Poland - 1919 Fokker D.VII Part 1

Three Polish Fokker D.VII

Another day, another Polish aircraft update. I will try to post them in an orderly and thematic manner to avoid any confusion (Being a geezer with memory issues this is more for me than my readers). Recently I have been working on Polish profiles of the Fokker D.VII. I decided to post them by squadron instead of piecemeal.

I have been thinking about offering CD profile collections for sale. I am still considering the format and structure. Whether it would be better as naked images accessed through a HTML menu or as a PDF. I am not sure if there is a demand for another collection by another illustrator. I welcome any feedback on this. If there is a need and market for this I will be offering them on my blog and my main site.

Fokker D.VII, 15.Eskadra Myśliwska, Pilot Unknown s/n 502/18

This example is fairly typical of schemes used for he Fokker D.VII in Poland. Of note is the bomb rack carried by many of the Fokker D.VII in Polish service. All the polish national markings are the simple version.

Fokker D.VII, 15.Eskadra Myśliwska, Sgt. A. Bartkowiak, s/n 503/18, August-1919

The fuselage and wheel covers of this example are painted in a dark finish. The sources I have seen show it as black. The wings and tail plane are covered in a standard lozenge fabric.

Fokker D.VII, 15.Eskadra Mśsliwska, s/n 504/18, Ostrow Wielkopolski Airfield,1921

Here we have another plane covered in five color lozenge cloth. The crippled hand is a personal insignia. I am still searching for the identity of the pilot of this plane.

A Short Incomplete History of the 15.Eskadra Myśliwska

The unit was formed May 25, 1919 in Poznan as 4 Greater Combat Squadron (ie hunting, in contrast to the squadron,field). The commander was Ltn. George Dziembowski. The first squadron had six pilots which flew German aircraft. The unit initially flew three Albatros D.III 2 Fokker D.VII and a Fokker D.VIII (EV). Beginning in July of 1919 the squadron used the French SPAD VII to train pilots. Later on they switched to the Fokker D. VII. On September 20, 1919 the squadron was stationed at the airport Poznań-Ławica, awaiting orders from the Supreme Command.

In February 1920 the Greater Combat Squadron was named Fighter Squadron 15 . The unit was redeployed to the airport in Bydgoszcz as the reserve unit for the Supreme Command. In April 1920 the squadron consisted of seven fighter pilots and 9 Fokker D.VII , 2 SPAD VII and a two-seat multi-role aircraft Albatros B.II (unassembled).

In May 1920 was sent to the front of the Polish-Soviet war and incorporated into the Third Division . On May 16, 1920 the squadron arrived at the airport Wapniarka to Podolia. The squadron specialized in reconnaissance and ground support missions. During combat operations against the Bolsheviks, the 15th squadron used light bombs strafing runs with great effect. On May 24 of 1920, 5 planes destroyed the Soviet artillery battery in Zielonka.During a two day mission (May 27-28) involving the 15th, 5th and 21st Squadrons attacked the Malewannaja railway station, targeting armored trains and rolling stock.

Overall, from May to October 1920, 15 Squadron made 277 sorties, losing four aircraft to ground fire (three aircraft were damaged) one pilot was killed and one wounded. After the war, under the command of 18 January 1921 Fighter Squadron 15 years stationed in Ostrow Wielkopolski .bIn August 1921 the year 15th Fighter Squadron was part of Fighter Squadron V 3 Air Regiment in Poznan-Shoal.

References

1. Tarkovsky, Krzysztof: Polish Air Force in the war with Soviet Russia 1919-1920. Warsaw: 1991. ISBN 83-206-0985-2 ,
2. Goworek, Thomas: The first Polish fighter aviation, Warsaw 1991, ISBN 83-85001-46-8

Poland - 1920 Ground Attack Aircraft

German Ground Attack Airplanes in the Polish Air Force

Once again my obsessive side is showing. I'm up to 45 Polish aircraft and looking at my reference material I see that I can easily break the hundred mark. It has been an opportunity to revisit existing subjects and an excuse to get more lost master files completed. Another benefit is I am learning more about an era and theater I knew little about.

