WORK IN PROGRESS – this site is currently under construction.
The material below is the basic framework around which the section will be built.
No. 57 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps was formed under Lieut Archibald M Low on 8 June 1916, from a nucleus flight provided by No 33 Home Defence Squadron and equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c aircraft. The Squadron’s staff and A Flight formed at Copmanthorpe with it’s B & C Flights at Bramham Moor with nuclei from 33 Squadron. The Squadron staff and A Flight moved to Bramham Moor on 20 August 1916
(photo thanks to Great War Flying Museum)
Archibald Montgomery Low (18 Oct 1888 London – 13 Sep 1956 London) Second Lieut, Royal Flying Corps, Special Reserve, 18 June 1915, Experimental Officer 1st Class. Transferred to Admiralty Oct 1917. Later Professor and inventor of guided missiles.
(photo thanks to Alan Bentley)
Major LA Pattinson MC was the CO from 12 June 1916. (later AOC RAF Flying Training Command, AVM Sir Lawrence Arthur Pattinson KBE CB DSO MC DFC).
No. 57 Squadron was mobilised as a Fighter Reconnaissance squadron and departed by sea between 28 – 30 November 1916 to join the British Expeditionary Forces in France at St Andre-aux-Bois on 10 Dec 1916.
Aircraft on strength at this time were FE2d’s : A1933, A1940, A1944, A1948, A1950, A1952, A1953, A1954, A1955, A1957, A1958, A1959, A1963, A1966.
(photo thanks to 57 & 630 Squadrons Association)
Recently promoted Temporary Captain, Hugh Tomlinson MC joined the squadron in December 1916 as a Flight Commander.
(photo thanks to Nigel Wood)
On 22 January 1917 the squadron moved its base to Fienvillers.
The Royal Aircraft Factory FE2’s had played a pivotal role in ending the Fokker Scourge which had led to German air superiority over the Western Front from summer 1915 to the spring of 1916.
(picture thanks to William Lankin)
6 March 1917
Aircraft of No. 57 squadron took off at 11am to conduct an offensive patrol into enemy held territory and were engaged in combat by several fighter Jasta’s of the German Air Service losing three FE2d aircraft in the ensuing fight.
FE2d serial A1948 patrolling Sailly was in combat east of Bapaume where it was shot down over Adinfer Wood. 2/Lt FE Hills (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt AG Ryall (Prisoner of War). The combat report of Leutnant H Gontermann of Jasta 5 recorded his claim for a Vickers type with tail number 1948 at Mory at 12.15pm.
FE2d serial A1953 was lost in the same combat at the aircraft above and also crashed in or near Adinfer Wood. Captain WSR Bloomfield (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt VO Lonsdale (Prisoner of War). Leutnant A Schulte of Jasta 12 claimed a Vickers number A1953 shot down at Ervillers-Borry at 12.20pm.
FE2d serial A1953 was shot down in combat west of Arras and crashed being wrecked near Berneville. Lieut WFW Hills (Killed) and 2/Lt W Sutton-Gardner (Killed). A claim for a victory at EaucourtL’Abbaye at 12.35pm by Oberleutnant H Kummetz of Jasta 1 is considered to be this aircraft.
William Frederick Waller Hills was the 23 year old married son of Colonel and Mrs Hills of London. William Sutton Gardner was a 19 year old lad from Cheltenham.
(thanks to Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
24 March 1917
No. 57 Squadron scored its first victory in aerial combat when 2/Lt HR Harker and s/Lt VD Fernauld in FE2d serial A1954 engaged an enemy Albatross DII fighter east of Lens. The aircraft, possibly of Jasta 5, spun out of control and crashed.
(thanks to Imperial War Museum)
Bloody April –
so began “Bloody April” as the RFC would come to know it. Trenchard was battling with preparations for the Arras offensive and concerns that many of their available aircraft such as the BE2 types and FE2b and d types were in dire need of replacement. Losses were expected to be high.
(illustration thanks to FiddlersGreen)
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 82 for 1 – 7 April 1917 reported that on 2 April a line patrol of No. 57 Squadron engaged six single seater Albatross south east of Arras. One hostile machine fell in flames and a second went down apparently out of control”
2 April 1917
Aircraft of No. 57 Squadron took off at 8am for photo-reconnaissance duties in the Lens-Arras-Bapaume area where they engaged a formation of 6 Albatross fighters. FE2d serial A1959 flown by 2/Lt EEE Pope and Lieut AW Nasmyth in combat south east of Arras shot one enemy fighter down in flames and shot a second one down out of control at 9.45am.
FE2d serial A5151 flown by Captain H Tomlinson MC (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds) and Lt NC Denison (Prisoner of War – Wounded) was shot down at 9.50am by Leutnant Krefft of Jasta 11 who specifically claimed an FE type with number A5151 brought down north of Douai in his combat report.
(thanks to Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
(photo thanks to Nigel Wood/Cross & Cockade)
FE2d serial A5151 flown by Lt HP Sworder (Killed) and 2/Lt AH Margolouth (Killed) was shot down. A victory claim by Vizefeldwebel S Festner of Jasta 11 for a Vickers at Auby, north of Douai likely explains it loss.
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 82 for 1 – 7 April 1917 mentioned that on 5 April 1917 Captain Platt and 2/Lt Margerison of 57 Squadron drove down a single seater biplane which had to land in a ploughed field.
6 April 1917
No. 57 Squadron was tasked with an Offensive Patrol in the area of Cambrai and took off at about 7am. They very quickly engaged in combat with six machines of the increasingly confident German Jasta. Three quick losses at about 9.15-9.20am between Marquion and Cambrai suggested the final outcome of the combat.
FE2d serial A1959 flown by Lt TF Burrill (Prisoner of War) and Private F Smith (Prisoner of War – Wounded). Shot down. Leutnant H Gontermann of Jasta 5 claimed “Vickers 1959” in his combat report for an action south west of Valenciennes.
FE2d serial A6388 flown by 2/Lt HD Hamilton (Prisoner of War – Wounded) and Private E Snelling (Prisoner of War). Shot down. OffzStellvt E Nathanael of Jasta 5 claimed a victory over an FE with serial beginning “A6” at the righ time at Douchy south west of Valenciennes.
FE2d serial A21 flown by 2/Lt DC Birch (Prisoner of War) and Lt JC Bousfield MC (Prisoner of War). Shot down. A victory claim by Leutnant O Splitgerber of Jasta 12 is likely as it detailed a FE “A21” near Thiaut.
Two more of No. 57 Squadrons aircraft were shot down a little later:
FE2d serial A22 flown by Lieut RTB Schreiber (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt M Lewis (Prisoner of War). Shot down near Marquion. They were one of two pushers (FE types) seen in combat with an enemy aircraft by Private Sibley of No. 57 Squadron shortly before he was himself shot down.
FE2d serial A1952 flown by Captain AC Wright (Wounded in Action) and Private R Sibley (Unhurt). Shot down and crashed.
A few days previously IV Brigade RFC had been ordered that unescorted FE2 types were no longer to be used for offensive patrols due to their vulnerability to the new German types.
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 83 for 8 – 14 April 1917 stated that an offensive patrol of No. 57 Squadron engaged six hostile aircraft east of Arras. Although none of the hostile aircraft were actually seen to fall, when the combat ceased only three enemy were to be seen.
8 April 1917
At noon on the squadron was again in combat with German fighters in the area of Arras, one of their FE2d aircraft was badly shot up but returned to base with 2/Lt WW Glenn (Wounded in Action).
FE2d serial A1955 flown by Lt AD Pryor (Wounded) and 2AM Charles Goffe (Wounded) crash landed their aircraft riddled with bullets.
Goffe was later awarded the Military Medal and made the first flight of the newly reformed No. 57 Squadron in 1931.
13 April 1917
An offensive patrol was ordered and aircraft of No. 57 Squadron took off at about 7am only to be shot up by superior German fighter aircraft.
FE2d serial A1950 flown by 2/Lt GW Gillespie (Killed) and Private Robert E Sibley (Killed). Shot down. Leutnant H Klein of Jasta 4 claimed an FE shot down at Biache-Hamblain at 8.56am.
