Crashed aircraft, can you identify the type?

[high wood]

Sadly, there are no serial numbers visible amongst the wreckage but it would be useful if somone could identify the type of aircraft for me. Not much to go on I am afraid. The photographs were probably taken in the United Kingdom.

[centurion]

Caudron G3. Used by the RFC for recc and training. If aircraft is in Britain probably a training mishap

[high wood]

Thank you. Having just googled Caudron G3 and seeing what a complete one looks like I now realise why there appears to be no fuselage amongst the wreckage.

[Ghost]

Two differnt aircraft at least there.

In the first and second photos, that is the first (Edit) G3 C3 I have seen with equal length wings.

The third photo could be 8946, RNAS, which crashed into cottages near Redcar 15th Aug 1916.

Alan

[centurion]

Two differnt aircraft at least there.

In the first and second photos, that is the first C3 I have seen with equal length wings.

The third photo could be 8496, RNAS, which crashed into cottages near Redcar 15th Aug 1916.

Alan

Well if you are looking at C 3s - The G III A2 had unequal wings but I believe that the basic trainer G III D2 had equal ones. That's definitely a GIII fuselage

[Ghost]

I don't dissagree, merely stating that that is the first I have seen with unequal length wings. I meant G3 not C3.

Alan

[mickdavis]

The personnel look RFC rather than RNAS. What I have on RFC Caudron G.IIIs is :

308 : 1 Caudron 45-hp Biplane built by Hewlett & Blondeau.308 Bought from WH Ewen Aviation Co. Allotted to MW 18.3.1913. RFC Flying Depot Farnborough allotted to 4 Sqn but not delivered and work to make airworthy abandoned 2.1914.

311 : 1 Caudron 45-hp Biplane built by Hewlett & Blondeau, Clapham, for the WH Ewen Aviation Co Ltd.

311 Bought for MW 5.1913. 5 Sqn Netheravon. 4 Sqn Netheravon until 1.4.1914 (recommended for deletion).

1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd from makers 27.3.1915 until SOC 9.9.1915.

7 Caudron G.III purchased in France and allotted serials in the block 1801 – 1899 reserved for purchases from French authorities.

1884 1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd direct from makers 27.3.1915 until deleted 9.9.1915.

1885 Ex C583. 1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd direct from makers 27.3.1915 until soc 2.10.1915. To UK and Hendon and deleted 2.10.1915.

1886 1 AP St Omer dd 1.4.1915. Deleted, without operational service, 18.5.1915. Re-taken onto RFC charge 1.8.1915. BEF School Le Crotoy until 20.10.1915. Flown to England 10.1915. Allotted to Administrative Wing Farnborough 28.10.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough allotted 2.11.1915.

1887 Ex C583. 1 AP St Omer dd 1.4.1915. 5 Sqn Abeele dd ex 1 AP 4.4.1915. 1 AP ex 5 Sqn 8.5.1915. To England ex 1 AP 26.5.1915.

1891 80-hp Gnome 3026/797. 1 Sqn Bailleul dd ex Paris 10.4.1915. AP St Omer ex 1 Sqn (wrecked) 20.7.1915 (17hrs 30mins).

1895 1 Sqn Bailleul dd ex Paris 14.4.1915 and deleted 31.5.1915.

1900 4 Sqn Bailleul dd ex AP St Omer 30.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 7.6.1915. To England 25.6.1915.

2863 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.

2863 Ex C109.

4226 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.

4226

4254 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.4254

24 Sqn Hounslow.

4293 : 1 Caudron G.III.4293

Ex C567. Hounslow 7.1915. 14 Sqn Gosport.

4299 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France

4299 Ex C1887.

4733 – 4734 : 2 Caudron G.III built in France.

4733 Ex C910.

4734 Ex C902.

4837 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France

4837 Ex C577.

19 Caudron G.III built in France and allotted serials in the block 5001 – 5200, reserved for purchases from French authorities.

5003 4 Sqn Bailleul dd ex 1 AP St Omer 29.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 22.5.1915. Flown to England 26.6.1914 Sqn Bailleul dd ex 1 AP St Omer 29.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 22.5.1915. Flown to

England 26.6.1915.

