fly for two hours and forty five minutes. It could also carry between two to four machine guns and 460 lbs of bombs.
The Great War - Aviation - Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel, like the Sopwith Pup was designed in 1916. The main difference being that the Sopwith Camel was the first British plane to be fitted with two fixed synchronised forward Vickers machine guns. It started front line duties in the summer of 1917 and was the perfect design for shooting the enemy below. The guns were fixed pointing down through the floor of the fuselage so it could fire at the enemy in the trenches below as well as continuing flying fast and level.
The Sopwith Camel was agile and had a good rate of climb and so the RNAS ordered large quantities. However, it was not popular amongst pilots as it was difficult to fly and could spin out of control when trying to manoeuvre fast.
It had a maximum speed of 115 mph, a maximum height of 19,000 ft and could fly for up to two and a half hours.
The Sopwith Camel was agile and had a good rate of climb and so the RNAS ordered large quantities. However, it was not popular amongst pilots as it was difficult to fly and could spin out of control when trying to manoeuvre fast.
It had a maximum speed of 115 mph, a maximum height of 19,000 ft and could fly for up to two and a half hours.
The Great War - Aviation - Sopwith Pup
Designed half way through the war in 1916, the Sopwith Pup was easy to handle and fast. The RNAS ordered large quantities and it soon became very popular. It performed well against the German favourite Albatros D3 and was in service until late 1917.
The Sopwith Pup had a maximum speed of 111 mph, a maximum height of 17,500 ft and could carry a machine gun when needed. It could also fly for up to three hours.
The Sopwith Pup had a maximum speed of 111 mph, a maximum height of 17,500 ft and could carry a machine gun when needed. It could also fly for up to three hours.
The Great War - Aviation - FE-2
As with many of the planes during the first world war, the FE-2 had various improvements and versions made. The first design had a poor performing engine and was quickly replaced by the FE-2B. This plane, although containing a better engine, couldn't keep up with the enemy planes.
Before it was replaced, the FE-2B found fame by shooting down German flying ace Max Immelmann.
Replacement FE-2C was brought out many for night flying missions. This was because, although improvements were made it was still no match for enemy planes and couldn't handle dogfights. So by doing night missions it was thought that the plane would be able to fly undetected.
When the FE-2D was brought out, it soon became highly successful on missions between 1916-1917. However, by the summer of 1917, it was brought back for home defence duties, with the reason being better planes were available to be fighting on the front line. The FE-2D had a maximum speed of 91 mph, a maximum height of 11,000 ft and could carry up to two machine guns. With just a maximum of two and a half hours of flying at any one time, it was no match for modern designs.
Before it was replaced, the FE-2B found fame by shooting down German flying ace Max Immelmann.
Replacement FE-2C was brought out many for night flying missions. This was because, although improvements were made it was still no match for enemy planes and couldn't handle dogfights. So by doing night missions it was thought that the plane would be able to fly undetected.
When the FE-2D was brought out, it soon became highly successful on missions between 1916-1917. However, by the summer of 1917, it was brought back for home defence duties, with the reason being better planes were available to be fighting on the front line. The FE-2D had a maximum speed of 91 mph, a maximum height of 11,000 ft and could carry up to two machine guns. With just a maximum of two and a half hours of flying at any one time, it was no match for modern designs.
The Great War - Aviation - Bristol F-2 / Bristol Scout
At the outbreak of the first world war, the Bristol Scout was one of the most used planes. By the beginning of 1915, a newer version was brought out in the form of the Bristol Scout-D. This version flew with anti-zeppelin rockets as well as four small bombs that were hung on the fuselage next to the pilot. The Scout-D could also carry a machine gun if it needed to. It had a maximum speed of 100mph and a maximum height of 16,000 ft which you would think would make it the perfect plane. However, the plane could only fly for a maximum of two hours, so it needed to talk of nearby to stand any chance of doing any damage.
The Great War - Aviation - Vickers FB-5
The Vickers FB-5 was the first British plane to be built with a mounted machine gun on the front. Because of this you would think it would be highly popular and used a lot on the front line. However, the plane was fighting in the sky's above the trenches for just a few short months before being replaced by the faster and better armed Fokker E. With a maximum speed of 70 mph and a maximum height of 9,000 ft, it was no match for the up and coming planes even though it could carry up to two mounted machine guns.
Instead the Vickers FB-5 spend the duration of the war carrying out reconnaissance missions for which it was perfect for as it could fly for up to four and a half hours at a time. This meant that it could be sent on longer haul flights.
