No 1 Reserve Squadron RFC

[rj.hoare]

I have just picked up a remarkable photograph, measuring nearly 3 foot across by 8 inches high, showing what would appear to be the entire Squadron personnel Officers and OR's) whoch looks to be approximately 126 individuals. Can the forum members possibly tell me where Fort Grange is and what action, if any, was seen by the Sqn?

The Sqn Commander appears either to be a Captain with an Observers Wing on his chest or the Captain sat next to him with a sullen face (!) with Pilot's Wings. Except for the Observer Officer wearing a Military Cross ribbon, no other medal ribbons are displayed. Fascinating photo all the same! I hope to get photo's of this soon, so do email me if you want a copy for your research or records!

None of the 5 Officers or either the RSM or CSM are wearing shoulder flashes for the RFC.

[mickdavis]

Details of 1 RS are as follows :-

1 RESERVE AEROPLANE/RESERVE/TRAINING SQUADRON RFC/RAF

Bases

Formed in Administrative Wing at Farnborough 12.11.1914 ex the Reserve Aeroplane Squadron. To Gosport (Fort Grange) in 7th Wing 7.4.1916, transferring to 16th Wing 6.1916 and 17th Wing 9.8.1916. Designated as a Higher Reserve Squadron and establishment at 23.12.1916 set at 6 Morane Type LA + 2 Morane Type G + 6 Bleriot + 6 Avro + 6 Sopwith Pup. Disbanded into School of Special Flying 2.8.1917.

Commanding Officers

Major the Lord G Wellesley MC. Major RR Smith Barry from 12.1916 until 2.8.1917.

Representative Aeroplanes

Airco DH2 5921.

Avro Type E 285.

Avro 504/504A 4224, 4753, A8590, A9778, B930, B1399.

Avro 504D 796.

Bleriot XI 323, 5604.

Bleriot Parasol 582.

Bristol Scout D 4687, 4697, 4698, 5294, 5566, A1768.

Caudron G.III 1886, 5024.

Curtiss JN3 5403, 6122.

HF F.20 563, 7406, 7407.

Martinsyde S.1 696, 2830, 4251, 4253, 5451.

MF Se.7 342, 343, 344, 345, 360, 464, 610, 2223, 2940, 2979, 4006, 4157, 6690, 6740.

MF Se.11 369, 370, 371, 379, 5904, 7084, 7087, 7361, A922, B2035.

Morane Type AC B1395, B1396.

Morane Type H 5698, 5705, 5709.

Morane Type L 5056.

Morane Type LA 5064, 5121, 5123, 5131, 5133, 5136

Morane Type N A127, A164.

Nieuport 20 A154.

RAF BE2a 347.

RAF BE2b 709.

RAF BE2c 1657, 1659, 1787, 1807, 5398.

RAF FE2b A6434.

Sopwith Tabloid 292.

Sopwith Pup A7345.

Voisin LAS 1898.

As you can see, the CO at the time was Robert Smith Barry. The instructional techniques developed under his command led to the formation of the School of Special Flying, the first instructors' school. Gosport was one aerodrome but units were allocated either Fort Grange or Fort Rowner (Napoleonic period forts the lay on the aerodrome boundary) as accommodation.

[rj.hoare]

Hello, Thank you for that rather detailed and excellent piece of research!! Makes life kind of easier! Why then, in the photo I have, would there be no individual with the rank of Major shown, instead just 2 Captains? Assuming of course that 3 pips on the arm meant a Captaincy?

It is quite a revealing photo regards uniform dress at the time I might add, as the Or's are all in their standard RFC side button tunics, (some with Royal Flying Corps shoulder flashes and others with just RFC)but the leggings of the Officers are qute interesting, as they are either in boots, or foot boots with leather leggings. Some wear the RFC insignia and others wear their former regiments insignia. It would be worthwhile to know which regiment Barry and Wellesley were in, as that might help me identify the OC.