Robert Edward Sibley, born 30 July 1892 Ealing, enlisted Army 19 Jan 1910, served 3rd Bn The Buffs, 8th Bn Middlesex, transferred to Royal Flying Corps as No.6813 AM2 (Air Gunner) on 5 April 1917.
(thanks to the National Archives)
FE2d serial A5150 flown by Capt LS Platt (Killed) and 2/Lt T Margerison (Killed). Shot down. Leutnant H Gontermann of Jasta 5 claimed to have shot down “Vickers A5150” at Vitry-En-Artois at 9.05am.
An FE2d in trouble over the front lines. (source currently sought)
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 85 for 22 -28 April 1917 recorded that a hostile machine was driven down out of control by 2/Lt FA Handley and 2/Lt E Percival of No. 57 Squadron on 23 April 1917.
29 April 1917
At 9.10am a formation of FE2d’s took off to patrol the front line. Three SE5 fighters of No. 56 Squadron had been jumped by six Albatross fighters when the dog fight was observed by the five FE2d’s of No. 57 Squadron who came to their assistance over Noyelles. Sadly one of the 57 Squadron machines was shot down in the ensuing combat.
FE2d serial A6355 flown by 2/Lt FAW Handley (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt E Percival (Prisoner of War). Last seen on the tail of an enemy aircraft at 1000 feet. Shot down by Unteroffizier F Gille of Jasta 12.
30 April 1917
On this day a new tactic was first observed when several Jasta combined into a single hunting group, the predecessor of the “Richthofen Circus”. It operated during the morning in the vicinity of Douai when a group of twenty fighters clashed over Douai with a formation of No. 57 Squadron FE2d’s escorted by No. 8 (Naval) Squadron triplanes conducting an early morning patrol of the line at about 7am.
FE2d serial A1966 flown by Lt CS Morice and Lt F Leathey was shot up by Halberstadts but returned with the crew unhurt after they forced a German machine down out of control..
FE2d serial A6352 flown by 2/Lt ED Jennings (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt JR Lingard (Prisoner of War). Shot down. They were most likely shot down at Izel by Leutnant Lothar von Richthofen of Jasta 11 (younger brother of Manfred von Richthofen).
FE2d serial A6380 flown by Lieut JH Ryan (Died of Wounds 2 May 1917) and 2/Lt B Soutten (Wounded in Action) badly shot up and crashed, aircraft being wrecked.
FE2d serial A6402 flown by Lt PT Bowers (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt ST Wills (Prisoner of War). Shot down. It appears that one of Lothar von Richthofen’s group, Oberleutnant A Rt von Tutschek of Jasta 12 shot this aircraft down at Izel.
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 86 for 29 April – 4 May 1917 mentioned that on 30 April Major LA Pattinson and Lieut AH Mearns saw their aircraft fightinf with German machines and joined the combat to drive down one damage hostile aircaft while Lt CS Morice and Lt F Leathley forced another down out of control.
But at the end of April 1917, the FE2dwas withdrawn from offensive patrols as they were outperformed by the new German Albatross D I and Halberstadt D II aircraft.
(photo thanks to German Postal History.com)
After just six months deployed in France, while part of the 9th (Headquarters) Wing the Squadron re-equipped with the 2-seat Airco DH4 aircraft, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland. Powered by a single Rolls-Royce Eagle engine, the DH4 was the first British 2-seat light bomber to be equipped with effective defensive armament. The pilot had a .303 Vickers machine gun, and the observer a .303 Lewis machine gun, and the aircraft could carry two 220 pound or four 112 pound bombs.
In May 1917, the Squadron began to convert to Rolls Royce Eagle engine DH4’s and in June, moved up into the Ypres sector and started long-distance reconnaissance, bombing and photography from Boisdinghem after 11 June 1917.
7 June 1917
While the Army struggled to make progress onto Messines Ridge aerial battles continued overhead. No. 57 Squadron lost its final FE2d in combat on a 6am bombing assignment to Chateau Du Sart – before fully re-equipping with the DH4 reconnaissance bomber.
FE2d serial A1957 flown by 2/Lt GH Pollard (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds) and 2/Lt FS Ferriman (Killed in Action). Shot down.
17 June 1917
Flying DH4 serial number A2173 Lt WB Hutcheson and Sergeant AT Rose fought an Albatros DV over Langemarck at 12.40pm sending it down out of control to crash.
18 June 1917
Flying a DH4 Capt Harker and Lieut Barclay were attacked by seven Albatros scouts, one of which they destroyed. (RFC Communique No. 93).
21 June 1917
At 7.25am the squadron despatched a Photo-Recce sortie during which an aircraft was hit by Anti aircraft fire.
DH4 serial A2171 flown by 2/Lt JF Hillier and 2/Lt DRC Drury-Lowe. Shot up by anti-aircraft fire and had to crash land at Aire, both aircrew unhurt but aircraft wrecked.
An offensive patrol took off at 10.05am.
DH4 serial A7443 flown by 2/Lt R Trattles (Wounded) and Lt PH Bigwood (Killed in Action). Crash landed badly shot up near Poperinghe, aircraft wrecked.
(photo thanks to 57 & 630 Squadrons Association)
29 June 1917
While conducting a Photo-Recce which took off at noon a DH4 of the squadron was shot down by Anti-aircraft fire and crashed 1000 yards from the front line where it was wrecked.
DH4 serial A7488 flown by Lt DM Goodyear (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt FR Martin (Killed in Action).
In July, oxygen-breathing apparatus and negative-lens bombsights were fitted to all aircraft and thereafter both bombing and photography improved.
3 July 1917
In DH4 serial L7487 flown by Capt L Minot the gunner Lieut AF Britton hit an attacking German fighter with an accurate burst from his machine gun and killed one of the leading German “aces” Oberleutnant Albert Dossenbach who had just taken command of a Jasta within Manfred von Richthofen’s newly formed Jagdgeschwader 1 (Fighter Group 1). The flight from No.57 Squadron had taken off at 10.45am and were attacked over Zonnebeke at 12.25pm by four Albatross scouts. Attacked from below Minot banked to allow Britton to fire and the gunner set the German fighter on fire. The enemy aircraft began to tumble down but Dossenbach jumped out without a parachute rather than burn to death. Combat mentioned in RFC Communique No.95.
(photo thanks to Mitch Williamson)
7 July 1917
An unidentified DH4 bombing German positions at low level received a well aimed burst of fire which hit 2/Lt LA Rushbrooke (Wounded in Action).
The following day as preparations for the Battle of |Ypres were in progress the Fifth Army gained the support of V Brigade, Royal Flying Corps which included a bomber squadron, No. 57 Squadron.
11 July 1917
After several days of delay due to bad weather the air offensive commenced, No, 57 Squadron was engaged in offensive patrols and bombing and in a 5pm patrol lost a DH4.
DH4 serial A7484 flown by 2/Lt A Trattles (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt AJ Savory (Prisoner of War). Shot down from 10,000 feet over Roulers and seen to spiral down. Leutnant O Creutzmann of Jasta 20 claimed a victory near Ledeghem.
RFC Communique No. 96 mentions that on 11 July an enemy aircraft was destroyed by Captain Harker and Lieut Barclay.
(thanks to James Barlow)
12 July 1917
While on an early morning bombing assignment west of Ypres the engine of a DH4 of No. 57 Squadron cut out and it dropped from the formation.
DH4 serial A7449 flown by Sergeant T Walker (Prisoner of War) and 2AM W Harris (Prisoner of War). Crashed behind enemy lines.
13 July 1917
In a “friendly fire” incident one of the squadrons DH4’s was shot up by a Belgian Nieuport fighter. Lieut ACM Pym being Wounded in Action.
21 July 1917
Having taken off at 4.47pm a DH4 was ordered to bomb German positions near Ypres.
DH4 serial A7451 flown by Sergeant Edwin V Bousher and Sergeant AV Broad. Engaged in combat and had an elevator shot away. Forced to land damaged. Aircrew unhurt.