5016 BEF School Le Crotoy dd ex Paris 15.5.1915. 1 AP by 1.6.1915 and deleted 3.7.1915 (30 hrs).

5020 80-hp Gnome 3324/1000. 1 AP St Omer by 1.6.1915 and in reserve by 30.6.1915 until 15.7.1915. To England 21.7.1915. 13 Sqn by 8.1916.

5024 80-hp Gnome 3646/1186. 1 AP dd ex Paris 1.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915. Flown to England 2.7.1915 (3 hrs). 1 RS Gosport 1916.

5031 1 AP St Omer by 27.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 4049/1473). Flown to England 14.7.1915 (3hrs). 14 Sqn Gosport. 29 Sqn Gosport, possibly never flown.

5032 1 AP dd ex Juvisy 25.6.1915. BEF School Le Crotoy dd 24.6.1915. 1 AP St Omer in reserve 30.6.1915. Le Crotoy School until 26.9.1915 and deleted 12.10.1915.

5035 1AP St Omer dd 26.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 2774/614). Flown to England 3.7.1915 (3hrs). 9 RAS Mousehold Heath. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 29 Sqn Gosport, possibly never flown.

5037 1 AP Omer (80-hp Gnome 5064/2014). To England ex 1 AP for Gosport 6.7.1915 by Lt H Kelly (3hrs). 13 Sqn Gosport 7.1915. 3 RAS Shoreham 1915.

5038 1 AP St Omer in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 2945/735). To England for Gosport 14.7.1915 (3hrs). 9 RAS Mousehold Heath. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 24 Sqn HD det Hounslow.

5040 Ex C902 (80-hp Gnome 4458/1788). 1 AP St Omer dd 10.7.1915. Flown to England 13.7.1915 by Flt Comm D Breese. 1 RAS Farnborough by 8.1915. 4 RS Northolt 1916.

5042 Ex C907 (80-hp Gnome 4508/1828). AP St Omer ex Paris 18.7.1915 and flown to England 31.7.1915.

5043 Ex C922 (80-hp Gnome 2838/658). AP St Omer ex Paris 18.7.1915 and flown to England 31.7.1915. 9 RAS Mousehold Heath 1915.

5049 Ex C566 (80-hp Gnome 4441/1771). AP St Omer dd ex Paris 9.8.1915. Flown to England 21.8.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough by 31.8.1915. 6 RS Catterick

5050 Ex C927 (80-hp Gnome 1880/100). AP St Omer dd ex Paris 9.8.1915. Flown to England 11.8.1915 (4hrs). 1 RAS Farnborough by 12.9.1915 until @ 14.9.1915.

5053 Wrecked in crash 22.8.915, unit and location unknown – possibly Netheravon.

5062 Ex C612 (80-hp Le Rhone 1601). 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 5.9.1915. Flown to England 17.9.1915 (Lt Strugnell).

5063 Ex C616 (80-hp Le Rhone 1590). 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 5.9.1915. Flown to England 8.9.1915 by Flt Cdr CD Breese. 1 RAS Farnborough by 16.9.1915 until @ 25.10.1915.

5064 Ex C592. 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 4.7.1915.

5067 Ex C594. 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 4.7.1915.

5251 – 5270 : 20 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Frères.

5251 1 RAS Farnborough by 18.8.1915 until @ 28.8.1915.

5252 9 RAS Mousehold Heath dd 4.8.1915. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 4 RS Northolt.

5253 9 RAS Mousehold Heath dd 4.8.1915. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915.

5254 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915. 19 Sqn by 12.15.

5255 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5256 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5257 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5258 22 Sqn Gosport. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 22 Sqn 27.10.1915.

5259

5260

5261 14 Sqn Gosport by 8.1915. 29 Sqn Gosport, allotted 8.12.1915 and possibly never flown.

5262

5263

5264 AID Farnborough 20.9.15. 1 RAS Farnborough by 10.10.1915.

5265

5266

5267 13 Sqn Fort Grange, Gosport, 1915.

5268 29 Sqn Gosport, allotted 8.12.1915 and possibly never flown.