Instead the Vickers FB-5 spend the duration of the war carrying out reconnaissance missions for which it was perfect for as it could fly for up to four and a half hours at a time. This meant that it could be sent on longer haul flights.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
The Great War - Aviation - Avro 504
The Avro 504 was a two seat aircraft designed in 1913 and was used during the First World War for light bombing and reconnaissance missions. Unfortunately on 22nd August 1914, just shortly after the outbreak of war, an Avro 504 was shot down by enemy aircraft, so the pilot and plane became the first British casualty of the war in the air.
The original aircraft design wasn't a very successful combat plane and was therefore withdrawn from the front line at the end of 1914. In early 1915, a replacement was designed in the shape of the Avro 504-B. This was a single seater plane meaning it was able to carry more fuel than the previous version so it could take part in long range reconnaissance missions. By the summer of 1915 the Avro 504-B was removed from the front line, instead being used as a pilot trainer in Britain. It remained carrying out this role until 1924.
The Final version of this aircraft had a maximum speed of 82 MPH, a maximum height of 12,000 feet and could fly for a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes. It could carry a 12" machine gun and 80 pounds of bombs at any one time.
The outbreak of war meant that this plane was able to be redesigned faster than it would in peace time. It also meant that although it was later decided that it wasn't the best option as a fighter plane, it was an aircraft that trained many pilots how to fly and helped to win the war.
The original aircraft design wasn't a very successful combat plane and was therefore withdrawn from the front line at the end of 1914. In early 1915, a replacement was designed in the shape of the Avro 504-B. This was a single seater plane meaning it was able to carry more fuel than the previous version so it could take part in long range reconnaissance missions. By the summer of 1915 the Avro 504-B was removed from the front line, instead being used as a pilot trainer in Britain. It remained carrying out this role until 1924.
The Final version of this aircraft had a maximum speed of 82 MPH, a maximum height of 12,000 feet and could fly for a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes. It could carry a 12" machine gun and 80 pounds of bombs at any one time.
The outbreak of war meant that this plane was able to be redesigned faster than it would in peace time. It also meant that although it was later decided that it wasn't the best option as a fighter plane, it was an aircraft that trained many pilots how to fly and helped to win the war.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
The Great War - Aviation - Farman MF-2
The Farman MF-2 was developed in 1912 and was used by the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War. This particular plane was used for the navy's first night time bombing mission, attacking a German artillery installation on 21st December 1914.
Overall during the war, it was used for reconnaissance as well as light bombing missions. The aircraft had a maximum speed of 66 MPH, a maximum height of 12467 feet. It could fly for a maximum of 3 hours 45 minutes and could carry one machine gun and up to 288 pounds of bombs at any one time.
Overall during the war, it was used for reconnaissance as well as light bombing missions. The aircraft had a maximum speed of 66 MPH, a maximum height of 12467 feet. It could fly for a maximum of 3 hours 45 minutes and could carry one machine gun and up to 288 pounds of bombs at any one time.
Monday, 16 February 2015
The Great War - Aviation - Intro
This is the beginning of a small series of posts giving you an insight into aviation during the First World War. For the next eleven days, I will be giving you an insight into the planes that the British used in the First World War. At the end of the eleven days, I will be telling you a story about one pilots story after being captured by the Germans.
Aviation was a very new concept at the outbreak of war. The were two parts to it within Britain. There was the Royal Flying Corps & the Royal Naval Air Service, which in 1918 merged to become the Royal Air Force we know today under the Air Ministry.
The First World War was really the start of aviation in Britain. German had their Zeppelins to cause terror in the sky and had started to build planes that would be used in combat. We needed to keep up with the latest tactics if we were to stand any chance in the war.
At the beginning of the war, planes were used for reconnaissance missions to get a better understanding of how the war was progressing and keep an eye on where the enemy were to. The planes didn't have any markings and ended up being fired at by friend and foe. It was then decided to paint the St George Cross on the wings but this didn't help either as it was too similar to the German markings. By late 1915 the roundel marking was adopted in reverse colours to the French so that the allies on the ground new not to fire at their own.
In 1914, aerial bombing was also just beginning but was worlds away from what it is today. The bombings that took place first of all consisted of the pilot dropping hand grenades or homemade petrol bombs over the side of their plane down on the enemy below. It wasn't until 1915 that the idea of bombs straped underneath planes to then be released were thought of but even then it was highly dangerous and none of the safety precautions and proper testing that we know today where in place.