(photo thanks to Lillian Bousher family)
Edwin Victor Bousher, (born 23 May 1897 London – died 28 December 1975 Hoole/Chester).
27 July 1917
After major German withdrawals due to effective counter-battery artillery fire German infantry had to pull back and abandon some major sections of trenches. The air services of both the Germans and the Allies were very busy overhead. No. 57 Squadron despatched aircraft throughout the day.
DH4 serial A7467 flown by Lt AJL O’Beirne (Died of Wounds 28 Jul 1917) and 2/Lt NR Rayner (Killed in Action). Took off at 3.20pm to bomb positions at Heule but shot down at De Coeninck Farm.
During the late afternoon DH4 serial B3963 flown by Captain L Minot and Lieut AF Britton (Wounded in Action) engaged with Albatros DV’s over Houthulst at 5.30pm and shot down two with a third going down out of control.
During the day two other DH4’s received combat damage, in one of them 2/Lt ACS Irwin was Wounded in Action, shot through the foot and in the other 2/Lt NM Pizey was Killed in Action, shot through the heart.
(photo thanks to Andy Bradley)
28 July 1917
The squadron suffered three losses on this day after taking off at 4.15pm to bomb Ingelmunster but did score one or possibly two victories an hour or so afterwards.
DH4 serial A7448 flown by Lt HNS Skeffington (Killed in Action) and Lt AC Malloch (Prisoner of War – Wounded in Action). Shot down, possibly by Oberleutnant E von Dostler of Jasta 6 at 5.50pm near Oostroosebeke.
DH4 serial A7538 flown by 2/Lt HB Rickards (Killed in Action) and 2/LT RB Corbishley (Killed in Action). Shot down, possibly by Leutnant Czermak of Jasta 6 at 5.50pm south west of Thielt.
DH4 serial A7540 flown by Capt Laurence Minot (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt SJ Leete (Killed in Action). Shot down, possibly by Leutnant H Adam of Jasta 6 at Oostroosebeke at 5.50pm.
Flying DH4 serial A7537 Major EG Joy and Lt F Leathley engaged the Germans and shot down one Albatros DV and sent a second one down out of control.
Laurence Minot was a 6 victory “ace”. He was born 21 July 1897 at Wandsworth in London. Posthumously he was awarded the Military Cross [London Gazette 22 April 1918]. An RAF trophy was named after him.
(thanks to the London Gazette)
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 99 covering the period 28 July – 3 August 1917 records that on 28 July while returning from an attack to bomb Heule and Bisseghem aerodrome five machines of No. 57 Squadron encountered 30 enemy scouts of which one was seen to break up in the air and six others were claimed as shot down out of control including one with streamers on his wings, apparently their leader.
On 31 July 1917 No. 57 Squadron was part of the 22 (Army) Wing of V Brigade RFC.
10 August 1917
The squadron was ordered to complete a series of Photo-recce sorties.
DH4 serial A7513 flown by 2/Lt HE Biedermann (Killed in Action) and Lt A Calder (Killed in Action). Took off at 5.30 pm and failed to return.
(thanks to Swiss Red Cross)
DH4 serial A7529 flown by 2/Lt AN Barlow (Prisoner of War) and Lt CD Hutchinson (Prisoner of War -Died of Wounds 12 Aug 1917). Took off at 6.05pm and last seen proceeding west at 14,000 feet at 7.30pm. Shot down near Ingelmunster about 7.30pm by Leutnant M Mueller of Jasta 28, reportedly his 21st victory.
16 August 1917
No. 57 Squadron were tasked to carry out low level attacks on railway hubs at Ingelmunster and Courtrai as well as aerodromes at Heule and Reckem. During these attacks an unidentified DH4 was hit by return fire, its Air Gunner, Corporal CR Goffe (Wounded in Action). Goffe was later awarded the Military Medal [London Gazette 28 September 1917].
(photo thanks to Andrea Taylor nee Goffe)
17 August 1917
No. 57 Squadron despatched a formation of DH4 aircraft at about 7.30am to bomb German positions near Courtrai. One aircraft was shot down while another was shot up and had to force land but claimed two victories against the attacking German fighters.
DH4 serial A7461 flown by Lt TS Roadley (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt CR Thomas (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds). Shot down.
DH4 serial A7563 flown by Major EG Joy and Lieut F Leathley was shot up and had to force land due to engine damage neat Vlamertinghe, both crew unhurt. During the combat they claim two enemy fighters shot down. The damage to their aircraft causing the force landing was probably caused by Oberleutnant E von Dostler of Jasta 6.
Sergeant Bousher and 2/Lt Heffer are also mentioned in Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 102 as claining a victory on that raid.
18 August 1917
Fighting around Langemarck in the Ypres area died down and became more localised while the weather continued to be poor for flying and very wet. Leaving at 5.45am on a dawn patrol of the Courtrai sector to identify and bomb German positions the squadron was again in combat.
DH4 serial 7454 flown by Sergt CJ Comerford (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt N Bell (Killed in Action). Last seen diving with three enemy aircraft on their tail north west of Roulers.
(photo thanks to Mick Barrett)
DH4 serial A7535 flown by Lt DS Hall and Lt AF Britton, hit by anti-aircraft fire and force landed near Droglandt, aircraft wrecked but both crew escaped unhurt.
DH4 serial A7510 flown by Lt J Hood (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt JR MacDaniel (Killed in Action). In combat with three enemy aircraft at 14,000 feet siuth west of Roulers approximately 7.15am. A DH4 was claimed in the area by Oberleutnant E von Dostler of Jasta 6.
A DH4 flown by 2/Lt Cook and 2/Lt Bullock is recorded for shooting down an enemy aircraft.
19 August 1917
Returning from a bombing raid machines of No. 57 Squadron were attacked by 20 enemy scouts, one of which was shot down out of control by 2/Lt A Drinkwater and Lt FT Menendez.
On a Photo-Recce patrol in the Pilckem-Ypres sector a DH4 of the squadron flown by Captain L Minot was damaged by gunfire. Lt AF Britton (Wounded in Action). Arthur Frederick Britton had been wounded for the second time, this time though his left leg had to be amputated. Following service in the ranks with the Surrey Yeomanry Britton had been commissioned into the Machine Gun Corps before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps and joining No. 57 Squadron.
Britton was awarded the Military Cross [London Gazette 1 January 1918] and the Croix de Guerre on 18 April 1918. By the time of his second wounding he had shot down 6 enemy aircraft. Britton became an RAF Admin officer but resigned his commission due to ill health in September 1918 and sadly died in February 1919 of influenza and pneumonia aged 30.
Royal Flying Corps Communique No. 102 for the period 17 – 23 August 1917 reported that on 20 August six machines of No. 57 Squadron encountered a large formation of Albatros scouts. 2/Lt Mackay and 2/Lt Halliwell fired 100 rounds into one which dived past them and it fell into a cloud. Lieut Hutchison and 2/Lt Godwin engaged four of their attackers at the same time, one enemy pilot did an Immelmann turn but was shot down out of control. A second enemy aircraft attacked them from the rear and 2/Lt Godwin shot it down out of control. A third enemy aircraft was shot down in flames after 2/Lt Godwin fired 150 rounds into it. Two others were shot down completely out of control, the first by Major Joy and Lt F Leathley and the second by 2/Lt Drinkwater and Lt FTS Menendez.
The same communique mentioned No. 57 Squadron again for actions on 21 August 1917. A patrol of 10 Squadron RNAS joined in a fight between DH4’s of 57 Squadron returning from a bombing Ledeghem Dump and Albatros Scouts. The Naval pilots shot down two hostil aircraft while Capt Barker and Capt Barclay of No. 57 shot down an enemy scout in flames.
(photo thanks to Wiki)
21 August 1917
Despatching an early morning Reconnaissance patrol around Roulers-Menin at 5.30am the squadron lost one aircraft and crew.
DH4 serial A7577 flown by Lt C Barry (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt FB Falkiner MC (Killed in Action). It is possible that they fell victim to Leutnant Ernst Udet of Jasta 37 who claimed a DH aircraft in combat at Ascq south east of Lille at 7.45am.
