Bristol F.2B Fighter Question

Wiking · 25 September 2021, 11:50 AM

Hi

On eBay, there is currently a photo of a Bristol F.2B Fighter on the ground surrounded by German personnel. The part of the serial which can be seen is A714 so the last digit is missing from the photo. I've looked at http://www.airhistory.org.uk/rfc/aircraft.html for the serial range A7140 to A7149 and several aircraft in that range were lost. But the band on the aircraft's fuselage does not fit any of the squadrons listed as far as I know. So perhaps a personal marking(?)The photo is at:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/373734178761...oAAOSwg5JhT163

Could a kind reader please supply the full serial and the squadron number of the machine shown?

TIA,

Wiking

Gregvan · 25 September 2021, 01:34 PM

Two of these photos appear in Trevor Henshaw's magnificent "The Sky Their Battlefield II". Quote: "These two photos are associated with the loss of 11 Squadron's F2B A7147 on 18 August 1917....we see the Bristol Fighter being inspected by German forces after it got behind on patrol and was forced down after combat. ...[in one of the others] we see something rarely captured in a photo - the crew just after becoming prisoners of war, huddled together and awaiting their fate. They are pilot 2Lt. GA Rose and gunner Cpl HG Bassigner."

Gregvan · 25 September 2021, 01:41 PM

Bristol F2B 17147 "5" was one of three Bristols lost by No. 11 Sqn on 18 August 1917, all from the same offensive patrol that left about 5:15 - 5:25 AM. Bristol A7126 was shot down over Douai with 2Lt TW Abbott and 2Lt M Nicholson KIA. A7191 was shot down in the same general area with 2Lt LO Harel and Capt WH Walker (Canadian) both KIA. Ltns. Matthaei and Schuhmann of Jasta 5, and Ltn. Viktor Schobinger of Jasta 12 all put in claims for Bristols or BF.

I'm sure that Graeme and others can share much better information, and you should check Graeme's wonderful "100 Years Ago Today" post for 18 August 1917.

Wiking · 25 September 2021, 01:57 PM

Hi Greg,

Thanks for both posts and the suggestions contained therein.I have had a look at the Sky Their Battlefield II following your post and firmly intend to obtain a copy.So far my interest hs been largely confined to the German & KuK forces,but I really ought to branch out. Alas, I've just ordered Messers Herris & Leckscheid's Fokker vol.3,so the Henshaw work may have to wait until next month.

Best Regards,

Wiking

Gregvan · 25 September 2021, 04:32 PM

Dear Wiking;
You won't regret ordering "Fokker Aircraft Vol. 3" by J Herris and J Leckscheid - I know it will be a superb book!
Trevor's "TSTB II" is a massive and vital compilation of research, that you will enjoy as well. It's a must-have for anyone interested in the day to day aerial operations of WWI. You will learn a lot about German and KuK operations as well!