Before Poland gained independence the country was threatened by both Russia to the east and Germany and Austria to the west. Many Poles were faced with the choice of living in hardship or being conscripted into both the western empires. Needless to say many a Pole found their way into the cockpit of German and Austrian aircraft. When the Great War ended the Polish pilots and their aircraft returned to Poland where they were put to use in found the Polish Air Service.

Albatros J.I, 1.Eskadra Wielkopolska “Smok” s/n 6 (Alb.J1.217/18) 1921

This Albatros J.I was named “Smok” which means Dragon in Polish. The name was painted in white on the forward fuselage, just behind of the bare metal engine compartment. When in German service it was assigned the serial number 628/17 or 628/18. The profile shows the plane when it was attached to the Poznan Flying School in 1921. The national markings on the fuselage and rudder are the more complex version which also appear on both the upper top and lower bottom wing surfaces. The overall color scheme is dark green with pale blue lower surfaces. As with many other Polish aircraft the serial numbers are painted in black over a white stripe. The wheels had covers, however the conic spinner is removed.

Halberstadt CL.II 14.Eskadry Wywiadowczej, s/n 201/18 W. Bartkowiak J. Klicze, 1920

The paint scheme is not much different than the original German scheme. The cowling is bare metal and the fuselage is varnished wood. The wings are lozenge pattern camouflage. The Polish markings are the simple version. The wing markings are in the typical locations. The wire wheels were not covered and the conical spinner is removed. The exhaust is atypical, most Halberstadt mounted it horizontally on the right side of the engine. As in the previous profile the serial numbers are painted on a white stripe.

Poland - 1919 Oeffag D-III BA.253

Project Poland: Take Two

It has been a hectic week in the studio. I have been refining my file name schema, switching from shorter names to more descriptive ones including as much vital information as I can in the name to aid in archiving and web searches. It would drive me crazy when a profile for one aircraft type would be mislabeled by a search engine when pulling results. So far the new method seems to work fairly well. It means larger web documents, but improves search accuracy. (Which is always a good thing.)

I have been busy collecting research material and working up quite a few Polish aircraft profiles recently. The new work includes: Albatros C-class two seat types, Halberstadt CL.IIs, Hannover CL.IIIs, SPAD S.7s, AIRCO DH-9s and a large number of Oeffag D-III Series 253s. Since I have completed enough of them it seemed to be a good opportunity to post part 2 of the series on Polish aviation.

The Kościuszko Squadron

Poland's most famous aviation unit was the Kościuszko Squadron, named for the national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. The pilots were mainly American ex-service pilots. Some were mercenaries, others volunteered. The Americans were joined by several regular French units. These contained (or were alleged to contain) substantial contingents of Polish personnel.

Tadeusz Kościuszko

Andrzej Tadeusz Bonawentura Kościuszko (born: February 12, 1746, died: October 15, 1817) was a Polish–Lithuanian and American general and military leader during the Kościuszko Uprising. He is a national hero of Poland, Lithuania, the United States and Belarus. Tadeusz Kościuszko fought in the American Revolutionary War as a colonel in the Continental Army. In 1783, in recognition of his dedicated service, he was brevetted by the Continental Congress to the rank of brigadier general in a mass promotion given to all officers who had served during the war. He lreturned to Poland and ed the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising against Imperial Russia and the Kingdom of Prussia as Supreme Commander of the Polish National Armed Force (Najwyźszy Naczelnik Siły Zbrojnej Narodowej).

The squadron usd a wide range of aircraft built by both sides of World War One. However the Kościuszko Squadron fielded a large percentage of Austro-Hungarian Oeffag D-III Series 253 with great effect.

Oeffag D-III of the Kościuszko Squadron

Oeffag D-III BA.253 Kościuszko Squadron, Maj. Cedric E. Fauntleroy, Lwów, Dec. 1919

This was the personal aircraft of the commander of the Kościuszko Squadron, Maj. Cedric E. Fauntleroy. The upper wing and tail plane surfaces are painted dark green as is the fuselage. The lower wings and tail plane are finished in yellow varnish. The forward section of the cowling and engine cover was painted red.