5269 13 Sqn Fort Grange, Gosport, 1915.

5270 24 Sqn Hounslow. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 24 Sqn 27.10.1915.

5613 - 5915 : 3 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Frères.

5613 ex C544. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex Administrative Wing 4.10.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough by 8.10.1915 until @ 9.10.1915. Allotted to II Bde 11.10.1915.

5914 ex C473. 24 Sqn Hounslow. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 24 Sqn 27.10.1915. Allotted II Bde 13.10.1915.

5915 ex C598. Allotted II Bde 29.10.1915. Allotted 5th Wing 30.10.1915. Flown Farnborough-Gosport 2.11.1915 (Lt J. Slessor). Allotted to 23 Sqn 13.11.1915.

7312 – 7320 : 9 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Freres.

7312

7313

7314

7315

7316

7317

7318

7319

7320

7741 – 7743 : 3 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Freres.

7741

7742

7743

A1892 – A1901 : 10 Caudron G.III (70-hp Renault) ordered from the British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood to Contract 87/A/643.

A1892 41 RS Doncaster by 5.9.1916.

A1893

A1894 41 RS Doncaster by 21.8.1916 until @ 3.9.1916.

A1895 41 RS Doncaster by 24.08.1916 until @ 1.9.1916.

A1896 41 RS Doncaster by 21.8.1916 until @ 2.11.1916.

A1897

A1898 41 RS Doncaster by 30.9.1916 until @ 14.11.1916.

A1899 41 RS Doncaster 1916.

A1900

A1901

A2123 – A2124 : 2 Caudron G.III ordered from British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood, to Contract 87/A/643.

A2123 41 RS Doncaster by 25.8.1916 until @ 20.10.1916.

A2124

A2293 – A3005 : 13 Caudron G.III ordered from British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood, to Contract 87/A/643.

A2993 41 RS Doncaster by 29.9.1916 until @ 2.11.1916.

A2994 39 RS Montrose 1916.

A2995

A2996

A2997

A2998 39 RS Montrose 1916.

A2999

A3000

A3001

A3002

A3003

A3004

A3005 To civilian register as G-EACK.

A3024 – A3048 : 25 Caudron G.III ordered from the British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood to Contract 87/A/643.

A3024

A3025

A3026

A3027

A3028

A3029

A3030 To civilian register as G-EAOO.

A3031

A3032 To civilian register as G-EALV.

A3033

A3034

A3035

A3036

A3037

A3038

A3039

A3040

A3041

A3042

A3043

A3044

A3045

A3046

A3047

A3048

C5276 – C5300 : 25 Caudron G.III (100-hp Anzani) ordered from Caudron Freres.C5276

C5277

C5278

C5279

C5280

C5281

C5282

C5283

C5284

C5285

C5286

C5287

C5288

C5289

C5290

C5291

C5292

C5293

C5294

C5295

C5296

C5297

C5298

C5299

C5300

Unidentified Machines

IFC3 Caudron G.III. Mesopotamian Half-Flight dd to Basra on SS Tortilla 14.7.1915, given unit identity rather than serial. 30 Sqn as C3 from 5.8.1915 and LIA on reconnaissance to Es Sinn 16.9.1915 (crew OK – shot down by ground fire).

IFC4 Caudron G.III. Mesopotamian Half-Flight dd to Basra on SS Tortilla 14.7.1915, given unit identity rather than serial, force-landed en-route to Asani 19.7.1915 and wrecked in forced landing 25ml W of Abu Salabh 30.7.1915 (Lt GP Merz/Lt WWA Burn killed by tribesmen). Wreckage to Basra 8.8.1915.

[high wood]

Mick,

thank you for posting your extremely comprehensive list of G-3s and their locations. I have enlarged sections of two of the photographs.

In the first photograph a chap appears to be holding a board (a gate?) with the letters F.P. 17--? on it. This may indicate a fire point where fire fighting equipment was stored or be some type of location marker; on the other hand the way that it is being held by the airman may be significant. Could it be from the aircraft?

The second shows a curious earth covered building which rather reminds me of a butt on a rifle range or perhaps some kind of late Victorian fortification. Gosport seems an obvious location for buildings of this type. There is a union flag flying over the building.

