WW1 Military Motors - 1916 set x 50 cards

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This photograph shows a Davis Gun, which has been mounted in an aircraft's forward nose cockpit, being loaded.

Also of note, is the Lewis Gun mounted atop the Davis Gun, which was used to ' sight ' the Davis Gun on it's target.

 

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]

Here is an excellent example of a late WW1 British ' Davis Gun ', fitted in the nose cockpit of an RAF Seaplane used for anti-submarine duties.

Also of note is the Lewis Gun fitted atop the Davis Gun which was used to sight the Davis Gun, and also the ' Scarff Ring ' mount fitted to the nose cockpit, which gave the Gunner extra support and mobility when firing the Davis Gun.

 

LF

 

 

RAFM 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 nicely detailed photograph showing the Gunner in the nose cockpit of an American Navy Seaplane demonstrating the Davis Gun's firing position, which would be somewhat precarious in flight.

Again, we see the use of Lewis Gun mounted atop the Davis Gun, which was used to sight the Davis Gun.

Also of note, are the American Gunner's sleeveless jacket, leather helmet, goggles and ear defenders, and also the lack of the ' Scarff Ring ' cockpit mount typically seen in British aircraft.

 

LF

 

 

US.LOC 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]

Here is some further information on Commander Cleland Davis' recoilless Gun, including wording from his original Patent application :-

 

" It having been demonstrated that it is practicable to navigate the air under normal atmospheric conditions, and while as yet the practice is too hazardous for ordinary commercial purposes, still aircraft have already become a part of the military equipment of most of the civilized nations. . . . They have, however, so far developed little, if any, offensive value, it being practically impossible to strike a comparatively small target, such as the deck of a battleship, the vulnerable part of a fort, or even a large building, by merely dropping explosive from a high altitude. . . . Furthermore, the mere dropping of a high explosive on the deck of a ship, or a fort, would occasion very small damage, for the force of the explosive would ordinarily, aboard ship, be confined to the region above the protective deck and little damage would be done. . . .

"In order to secure the desired velocity to penetrate even thin armor, or a protected position anywhere, the explosive would have to be contained in a projectile, and this projectile would have to be propelled with sufficient velocity to penetrate said armor. . . .

"In order for a gun to be effective for such purposes, it must comply with the following conditions: (1) It should be of caliber sufficiently large to discharge a projectile carrying a considerable quantity of explosive. (2) It should be capable of giving a muzzle velocity to the projectile that would enable aimed shots to be fired at distances of 2,000 yards, or more. (3) It should be so designed that the shock of recoil will bring little or no strain upon the structure of the aeroplane.

"In order to meet the above condition, I have devised the apparatus . . . to which reference will now be had. . . ."

The invention was provided with an electric primer operated by a suitable source of electricity, such as a battery. The gun itself consisted of a barrel open at both ends to the atmosphere, a projectile and a propellant charge for the missile, and a recoil weight in the rear of said propelling charge. The weight was adapted to be expelled from the gun into the air when the charge was fired, thus neutralizing the backward thrust incident to the expulsion of the projectile. The shell was to be held in the gun by some friable connection and the resistance of shearing the set screw slightly exceeded the resistance required to start the shell in the bore. Thus the shell would move forward before the gun started to the rear.

By this arrangement of having the projectile and gun bring forces in opposite directions, a comparatively small amount of shock would be brought on the framework of the airplane. The resistance to the rearward travel of the gun in its sleeve obviously would be approximately equal to the resistance of the projectile in its passage through the bore of the gun. Then these two forces would neutralize each other, thereby relieving the gun support of any heavy strain."

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A ' Davis Gun ' mounted in the nose cockpit of an American Navy ' Curtiss HS-2L ' Patrol Flying Boat.

The Curtiss HS-2L saw service in France in the latter part of WW1 on anti-submarine patrols, and a variant Curtiss Patrol Flying Boat was also supplied to the British during WW1.

The Curtiss HS-2L was a single-engined ' Pusher ' aircraft ( the propeller facing to the rear ) powered by a 400 hp ' Liberty ' engine.

Note the HS-2L engine's distinctive ' square ' flat radiator.

