Fate of Albatros D.III 2015/17 (G42)

[Kipperkid]

Hello All,

A friend at work had a bit of an attic find: a box of papers and photos from his grandfather’s war service with 4 Sqn RNAS/204 Sqn RAF. These include several photos of Georg Simon’s Albatros D.III 2015/17 (captured a/c no. G42). The aircraft must have been in RNAS hands at the time, since it is surrounded by RNAS ground crew (with the distinctive white hats) in both photos. In one photo the Albatros is in good condition. But in the second photo, it has been badly damaged in a flying accident: the undercarriage has collapsed and both port wings are a crumpled mess. If it wasn’t written off by this accident, it would certainly have required major repairs.

I have tried and failed to find information on this Albatros when it was in captivity - where it went for evaluation, who test flew it - and when, where and how it came to a sticky end. I am particularly interested to know when and where the flying accident in the photo occurred (and what happened). Could I ask if anyone can help shed light on this?

Best wishes,
Kipperkid