Oeffag D-III BA.253 Kościuszko Squadron, s/n.253218, Kpt. Merian Cooper, Kiev, May 1920

This is the personal plane of Kpt. Merian Cooper while in Kiev, May 1920. The upper wing and tailplane surfaces and the rudder are covered in "sworl" fabric. The red forward section is shown in some sources bearing a white border. As with many polish aircraft the wheels did not have a cover.

Oeffag D-III BA.253 Kościuszko Squadron, s/n 8, Pilot Unknown, Lwów, February, 1920

This example shares many of the elements of the previous profile. Once again we see the "sworl" camouflage being used. This example has covers on the wheels and the engine cover has been removed.

Oeffag D-III BA.253 Kościuszko Squadron, s/n 10, Pilot Unknown, Lwów, Dec. 1919

This is fairly typical paint scheme. The Polish insignia is the more complex version, and the rudder is yellow varnished, which was a fairly common practice. Once again there is no wheel covers.

History of the Kościuszko Squadron

Excerpt From Wikipedia Polish 7th Air Escadrille

The Polish 7. Eskadra Lotnicza (7^th Air Escadrille), better known as the Kościuszko Squadron, was one of the units of the Polish Air Force during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1921. Formed in late 1918, it was re-formed in late 1919 from US volunteers. It was one of most active Polish squadrons in the war.

The unit was formed when Poland regained independence, on 7 November 1918 in Kraków, as the 3^rd Air Escadrille, utilizing mostly bomber and reconnaissance aircraft left by Austro-Hungarian forces. On 25 November 1918 it was moved to Lwów (current Lviv), where it took active part in fighting of the Polish-Ukrainian War until June 1919. On 21 December 1918, after unification of Polish air units' names, its name was changed to the 7^th Air Escadrille. It was commanded by Jerzy Boreysza, from April 1919 by Stefan Stec. Among pilots was World War I Ace Mieczysław Garsztka. Number of aircraft was variable, in May 1919 it possessed 3 fighters Fokker D.VIII (E.V), 3 reconnaissance Hansa-Brandenburg C.I and 1 LVG C.V. In June 1919 the escadrille was converted into fighter unit, then in September it was withdrawn into reserve. In October 1919 the commander became Ludomił Rayski.

In late 1919 eight American volunteers, including Major Cedric Fauntleroy and Captain Merian C. Cooper, arrived in Poland from France where in September 1919 they had been officially named the Kościuszko Squadron (after the Polish American hero Tadeusz Kościuszko) with Major Fauntleroy as its commander. After reaching Poland the men from Kościuszko Squadron joined the 7th Squadron. More pilots arrived during the following weeks - in all, there served 21 American pilots, along with several Polish pilots, including Ludwik Idzikowski, the ground crew was all Polish. In November 1919 Major Fauntleroy took the command and on 31 December 1919 the escadrille took the name Kościuszko Squadron. Meanwhile the Polish Air Force underwent reorganization. Even though most volunteers asked to be sent to the frontlines as soon as possible, the Polish high command delayed their deployment in view of the coming Polish offensive.

The Kościuszko Squadron was the first air squadron to use a railway train as a mobile flying base with specially designed railroad cars that could transport their aircraft as the front moved and developed. The train also included the squadron's operational headquarters, aircraft spares and repair workshops and living quarters.

The Kościuszko Squadron was first used in the Kiev Offensive in April 1920, rebasing from Lwów to Połonne. Its aircraft were Albatros D.III (Oef) fighters, supplemented by Ansaldo A.1 Balilla. Since there were no air encounters, primary missions became reconnaissance and ground attack. Most of the Squadron's flights were directed against Semyon Budionny's First Cavalry Army. The Squadron developed a tactic of low-altitude machine-gun strafing runs. Polish land commanders highly valued the contribution of the Kościuszko Squadron. General Puchucki of the 13^th Infantry Division wrote in a report: “The American pilots, though exhausted, fight tenaciously. During the last offensive, their commander attacked enemy formations from the rear, raining machine-gun bullets down on their heads. Without the American pilots' help, we would long ago have been done for.”

Merian Cooper was shot down but survived. Budionny had put half a million rubles on Captain Cooper's head, but when he was caught by the Cossacks he managed to convince them that he was a corporal. A few months later he escaped from a POW camp near Moscow to Latvia.