During the afternoon a patrol took off at 5pm to bomb Ledeghem Dump.
DH4 serial A2132 flown by Sergt EV Bousher (Wounded in Action) and 1AM W Hamilton (or Harmston) (Wounded in Action). Aircraft badly shot up, fuel tank holed and engine damaged, crash landed and wrecked. This aircraft was likely shot down by Leutnant M Mueller of Jasta 28 in combat near Ledeghem at 6.25pm.
DH4 serial A7555 flown by Lt WB Hutcheson (Prisoner of War) and Lt TE Godwin (reported Killed in Action). Last seen at 3,000 feet over Menin. Believed shot down by Leutnant A Hanko of Jasta 28 over Hooge at 6.30pm.
September 1917 after one of the wettest August in living memory the worst of the weather was over however conditions remained terrible and the air fighting was about to enter a bloody phase.
(illustraion thasnks to W I Boucher)
3 September 1917
On an evening photo-recce patrol a DH4 of the squadron was attacked by a German fighter. Lt GM Guillon (Wounded in Action). The combat was likely with Leutnant Hermann Goering of Jasta 27 at 6.55pm near Lampernisse. Goering would later become one of Hitler’s most staunch allies and head the Luftwaffe during WW2.
11 September 1917
The squadron took off at 10.45am to bomb Courtrai railway sidings, two aircraft were lost and a third DH4 returned badly shot up with 2/Lt CRB Halley (Wounded in Action) and 2AM T Barlow (unhurt). Their aircraft had been to the rear of the formation when it was attacked by five enemy aircraft. The first burst by the enemy wounded Halley in the foot and shot away a control wire. Barlow fired a burst into an enemy scout which fell and was seen to crash, his next burst drove down a scout before the enemy was out-distanced.
DH4 serial A7439 flown by Sergt SF Edgington (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt ETH Hearn (Killed in Action). Last seen at 17,000 feet west of Courtrai about 12.50pm.
(thanks to Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
DH4 serial A7582 flown by 2/Lt JA Mackay (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt EJ Halliwell (Killed in Action). Last seen at about 12.50pm west of Courtrai in combat with enemy aircraft.
21 September 1917
In combat with a formation of Albatros DV’s near Dadizeele flying a DH4 serial A7581 Lt AT Drinkwater (Australian) and Lt FTS Menendez claimed 2 victories at about 10.50am. They scored a total of six victories in DH4’s.
(thanks to Barry Drinkwater)
23 September 1917
No. 57 Squadron were involved in the last epic air battle of the German 48 victory ace ace Werner Voss, commander of Jasta 10. In a large and complicated dog fight after Voss had shot down one of the squadron’s DH4’s for his last victory, he fought off seven SE5a’s of No. 56 Squadron single handed, damaging all of them, until finally shot down and killed by Lt APF Rhys Davids DSO MC of No. 56.
DH4 serial A7643 flown by 2/Lt SLJ Bramley (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt JM deLacey (Killed in Action). The bomber crashed at Roulers-Ledeghem at 8.30am.
A week of vital photo-reconnaissance patrols followed as the RFC kept the Army up to date on German positions and movements.
(photo thanks to 57 & 630 Squadrons Association)
2 October 1917
A patrol with orders to bomb German positions near Roulers took off at 11.45am and met serious opposition, several aircraft were lost and one returned with a member of crew shot through the foot. 2/Lt FA Martin (Wounded in Action).
DH4 serial A7451 flown by 2/Lt CRB Halley (Killed in Action) and 1AM T Barlow (Killed in Action). At the rear of the flight over Roulers the aircraft was seen in combat and appears to have been shot down by Leutnant R Runge of Jasta 18 at 1.30pm.
DH4 serial A7581 flown by 2/Lt GGO MacAndrew (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt LP Sidney (Killed in Action). The aircraft was seen in combat over Roulers and appears to have been shot down by Oberleutnant R Berthold of Jasta 18 over Abeele at 1.30pm.
DH4 serial A7583 flown by 2/Lt CG Crane (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt WL Inglis (Killed in Action). The aircraft was seen in combat over Roulers and appears to have been shot down by Leutnant Kleffel of Jasta 18 near Roulers at about 1.30pm.
10 October 1917
DH4 serial A2138 flown by Sergt FV Legge (Badly wounded, Prisoner of War) and 1AM JS Clark (Killed in Action). Took off at 3pm on a bombing patrol to Oostnieukerke. Aircraft missing. Possibly shot down by Leutnant H Bongartz of Jasta 36 near Westroosebeke at 4pm.
(photo thanks to Ancestry)
(thanks to Swiss Red Cross)
Frank Victor Legge (born 23 January 1893 Willenhall/Staffs, died March 1986 Staffs). In 1939 he was a Lock Manufacturer in Staffordshire and an ARP Transport Officer.
12 October 1917
The major attack began in terrible conditions, the weather was very wet, the ground completely boggy and flooded. Squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps were ordered to undertake low level ground attack patrols.
DH4 serial A7515 flown by Lt SH Allen (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt GCE Smithett (Killed in Action). Took off at 10.07am on a ground attack patrol. Seen south of Staden at 10,000 feet and failed to return. Possibly shot down at 10.55pm by Leutnant H von Buelow of Jasta 36 near Roulers.
DH4 serial A2135 flown by 2/Lt GW Armstrong (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt H Pughe-Evans (Prisoner of War). Took off at 11.45am on a recce-ground attack patrol near Roulers and failed to return. Shot down at 12.40pm by Leutnant F Kieckhafer of Jasta 29 west of Rumbeke.
17 October 1917
On a photo-recce patrol an unidentified DH4 was shot up and returned with 2/Lt FD Grant (Wounded in Action). It is considered likely that it was attacked by Leutnant H Bongartz of Jasta 36 about 6.30pm.
27 October 1917
The dangerous business of low level photo-recce patrolling continued and saw another DH4 shot up but able to return to base. Captain AB Cook (Wounded in Action).
20 November 1917
The Battle of Cambrai. The squadron conducted some Met Recce flights and on one of them lost an aircraft.
DH4 serial A7568 flown by Capt DS Hall (Killed) and Lt EP Hartigan (Killed). They took off at 9.45am and the aircraft was found wrecked at Les Alleux with both men dead.
(illustration thanks to PlasticModellers)
57 Squadron met with strong opposition from enemy fighters and suffered many casualties. Indeed, at one stage during this period, the entire aircrew complement of 57 Squadron was killed, wounded or missing in action, but the Squadron continued to fight with new crews.
The new CO arrived, Major CAA Hiatt MC was to be in command from 4 Nov 1917 until 11 Sep 1918
Cuthbert Ambrose Anthony Hiatt was born in London in March 1890 and was commissioned in the Norfolk Regiment in February 1915. Securing a secondment to the Royal Flying Corps shortly afterwards, he qualified for his Royal Aero Club Certificate (No. 1223) on a Maurice Farman Biplane at Shoreham that May and, following further instruction in the U.K., was posted as a Flying Officer to No. 9 Squadron, which unit was shortly after ordered to France, where it carried out Army co-operation duties in B.E.2s.
In March 1916, Hiatt was appointed a Temporary Captain and Flight Commander in No. 4 Squadron, in which capacity he undertook important reconnaissance work on the Somme. On 1 July he was entrusted with a special low-level mission over the German trenches at Thiepval, duly completed at an altitude of just 600 feet, while on a similar operation back over Thiepval two days later, his B.E.2c was badly shot up and damaged. Later that month, and having been recommended for his M.C. by Trenchard, he was ordered to the U.K., where he joined No. 66 Squadron as a Flight Commander. Advanced to Temporary Major in May 1917, he was later posted to command No. 57 Squadron.
(photo thanks to DNW)
(photo thanks to 57 & 630 Squadrons Association)
On 23 November 1917 as a component of 11 (Army) Wing of II Brigade Royal Flying Corps No. 57 Squadron moved base to Ste-Marie-Cappel. To commemorate this turbulent time in 57 Squadron’s history, a Phoenix rising from the flames of a fire was adopted as 57 Squadron’s emblem, and this symbol of 57 Squadron’s determination was formalised in 1936 in the Squadron’s official crest along with the motto ‘Corpus non animum muto’ – ‘I change my body, not my spirit’.