 

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 Bow view of an American Navy ' Curtiss HS-2L ' Patrol Flying Boat, with various crew members from the Naval Air Station.

The Curtiss HS-2L had a crew of 2 or 3 men, so this photograph includes the crew of various aircraft.

Of note are the crew's leather flying coats and helmets, the engine's square flat radiator, and this particular aircraft is fitted with a ' Scarff Ring ' machine gun mount in the nose cockpit.

 

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]

In post # 3505, also note the alternative method of supporting the Davis Gun, by using a bi-pod mount attached to the fuselage.

 

LF

[Lancashire Fusilier]

This rare and interesting photograph from the Imperial War Museum's photo archive, shows a Royal Aircraft Factory's RFC R.E.8 aircraft armed with a ' Davis Gun ' fitted to the R.E.8's Starboard-side, with the Davis Gun's barrel clearly visible. As yet, this is the first photographic evidence I have seen of an operational British Bi-plane fitted with a Davis Gun, and this may have been an experimental use by the RFC of the Davis Gun being fitted to a Bi-plane.

In addition to the Davis Gun, the R.E.8 is also armed with a synchronized Vickers machine gun fitted to the Port-side fuselage, and a Lewis Gun mounted on a Scarff Ring fitted to the Observer's cockpit. An ' Aldis ' tubular optical sight is also fitted in front of the Pilot's cockpit.

Also of note, is the Airman's ' Long Pattern ' leather Aviator's Coat, and leather flying helmet.

 

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]

In addition to the Davis Gun's aerial application, it also had a marine usage during WW1 as a naval deck gun.

The Davis Gun was fitted to the U.S. Navy's fleet of ' Submarine Chasers ', these were 85 ton, 110 foot vessels powered by 3 x 220 hp engines driving 3 propellers giving a top speed of 18 knots.

The Davis Gun was limited to firing over the Port and Starboard sides of the vessel, due to the counter charge containing heavy grease and shot being discharged from the back of the Davis Gun's barrel during firing.

 

The attached photographs show the Davis Gun's use as part of the USN's Submarine Chaser's armaments, which also included a ' Hotchkiss ' Deck Gun, 2 x 30 calibre Colt machine guns, and a battery of depth charges.

 

Early in 1915, the British Admiralty ordered 580 Anti-Submarine Motor Launches ( 80 foot - 20 knot ) from the American ' ELCO ' Company, with the order being fully completed by November 1916.

 

The first photograph shows the USN's Submarine Chaser No.26 ( S.C.26 ) which was commissioned on 19th October, 1917, and after seeing anti-submarine service during WW1, S.C.26 was sold off in July 1921.

S.C. 26 had a crew of 27, including 2 Officers and 25 Enlisted Men.

The Davis Gun, can clearly be seen mounted on the aft deck.

 

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]

An enlargement of the photograph in the previous post, showing the Submarine Chaser's aft deck mounted ' Davis Gun ', and also the S.C.'s battery of depth charges.

 

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]

Another photograph of a Davis Gun being used as a Naval Deck Gun, with this example mounted on the forward deck.

Unfortunately, there is no caption with this photograph, so it is difficult to tell if this is an American or British vessel, although the Davis Gun's tripod mount and the gun's surrounding guard-rail match those on S.C. 26.

 

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 preserved ' Davis Gun ' tripod mounted as a naval deck gun, with the barrel's muzzle on the left.

 

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 Davis Gun's 6 pounder shell.

 

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 Davis Gun's 6 pounder projectile.

 

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 Cleland Davis, United States Navy, inventor of the Davis Gun ( November 13 1869 - October 20 1948 ).

 

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 Cleland Davis' grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

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 Crossley military Staff Cars used during WW1, were typically using either the Crossley 20/25 motorcar chassis or the Crossley 15 hp motorcar chassis, with a selection of bodywork designs.

These first two photographs, show the Crossley 20/25 motorcar and the Crossley 15 hp motorcar, with the first photograph showing an excellent example of a Crossley 1914 20/25 Tourer.

This motorcar's number plate letters ' AE ' being for an early ' Bristol ' registration.