In August 1920 the Kościuszko Squadron took part in the defense of Lwów, and after the Battle of Warsaw it participated in the Battle of Komarów which crippled Budionny's cavalry. Most active days were August 16 and 17, when Escadrille, reduced to 5 uninjured pilots, fulfilled 18 ground attack missions each day.

In 1920 the Kościuszko Squadron made over 400 combat flights.

References

1. Polish 7th Air Escadrille. (2011, November 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:00, January 20, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polish_7th_Air_Escadrille&oldid=461440694
2. Wings Palette World War I/Fighters/Oeffag D.III/Ba.153/Ba.253/Poland http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww1/f/175/29/0
3. Polish Albatros D.III Kościuszko Squadron scheme http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/camouflage-markings/53442-polish-albatros-d-iii-kozusko-squadron-scheme.html
4. Tadeusz Kościuszko. (2012, January 16). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:21, January 21, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tadeusz_Ko%C5%9Bciuszko&oldid=471731506
5. Merian C. Cooper, Faunt-le-Roy i jego eskadra w Polsce : dzieje Eskadry Kos'ciuszki, Wydawnictwa Pism Związkowych, Chicago, 1922.
6. Kenneth Malcolm Murray, Wings Over Poland: The Story of the 7th (Kosciuszko) Squadron of the Polish Air Service, 1919, 1920, 1921, D. Appleton and Co.,1932.
7. Janusz Cisek, Kosciuszko, We Are Here: American Pilots of the Kościuszko Squadron in Defense of Poland, 1919-1921, McFarland & Company, 2002, ISBN 0-7864-1240-2, Google Print

Poland 1918-1921 Breguet Br.14 A2

Breguet Br.14 A2 of the Polish-Soviet War

Slowly but surely I have been busy fleshing out the my collection of profiles for Poland, Belgium, Greece and Turkey. Some of the work has been slowed by the need for new master files. I hope to remedy this in the near future. I have been preparing the raw line drawings for the process of breaking them down into parts which get refined, shaded and stacked up for reassembly. Once the master files are done I can have fun.

As I promised before here is the first installment on Polish Air Force. There is much more to come. I will be posting them by aircraft type to attempt a coherent narrative.

The Birth of Polish Air Power

Military aviation in Poland started shortly after the country regained its independence in November 1918. Initially, the Polish Air Force consisted of mostly German and Austrian aircraft. The aircraft used included captured German Albatros D.III and D.VI, Fokker D.VII and D.VIII, and the Austrian Lloyd C.V and Oeffag D.III, as well as other aircraft types. These planes were first used by the Polish Air Force in the Polish-Ukrainian War in late 1918, during combat operations centered around the city of Lwów (now Lviv).

When the Polish-Soviet War broke out in February 1920, the Polish Air Force used a variety of aircraft from Britain, France and Italy. The most common aircraft in service at this time were the British made Bristol F2B and Italian Ansaldo Balilla fighters. German aircraft were still in use during the Polish-Soviet War The 21. Eskadra Niszczycielska (21st Destroyer Squadron) included a Gotha G.IV on April 30, 1920.

Breguet Br.14 A2, 39 Eskadra Breguetow sn 7460, Krakow Aerodrome mid 1919

This is one of the original Breguet Br.14 A2s assigned to BR39 Escadrille which was sent to Poland after WWI. It is finished in the French standard five-color camouflage scheme. The top wing bore both French and Polish markings, French on the left upper wing, Polish on the right. The rudder has the Polish insignia painted over the original three color French markings.

Breguet Br.14 A2, 16 Eskadra Wywiadowcza, sn 7244, May 1920

This is another French Breguet Br.14 A2 from Escadrille BR39 which became 16 Eskadras when turned over to the Polish Air Force. The basic paint scheme is the same as above, except the rudder has been over-painted and bears the Polish insignia. The marking mid-ship is a young woman scattering flowers. This unit eventually became the fictional Lithuanian squadron sent to fight in the 'Zeligowski's revolt'.