2 December 1917
After gaining considerable ground in the tank offensive at Cambrai the Army had lost much of it to a very determined counter-offensive by the German Army. The squadron despatched abombing patrol at 8am.
DH4 serial A7422 flown by 2/Lt D Miller (Prisoner of War – Wounded in Action) and 2/Lt AHC Hoyles (Killed in Action). The aircraft was posted Missing however it was apparently shot down by Leutnant M Mueller of Jasta 2 at 8.45am north west of Menin. It was Mueller’s 33rd victory.
A photo-recce sortie was flown later that morning taking off at 10.10 am, it failed to return.
DH4 serial A7679 flown by 2/Lt JT Orrell (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt JG Glendinning (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds 16 Dec 1917). It is likely the victory claimed by Leutnant H Bongartz of Jasta 36 north east of Moorslede at 11.05am.
1918
3 January 1918
DH4 serial A7687 flown by Capt AFE Pitman (Killed in Action) and Lt CW Pearson (Killed in Action). They took off at 10.50am to carry out a photo-recce but failed to return. A victory was claimed by Oberleutnant Bruno Loerzer of Jasta 26 at 12.30 south west of Gheluvelt.
4 January 1918
DH4 serial A7424 flown by Capt EEE Pope (Prisoner of War) and Lt AF Wynne (Prisoner of War). Took off at 11.45am on a photo-recce sortie. Failed to return. Possibly shot down by Leutnant O Fruhner of Jasta 26 at 12.50pm near Neuville.
19 January 1918
In the course of low level photographic-reconnaissance work a DH4 of the squadron was hit and Capt FD Grant (Woundedin Action) the aircraft returned safely.
24 January 1918
DH4 serial A7912 flown by Lt JO Beattie (Killed in Action) and 1AM William John Belchamber (Killed in Action). Aircraft took off at 11.50am to bomb German positions near Harlebeke and crashed east of the frontline. Leutnant Lotz of Jasta 7 claimed a DH type north of Courtrai at 1.20pm
26 February 1918
DH4 serial A7804 flown by 2/Lt JM Allen (Prisoner of War) and Capt FR Sutcliffe (Prisoner of War). Took off at 9.10am on a bombing patrol. Aircraft seen going down west of Courtrai. A DH4 was claimed at 10.25 near Courtrai by ObFlM K Schoenfelder of Jasta 7.
6 March 1918
A DH4 of No. 57 Squadron was shot up on a bombing sortie but returned with Sergt J Lowe (Wounded in Action).
(thanks to riseofflight.com)
18 March 1918
An unidentified DH4 of ther squadron returned from an offensive patrol badly shot up, its crew Capt A Roulstone MC (Wounded in Action) and 2/Lt WC Venmore (Wounded in Action) managed to land it safely.
27 March 1918
DH4 serial A2155 flown by Lt Powell and 2/Lt A Leach was shot up by anti aircraft fire while conducting a low level photo-recce operation near Bapaume. Despite damage sustained they managed to force land safely.
On 29 March 1918 patrols commenced from the new base at Le Quesnoy.
30 March 1918
No. 57 Squadron despatched aircraft on various duties and lost a DH4 which took off at 12.50pm on a photo recce sortie and another which took off at 2.20pm to bomb German units near Bapaume.
DH4 serial A7674 flown by Capt PD Robinson MC (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt JQF Walker (Killed in Action). Failed to return.
DH4 serial A2161 flown by 2/Lt ESC Pearce (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt CB Coleman (Prisoner of War – Wounded in Action). Failed to return. This aircraft was possibly the victory claim by Leutnant G Geigl of Jasta 16 near Beugnatre.
(photo thanks to Mick Barrett)
THE BIRTH OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE – 1st April 1918
Royal Air Force Communique No. 1 covering the period 1 – 7 April 1918 recorded that Capt F McD C Turner and 2/Lt A Leach of No. 57 Squadron whilst on photography duties were attacked by five enemy triplanes; they fired a burst of 30 rounds into one at 100 yards range and the enemy aircraft went down in flames. Ten other enemy aircraft both triplanes and scouts joined the remaining four enemy triplanes. A drum of rounds was fired into one of these at a range of 150 yards and it was seen to turn over on its side and fall to pieces. Lieut Leach was awarded a Military Cross later in April 1918.
(photo thanks to Dix Noonan and Webb)
1 April 1918
An unidentified DH4 flown by Captain Francis Turner MC returned with a member of crew aboard wounded by gunfire 2/Lt A Leach (Wounded in Action)
DH4 serial A7401 flown by 2/Lt E Whitfield (Killed in Action) and Lt WCF Nicol-Hart (Killed in Action) took off at 7.30am to bomb the enemy near Bapaume. It was seen in combat with enemy aircraft over Bapaume but failed to return, it crashed at Achiet-Le-Petit. In that place Vizefeldwebel F Hemer of Jasta 6 claimed a victory at 8am.
DH4 serial A7872 flown by 2/Lt DP Trollip (Killed in Action) and Lt JD Moses (Killed in Action) took off at 8.20am to bomb positions near Bapaume and was not seen again. Leutnant HJ Wolff of Jasta 11 claimed a DH4 shot down near Grevillers at 9am.
Royal Air Force Communique No. 1 mentioned that 2/Lt FA Mann and 2/Lt JT White had destroyed an enemy aircraft in combat, this probably took place during the combat below.
7 April 1918
DH4 serial A7876 flown by 2/Lt FAW Mann and 2/Lt JT White took off at 10.25 am on a photo-recce sortie. The aircraft was badly shot up over Bauvoir when attacked by five enemy aircraft. The pilot crash landed at No. 73 Squadron and although badly damaged both crew were unhurt.
23 April 1918
DH4 serial D8406 flown by 2/Lt WH Townsend (USA) (Died of Wounds) and 2/Lt C Souchette (Killed in Action). On a bombing sortie near Bapaume shot down by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in flames.
9 May 1918
DH4 serial A8068 flown by Lt CM Powell and Sergt EEAG Bridger, took off at 9.30am on a photo-recce sortie. Attacked by 15 enemy aircraft they crash landed at 12.15pm, both crew were unhurt.
DH4 serial D8411 flown by 2/Lt L deV Wiener (Injured) and Lt RW Rumsby (Died of Injuries), took off at 10.05am on a photo-recce sortie. Attacked by enemy aircraft and with their controls shot away, crash landed back at the aerodrome at 12.20pm but spun.
15 May 1918
No. 57 Squadron provided aircraft for photo-recce duties, they took off at 9.50am.
DH4 serial A7645 flown by Lt FL Mond (Killed in Action) and Lt EM Martyn (Killed in Action). Shot down west of the front line at Boyercourt-Corbie. Possibly the victory claimed at 11.50am north of Hamel by Leutnant J Janzen of Jasta 6.
DH4 serial A7725 flown by Lt EH Piper (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt HLB Crabbe (Killed in Action). Shot down west of the front line at Boyercourt-Corbie. Possibly the victory claimed at 12.25pm near Mametz by Leutnant E Loewenhardt of Jasta 10.
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
7 June 1918
DH4 serial A7771 flown by Capt H Liver and Sergt PS Tidy took off at 2.10pm to bomb positions near Bapaume. Hit by anti aircraft fire and force landed, crew unhurt.
June saw the return of Major LA Pattinson to command No. 57 Squadron.
RAF Communique No. 11 covering the period from 10 – 16 June again mentioned the squadron’s work recording that during a bombing raid on Bapaume Dump Lt CW Peckham and Sergt J Grant were attacked by eight Fokker triplanes. Sergt Grant fired at the first sending it down in flames. The remaining enemy aircraft formed up to prevent the DH4 continuing course and they were forced to fly north while one attacked form below. Leit Peckham dived on it and after firing 80 rounds saw it crash to the ground. The DH4 then returned to base.
