Scottish DH-2 pilot, 1916?

[Oxford Prop]

Hello

My son (aged 8 at the time) used his savings to buy a wooden propeller blade in an online auction during lockdown.

We are currently researching the blade together.  It has no manufacturer’s mark or serial number because the hub is missing, but we believe from its shape, size and the 1916 date carved into it that it could be a DH-2 propeller blade from WW1.  Someone has also carved an elaborate design of thistles into the wood, and what looks like initials in the middle of a pair of flying wings, although this section of the design seems incomplete so we think the carver might not have been able to finish his work.

We were wondering how we might find out the names of Scottish pilots serving in RFC DH-2 squadrons in 1916, whose initials might fit please?

[nils d]

Just what every 8 year old should have in his room!

It's odd that while it's dated 1916 the initials say RAF , suggesting a 1918 date of carving , thus lessening the likelihood of it being a DH2 prop.

Nevertheless it's a magnificent object.l didn't have as much as an Airfix kit at that age!

[Oxford Prop]

Thank you. We had also noted that in 1916 it would be RFC not RAF!   

1916 does makes sense because that was the DH-2’s peak year - by early 1917 they were being phased out of action.

My theory…FWIW… the blade was carved in 1916 or early 1917 by a DH-2 pilot who, for whatever reason, was unable to finish his work, stopping halfway through carving 1916-look RFC pilots wings, before they had carved RFC or the crown on top.  Someone else, post 1918, couldn’t resist attempting to scratch in the initials RAF into the empty centre, although obviously didn’t do a very good job!

 

 

[KizmeRD]

Why presume that it’s a pilot who did the carving? - All squadrons had ground crew who were skilled carpenters and joiners (usually employed as Sargents) in order to fix up any damage to airframes.

It just seems more likely to be the work of a skilled tradesman with a bit of time on their hands.

MB

[Oxford Prop]

Yes it could be ground crew.  However those are pilot’s wings, not the RFC or RAF crest, so we thought on balance of probability it was more likely to be a pilot.

 

Edited 2 February by Oxford Prop

[KizmeRD]

Unfortunately the work was never fully completed (as evident from the crown, badge and wings). It kind of looks like someone has scratched the letters RAF in with a nail - which as we all know does not tie-in with the 1916 timeframe. Therefore it suggests a clumsy later addition, rather than work in progress by the original carver. Sadly we are unlikely to ever learn the full story behind this particular object, but that said, it’s undeniably something special and beautiful for your son to have, and I’m sure it fires his imagination and interest in WW1 aviation.

MB