Breguet Br.14 A2 in Polish Service Overview

During the closing days of the Great War France redeployed three French escadrilles to Poland to aid in their struggle for independence and to bolster their defenses against what was seen as a growing threat of Soviet expansion. Escadrille BR39, BR59 and BR66 were redesignated as Polish squadrons. Eventually the French government handed over the surviving aircraft of these escadrilles to the Polish Air Force. Escadrille BR39 became 16EW, Escadrille BR59 became 12EW and Escadrille BR66 became 4EW. The original three Polish squadrons were disbanded by late 1920. Poland ordered an additional 70 Breguet Br.14s and between 1920-21 assigned them to the newly formed 1, 3, 8, 10, 12 and 16 Eskadras. By 1924 the Br14 was showing its age and was replaced by newer designs entering service.

The Br14s assigned to Poland were finished in the standard five-color camouflage scheme and French markings. The French roundels were gradually over-painted with the Polish red and white checkerboard insignias During the transition the aircraft bore a mix of French and Polish markings. Late issue Br14s were painted in a dark green on all of the upper surfaces

Poland sent the 16 Eskadras to aid Lithuania in the 'Zeligowski's revolt' which was fought between 1920 to 1921. 16 EW was sent as a fictional Lithuanian squadron. To help with the masquerade their markings were changed of a red square with white border on left wing and white square with red border on right. The rudder of these aircraft were painted in red and white stripes.

References

1. Aircraft Colours and Markings of the First World War Era: Breguet Br14 http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/CDv2/Poland/HTML/Aircraft-Breguet_14.htm

Germany - 1918 Jasta 26 Fokker Dr.I

Fokker Triplanes of Jasta 26 - 1918

Back in June of 2011 I did a post on the famed German ace Bruno Lorzer: http://wwiaviation.blogspot.com/2011/06/german-ace-brunolorzer.html, however I neglected posting any of the other Fokker Dr.I assigned to Jasta 26. The nagging problem has been and still is one of identifying the pilots who were flying them. So with many apologies, here are some of the profiles. If anyone knows anything about the pilots, please let me know. I would be eternally grateful and I will sing your praises, online if not in the shower.

In all the examples shown here the upper wing surfaces are finished in the brownish streaked scheme used on the factory fuselage. The lower wing surfaces are painted in the standard pale blue (Methuen ~21/22A2). The wheel covers are painted in the standard factory finish.The use of the Maltese cross indicates the aircraft were in service in after the order to replace the Iron cross in the spring of 1918.

Fokker Dr.I Jasta 26 Pilot and Serial Number Unknown - 1918

Here we see the black and white striping painted over the basic factory streaked scheme. The black trefoil was a personal marking. The Maltese cross is thinner than the other examples.

Fokker Dr.I Jasta 26 Pilot and Serial Number Unknown - 1918

Here we see a another different stripe pattern. The cockpit section is not over-painted, however there is a white and black stripe just behind the brown painted cowling. The Maltese cross is thicker than the first example.

Fokker Dr.I Jasta 26 Pilot and Serial Number Unknown - 1918

This example has black and white stripes which start just forwrd of the cockpit. The cowling is painted black.

Fokker Dr.I Jasta 26 Pilot and Serial Number Unknown - 1918

The final example has a series of vertically stacked whte stripes just forward of the typical black and white stripes.

References

1. Over The Front Volume 5 No. 4
2. Nowarra, Heinz J. "Fokker Dr.I In Action" (Aircraft No. 98). Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc., 1990. ISBN 0-89747-229-2.
3. Colours and Markings of the First World War Jasta 26 http://www.fun-modellbau.de/ww1-datenbank/Germany/Jasta26.htm

Belgium - 1917 Nieuport 11

Three Belgian Aces and The "Bébé"

Early in the war Belgium suffered from a lack of combat aircraft. They had to wait for the French to supply them with hand me down planes which were no longer state of the art. Even though they were hampered with less sophisticated planes their fighting spirit proved to be a factor in their success. The best of the Belgian aviators preferred light but nimble machines which allowed them to out-maneuver their opponents. Today's collection is some of the early combat aircraft flown by the Belgian Air Service.

