FE2d - Colony of Mauritius - No 15

[centurion]

One of the things i dont understand is why Harry has so many photos of airfields and planes when his official records show he was only at Gosport(27 RS), 49 sqdn (Dover?), Joyce Green (10RS), Turnberry and MArske.

Was it normal to fly in and out of other airfields or use planes attched to other squadrons?

Part of the training in RS squadrons was flying from one air field to another (basic navigation). You could also be sent on a short course (or even a one day briefing) at a specialist centre - say at Hythe. Instructors(especially the more senior ones) did have a certain leeway and might go visiting friends on other airfields. None of this would show on a service record

Just because a bloke is photoed standing next to a particular aircraft (or even in the cockpit) doesn't necessarily mean that he flew it. He might but again it could just be something to pose in front of. We've all probably done something like that.

[Guest BenP]

Hi all,

I am still sorting through the album, but will give a quick list of bases and people that are in it.

The album seems to be from early in the peice, with many from his initial postings to Joyce GReen, Hythe and Turnberry. I cant see any photos from MArske. They seem to be from June 1916 until about the start of 1918. He was at turnberry from Jan 1917 until April 1918.

THe photos certainly seem to describe operational or home defence flights, which marries up with his letters and the newspaper reports.

Maybe someone will recognise the names of other pilots and this will tie in with thier operational experience and postings.

Pilots Mentioned ( and photos of - Many with Butler with them in the photo)

Im not an expert enough to pick the rank, but will put it down if it has been noted. I will also put down where the photo was taken if it has been identified.

Capt Ball, DSO, MC CD - Hythe

Capt Steele

Capt Gibson - Hythe

Capt Anderson

Lieut Martin

Sgt HEad

Capt WA McClougrry

Capt Hay - Glascow

Lieut Sutton

? -Robinson

Bristol

Hart-Davis

Brooks

Roach -Kelly

Casey

Russell

Lieut Alford

Capt Kitchiner

Capt Stooks

CPL Neville

Flt Sgt Fraser

Flt Sgt PArker

Flt Sgt Warren

Lieut Barnard

Lieut Perkins

Lieut Woodman

Lieut Martin

Lieut Markham

Lieut Shirtcliffe

Sgt Bowers

Sgt Ridley

Capt Tomlinson

Lieut Blythe

There are a few more but they are faded and i cant make out the names.

The following places or aerodromes are photographed

Catterick

Farnborough

Brooklyns

Turnberry

Hythe

Joyce GReen

Also he has photos of the following aircraft

FE2B's - Lined up - "B" Flight

BE2C

RE7 - Hythe

Maurice Farman SH

FE2B - 4981

DH Scout - 7866

VF - Sept 1916 - Joyce GReen or Hythe ( Souries Zepp)

FE2b - A830 - Grashed by Lieut Blythe

VF - Hythe

BE2C - Capt Kitchiner

FE2B - A788 - Crashed

FE2B - A809 - Crashed

Bristol Scout

Sopwith Camel

FE2D - A6527

BE2E - Crashed

FE2B - Catterick

Avro - Turnberry 1917

Sopwith Pup

BE2E - 3677

DH4

FE2b 4981 - Flown from Glascow to Turnberry - First plane to land there.

Viosin - Macelle?

??? - 6975

Anyone have any comments about these people or planes? Plenty of research to be done.

Cheers,

Les

Butler_a...1resized.jpgB_Flightresized.jp

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I have just come across this and am not sure if this stream is still active.

The CWH Bowers referred to is my uncle.

Sgt Christoper William Henry Bowers was born in Washbrooke Heath, Birmingham on 7th September 1892 and joined the RFC in 1913. He spent most of his service with No.2 Squadron.

He was killed Turnberry on 1st May 1917 flying FE2b No 6975 - 120hp Beardmore. The gunner was 2nd Lt J Stevenson from Kirkwall, Orkney (also killed)

His service No. was 932 and pilot's licence is no. 3960 issued on 8th December 1916.

The F.S. Form 559 (Casualty Card) transcript say, under remarks, "Loss of flying speed produced by a very sharp turn causing the machine to stall at insufficient height for recovery from nose dive." "nose dived from 30ft. Burst into flames."

Hope this helps and, if you have any photographs that include Chris I would be keen to see a copy.