Numbers on side of RE8

GordonLacy · 1 November 2011, 08:28 PM

Hi All. Just wondering if anyone can tell me if the number that appears on the side of the RE8 in this picture underneath the machine gun has any significance? The photo is of my grandfather Arthur Ord Lacy standing beside what is undoubtedly an RE8 that he flew. The year is somewhere between Oct 1917 and June 1918.

Gordon

Colin A Owers · 1 November 2011, 08:52 PM

It looks like a presentation machine. The "No.2" can be read.

Colin A Owers

GordonLacy · 1 November 2011, 09:15 PM

Hi Colin. what is a presentation machine may I ask?
Also when examined closely the number under the machine gun looks like it could be BAXODA with a No2 underneath. The DA at the end is definite (it is clear in a different photo), and the B I have 90% confidence in.

Gordon

rexee · 1 November 2011, 09:40 PM

Hello Gordon

In World War One, the public was encouraged to make donations for aircraft and the war effort as a "morale" boost for the citizens to feel personally involved in combating the enemy. It was very popular in Great Britain. In turn, aircraft "purchased" this way by towns ,cities, communities, companies or just wealthy individuals were marked with the name of the donor .Some 900 "presentation" aircraft of all types have been traced indicating the magnitude of the scheme and its popularity.
Great picture of your Grandfather!

Regards
Rex

rsanz · 1 November 2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordonLacy

Hi All. Just wondering if anyone can tell me if the number that appears on the side of the RE8 in this picture underneath the machine gun has any significance? The photo is of my grandfather Arthur Ord Lacy standing beside what is undoubtedly an RE8 that he flew. The year is somewhere between Oct 1917 and June 1918.

Gordon

It's very likely to be "Baroda No.2".

According to Cross & Cockade Great Britain Journal Vol.14 No.2 1983 the following RE8 were called "Baroda No.2";

The 1st RE.8 called Baroda No.2;
RE.8 A4753 9 Sqn, struck off at the end of Sept 1917.

then replaced with;

RE.8 C5038, 59 Sqn struck off after March 1918.

Additional Baroda No.2 were intended but did not eventuate until January 1919.

So, if it is "Baroda No.2" then the 59 Sqn RE.8 C5038 is most likely the aircraft in the photo with your grandfather.

Tally Ho · 2 November 2011, 06:50 AM

My God. Imagine having to swing against Albatrosses and Fokkers in that barge...

Your Grandfather was a brave man.

GordonLacy · 2 November 2011, 07:00 AM

Thanks rsanz! That is very useful information. This gives further proof that Grandfather was flying for Squadron 59 for his whole carrier in France. Any info about when RE8 C5038 was delivered to Sqn 59?

Gordon

Jim · 2 November 2011, 07:17 AM

Did something happen in June 1918 to make that the latest date? If he was still with the squadron at the end of the war, many units did not disband until several months after November, 1918 and if he was still there it could also be the January 1919 machine.

GordonLacy · 2 November 2011, 04:24 PM

Hi Jim. No Arthur O Lacy was back in England by June 1918 in the hospital. I have no (family) knowledge of an injury so wonder if it wasn't nerves. He was discharged after a month, then went to ground duty.

Arthur was also shot down in mid March 1918, but managed to land, repair the plane, then get back to the base. I wonder if this incident was the one that 'struck off' the plane?

Gordon

TeamStewart · 2 November 2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordonLacy

Hi Jim. No Arthur O Lacy was back in England by June 1918 in the hospital. I have no (family) knowledge of an injury so wonder if it wasn't nerves. He was discharged after a month, then went to ground duty.

Would June have been too early for the flu epidemic of that year? That's just what crossed my mind.