Photo - Bristol Fighter Crash - 48 Squadron

[Matthew King]

Hi All

I have recently been sent a series of photos from Capt Freddie Cunningham's, from 48 Squadron, nephew. In the photo was this one of a plane crash. I was wonderig if anyone could help identify the incident.



A bigger image can be found on my Blog

In the photo the serial number of the Bristol Fighter can be clearly seen in the photo D-7984 which should help identify when and how the crash occurred. I have had a look in the book "The Sky Their Battlefield" to see if I can find this incident but with no luck. I can find reference to the plane in the 48 Squadron article in "Over the Front". On the 5th September 1918 Capt. H.A. Oaks and Lt. T. Beck were flying in this plane when they shot down two Fokkers.

I suspect that the crash might have taken place after the war as on the back of the photo is handwritten "Cologne". I believe 48 Squadron were based at an aerodrome in Bickendorf on the western outskirts of Cologne from December 1918 until May 1919 when the squadron moved to India.

There doesn't seem to be much damage to the plane. My father in law said that if there was damage to the undercarriage then the plane could flip over.

[john_g]

The aeroplane was delivered to 48 Sqn on 11/08/18

john_g

[Matthew King]

Thanks John for the information, out of interest where did you obtain this information from?

[john_g]

It was some information that came my way a while ago, I have every reason to belive it is correct.

[Matthew King]

Not questioning the information, just interested in what different sources of information there are out there.