Hi all,
I'm still waiting for a couple of things to arrive for the Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 model.
Therefore I'm making a start on another model, this time the Bristol F.2b 'Biff' or 'Brisfit' as it was commonly called.
This model will represents represents Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 of No.111 Squadron RFC, Deir-el-Belah, Palestine during 1917.
This particular Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 (along with 7190 and 7198) was delivered on the 25th of August to No.111 Squadron (RFC).
No.111 Squadron (RFC) was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Deir-el-Belah, Palestine and was commanded by Major Shekleton.
The Squadron was formed from aircraft of No.14 and often escorted No.1 Squadron (AFC) on their missions.
During it time with No.111 Squadron (RFC), A-7149 was noted as having engaged the enemy on at least two occasions:
8th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams drove down the Albatros D.II, Serial No.636/14 of Oblt. Dittmar of Fab300.
This was the first German aircraft captured in Egypt. Pilot Steel was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
15th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams destroyed an Albatross D.III.
Initially the enemy pilot indicated he was surrendering, but then tried to make for his lines and had his wing shot off.
The squadron was always intended to be a single seat fighter unit.
In January 1918 the squadron handed over its Bristol F.2b aircraft to No.1 Squadron (AFC) after being equipped with the SE5a fighters.
No.1 Squadron (AFC) operated with No.111 Squadron (RFC) and later No.142 Squadron (RFC) as part of the 40th (Army) Wing (RFC).
The wing formed part of the Palestine Brigade (RFC), the other part of the Brigade was formed by 5th (Corps) Wing (RFC), comprised of No.14 and No.113 Squadrons (RFC).
Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 was transferred from No.111 Squadron (RFC) via Kantara to No.1 Squadron (AFC) on the 11th of January 1918.
During its time with No.1 Squadron (AFC) it flew regular missions with different crews through February and March, before crashing on take-off on March the 28th.
NOTE: The change in the aircraft colour scheme and style of the serial number when serving with No.1 Squadron (AFC).
Mike
3 attached images. Click to enlarge.