12th Squadron 1918

[paulh1944]

Good afternoon

I am doing research for a work colleague whose relative was killed serving with the 12th Squadron in France in September 1918.
If you have any information on this squadron I would be very grateful.

Paul.

[rexee]

No. 12 Squadron was formed on 14 February 1915 at Netheravon from crews and aircraft provided by No. 1 Squadron.
In April 1916, the Squadron moved to St Omer, France equipped with BE2Cs primarily in the long-range reconnaissance role.
By 1918, No. 12 Squadron acquired RE8 aircraft to replace the obsolete BE2's.
During this time 12 Squadron was engaged in contact flying with the troops, resulting in heavy losses, although at least 8 enemy aircraft 'kills' were confirmed. RE8' s[Harry Tates] were often referred to as "flying coffins" because of their "sluggishness" The aircrews of these machines showed incredible courage. Night bombing and strafing were dded to its duties just before the Squadron became part of the newly formed Royal Air Force
In the summer and autumn allied offensives of 1918, 12 Squadron was heavily involved with many and varied tasks, including ammunition dropping, ground attack and air to air combat and of course aerial reconnaissance,that is artillery spotting and photographic work. Ground attack was particularly dangerous for aircrew as the aircraft was at risk of ground fire as well as attacks from above. 12 Squadron took heavy loses during this time
No 12 Squadron ended the First World War with 45 enemy aircraft to its credit, during one week alone it shot down 8 aircraft without loss to itself.
After the Armistice, the Squadron moved to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. In March 1918 the Squadron was re-equipped with the Bristol F2b Fighter and by November 1919 was the sole operational squadron in Germany until July 1922 when it was disbanded

Hope this is a good start

Rex

[paulh1944]

Rex

Thank you very much, the information you have provided is a great start.

Paul

[Graeme]

Paul

No 12 Squadron did not re-equip with Bristol Fighters in 1918, it soldiered on with RE8s from August 1917 until the end of the war, the unit's last casualties being Lt A Agnew and Lt S Coates who were taken prisoner when RE8 C2691 was shot down on 10 November 1918.

The squadron became part of the Army of Occupation and it was at this time, around March 1919, that it received Bristol Fighters; it was the last RAF unit to be based in Germany, until 27 July 1922 when it disbanded.

Graeme

[rexee]

Thanks for the correction Greame. Makes 12 Squadron's operational achievements even more impressive.
Paul, in case you're not familiar with aircraft types, this is this is a "Harry Tate"

Cheers
Rex

[paulh1944]

Graeme/Rex

Thank you very much for this information. The pilot's name was Arthur William MacNamara and he was only 19 when he was killed in September 1918.
He was also awarded a DFC and I was wondering if you could help me find records for this award.
Also was it unusual for such a young man to be qualified as a pilot.

Again thank you for this information.

Paul.