23 Sqn RFC/RAF

Seeking any information on the above. Personnel, aircraft (inc. serials and dates of service), photographs, incidents or just snippets of gen...

23 Squadron RFD/RAF was formed in 09/'15 going to France in 03/'16 equipped at first with a mix of FE2s & G100 Elephants. In 02/'17 it got SPAD 7s which were flown until receipt of Sop 'Dolphins in 04/'18. These were flown until victory. (19) aces & (230) victories produced, highest were Capt. Cochran-Patrick (18), McGregor, Pearson, & Warman, all with (12.
Good sources in print include 'Above the Trenches' and the supplement to it (there are pics of A/C & 'Ace' Pers. of 23Sqdn) The Sky their battlefield for day-by-day action reports. Two books on Sopwith A/C which include the Dolphin are available. 'SPAD Scouts' is still in print for views and marking of those flown by 23Sqdn. Unfortunately I fail to find any data relating to Biographies or sqdn. history in my collection.

Thanks Norm, could you clarify the authors and ISBN no's or printers of the books that you mentioned?
Nick.

From the Australian point of view the most interesting thing about 23RFC is that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith probably our most famous flyer served with the squadron.

He got four victories, an MC and some toes shot off while flying Spad VIIs during his service.

P.S. Anyone who could come up with a serial/colour scheme for one of his aircraft would be much appreciated by this forumite.

Thanks for the gen. Gordon,
I have an obscure reference to the books mentioning the squadron's history, namely:
"Flying Matilda - early days in Australian aviation" by N. Ellison. Angus and Robertson. Sydney 1957.
Would this have anything to do with it?

Regards,
Nick.

[Ron_F]

Nick,
Sorry i couldnt get back to ya more. worked some messed up hours this week. theres plenty of pics of 23sqn Spads in winsock datafiles on Spad 7 and 13. A couple in Sqn sig in action on Spad, with a grey one in color section.
As well as some in Glencoes Spad scouts SVII-SXIII.

these are easily obtained at hobby shop/bookstore.

vbr,
Ron

Thanks Ron.