The same Communique made reference to a victory scored by Lt ADR Jones and Sergt JT Ward but gave no further detail.
15 June 1918
On a low level photo-recce sortie an unidentified DH4 was hit by anti-aircraft fire but returned safely. Sergt PS Tidy (Wounded in Action).
23 June 1918
A flight of the squadron’s DH4 took off at 3.40am to bomb German positions near Bapaume and were attacked by Fokker DrI’s. One DH4 was damaged by anti-aircraft fire and returned to base, Lieut E Erskine (Wounded in Action).
DH4 serial A7742 flown by Lt CW Peckham (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt AJ Cobbin (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds 14 Jul 1918). Seen in combat with a Fokker DrI west of Montauban, seen heading for Bapaume but failed to return.
DH4 serial D9276 flown by 2/Lt ADR Jones (Prisoner of War) and Sergt JT Ward (Prisoner of War). Seen heading south for Bapaume but failed to return.
(thanks to M Lees)
20 July 1918
DH4 serial B7865 flown by Lt JT Kirkland (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt EJ Riley (Prisoner of War). Took off at 9.25am on a Photo-Recce and bombing patrol at Riencourt and later seen near Bapaume. Shot down near Achiet-Le-Petit by OffxSt. J Mai of Jasta 5 at 11.05am.
3 August 1918
An unidentified DH4 of the squadron was shot up in combat but returned to base and landed. Sergt CharlesG Sowden (Wounded in Action)
Charles Gordon Sowden, (born 29 Oct 1899 – died 30 Aug 1922 the effects of wounds).
Royal Air Force Communique No. 19 covering the period 5 – 11 August 1918 recorded that Captain F McD C Turner and 2/Lt HS Musgrave had shot down an enemy aircraft.
8 August 1918 – the Battle of Amiens
The squadron undertook early morning very low level bombing raids, taking off from 7.10am to attack in support of ground forces and were in heavy combat. Flying in DH4 serial D8382 crew Sergt DE Edgley and 2/Lt FG Craig shot up a Fokker DVII which went down out of control, in DH4 serial D8398 crew Lt A MacGregor and Lt JFB Tanqueray (Canadian) shot down a second Fokker DVII which also went down out of control, while DH4 serial D8419 flown by Lt F McD C Turner and 2/Lt HS Musgrove (Canadian) collided with a Fokker DVII while in combat and it crashed.
DH4 serial F6059 flown by Lt LL Brown DFC (Canadian) (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt AE Doncaster (Prisoner of War)was in combat over Moislains Aerodrome and failed to return.
9 August 1918
DH4 serial D8416 flown by Lt WJ Pitt-Pitts (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt HS Musgrove (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds). Took off at 8.15am to bomb Peronne Bridge and take photographs. Crashed east of the front line. Possibly the victory claimed by Leutnant P Billik of Jasta 52 near Baucourt at 10.05am.
The Squadron continued photographic reconnaissance and bombing raids on targets behind the enemy’s lines, and although it suffered heavy casualties during the summer and autumn of 1918, its record of achievement was high.
(thanks to Mike Barratt)
10 August 1918
DH4 serial D9278 flown by 2/Lt DU Thomas (unhurt) and 2/Lt JK Mitchell (Killed in Action) took off at 5pm to bomb enemy positions. Seen in combat with hostile aircraft and force landed at Frohen Le Grand at 8pm.
During August 1918 Captain F McD Turner MC was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Royal Air Force Communique No.20 covering the period 12 – 18 August 1918 recorded the actions of No. 57 Squadron crews at some length. “A formation of 57 Sqn was attacked on returning from a bombing raid. One Enemy Aircraft which got on the tail of Captain A MacGregor was shot down by his observer Lieut JFD Tanqueray, the pilot being seen to jump out in a parachute just before the machine caught fire. Sergt J Grant observer with Lt EM Coles also shot down a hostile machine which was on his tail, the pilot again jumped out to descent by parachute. Lieut G Anderson and 2/Lt DE Stevens were also closely attacked and one machine fired at by 2/Lt Stevens went down smoking before its wings fell off”.
(photo thanks to Dix Noonan and Webb)
100425 Sergeant James Grant from Sandbank, Argyllshire was aged only eighteen years and nine months when he enlisted in the RFC on 30 Oct 1917, he was promoted Sergeant on 26 April 1918. His service records show that he served in France from 6 May until 25 Oct 1918 having officially qualified as an Observer on 4 July 1918.
(photo thanks to Dix Noonan & Webb)
(photo thanks to Vintageaviator)
16 August 1918
DH4 serial E4626 flown by 2/Lt JP Ferreira (unhurt) and Sergt NM Belcher (Wounded in Action) took off at 8.45am to recce and bomb enemy positions. Damaged in combat with hostile aircraft and crash landed at base hitting a hangar.
DH4 serial D9267 flown by Lt WH Kilbourne (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt DE Stephens (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds) took off at 8.45am to recce and bomb enemy positions. Observed over Quesnoy at 14,000 feet at 11.10am then went down heading north east under control. Failed to return.
Also in combat on this day a DH4 of the squadron was badly shot up in combat, its Air Gunner was Sergt EEA Bridger (Killed in Action)
RAF Communique No. 22 covering the period 26 August to 1 September 1918 mentioned an action by the Squadron. “During the course of bombing raids carried out by 57 Sqn enemy scouts which attacked the formations were successfully engaged. Sergt DE Edgley and Sergt N Sandison brought one hostile machine down in flames and drove down another out of control, Lieut EM Coles and Sergt J Grant and Lieut FO Thompson and 2/Lt FC Craig destroyed two more hostile machines.” A concluding paragraph mentioned that Lieut FO Thotnton flying with 2/Lt WH Thornton had also brought down an enemy aircraft.
29 August 1918
After 2 aircraft of the squadrons formation were shot down near Ypres minutes earlier one victory each was scored by DH4 serial D8425 flown by Lt FO Thornton (unhurt) and 2/Lt WH Thornton (Wounded in Action) in combat shot down one Fokker in flames and DH4 serial D9262 flown by Capt WE Green and Lt AM Barron MC forced one Fokker down out of control. This was Green’s 8th victory.
DH4 serial F5825 flown by Lt J Caldwell (Killed in Action) and Sergt Alfred T Wareing (Killed in Action) forced from 8,000 feet down to low level by Fokker DVII’s at Denain-Dovey near Douai at 7.45am. Shot down by Vizefeldwebel G Staudacher of Jasta 1.
Alfred Thomason Wareing was an 18 year old from Oldham
DH4 serial F6167 flown by Sergt THC Davies (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt WTS Lewis (Prisoner of War). Shot down by Fokker DVII’s and probably was the victim of Oberleutnant H-H von Boddien of Jasta 59 near Wavrechain at 7.45am.
Sergeant Thomas Herbert Charles Davies, 4356, was born 15 January 1897 in Aberystwyth, he enlisted in the RFC on 24 August 1915 as a Sergt Mechanic and joined No. 57 Squadron on 26 July 1918 after learning to fly. When his aircraft was shot down he was severely wounded by gunshots to his left leg which had to be amputated. He survived, returned to England after the war and in 1939 was living and working as an Engineering Inspector.
30 August 1918
DH4 serial D8385 flown by Lt LK Devitt (Wounded in Action) and Sgt AC Loveday or Lovesey (Injured). Whilst carrying out a photo-recce sortie near Bancourt engaged in combat by a Fokker DVII which was shot down going down out of control. The DH4 was damaged at 5.30 near Gommecourt and had to force land hitting trees. Possibly shot down by Leutnant F Noltenius of Jasta 27.
Black September as it was known to the RAF.
1 September 1918
A patrol of No. 57 Squadron took off about 12.10pm to bomb Cambrai Annex Station. An unidentified DH4 returned badly shot up. Lieut J Howard-Brown (Wounded in Action). Andother DH4 crew, Lieut FO Thornton and 2/Lt FC Craig shot down a Fokker DVII in flames near Cambrai.
At about 2pm a DH4 crewed by Lt EM Coles and Sergt J Grant shot a Fokker DVII down out of control near Cambrai, it was the pilot’s 3rd Victory and the gunners 5th.