Simon.

[phil@basildon]

Could the one crashed on the railway track be at Catterick? Catterick had its own internal rail system connected to the main line.

[phil@basildon]

Mick,

The second shows a curious earth covered building which rather reminds me of a butt on a rifle range or perhaps some kind of late Victorian fortification. Gosport seems an obvious location for buildings of this type. There is a union flag flying over the building.

Simon.

There is a very distinctive building in the distance right background of the second photograph, possibly a water tower?

Definately Army, the chap standing next to the wing is wearing puttees.

[NigelS]

The second shows a curious earth covered building which rather reminds me of a butt on a rifle range or perhaps some kind of late Victorian fortification. Gosport seems an obvious location for buildings of this type. There is a union flag flying over the building.

On an initial look at the OS maps of the Gosport area I came across 'Fort Fareham' with the course of a railway line running nearby following the line there's then a Fort Rowner Here (hope this link works; it's not immediately apparent that there was a railway track at this scale, but zooming out clarifies the route) this is a 'Palmerston Folly' and there are plenty of photos here and it does look like a possibility. There is then a piece in 'Flight' of 6th Jan 1916 Hereabout a fatal accident to William Frederick Rogers RFC 'near Fort Rowner'; unfortunately there are not enough details given to to confirm that this is the accident pictured - if only it had given 'flying a Caudron' or 'crashed on a railway track' !

NigelS

[mickdavis]

The earthed up building definitely looks like one of the forts (Fort Grange and Fort Rowner) that lay on the edge of Gosport aerodrome and were used as accommodation by resident units.

[27thBN]

The personnel look RFC rather than RNAS. What I have on RFC Caudron G.IIIs is :

308 : 1 Caudron 45-hp Biplane built by Hewlett & Blondeau.308 Bought from WH Ewen Aviation Co. Allotted to MW 18.3.1913. RFC Flying Depot Farnborough allotted to 4 Sqn but not delivered and work to make airworthy abandoned 2.1914.

311 : 1 Caudron 45-hp Biplane built by Hewlett & Blondeau, Clapham, for the WH Ewen Aviation Co Ltd.

311 Bought for MW 5.1913. 5 Sqn Netheravon. 4 Sqn Netheravon until 1.4.1914 (recommended for deletion).

1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd from makers 27.3.1915 until SOC 9.9.1915.

7 Caudron G.III purchased in France and allotted serials in the block 1801 – 1899 reserved for purchases from French authorities.

1884 1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd direct from makers 27.3.1915 until deleted 9.9.1915.

1885 Ex C583. 1 Sqn St Omer/Bailleul dd direct from makers 27.3.1915 until soc 2.10.1915. To UK and Hendon and deleted 2.10.1915.

1886 1 AP St Omer dd 1.4.1915. Deleted, without operational service, 18.5.1915. Re-taken onto RFC charge 1.8.1915. BEF School Le Crotoy until 20.10.1915. Flown to England 10.1915. Allotted to Administrative Wing Farnborough 28.10.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough allotted 2.11.1915.

1887 Ex C583. 1 AP St Omer dd 1.4.1915. 5 Sqn Abeele dd ex 1 AP 4.4.1915. 1 AP ex 5 Sqn 8.5.1915. To England ex 1 AP 26.5.1915.

1891 80-hp Gnome 3026/797. 1 Sqn Bailleul dd ex Paris 10.4.1915. AP St Omer ex 1 Sqn (wrecked) 20.7.1915 (17hrs 30mins).

1895 1 Sqn Bailleul dd ex Paris 14.4.1915 and deleted 31.5.1915.

1900 4 Sqn Bailleul dd ex AP St Omer 30.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 7.6.1915. To England 25.6.1915.

2863 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.

2863 Ex C109.

4226 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.

4226

4254 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France.4254

24 Sqn Hounslow.

4293 : 1 Caudron G.III.4293

Ex C567. Hounslow 7.1915. 14 Sqn Gosport.

4299 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France

4299 Ex C1887.

4733 – 4734 : 2 Caudron G.III built in France.

