WW1 Military Motors - 1916 set x 50 cards

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The Australian Flying Corps' Division Badge seen on the AFC ' Maternity ' style uniform jacket belonging to Lt. W. H. Fysh, D.F.C., No. 1 Squadron AFC.

LF

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

An AFC Division's enamelled silver sweetheart's badge.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Captain F. McNamara, AFC., was awarded his Victoria Cross on 8th June, 1917 for his daring rescue of Captain David Rutherford at Wadi Hesse, Egypt on 20th March, 1917.

Frank McNamara insisted, possibly due to a disagreement he had with the Australian Government over the terms of his leaving the RAAF, that his Victoria Cross not be returned to Australia, so after his death his family donated his V.C. to the RAF Museum in London.

Interestingly, there is a memorial plaque for Air Vice-Marshal F. McNamara, V.C., erected in the Australian town of Rushworth, where he was born, which states that his Victoria Cross is at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

I have seen no evidence that F. McNamara's Victoria Cross was/is in Australia, and his V.C. is still today listed as an exhibit at the Royal Air Force Museum in London.

Attached is a photograph of the memorial plaque to Air Vice-Marshal F. McNamara, V.C. erected in Rushworth, Victoria, Australia.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Victoria Cross obverse.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The reverse of Lt. F. McNamara's Victoria Cross, with the inscription :-

LT. F. H. McNAMARA

No.67 AUS. SQDN. RFC.

20 MAR 1917

His V.C. is held by the Royal Air Force Museum in London, and was donated to the RAF Museum by his family after his death.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A photograph of Air Vice Marshall F. H. McNamara, V.C. taken in 1945, on the day of his investiture at Buckingham Palace as Companion of the Order of the Bath.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

After his retirement, Frank McNamara, V.C., C.B., C.B.E., remained in England, and lived at his home in Buckinghamshire, where after suffering a fall, he died on 2nd November 1961, aged 67 years.

He was buried at St. Joseph's Priory, Austin Wood, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Over the next couple of days I shall be posting some interesting ' Martinsyde G100 ' photographs before moving on to a new topic.

The first photograph, shows a downed G100 from No.27 Squadron RFC.

The G100's pilot was Harold Oswald Day, born in Canada on 8th June 1892, he enlisted with the Bedfordshire Regiment and then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

His G100 was downed near Staden ( West Flanders ) on 28th July, 1917, and in this photo we see the G100's pilot ( back to camera with a bandaged head ) being questioned by a member of the German ' Feldgendarmerie ' the German Army Police.

Also of note, the No.4 has been painted on the front of the G100's fuselage, and 4 of the bolts on the engine's cowling have also been painted and highlighted to match.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Aircraft spare parts were critical in keeping a Squadron's aircraft airworthy, and were often in short supply, so whenever possible, severely damaged aircraft would be salvaged for their spare parts.

In the attached photograph taken in Palestine in 1917, we see a severely damaged Martinsyde G100, Serial Number 7487 being dismantled for it's spare parts by AFC mechanics.

G100 No. 7487 had been flown by Lieutenant A. C. Cole, and earlier in 1917 ( June ) Lt. Cole had landed his G100 behind enemy lines to pick up two other stranded pilots, however, after landing, Lt. Cole was unable to take-off again due to a wrecked undercarriage, so he destroyed and abandoned his aircraft.

Subsequently, when the area was recaptured by the Allies, the AFC mechanics returned to salvage Lt. Cole's G100 for it's spare parts.

LF

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Another example of a wrecked Martinsyde G100 aircraft No. A3988 being salvaged somewhere in the Middle East, with the help of the locals.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The same Martinsyde G100 No. A3988 seen in better days.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A nice piece of coloured artwork depicting Martinsyde G100 No. A 3988.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

With reference to post #5108, here is a photograph of a Martinsyde G100 No. A1572 which had been captured by the Germans, and dismantled by them, presumably for transporting to another location.

Although this G100 has a different Serial Number to the No.27 Squadron's G100 shown in post #5108. it interestingly has the same large ' 4 ' painted on the front of the fuselage.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A party, which included the then New Zealand Prime Minister Mr. William Massey ( far right wearing a Bowler Hat ) and his Deputy Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward, are seen during a visit to the Somme region in October 1916, Massey and Ward are seen examining a Martinsyde G100 at Vert Galant aerodrome.

The Vert Galant RFC/RAF Aerodrome was located on both sides of the road South of the village of Doullens, and 12 miles North of Amiens in the Somme Picardy Region of Northern France, and was in operation from 1915 to 1919.

Interestingly, it was from the Aerodrome at Vert Galant that Albert Ball, V.C., took off on his fatal final flight on 7th May, 1917.

William Ferguson ' Bill ' Massey ( 26 March 1856 - 10 May 1925 ) was the 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 - 1925.

At the WW1 time of publication, this photograph had been censored, with the G100's serial number on the tail blanked out.

LF

IWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

With the RFC Aerodrome at Yatesbury, Wiltshire also being a flight training establishment, the attached photograph of a Martinsyde G102 A1592 failing to clear the hanger roof, perhaps should not be unexpected.

Also of note, the stricken aircraft's undercarriage wheels on the ground.

LF

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This photograph graphically illustrates a most tragic day for No.27 Squadron RFC, the photograph's caption is as follows :-

" The wreckage of Martinsyde G102 A3992 'C3' somewhere in the vicinity of Lille, 21st August 1917. The aircraft's pilot, 2nd Lt. Derek Percy Cox of No 27 Sqn RFC was reported killed in action. His aircraft was on a bombing mission to Seclin when it collided with Martinsyde A6259, flown by Capt. G. K. Smith MC., while in combat with enemy aircraft over Lille. The Martinsydes were subsequently brought down by German fighters.