DH4 serial D8382 flown by Sergt DE Edgley (unhurt) and Sergt N Sandison (Wounded in Action). Aircraft badly damaged in action with enemy machines at 1.55pm. They shot down a Fokker DVII in flames near Cambrai and forced down another out of control for their 4th and 3rd victories respectively.
DH4 serial F6096 flown by 2/Lt JG Dugdale (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt FB Robinson (Prisoner of War). Forced down south east of Cambrai by six enemy fighters. Failed to return.
RAF Communique No. 23 for the period 2 – 8 September 1918 recorded that “The pilot of a Fokker biplane attacked by Capt A MacGregor and Sergt J Grant DFM of 57 Squadron was seen to jump out of his machine when it burst into flames, apparently without a parachute.”
The above combat took place on 4 September 1918 over Bourlon Wood and it was Sergt J GRant’s 6th victory and Captain MacGregor’s 4th.
5 September 1918
During a morning patrol in the vicinty of Marcoing at around 11.20am victories over Fokker DVII’s were claimed by a DH4 flown by 2/Lt DV Thomas and 2/Lt IS Woodhouse and another flown by Lt FO Thornton and 2/Lt FC Craig. Moments later Capt A MacGregor and Sgt J Grant shot down a Fokker DVII in flames over Marcoing and Sgt DE Edgley and Sgt JH Bowler downed a fourth out of control.
Two DH4’s of the squadron were shot up in combat about 4pm, in the first flown by Sergt DE Edgley the gunner was Sergeant JH Bowler (Wounded in Action) and in the other Lt GAF Riley (Wounded in Action) both aircraft returned to base. A victory was claimed when DH4 serial D8419 flown by Capt A MacGregor and Sergt J Grant in the same combat shot a Fokker DVII down in flames west of Avesnes-Les-Sec at 4.05pm. The German pilot of Jasta 4 was seen to jump out without a parachute. In a combined effort B Flight forced another Fokker down west of Avesnes-le-Sec.
6 September 1918
On patrol a DH4 pilot Lieut G Anderson (Wounded in Action) was hit by anti-aircraft fire.
(thanks to Jane Duffy of his family)
After a second tour commanding the squadron, since June 1918 Major Lawrence Pattinson handed over to Major George Cyril Bailey DSO on 9 September 1918 (Bailey had been commissioned into the Honourable Artillery Company before learning to fly, he was formerly a flight commander in No. 2 Squadron RFC and was later Air Commodore, CB DSO. His son P/O JCLD Bailey was KIA Battle of Britain – 46 Sqdn – 2 Sep 40).
(photo thanks to Mike Barrett)
16 September 1918
DH4 serial F2634 flown by Lieut G Anderson (Killed in Action) and Sergt JS Mavcdonald (injured) whilst conducting a photo-recce of the front lines the aircraft crashed and was wrecked. Possibly the pilot was hit by ground fire.
On a patrol DH4 serial F7597 flown by Lt PWJ Timson (Wounded in Action) and 2/Lt IS Woodhouse (unhurt) tangled with Fokker DVII’s and shot one down in flames at 12.15pm over Havrincourt Wood.
DH4 serial A7987 flown by 2/Lt JP Ferreira (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt LB Simmonds (Killed in Action). Took off at 10.30pm, engaged by Fokker DVII’s and was shot down in flames east of Marcoing.
RAF Communique No. 25 covering the period 16 – 22 September 1918 recorded that in a patrol led by Captain CH Stokes, the crew of Lt PWJ Timson and 2/Lt IS Woodhouse brought an enemy machine down.
It referred to the combat on 16 September over Havrincourt Wood about 12.15pm when No.57 Squadron scored 4 victories. a DH4 flown by Capt CH Stokes and Lt RD Bovill shot down the first Fokker DVII , another DH4 flown by Lt PWJ Timson and 2/Lt IS Woodhouse shot another DVII down in flames (their first victories), the DH4 flown by Sgt DE Edgley and Sergt A Lovesay forced a Fokker DVII down out of control (their 6th and 2nd victories respectively) before Capt CH Stokes and Lt RD Bovill accounted for another in the same manner (Stokes 4th victory and Bovill’s 2nd)
17 September 1918
DH4 serial F6133 flown by 2/Lt WA Wilson (Prisoner of War) and 2/Lt HH Senior (Prisoner of War) took off at 11.30am to bomb enemy positions near Arras where it was seen heading from south to west, but failed to return.
No. 57 squadron was a part of 13 (Army) Wing of III Brigade Royal Air Force when it moved base to Vert Galand on 19 Sep 1918……..
19 September 1918
A DH4 flown by Lt FG Pym and Sgt WCE Mason forced a DVII to crash out of control into Havrincourt Wood at 5.25pm. An accompanying DH4 flown by Captain WE Green and Lieut AM Barron shot a second German DVII down out of control, it was Green’s 9th victory and Barron’s 2nd.
21 September 1918
At 6.35pm a DH4 flown by Capt CH Stokes and Lieut RD Bovill shot a Fokker DVII down out of control at Fontaine-Notre Dame and minutes later the combined patrolshot down a second DVII in flames.
DH4 serial F5827 flown by 2/Lt OMcI Turnbull (Killed in Action) and Lt DFV Page (Killed in Action) took off to bomb east of Bourlon Wood- Cambrai where it was seen to be shot down in flames at 6.45pm. This was possibly claimed by Leutnant P Baeumer of Jasta 2.
(thanks to riseofflight)
RAF Communique No. 26 covering the period 23 – 29 September 1918 recorded that the pilot and gunner crews of Lieut A Newman/Lt EG Pernet, Lieut A Newman/2Lt C Wilkinson and Lieut FG Pym with Sergt WCE Mason had each brought down enemy aircraft.
24 September 1918
DH4 serial A8088 flown by Lt FG Pym (unhurt) and Sergt WCE Mason (unhurt) carried out a photo and bombing sortie near Bauvois aerodrome and was shot up but returned damaged at 8.30am. They had scored their second victories by shooting down a Fokker DVII in flames. Also in the patrol were DH4 flown by Lieut A Newman and 2/Lt C Wilkinson who destroyed a Fokker DVII and a DH4 flown by 2/Lt F deV Hyde and 2/Lt LH Eyre who forced another down out of control.
25 September 1918
A patrol of the squadron took off at 6.20pm and after combat with enemy aircraft over Cambrai a DH4 returned with a wounded gunner 2/Lt EG Perret (Wounded in Action).
DH4 serial D8419 flown by Lt PWJ Timson (Killed in Action) and Lt AN Eyre (Killed in Action). Seen to be attacked over Cambrai at 1,000 feet and shot down descending under control.
DH4 serial F6187 flown by Lt FG Pym (Prisoner of War – Wounded in Action) and Sergt WCE Mason (Prisoner of War – Died of Wounds). While photographing position near Awoignt shot down from 10,000 feet.
There was considerable confusion about William Mason’s fate as he was known to be a Prisoner of War – Wounded, but the authorities failed to learn of his death on the following day hence him being buried at Awoignt by the Germans as “English Flying Offz RAF” (see below).
(thanks to Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
Enquiries concerning 19 year old William Charles Edward Mason were made with the Swiss Red Cross to try to ascertain his fate and were still on-going in June 1919.
William Charles Edward Mason, 93268 was born in 1898 and worked for Woods & Maslen (Lloyds of London) before enlisting in the RFC on 29 August 1917. He landed in France on 28 May 1918 and qualified as an NCO Observer with No. 57 Squadron on 4 July 1918.
26 September 1918
A DH4 flown by Captain A Newman and Lieut EG Pernet shot down a Fokker DVII in flames south east of Cambrai.
27 September 1918
The squadron was tasked to bomb German infantry positions in the Rumilly sector and the German Headquarters north of Cambrai. Just before 6pm DH4’s flown by Lieut FL Hardin and 2/Lt I Woodhouse forced a Fokker DVII down out of control at Cambrai (scoring their first victories)and a second flown by Lt FO Thornton and 2/Lt FC Craig repeated their performance for their 4th and 5th victories respectively. One of the Fokkers was recorded as highly decorated, black underneath, yellow with red spots on the top wings and a grey fuselage.