4733 Ex C910.

4734 Ex C902.

4837 : 1 Caudron G.III built in France

4837 Ex C577.

19 Caudron G.III built in France and allotted serials in the block 5001 – 5200, reserved for purchases from French authorities.

5003 4 Sqn Bailleul dd ex 1 AP St Omer 29.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 22.5.1915. Flown to England 26.6.1914 Sqn Bailleul dd ex 1 AP St Omer 29.4.1915. 1 AP ex 4 Sqn 22.5.1915. Flown to

England 26.6.1915.

5016 BEF School Le Crotoy dd ex Paris 15.5.1915. 1 AP by 1.6.1915 and deleted 3.7.1915 (30 hrs).

5020 80-hp Gnome 3324/1000. 1 AP St Omer by 1.6.1915 and in reserve by 30.6.1915 until 15.7.1915. To England 21.7.1915. 13 Sqn by 8.1916.

5024 80-hp Gnome 3646/1186. 1 AP dd ex Paris 1.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915. Flown to England 2.7.1915 (3 hrs). 1 RS Gosport 1916.

5031 1 AP St Omer by 27.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 4049/1473). Flown to England 14.7.1915 (3hrs). 14 Sqn Gosport. 29 Sqn Gosport, possibly never flown.

5032 1 AP dd ex Juvisy 25.6.1915. BEF School Le Crotoy dd 24.6.1915. 1 AP St Omer in reserve 30.6.1915. Le Crotoy School until 26.9.1915 and deleted 12.10.1915.

5035 1AP St Omer dd 26.6.1915 and in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 2774/614). Flown to England 3.7.1915 (3hrs). 9 RAS Mousehold Heath. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 29 Sqn Gosport, possibly never flown.

5037 1 AP Omer (80-hp Gnome 5064/2014). To England ex 1 AP for Gosport 6.7.1915 by Lt H Kelly (3hrs). 13 Sqn Gosport 7.1915. 3 RAS Shoreham 1915.

5038 1 AP St Omer in reserve 30.6.1915 (80-hp Gnome 2945/735). To England for Gosport 14.7.1915 (3hrs). 9 RAS Mousehold Heath. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 24 Sqn HD det Hounslow.

5040 Ex C902 (80-hp Gnome 4458/1788). 1 AP St Omer dd 10.7.1915. Flown to England 13.7.1915 by Flt Comm D Breese. 1 RAS Farnborough by 8.1915. 4 RS Northolt 1916.

5042 Ex C907 (80-hp Gnome 4508/1828). AP St Omer ex Paris 18.7.1915 and flown to England 31.7.1915.

5043 Ex C922 (80-hp Gnome 2838/658). AP St Omer ex Paris 18.7.1915 and flown to England 31.7.1915. 9 RAS Mousehold Heath 1915.

5049 Ex C566 (80-hp Gnome 4441/1771). AP St Omer dd ex Paris 9.8.1915. Flown to England 21.8.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough by 31.8.1915. 6 RS Catterick

5050 Ex C927 (80-hp Gnome 1880/100). AP St Omer dd ex Paris 9.8.1915. Flown to England 11.8.1915 (4hrs). 1 RAS Farnborough by 12.9.1915 until @ 14.9.1915.

5053 Wrecked in crash 22.8.915, unit and location unknown – possibly Netheravon.

5062 Ex C612 (80-hp Le Rhone 1601). 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 5.9.1915. Flown to England 17.9.1915 (Lt Strugnell).

5063 Ex C616 (80-hp Le Rhone 1590). 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 5.9.1915. Flown to England 8.9.1915 by Flt Cdr CD Breese. 1 RAS Farnborough by 16.9.1915 until @ 25.10.1915.

5064 Ex C592. 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 4.7.1915.

5067 Ex C594. 1 AP St Omer dd ex Paris 4.7.1915.

5251 – 5270 : 20 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Frères.

5251 1 RAS Farnborough by 18.8.1915 until @ 28.8.1915.

5252 9 RAS Mousehold Heath dd 4.8.1915. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915. 4 RS Northolt.

