How to Verify/Correct Pilot Data in Aerodrome?

[splais]

The "Aces" section of The Aerodrome states that Lt Walbanke Ashby Pritt of 66 Sq shot down his last two planes in Pup B1762 on 21 Aug and 30 Sep respecfully. However, in Norman Franks "Sopwith Pup Aces of WWI" it states his last two kills were on 4 and 30 Sep in Pup B2162, using his "top gun" How do I verify correct data?

I have interest in this because I am building B2162 specifically because it had a Lewis gun over the top wing. I have pictures of the plane and extensive writeup on Lt Pritt (looks like a 15 year old kid). Heck it was only 90 years ago

Steve

[MikeW]

I think you will find that most of the info in the Aces section, well the British & Commonwealth Aces that is, is taken word for word from Above the Trenches.

Amendments do get made, if you have reliable proof that something is wrong you can email Scott, the webmaster.

In your case, you have a problem if you can't verify it yourself. You (sort of) have two books by Norman that contradict each other. I suspect Norman may well have newer information which was included in the Pup Aces.

For what it's worth, The Sopwith Pup by Jack Bruce, Gordon Page and Ray Sturdivant (a book you really really really should have if you are looking at Pups seriously, says the following about B2162:

Albatros D out of control Roulers 07.15 4.9.17 2Lt WA Pritt MC). On 10.00 Offensive Patrol, Albatros destroyed, then crashed 30.9.17 (2lt WA Pritt MC).

The pup was then taken to the depot on the 1.10.17 and struck off charge 5.10.17.

Looks to me like they shot each other down on that last flight


and about B1762:

Albatross DIII destroyed east of Roulers shared with B2162, 18.55 to 21.00, 28.7.17; Aviatic C out of control southwest of Roulers, 11.45, 21/8/17 (both 2lt WA Pritt) - it was then reported as unfit for futher flying on 17.9.17.




Mike

[splais]

Thanks, Mike,

I have both that book and Bruces " Aeroplanes of the RFC(Military)" coming. I know that a lot of these books draw from official soruces and things get mixed up in the process. I have reference to Pritt flying B2162 on his last two kills from two different places. But I guess I will have to wait until my books get here. It would be great fun to correct/verify this. I'm sure "Wally" would like it too.

Steve

PS: While I'm at it I will also state that it is very frustrating (and fun ) digging out true info. You read something you think is definitive and the next day you find a photo or article that completely contradicts who you just read. I know that things were pretty non-standard during this period of time; but getting the true "facts" is hard.

[MikeW]

Steve,

something that I have no doubt you will find as time goes on, is that quite often mistakes get propagated on from one book to another, so much so that people soon believe the incorrect information to be fact. When new or revised information comes along many will not accept it - after all, how can so many books be wrong?

Mike

[splais]

...indicates that Lt Pritt was flying B2162 on Aug 21st; but I'm not certain yet. I am now certain he was flying B2162 on Sep 30th. I 'll get all my stuff together and email Scott.

By chance could you or someone tell what "to 1 AD" refers to. In 66 Squadron plane history listing it states "B1762 to 1 AD Sep 18th 1917.

thanks.

[Graeme]

Steve

As per "The Sopwith Pup" the final entries for B1762 are ARS 1 AD 19.9.17; SOC 3.10.17.

ARS was Aeroplane Repair Section and AD meant Aircraft Depot; so on 18 September 1917, Pup B1762 went to the Aeroplane Repair Section of No 1 Aircraft Depot where it was Struck Off Charge (SOC) on 3 October.

Graeme

[splais]

...I suspected something like that...so it would have been impossible for Pritt to be flying B1762 on 30 Sep. If B1762 went to 1 AD on 9/19/17; then Pritt's last kill on 9/30 was most assuredly in B2162. The issue has been confused somewhat by the fact that Pritt may have had six, not five kills, as is often posted.

[Breguet]

I think you will find that most of the info in the Aces section, well the British & Commonwealth Aces that is, is taken word for word from Above the Trenches.

And that's a good thing?

As has been said many times new material keeps coming to light - let's be careful of any "Gospels". Afterall if it hadn't been for ATT we'd be accepting material that is now less than acceptable - who knows what is still out there to be discovered, maybe even the truth!

[splais]

You all here on The Aerodrome are responsible for my depression and ruining the good time I was having

I was researching the pilot (Lt Walbanke Pritt) of a 1/3 scale Sopwith Pup I am building. It was/is great fun and John Graeme, here on the Aerodrome, has been a great help. Amazing what you can and can't find out about someone from a 100 years ago.

Anyway, I've found a substantial bit information on Lt Pritt. Seems the young man had a very short up and finally down, very sad life. Passing away at 30. I had really hoped the young man had gone on to a long and prosperous life after surviving the war; but I guess that only happens in movies. Anyway, should have it all wrapped up in a few weeks and will post. But, starting from nothing what follows is a summary of information learned from many sources, including contacts on and through The Aerodrome:

Born 1897 in Leamington Spa, England
Attended school successful, belonged to Historical Society
1916 Passed entrance exams for Sandhurst, but rejected for being to small
1916 Passed flight school and joined RFC
1917 Sent to France and became an Ace, shooting down 6 planes
1918 Wounded and returned to England
1920 Failed RAF instructor training class
1920 Resigned commission and denied permission to retain rank because of bad checks.
1925 Married
1927 Divorced
1929/30 Died at the age of 30.