DH4 serial A8085 flown by 2/Lt GJ Dickens (Injured) and 2/Lt AH Aitken (unhurt) was shot up in combat at 6.20pm and was wrecked in a forced landing.
DH4 serial F6114 flown by Lt EM Coles (unhurt) and 2/Lt C Wilkinson (Wounded in Action) damaged in combat with enemy aircraft and had to force land.
DH4 serial A8086 flown by 2/Lt FdeM Hyde (unhurt) and 2/Lt WH Eyres (Wounded in Action) took off at 4.30pm and sustained serious gun shot damage but returned to base.
1 October 1918
DH4 serial D9269 flown by 2/Lt AH Mills-Adams (Killed in Action) and Lt P Sherek (Killed in Action) took off at 7am and was eneged by German aircraft after bombing. The combat headed west until 10.15am north west of St Quentin the DH4 was shot down by Vizefeldwebel K Bohnenkamp of Jasta 22.
(photo thanks to FlyingLegends
2 October 1918
An unidentified DH4 of the squadron was shot up in combat, its gunner was wounded. 2/Lt MG Robson MC (Wounded in Action).
DH4 serial A8090 flown by 2/Lt FHA Weale (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt E Preece (Killed in Action). In combat with German fighters the aircraft was shot down in flames near the objective Santzoi south east of Cambrai at 8.25am.
DH4 serial F7597 flown by Lt JWMcN Ramsay (USA) (Killed in Action) and Sergt JF Turner (Killed in Action). Seen to bomb the target south east of Cambrai at 8.30am but failed to return.
As the end of the war approached the squadron moved to Mory on 22 October 1918
Royal Air Force Communique No.30 covering the period 21 -27 October 1918 recorded that 2/Lt NH Leech and 2/Lt E Till had brought down an enemy aircraft.
27 October 1918
No. 57 Squadron was again in combat after an 8.45am take off, three of their DH4’s returned with slight damage and a member of the crew injured, gunner 2/Lt E Till (Wounded in Action), pilot Lt AE Bourns (Wounded in action), pilot 2/Lt SCH Biddle (Wounded in Action).
DH4 serial F2633 flown by 2/Lt DU Thomas (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt AH Aitken (Killed in Action). The aircraft left formation and headed west, it was seen over St Vaast La Valee but failed to return.
29 October 2018
DH4 serial D8398 flown by Capt CH Stokes (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt LH Eyres (Prisoner of War). On a photo-recce of the front line the aircraft was seen to be hit by anti aircraft fire at 2.30pm and to go down apparently under control.
Awarded the DFC [LG 2 Nov 1918]
Capt. Francis McDougal Charlewood Turner, M.C.
While leading a formation of ten machines on a bombing raid this officer was attacked by twenty Fokker biplanes. In face of this strong attack he led his formation down to 1,000 feet, and two sheds were set on fire and billets were riddled with machine-gun fire; three enemy machines were also accounted for, Capt. Turner himself crashing one. The success of this raid was mainly due to the brilliant and daring leadership of this officer
4 November 1918
DH4 serial A7652 flown by Lt AE Bourns (Killed in Action) and Capt R Colville-Jones (Killed in Action) took off at 9.20am on a photo-recce. Probably the victory claimed by Leutnant O Koennecke of Jasta 5 at 10.45am near Mormal Wood.
Robert Colville Jones was born 27 September 1896 and joined the RFC from 13 Bn Rifle Brigade. His home was in Argentina. Awarded Military Cross.
DH4 serial F5719 flown by 2/Lt W Kinghorn (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt W Rushton (Killed in Action) took off at 9.20am on a photo-recce. Failed to return.
DH4 serial F5727 flown by Lt L deV Wiener (Killed in Action) and 2/Lt HG Dixon (Killed in Action) took off at 9.20am on a photo-recce. Failed to return.
Louis de Villier Wiener was a South African born 15 January 1897 in Cape Town.
DH4 serial F5833 flown by 2/Lt LS Harvey (unhurt) and 2/Lt F Heath MM (unhurt) took off at 1.25pm on a practice flight, crashed.
Squadron moved to Beauvois on 9 November 1918 as a part of 90th Wing, Royal Air Force.
(photo thanks to NZ History)
During its time in France 57 Squadron destroyed 166 enemy aircraft, dropped 285 tons of bombs, exposed 22,030 photographic plates and completed 96 successful reconnaissance runs.
57 Squadron was one of the few non-fighter squadrons of the RFC/RAF to produce flying ‘aces’. Captain William Edward Green scored 9 air-to-air victories.
| Pilot | 57 Sqn Victories | Note |
| Capt WE Green DFC | 9 | |
| Maj EG Joy DFC | 7 | plus 1 with 205 Sqn |
| Capt AT Drinkwater DFC | 6 | plus 3 with 40 Sqn |
| Sergt DE Edgley | 6 | |
| Capt DS Hall MC | 6 | |
| Capt A MacGregor DFC | 6 | |
| Capt L Minot MC | 6 | |
| Capt HR Harker MC | 5 | |
| Capt CH Stokes DFC | 5 | |
| Capt F McD C Turner DFC | 5 | plus 2 with 55 Sqn |
| Capt A Roulstone MC | 2 | plus 6 with 25 Sqn |
Despite being a confirmed “ace” Dennis Edgley only received the standard campaign medals for the Great War (British War & Victory Medals).
Dennis Edwin Edgley, born in August 1899 he married in Kettering in 1927, becoming a newspaper sub-editor in Nottingham, died in Northampton in October 1987.
Several of the squadrons Observer/Gunners also attained ace status
| Observer/Gunner | 57 Sqdn | Note |
| Sergt J Grant DFM | 8 | |
| Lieut F Leathley MC | 8 | |
| Lieut AF Britton MC CdeG | 6 | |
| Lieut FTS Menendez MC | 6 | |
| 2nd Lt FG Craig | 5 | |
| 2nd Lt EP Hartigan | 5 | |
| 2nd Lt LLT Sloot | 5 |
(source “Above the Trenches” by C Shores, N Franks and R Guest)
(photo thanks to Dix Noonan and Webb)
On 18 November 1918 DH4 serial F5741 flown by 2/Lt SCH Biddle (unhurt) and 2/Lt WG Anderson (unhurt) ran into trench on landing from practice formation flying.
On 8 December 1918 DH4 serial F2648 flown by Captain Newman and Lieut Barron force landed north-east of Namur.
Following the Armistice on 11 November 1918, 57 Squadron undertook mail-carrying and communications duties across Western Europe using both DH4 and DH9 aircraft,
(photo thanks to Wiki)
On 21 January 1919 DH4 serial F2662 flown by Lieut FO Thornton and 2/Lt JF Blick force landed at Remicourt after losing their way and struck a mound knocking off the undercarriage and turning over.
On 22 January 1919 DH4 serial F5728 flown by 2/Lt SC Biddle and 2/Lt EG Tyler, crew suffered the effects of exposure to weather after waiting for a new water pump at Spa while carrying mails Morville-Spa.
On 11 February 1919 DH4 serial A7926 flown by 2/Lt JH Lorrimer (unhurt) and 2/Lt GB Allen (unhurt) pancaked on landing from engine test, aircraft damaged.
On 3 March 1919 DH9a serial E8525 flown by Lieut Barber (unhurt) crashed on landing at Nivelles on mail delivery service.
On 4 April 1919 DH4 serial C4521 flown by 2/Lt HA Griffiths (unhurt) and 2/Lt CW Bray (injured) collided with an RE8 on take off from Cologne flying mail service.
before returning to the UK in August 1919 and being disbanded on 31 December 1919. A cadre returned to South Carlton 4.8.1919 and disbanded 31.12.1919.
SOURCES to date – records from the RAF Museum Hendon, The National Archives, Bundesarchiv Militaerarchiv, various published works by Norman Franks, Chris Shores, Russell Guest, Frank Bailey, Trevor Henshaw
No. 57 Squadron 