5253 9 RAS Mousehold Heath dd 4.8.1915. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 9 RAS 2.11.1915.

5254 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915. 19 Sqn by 12.15.

5255 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5256 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5257 6 RAS Montrose dd 4.8.1915.

5258 22 Sqn Gosport. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 22 Sqn 27.10.1915.

5259

5260

5261 14 Sqn Gosport by 8.1915. 29 Sqn Gosport, allotted 8.12.1915 and possibly never flown.

5262

5263

5264 AID Farnborough 20.9.15. 1 RAS Farnborough by 10.10.1915.

5265

5266

5267 13 Sqn Fort Grange, Gosport, 1915.

5268 29 Sqn Gosport, allotted 8.12.1915 and possibly never flown.

5269 13 Sqn Fort Grange, Gosport, 1915.

5270 24 Sqn Hounslow. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 24 Sqn 27.10.1915.

5613 - 5915 : 3 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Frères.

5613 ex C544. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex Administrative Wing 4.10.1915. 1 RAS Farnborough by 8.10.1915 until @ 9.10.1915. Allotted to II Bde 11.10.1915.

5914 ex C473. 24 Sqn Hounslow. 23 Sqn Gosport dd ex 24 Sqn 27.10.1915. Allotted II Bde 13.10.1915.

5915 ex C598. Allotted II Bde 29.10.1915. Allotted 5th Wing 30.10.1915. Flown Farnborough-Gosport 2.11.1915 (Lt J. Slessor). Allotted to 23 Sqn 13.11.1915.

7312 – 7320 : 9 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Freres.

7312

7313

7314

7315

7316

7317

7318

7319

7320

7741 – 7743 : 3 Caudron G.III ordered from Caudron Freres.

7741

7742

7743

A1892 – A1901 : 10 Caudron G.III (70-hp Renault) ordered from the British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood to Contract 87/A/643.

A1892 41 RS Doncaster by 5.9.1916.

A1893

A1894 41 RS Doncaster by 21.8.1916 until @ 3.9.1916.

A1895 41 RS Doncaster by 24.08.1916 until @ 1.9.1916.

A1896 41 RS Doncaster by 21.8.1916 until @ 2.11.1916.

A1897

A1898 41 RS Doncaster by 30.9.1916 until @ 14.11.1916.

A1899 41 RS Doncaster 1916.

A1900

A1901

A2123 – A2124 : 2 Caudron G.III ordered from British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood, to Contract 87/A/643.

A2123 41 RS Doncaster by 25.8.1916 until @ 20.10.1916.

A2124

A2293 – A3005 : 13 Caudron G.III ordered from British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood, to Contract 87/A/643.

A2993 41 RS Doncaster by 29.9.1916 until @ 2.11.1916.

A2994 39 RS Montrose 1916.

A2995

A2996

A2997

A2998 39 RS Montrose 1916.

A2999

A3000

A3001

A3002

A3003

A3004

A3005 To civilian register as G-EACK.

A3024 – A3048 : 25 Caudron G.III ordered from the British Caudron Co Ltd, Cricklewood to Contract 87/A/643.

A3024

A3025

A3026

A3027

A3028

A3029

A3030 To civilian register as G-EAOO.

A3031

A3032 To civilian register as G-EALV.

A3033

A3034

A3035

A3036

A3037

A3038

A3039

A3040

A3041

A3042

A3043

A3044

A3045

A3046

A3047

A3048

C5276 – C5300 : 25 Caudron G.III (100-hp Anzani) ordered from Caudron Freres.C5276

C5277

C5278

C5279

C5280

C5281

C5282

C5283

C5284

C5285

C5286

C5287

C5288

C5289

C5290

C5291

C5292

C5293

C5294

C5295

C5296

C5297

C5298

C5299

C5300

Unidentified Machines

IFC3 Caudron G.III. Mesopotamian Half-Flight dd to Basra on SS Tortilla 14.7.1915, given unit identity rather than serial. 30 Sqn as C3 from 5.8.1915 and LIA on reconnaissance to Es Sinn 16.9.1915 (crew OK – shot down by ground fire).