 

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]

An example of a 1911/12 Crossley 15 hp motorcar.

 

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]

An excellent example of an RFC Crossley Staff Car fitted with solid metal wheels/covers. This particular vehicle has a WD Census Number M^17386 painted in the bonnet indicating overseas usage, with this photograph probably having been taken on the Western Front.

Also of note, are the klaxon fitted to the right of the spare wheel, and what appears to be a large spotlight fitted to the running board to the left of the spare wheel.

 

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 fine example of the Crossley Staff Car in use on the Home Front, with this excellent condition vehicle having the same body design as the 1914 Crossley ' Tourer ' shown in post #5317.

This particular Crossley Staff Car was photographed parked outside the North Gate of the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough, Hampshire in the Winter of 1917/18.

In 1918 the Royal Aircraft Factory ( RAF ) was renamed the Royal Aircraft Establishment ( RAE ) to avoid confusion with the newly formed Royal Air Force ( RAF ).

Although having a different body design and road wheels to the RFC Crossley Staff Car shown in the previous post, it is still equipped with the klaxon and the large spotlight fitted on either side of the spare wheel.

 

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.

[MikeMeech]

53 minutes ago, Lancashire Fusilier said:

A fine example of the Crossley Staff Car in use on the Home Front, with this excellent condition vehicle having the same body design as the 1914 Crossley ' Tourer ' shown in post #5317.

This particular Crossley Staff Car was photographed parked outside the North Gate of the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough, Hampshire in the Winter of 1917/18.

In 1918 the Royal Aircraft Factory ( RAF ) was renamed the Royal Aircraft Establishment ( RAE ) to avoid confusion with the newly formed Royal Air Force ( RAF ).

Although having a different body design and road wheels to the RFC Crossley Staff Car shown in the previous post, it is still equipped with the klaxon and the large spotlight fitted on either side of the spare wheel.

 

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.

Hi

The same type of Klaxon that was fitted to these vehicles were used on aeroplanes for 'Contact Patrols' to 'call for flares' from infantry, or as a night IFF device.  Seen here on a FE.2B of 18 Sqn.

 

 

Mike

[Lancashire Fusilier]

1 hour ago, MikeMeech said:

The same type of Klaxon that was fitted to these vehicles were used on aeroplanes for 'Contact Patrols' to 'call for flares' from infantry, or as a night IFF device.  Seen here on a FE.2B of 18 Sqn.

 

Mike,

 

Many thanks for the interesting information, which is not something I had previously noticed on an aircraft, and certainly something to look out for.

 

Regards,

LF

[MikeMeech]

4 minutes ago, Lancashire Fusilier said:

 

Mike,

 

Many thanks for the interesting information, which is not something I had previously noticed on an aircraft, and certainly something to look out for.

 

Regards,

LF

Hi

 

I should mention that positions vary as it was down to the squadron where they fitted them.  Photos show them under the fuselage of RE.8 and FK.8, under the port wings of at least two RE.8s.  Also within the fuselage of RE.8 a BE.2 aircraft with just the 'sound' end sticking out and also by the cockpit of a BE.2.  It is also seen at the front or rear of a DH.4 pilot's cockpit, although this appears to be for a communication experiment that involved the air gunner sending a simple 'Morse' signal to the pilot during air combat.

 

Mike

[Lancashire Fusilier]

21 hours ago, MikeMeech said:

I should mention that positions vary as it was down to the squadron where they fitted them.  Photos show them under the fuselage of RE.8 and FK.8, under the port wings of at least two RE.8s.  Also within the fuselage of RE.8 a BE.2 aircraft with just the 'sound' end sticking out and also by the cockpit of a BE.2.  It is also seen at the front or rear of a DH.4 pilot's cockpit, although this appears to be for a communication experiment that involved the air gunner sending a simple 'Morse' signal to the pilot during air combat.

 

Mike,

 

Many thanks for the additional interesting information.

 

Regards,

LF

[Lancashire Fusilier]

A 1914 Crossley advertisement for their ' Crossley ' motorcar " as supplied to the Admiralty and the War Office ".

 

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.