Photos of James McCudden's S.E.5a B4891

[ABW]

Hi,

Can anyone please advise how many photos there are of James McCudden's S.E.5a B4891?

I have only ever seen three photographs of this aircraft; one from the front with a mechanic standing either side, a close up showing James McCudden standing next to the spinner/propeller, and the most famous - showing the white 'G' overpainted with a black '6' on the underside of the starboard wing.

All of the above are shown on pages 19 and 20 of Alex Revell's excellent biography. I also have Christopher Cole's biography, but this only has the final picture listed above.

I don't have a copy of High in the Empty Blue (which I believe has a picture of the silver replica model presented to McCudden by 56 Squadron) and wondered if it shows more, or if others are known to be available elswhere?

Thanks.

[R Gannon]

ABW

I'll check my copy of HITEB, but I think that is all. HITEB also has some excellent paintings of 56 Sqn's SE5's and I think this includes a sideview of B4891. Alex is active on this site and might be able to add more detail.

Actually prety chuffed as the History Channel here down under aired Aces Falling last night - thouroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers Russ

[ABW]

Thanks Russ.

The publisher's website says there is a colour image of B4891 in HITEB, but I have not seen it and was also not sure of any additional photos. Would appreciate it if you could let me know please. Could you please also check if Alex Revell's photo of the silver replica in HITEB shows much detail, or if it is just a generic model of an S.E. 5a? I may splash out and buy a used copy myself...

I have seen a couple of colour images of B4891 - one in the S.E. 5 Osprey book and one on the back of the Roden model box. I had assumed that these must be based upon other photos showing the fuselage, but if none exist I suppose they must just be a best guess based upon what is available.

Yes, I really enjoyed Timewatch Aces Falling too.

Regards,

Brian

[R Gannon]

Brian

Yes there is a full three view colour plat of B4891. There are also four shots of B4891 taken at same time. B4891 on its own, one with JTB, one with two AM's and one with whole ground crew of B Flight. As for the silvers SE5A it is beautifully accurate with engraved markings.

You could not go wrong with HITEB - plenty of great photo's of 56 Sqn SE5's and brilliant narrative. Sets the bench mark for all unit histories either side of line.

Cheers Russ

[ABW]

Thanks very much for those details Russ.

I would buy HITEB new if I could, but as its out of print - and judging by other posts on this forum unlikely to be reprinted any time soon - I will just have to search for a good used copy.

Thanks again for your help,

Regards,

Brian