IFC4 Caudron G.III. Mesopotamian Half-Flight dd to Basra on SS Tortilla 14.7.1915, given unit identity rather than serial, force-landed en-route to Asani 19.7.1915 and wrecked in forced landing 25ml W of Abu Salabh 30.7.1915 (Lt GP Merz/Lt WWA Burn killed by tribesmen). Wreckage to Basra 8.8.1915.

Hi Mike great post you really know your stuff

regards MC

[Steven Broomfield]

The earthed up building definitely looks like one of the forts (Fort Grange and Fort Rowner) that lay on the edge of Gosport aerodrome and were used as accommodation by resident units.

As Nigel says, there are load of old Victorian forts surrounding Gosport, which is/was home to what became RNAS Daedalas (spelling?). In fact one (Fort Brockhurst) is open as an English heritage site and is well worth a visit.

The Palmerston Forts (Follies) are well worth a visit: amazing Victorian engineering works.

Wiki here

Sorry to hijack the thread, but Gosport looks good to me.

[centurion]

Looking at that aircraft on the railway line again I wonder if it is in fact a Caudron GIII R2. These had the top wing shortened by removing the extensions. The idea was to allow trainees to experience the use of the rudder and the engine blip whilst taxying but to ensure that they could not get enough lift to take off. Unfortunately sometimes they did quite often with disastrous results but in any case taxying into a railway line at say 40 mph plus would have similar effect.

[NigelS]

....one (Fort Brockhurst) is open as an English heritage site and is well worth a visit.

Likewise, Fort Nelson (above Portchester, a couple of miles as the crow flies, to the NE) which houses the Royal Armouries Artillery collection Click

NigelS

[Ghost]

Making a quick count on the wing ribs, those first two pictures are indeed short of a few ribs on the upper wing, clipping their wings not only applied to feathered birds then.

The uniforms are RFC, but, Redcar also had RFC people. I'm sure Micks favourite journal will have details.

Alan

[high wood]

I think that the two photographs were probably taken at the same location given that they came from the same source.

[mickdavis]

Making a quick count on the wing ribs, those first two pictures are indeed short of a few ribs on the upper wing, clipping their wings not only applied to feathered birds then.

The uniforms are RFC, but, Redcar also had RFC people. I'm sure Micks favourite journal will have details.

Alan

No RFC at Redcar. RNAS until 1.4.1918 then RAF. Nearby Marske was RFC from 11.1917 but no Caudrons.

[Ghost]

I am merely stating my opinion, not wishing to argue. No RFC at RNAS Redcar, but Marske was less than 1 mile away, which qualifies for Redcar, and had RFC. My statement "The third photo could be 8946, RNAS, which crashed into cottages near Redcar 15th Aug 1916" still holds water. No one to say where the men, or the aicraft came from. This is the only Caudron I have seen listed that states it crashed into cottages.

Alan

[KevinBattle]

With reference to the cottage photo (#3) can anyone make out what is on what looks like more wreckage behind the servicemen on the extreme left, partially masked by the tail? It looks like a large "C" followed by smaller numbers/letters.

Of course it could be simply some shop sign, or even the roundel of the port wing but the superb listing by mickdavis does contain some C serialled Caudrons and no one else has commented on what might be a clue to its identity.......

[centurion]

Making a quick count on the wing ribs, those first two pictures are indeed short of a few ribs on the upper wing, clipping their wings not only applied to feathered birds then.

Indeed - the Americans also used the Caudron R and found so many accidents were occurring because the things were staggering into the sky with a trainee who didn't know how to land and the wing warping controls ineffective that they had a special training aircraft developed that was guaranteed to be unable to take off.

[high wood]

Kevin,

I have tried to enlarge the section of the photograph that you refer to and you may be on to something as it indeed does look like a series of small numbers. Difficult to read though but there may be at least one 9.

[high wood]

Possibly some more pieces of the puzzle. I went back to the man selling ephemera and found these amongst his military photographs. Unfortunately, he is the kind of men who breaks up photograph albums and sells the photographs by subject matter so I cannot prove that these pictures came from the same album as the first three posted.

[centurion]

First bloke has what looks like the later RAF Pilot Officer's ring on his sleeve!