Photos Royal Aircraft Factory Aircraft

[musec04]

Hello Stig,


Yes, our minds move along the same track on this one. I thought the fact that other photos were titled 14 Squadron was persuasive and I didn't post the other photos, because as you say they are rather indifferent. I think though you'll find some other 14 Squadron aircraft photos from the same seller among earlier posts by myself which are better. The only reason I threw 23 Reserve Squadron out there is because it was well documentated at the usual source for this airframe.


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Yes, I checked that one out as well.

Problem is it says 20 Res, which of course could well be a misprint, since a work like that must be full of those, and it is now impossible to say what is correct or not. 23RS or 14Sq? Since seller, and the flipside, says 14Sq I am inclined (in this case) to go along with that.

Correct me if I have understood this wrong, but I have interpreted these Reserve (later Training) Squadrons (at least those abroad) as a manpower/aeroplane pool which both aircraft and pilots went before being posted to a frontline unit. With the growth of aviation at all fronts, they advanced and sort of became an advanced training unit as well giving pilots a final polish before going into combat. I know they later developed into standard Training Schools, but that was basically post war, wasn't it?

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hi Stig,


Well outside my comfort zone I'm afraid. But see :


https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/...rve-squadrons/


Hopefully this will help but if not they seem to have some well informed individuals on the forum who could answer any further questions. I've used them once or twice and found them to be very helpful.


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Clint

I notice Mick Davis make statements and he is very reliable and knowledgeable when it comes to all things British 1914-18

A very quick visual scan indicates I was wrong above and the Reserve Squadrons actually were only training units, some primary and some advanced. Having looked again it also seems very, very few were based abroad (could actually only locate two)

Anyway, I still stick to the seller's statement this time....

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c 2612 & 4162 of 16 Squadron at:


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-origina...8AAOSwyo1fJU8Y


A nice colour profile exists for 2612 showing the Prentation St Catherine's Ontario at:


http://www.clavework-graphics.co.uk/...2/be2_012.html



Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay are two photos of a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c in German hands at :


https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Photo-Avion-...kAAOSwMr5fHv85


https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Photo-Avion-...gAAOSw--1fHv-Y


Aircraft serial 2741 of 12 Squadron appears to be a strong contender for the aircraft shown.


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Clint

I have never really tried to see any difference between the various BE.2 sub-versions. So if you are a 100% certain this is a BE.2c then 2741 it is!

However there was also a No 2 Sq BE.2d 5741 which went missing 9 Aug 1916.
As far as my own skills go, that could also be a contender....

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hello Stig,


As ever wouldn't a date on the photo be nice


Having said that the easiest way to differentiate between a B.E.2c and a B.E.2d externally is said to be in the size of the much larger underwing gravity fuel tank, which checking my copy of J.M. Bruce The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps does appear to be the case. Therefore, I feel reasonably confident the plane in the photo is a B.E.2c.


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

OK Clint

Let's settle for the 2741 then....

Cheers
Stig

[Buckeye30]

Stig. Looks like 2741 / 5741 has 2 Sqn.'s black triangle behind the cockade; 12 Sqn. had a long horizontal bar.
" Flying units of the RAF" says 5741 was a 2 Sqn. BE2d; that block was both e and d. 2741 was a Ruston-Proctor BE2c. The 2d had the pilot in front.
Regards
Nick