1^ere Escadrille Belgian Air Service

Nieuport 11 Major Willy Coppens 1st Escadrille - 1917

This example shares a scheme with several other Belgian aircraft, the gray lower fuselage and the dark green upper surfaces. The stylized origami bird is the insignia for the 1st Escadrille. It is unusual in that the aircraft has a Vickers gun mounted on the forward fuselage and not the wing mounted Lewis gun which most Nieuport 11 carried.

2^me Escadrille Belgian Air Service

Nieuport 11 Lieutenant Jan Olieslagers 2nd Escadrille - 1917

This example is painted in a sprayed 2 color camouflage scheme. The Belgian roundel painted below the cockpit is not typical for the Nieuport 11. As in the previous profile the serial numbers on the rudder are over painted. The armament is the standard wing mounted Lewis gun. The lower wing surfaces are finished in yellow varnish.

5^me Escadrille Belgian Air Service

Nieuport 11 Adj. Edmond Thieffry Escadre de Chasse sn N3 Spring - 1917

This yellow varnished example has the unit insignia of a red shooting star bordered in white on the fuselage. The wheel covers bear Thieffry's red central stripe on white field pattern. The rudder has the identification N3 painted on the yellow section.

France - 1916 - 1917 More Nieuport-17

Three French Nieuport-17

I have been working on getting my archive of Nieuport aircraft rebuilt. Hopefully I will have the new master files for the different types finished and I can start fleshing out neglected areas in my collection. Slowly but surely I get closer to where I was before the big crash ate my homework. When I first started my website I was happy with a single profile to give a glimpse into the evolution of aircraft design. Now I seem to be consumed with depth of content. I have passed the 1300 profile mark and the project keeps growing.

Today's post is a small sample of the weekend's work. My recent excursion into post world war one aircraft is moved to a back burner as I get back to basics. I have so many irons in the fire I need to focus a bit more on the main topic of my site. I will still be posting profiles from the Greco-Turkish War and the Polish-Russian conflict. I just need to get back to my roots.

Escadrille N3 Les Cigognes

Nieuport-17 C1 René Dorme “Pere Dorme 3” Escadrille N3 1916

This plane was flown by René Dorme (23 victories) when serving in Escadrille N3 escadrille “des Cigognes” (“The Storks”). The aircraft is finished in the typical aluminum varnish mix used at the time. The legend painted on the forward section reads “Pere Dorme 3”. The all red stork was used as the unit insignia between October 1916 through April 1917. On the top of the fuselage just behind the head rest is a stylized green “Croix Lorraine” (“Cross Lorraine”). The red number 12 is unusual in that it was not painted to align with the center line when the plane is in flight.

Escadrille N15 Casque de Bayard

Nieuport 17 Slt. Fernando Chevillon, Escadrille N15, “DEDETTE III” sn 7 N2054 1917

“Casque de Bayard” translates as “helmet of Bayard” (a famous french Knight of the 16th Century), was used as the insigna of the Escadrille N15. The black version appears on several Nieuports flown by the 15^th Escadrille during 1917. Several variants were used including white and red versions.The name “DEDETTE III” is painted on the forward fuselage. This is the third aircraft Chevillon named Dedette. Some sources show the serial number as N2038. I may have to change the profile to reflect this.

Escadrille N31 Les Archer Grec

Nieuport-17, Pilot Unknown, Escadrille N31, sn 25, 2254- 1917

Escadrille N31 (Founded in September of 1914.) was called “Escadrille l' archer grec” which translates as “Squadron of the Greek Archer”. The escadrille fielded Nieuport 17 between February through April of 1917. The insignia variant used did not have a colored field or solid circle often seen. While this plane is well known. none of the sources I have seen have any information on who piloted number 25.

