Avro 504 - Help with ID

[StevieB]

Hello,

This photo came amongst a trunk of paperwork & photos that belonged to an RFC pilot who flew in the Middle East and India (see my thread in Uniforms & Medals).

I was wondering if anyone can help ID it from the serial number. I think it is 47 Sqn, but it would be nice to confirm this plus any other information anyone may have.

Thanks

Steve

[Dolphin]

Steve

No 47 Sqn didn't operate Avro 504s; they were long gone from front line service before the unit arrived at Salonika in September 1916.

I think it's likely that the Avro 504A - A2664 built by A V Roe & co Ltd of Manchester - is a machine at a training unit in Egypt.

Regards

Gareth

[John S]

Number isn't very clear but seems to be 2664 in which case the series 2570 to 2669 was allocated to B.E2c. This was in the second allocation to the Army in November 1914. (from Military A/c Serials 1912- 1966)

47 Sqn operated these aircraft in Mar 1916 but I think only until Aug 1916. The Sqn went to Salonika 5 Sep 1916. Can't confirm if this aircraft was issued to the Sqn however.

Hope I read the number right and the info is ok.

Regards

John

[StevieB]

Thanks for your help guys.

I know Ranson trained at 20th Training Wing, so it may have been an aircraft on strength there. I've yet to go through his log books. It may explain more there.

Steve

[mickdavis]

A2664 was part of a batch delivered to Egypt for the training units established in that country.

A2661 22 RS Aboukir by 4.1916. 23 RS Aboukir. 22 TS Aboukir. X AD dd ex 22 TS 6.10.1917.

A2662

A2663 22 TS Aboukir dd ex X AD 2.10.1917.

A2664 22 TS Aboukir dd ex X AD 13.10.1917.

A2665 22 TS Aboukir crashed 26.6.1917 (2Lt AAG Grace killed). 194 TS Amria by 12.1917.

A2666 22 TS Aboukir.

A2667 58 TS Suez by 25.6.1917 (propeller accident, 2AM GC Bonny killed).

A2668 195 TS Amria dd ex X AD 3.11.1917.

A2669 195 TS Amria dd ex X AD 3.11.1917.