By 1917, planes were being used for more than just reconnaissance. They were helping the army in battles with the first being the Battle of Messines where the pilots were ordered to fly low and strafe all available enemy targets. The Third Battle of the Ypres saw over 300 aircraft drop bombs onto the enemy trenches, artillery positions, strongholds and large groups of enemy troops that were probably reinforcements on their way to the front line.
In 1914 there were 2073 personel with a very small amount of planes. Yet by 1919 there were 114,000 personel and 4000 aircraft. During the First World War a total of 9378 personel had been killed or were missing presumed dead, 7245 personel had been wounded, 900,000 hours of flying on operations had taken place, 6,942 tons of bombs had been dropped and 7054 German planes had been shot down.
Everyday for the next eleven days, I will be telling you about one of the planes used by the British in the First World War. This will include their top speed and heights as well as the amount of weapons used. I therefore thought I would end todays post by putting that information into perspective so that you can refer to it and see how far we have come. Below are an example of a fighter and bomber from the Second World War and from todays aviation to show you just how dangerous it would have been in the First World War.
Spitfire Fighter
Maximum Speed: 450 MPH
Maximum Height: 20,800 feet
Could carry: Eight machine guns placed all along the wings and in the nose each with 300 rounds of bullets to fire
Lancaster Bomber
Maximum Speed: 287 MPH
Maximum Height: 24,500 feet
Could carry: 14,000 pounds of bombs at any one time
Typhoon Fighter
Maximum Speed: 768 MPH
Maximum Height: 55,000 feet
B-2 Stealth Bomber
Maximum Speed: Estimate 650 MPH (Exact not disclosed)
Maximum Height : 50,000 feet
Aviation was a very new concept at the outbreak of war. The were two parts to it within Britain. There was the Royal Flying Corps & the Royal Naval Air Service, which in 1918 merged to become the Royal Air Force we know today under the Air Ministry.
The First World War was really the start of aviation in Britain. German had their Zeppelins to cause terror in the sky and had started to build planes that would be used in combat. We needed to keep up with the latest tactics if we were to stand any chance in the war.
At the beginning of the war, planes were used for reconnaissance missions to get a better understanding of how the war was progressing and keep an eye on where the enemy were to. The planes didn't have any markings and ended up being fired at by friend and foe. It was then decided to paint the St George Cross on the wings but this didn't help either as it was too similar to the German markings. By late 1915 the roundel marking was adopted in reverse colours to the French so that the allies on the ground new not to fire at their own.
In 1914, aerial bombing was also just beginning but was worlds away from what it is today. The bombings that took place first of all consisted of the pilot dropping hand grenades or homemade petrol bombs over the side of their plane down on the enemy below. It wasn't until 1915 that the idea of bombs straped underneath planes to then be released were thought of but even then it was highly dangerous and none of the safety precautions and proper testing that we know today where in place.
By 1917, planes were being used for more than just reconnaissance. They were helping the army in battles with the first being the Battle of Messines where the pilots were ordered to fly low and strafe all available enemy targets. The Third Battle of the Ypres saw over 300 aircraft drop bombs onto the enemy trenches, artillery positions, strongholds and large groups of enemy troops that were probably reinforcements on their way to the front line.
In 1914 there were 2073 personel with a very small amount of planes. Yet by 1919 there were 114,000 personel and 4000 aircraft. During the First World War a total of 9378 personel had been killed or were missing presumed dead, 7245 personel had been wounded, 900,000 hours of flying on operations had taken place, 6,942 tons of bombs had been dropped and 7054 German planes had been shot down.
Everyday for the next eleven days, I will be telling you about one of the planes used by the British in the First World War. This will include their top speed and heights as well as the amount of weapons used. I therefore thought I would end todays post by putting that information into perspective so that you can refer to it and see how far we have come. Below are an example of a fighter and bomber from the Second World War and from todays aviation to show you just how dangerous it would have been in the First World War.
Spitfire Fighter
Maximum Speed: 450 MPH
Maximum Height: 20,800 feet
Could carry: Eight machine guns placed all along the wings and in the nose each with 300 rounds of bullets to fire
Lancaster Bomber
Maximum Speed: 287 MPH
Maximum Height: 24,500 feet
Could carry: 14,000 pounds of bombs at any one time
Typhoon Fighter
Maximum Speed: 768 MPH
Maximum Height: 55,000 feet
B-2 Stealth Bomber
Maximum Speed: Estimate 650 MPH (Exact not disclosed)
Maximum Height : 50,000 feet
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