References

1. The Blueprints.com http://www.the-blueprints.com/
2. Wings Palette http://wp.scn.ru/en/
3. L'escadrille SPA 3: http://albindenis.free.fr/Site_escadrille/escadrille003.htm
4. L'escadrille SPA 15: http://albindenis.free.fr/Site_escadrille/escadrille015.htm
5. L'escadrille_31:http://albindenis.free.fr/Site_escadrille/escadrille031.htm
6. Michel and Guy Vaugeois History of the 7th fighter Wing SHAA 1989
7. From Wikipedia Nieuport 17, "From Wikipedia Nieuport 17"
8. Bruce, Jack. "Those Classic Nieuports". Air Enthusiast Quarterly. Number Two, 1976. Bromley, UK:Pilot Press. pp. 137-153.
9. Cheesman E.F., ed. "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918" War. Letchworth, UK: Harleyford Publications, 1960.
10. Cooksley, Peter. "Nieuport Fighters in Action". Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1997. ISBN 0-89747-377-9.

Greece-Turkey 1918-1922 Airco DH.9

Airco D.H.9 of the Second Greco-Turkish War

Slowly but surely I am getting back to normal after the holidays. Between medical appointments and working up profiles and new galleries and new navigation for them which are been viewable on galleries on my main site I have been a bit busy. Life has been interesting. I use the term advisably since the Chinese use the phrase as a curse. “May you live in interesting times” is not a friendly wish.

Today's post is another look at the aircraft used during the Second Greco-Turkish War. Once again both sides used the same aircraft type. The Greeks were supplied by Britain, and the Turks by captured Greek equipment. Such are the fortunes of war.

Royal Hellenic Naval Air Service

Airco D.H.9 - 1918

This aircraft had carried a typical RNAS color scheme before entering Greek service. In some profile examples show the fuselage and fin painted in very light gray to white paint scheme. Greek roundels are only painted on the wings. The forward fuselage section was natural metal both sides of the fuselage carry a Greek flag. This was the personal aircraft of the top Greek ace of WW1 Aristides Moraitinis during 1918. This aircraft served with the Royal Hellenic Naval Air Service and was stationed at the Moudros airfield, Lemnosin January of 1921.

Airco D.H.9 - 1921

This British built DH.9 first served RNAS before it was given to the Royal Hellenic Naval Air Service and was stationed at Alfion-Karahisar airfield during July 1921. The aircraft is finished in PC10 Dope on upper flying surfaces, fin, undercarriage legs and rear fuselage. The fuselage panels were painted battleship gray, and the under surfaces and wheel covers are clear doped Linen. The blue and white Greek national markings were converted from existing RNAS roundels from when they were based at Moudros during WW1. The serial number is painted in white, and is partially obscured by a dark gray or black wavy line. This pattern was a theater marking applied to all operational aircraft involved in the Greco-Turkish war of 1919-1922. Note that roundels on the lower wing surface do not have a 1 inch White outline.

Turkish Air Force

Airco D.H.9 - 1921

This was a Greek aircraft captured by the Turks when it made a forced landing at Mugla on 27th July 1921. The plane was named “Ismet” after the commander of the Western Front. The name is painted onto the red square of the national insignia both sides of the fuselage.this aircraft was used extensively throughout the Turkish War of Independence. After the war it was converted into a two-seat trainer and it was used at the flying school in Gaziemir-Izmir until it was retire in 1924.

Airco D.H.9 - 1922

This was one of three Greek Navy planes deserted at the Gaziemir airfield after the Greek withdrawal and evacuation of Izmir on 9th September 1922. It was named “Ganimet” which translates as War Gain. The name is painted onto the red square of the national insignia on the starboard side of the fuselage. The port side insignia bears the identification number 262. It was converted into a two-seat trainer and used at the flying school in Gaziemir-Izmir until 1924.

References

1. Wings Palette - Airco DH.9/9A - Greece: retrieved from http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww1/b/47/23/0
2. Wings Palette - Airco DH.9/9A - Turkey retrieved from http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww1/b/47/137/0

A Side Note:

Recently during image searches I have noticed a trend which is does not bode well. It seems users of several highly trafficked and well known forums are not only “Hot linking” (using a URL to images on other people's server so they are stealing bandwidth) but they do not even have the common courtesy to ask permission to use images or give credit to the owner of the material and a link back to the site they are robbing. Hot linking and use media without attribution is theft of intellectual property pure and simple. Not only has my work been pilfered but the work of many others have been treated the same way. There is a trend where the hosts of the forums are turning a blind eye to the problem even after receiving email about the problem. I see them just as culpable as the abusers. We are better than that people.