William Rhodes- Moorhouse BE2b

Major Larabee · 1 February 2013, 01:04 PM

Does anyone have any details of the colour scheme of the BE2b No 687 that William Rhodes-Moorhouse was flying when he won his VC in April 1915? Would it by this time have had roundel on it or was this still to early ?

MikeMeech · 3 February 2013, 01:58 AM

Hi

The RAF Museum has painted its BE.2b in the markings of '687'. This shows roundels under the wings, but not on top. Also a union flag on the tail, so if they have done the research correctly this is probably the markings worn. I have attached a couple of photos when this aircraft was in the Bomber Hall, it is now in the 'Grahame-White Factory' building.
I hope that is of use.

Mike

ConpatQ 305.jpg

Major Larabee · 4 February 2013, 02:55 AM

Thanks Mke, yes it does but I have seen nothing official to confirm this?? I gues there may be no official documentation or pictures to back it up.

John McKenzie · 4 February 2013, 04:51 AM

Hi Mathiew ...

As you probably are aware , I produced this reproduction BE2b airframe for the RAF museum many years ago , although Fopp went to great pains at the time , "not" to mention it on the captions .
As I recall , all the research regarding the colour & markings for this particular machine , was carried out by the late Jack Bruce , who was the original instigator of the project .
Jacks research was second to none . However , at about this time there was a certain amount of altercation within the powerbase structure of said museum , ending in Jacks resignation .
However he still kept an interest in the project & lived in nearby New Milton .
Most of the research material relating to 687's markings & Rhodes-Moorhouse Sq history ,was Jacks personal property , with notes in his own longhand , in his archive & passed on since his death .
It is unlikely that anyone currently at the museum knows anything much about the BE .
I have a number of photos somewhere in my archive , showing early b's in Sq service , but unfortunately , at present , I am unable to locate them .

Regards John M

BTW , a replica of my reproduction was made by staff members at Boscomb Down & is currently at Old Sarham , I believe , although I have never seen it .

John McKenzie · 4 February 2013, 05:00 AM

John McKenzie · 4 February 2013, 05:10 AM

Note both the roundels & the Union Jack flags under the wings .

Machine was initially assembled bare by myself with the able assistance of John Chapman , after which it was Covered & painted at Cardington ....There is a Video of the general erection & assembly , which I have , somewhere here .

Hope this helps Mat' .........( I have other photos of markings , closer-up , I expect )

Major Larabee · 4 February 2013, 06:54 AM

Hi John thanks for the info, yes I was aware that the BE2 in Hendon was more of your beutifull workmanship. More people should be made aware of the fact as well !!
I figured that no one at Hendon would know anything much going on conversations I have had in the past!! I did think of droping you a PM on the subject as I thought you may have the answer
We plan to change our BE2 to represent RM's A/C for the 2015 season and wanted to get it a correct as we could! I dont know if you know but RM lived not far from Sywell at Spratton.
Thanks Again.