13 Sqn RFC Capt KC Capel

[stevenbecker]

Mates,

I was wondering if you have any mention of this offcier or can you tell me what type of Sqn this was and its aircraft.

Kenneth Christopher Capel is shown as joining 13 Sqn RFC in France in late 1916 and served there in 1917 becoming Capt.

So far I failed to find what type of Sqn, 13 Sqn is?

Can you shad any light on this.

Cheers

S.B

[Starlight]

Hi Steve,

Number 13 was a 12 (Corps) squadron and flew BE2 two seaters before being re-equiped with the two seater RE8 aircraft in mid 1917.

Lieutenant Capel gets a mention in "The Sky Their Battlefield" on 9th April 1917 (the first day of the Battle of Arras). He was piloting BE2c number 4493 on a contact patrol with lieutenant J Brooker as his observer, when his engine was damaged due to gunfire and he was forced to land. Both pilot and observer were OK.

Steve

[Starlight]

Just a little extra info. Number 13 was based at Savy at the time of lt Capel's mention in TSTB (09/04/17). In early May 1917 the squadron moved to Etrun, at about the same time that it was re-equiped with RE8s. In common with other Corps squadrons, before it was re-equiped it had a motley collection of different types of BE2 (BE2c, BE2d and BE2e) and even a Bristol Scout up to mid 1916. The squadron's motto - Adjuvamus tuendo - means "We assist by watching".

[stevenbecker]

Steve,

Thanks mate.

Cheers

S.B