Oblt Hans Bethge of Jasta 30 claimed a victory over A3992 (his 14th) and Ltn Karl Bolle of Jasta 28 claimed A6259 (his 2nd). Another Martinsyde from the squadron, 7276, flown by 2nd Lt. S Thompson, was also lost in the same engagement; it was claimed by Oblt Rudolf Berthod of Jasta 18 (his 13th) and/or Ltn Max Müller of Jasta 28 (his 25th).

2nd Lt. Cox was the son of Maj. Gen. Sir Percy Z. Cox, G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E., K.C.S.I. "

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

German troops surround a crashed and destroyed Martinsyde G100/102, it is not known if this incident is related to the aircraft losses detailed in the previous post.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

I had posted earlier ( now deleted ) a photograph which showed Manfred von Richthofen sitting on the fuselage of a downed British aircraft No.B1795.

The photograph's caption incorrectly detailed the downed aircraft as being a Martinsyde G100, however, on checking the aircraft's serial number ' B1795 ' I found that it was not a G100 but rather a Sopwith Pup No. B1795, which was Manfred von Richthofen's 61st victory.

The Sopwith Pup B1795, had been flown by Lt. Algernon Frederick Bird of the No.46 Squadron RFC, who was shot down by Richthofen on 3rd September 1917 just South of Bousbecque in the Nord-Pas de Calais region of Northern France.

Lt. Bird survived the downing, and was taken prisoner by the Germans.

LF

[Lancashire Fusilier]

With reference to the previous post, here is the photograph of the downed Sopwith Pup B1795 for those interested.

Manfred von Richthofen had in fact downed a Martinsyde G100, which was his 2nd victory, that was G100 No.7481 which had been flown by Sgt. Herbert Bellerby of No.27 Squadron RFC., who died as a result of his G100 being shot down by Richthofen on 23rd September 1916 over Ervillers, between Arras and Bapaume in the Nord-Pas de Calais region of Northern France.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Whilst the ' naming ' of aircraft during WW1 was not uncommon, those being aircraft named by the Pilot or aircraft named after their donor or benefactor, whereas the naming of a Martinsyde G100/102 seems to have been particularly rare, and as yet, I have only found one example of a named Martinsyde, that being G102 No.A6286 carrying the name ' Rhodesia III '.

To date, I have not been able to discover the reason behind the G102's name, or who named this aircraft, perhaps someone knows the answer ?

LF

IWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Uncle George]

The Australian Flying Corps' Division Badge seen on the AFC ' Maternity ' style uniform jacket belonging to Lt. W. H. Fysh, D.F.C., No. 1 Squadron AFC.

LF

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised[/size].[/size]

It seems unusual to see that DFC ribbon, which was introduced in 1919, on the 'maternity' jacket. I see that Fysh was awarded his DFC in 1919, and that the Australian Flying Corps was still in being until 1920.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

It seems unusual to see that DFC ribbon, which was introduced in 1919, on the 'maternity' jacket. I see that Fysh was awarded his DFC in 1919, and that the Australian Flying Corps was still in being until 1920.

Uncle George,

Many thanks for the information, and here is a photograph of the AFC Service Dress jacket belonging to Lt. Wilmot Hudson Fysh, D.F.C., showing the Distinguished Flying Cross' first pattern ( 3rd June 1918 ) ribbon with the horizontal stripes, which on 24th July, 1919, were changed to diagonal stripes.

After WW1, W. H. Fysh, D.F.C., remained active in flying and in 1920 went on to be one of the founders of the Australian ' QANTAS ' airline , and by 1923 he was the airline's Managing Director and Chief Pilot.

LF

AWM This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Following the end of WW1, and the resulting downturn in aircraft production, Helmuth Martin and George Handasyde decided to branch out into motorcycle design and manufacturing, their decision no doubt due in part to their close relationship with ' Brooklands ', and also with the motorcycle racing champion and Martinsyde G100 pilot, Oliver C. Godfrey.

Having the skilled engineering workers already employed at their Woking, Surrey factory, Martinsyde were able to promptly transition their manufacturing capabilities to include motorcycle production, and were also able to manufacture most of their motorcycle's components at Woking, including their motorcycle's engines, and in 1919 Martinsyde's first 677 cc V-Twin motorcycle was produced.

Originally marketed as a ' Martinsyde-Newman ' motorcycle, as the engine had been designed by Mr. H. Newman, however, following Newman's departure from Martinsyde shortly thereafter, the motorcycle's marque reverted to simply ' Martinsyde '.

Martinsyde motorcycles soon gained a reputation for reliability and dependability, and following from the success of their 677 cc V-Twin model, Martinsyde also introduced a smaller 498 cc model, and in 1922 introduced their ' Sports ' motorcycles, a 498 cc and 738 cc models.

Unfortunately, and despite their success, in 1922 a disastrous fire completely destroyed their factory, and in 1923, Martinsyde reluctantly ceased motorcycle manufacturing.

With the very short production time span for Martinsyde motorcycles, very few examples still exist today.

To close out my posts relating to ' Martinsyde ' here is a series of Martinsyde motorcycle photographs. The first being a superb Martinsyde 677 cc V-Twin.

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

2

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

3

LF

This image is reproduced strictly for non-commercial research and private study purposes as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised.