59th Squadron, April 1917

[jim_davies]

Hi,

I'm trying to research Lt Maurice Herbert Wood who died on 13 April 1917 while flying with the 59th Squadron.

I've read (but wonder whether it's true) that the 59th Squadron suffered such losses in April 1917 that they were effectively disbanded.

Regarding Wood, it appears he was flying with Capt James Maitland Stewart as an observerin A3190 when shot down by MvR. Maurice was a former Stamford School Boy and early war volunteer in the 1/4th Lincolns.

Jim

[Dolphin]

Jim

If you haven't already seen it, I recommend you look at Under the Guns of the Red Baron by Franks, Giblin and McCreery ISBN 1 898697 27 2. This documents all of MvR's victories and includes photographs of most of the airmen involved - including Lt M H Wood.

No 59 Sqn did suffer badly in early 1917, but settled down once the peculiarities of the RE8 were understood. In April 1917 No 59 Sqn was allocated an additional three aircraft from No 21 Sqn, giving them 21 instead of the normal 18. This was to enable the unit to have sufficient machines to carry out their patrols and other duties.

Gareth

[chrisharley9]

59 Squadron

21 Jun 1916 formed at Narborough - nucleus from 35 Sqn

13 Feb 1917 to St Omer

23 Feb 1917 to La Bellevue

01 Jun 1917 to Le Hameau

15 Jun 1917 to Mons en Chaussee

29 Oct 1917 to Longavesnes

30 Nov 1917 to Estrees en Chaussee

16 Dec 1917 to Courcelles le Comte

22 Mar 1918 to Lealvillers

26 Mar 1918 to Fienvillers

12 Apr 1918 to Vert Galand

17 sep 1918 to Beugnatre

14 Oct 1918 to Caudry

29 Nov 1918 to Gerpinnes

14 Mar 1918 to Bickendorf

03 May 1919 to Duren

04 Aug 1919 Disbanded

Hope this helps

All the best

Chris

[jim_davies]

Gareth and Chris,

Thanks for this info, I'll track down the book.

Cheers,

Jim