Vickers FB5 nr.16121

[Cnock]

hello,

I am looking for more info concerning Vickers FB5 nr.1621.

The plane was forced to land in Flanders in 1915.

Probably 5 Sqn?

What were the circumstances in which the plane was captured, date, crew?

Thanks and regards,

Cnock

[Cnock]

It is 1621 and not 16121 as mentionned in title topic.

Cnock

[mickdavis]

1621 2 Sqn Merville dd ex England 5.2.1915. 16 Sqn St Omer dd ex 2 Sqn 10.2.1915 and LIA 28.2.1915 (2Lt MR Chidson/2Lt DCW Sanders POW). Captured intact and flown by German pilots.

[Starlight]

Hi,

Just a few more details that may be of interest.

Number 16 squadron was formed on 10th February from flights of Number 2 and 6 squadrons (as mentioned above the FB5 in question was brand new, having only flown for a short while with Number 2 squadron before being allocated to Number 16). the squadron's first operational sortie from St Omer was carried out on the 26th February, so to lose an aircraft intact to the enemy only two days later would have been a shock to the squadron. What made it worse was that it was the first and only FB5 at that time on the Western Front. The day after the loss of the aircraft, Number 16 joined with Number 4 squadron to form the Third Wing, though this lasted only one day after which Number 16 squadron was transferred to the First Wing, moving from St Omer to La Gorgue on the 6th March 1915. Though Number 5 squadron received a few 'Gunbuses' (probably five), flying them from Abeele, it was not until July 1915 that a squadron was fully equiped with FB5s and this was Number 11 squadron. Incidentally, Trevor Henshaw's TSTB states that the pilot 2nd Lt Chidson was sent to Holland on the 1st March 1915 and his observer 2nd Lt Sanders was sent to Switzerland on the 30th May 1916.

Steve

[Cnock]

Mickdavis, Steve,

Thank You for the info!

In TSTB the 1621 is listed as '621'

Regards,

Cnock

[Cnock]

Hello,

Does anyone knows where FBS 1621 exactly came down?

Regards,

Cnock

[Cnock]

The Vickers 1621 after capture

Regards,

Cnock