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Paul McGuiness RAAF Archive
Paul McGuiness is an Australian aviation researcher and historian. Using primary sources he has assembled detailed information on the history of each plane
used by Australians and Australian forces in WWl and WW2, and on personnel involved.

This page contains many names, dates, locations. To help find the one(s) you're interested in, use our Highlighting facility.
Highlighting will ONLY find entries within this specific page.   

History of Australian Military Aviation

First World War

Armstrong Whitworth FK3

Avro 504

Bristol F2b Fighter

Fairey Aviation Model lllD Seaplane

Martinsyde G.100 G 102 Elephant

Maurice Farman S.11 Shorthorn

Royal Aircraft Factory BE2

Royal Aircraft Factory BE12

Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A Experimental Scout

Sopwith Camel B Series

Sopwith Camel C D E F Series

Sopwith Snipe

Sopwith Scout (Pup)

Sopwith 1½ Strutter

Supermarine Seagull lll

Supermarine Southampton Mk 1

Westland Wapiti


Post First World War

Bristol Bulldog

De Havilland DH.9A

Hawker Demon

Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A

Avro 504K


Second World War

3 Sqn Gladiators 1940-1941

3 Sqn Gauntlets 1940-1941

10 Sqn Sunderlands

451 Sqn Spitfires Med 43-44 Europe 44-46

452 Sqn Spitfires Europe 41-42

455 Sqn Hampdens 1941-43

458 Sqn Wellingtons

460 Sqn Wellingtons

461 Sqn Sunderlands

462 Sqn Halifax Part 1 MTO

466 Sqn Wellingtons


Further Information:

Aces and Aviators WWl Database

Material Relating to Australia

Aircraft Types Used By Australian Forces 1914 - 1918

Sopwith Scout (Pup)

Used by 5 Sqd (Australia) Training AFC, 6 Sqd (Australia) Training AFC, 8 Sqd (Australia) Training AFC

The Sopwith Pup was a British single-seater biplane fighter aircraft built by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It entered service with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service in the autumn of 1916. With pleasant flying characteristics and good manoeuvrability, the aircraft proved very successful. The Pup was eventually outclassed by newer German fighters, but it was not completely replaced on the Western Front until the end of 1917. Remaining Pups were relegated to Home Defence and training units. The Pup's docile flying characteristics also made it ideal for use in aircraft carrier deck landing and takeoff experiments.

B6089

00Dec17 Built as Serial B6089 the 189th of 250 Sopwith Pup aircraft built in the Serial Range B5901 to B6150 under license by the Standard Motor Co Ltd in their facilities at Coventry, UK. Built to Contract AS11541 dated 13 July 1917. Fitted with an 80hp (60 kW) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine Serial No.564WD3939.

00Dec17 Taken on charge by the RFC for acceptance testing by the RFC Aeronautical Inspection Department at RFC Station Farnborough, Hampshire UK.

14Dec17 Allocated to and received by RFC No.67 Training Squadron, 28th Wing at RFC Station Castle Bromwich, West Midlands UK.

00Jan18 Allocated to No.6 (Australian) Training Squadron, 1st Wing AFC at RFC Station Tern Hill, Shropshire.

00Jan18 Received for acceptance checks by Aircraft Repair Squadron (ARS), 1st Wing AFC at RAF Station Tern Hill, Shropshire.

19Jan18 Received for use by 6TS, AFC.

22Jan18 2nd Lt R.J Forsyth was flying a routine local training flight when he became ill and passed out. The uncontrolled aircraft eventually crashed beside the airfield. The seriously injured pilot was immediately taken to Prees Heath Military Hospital where he died from his injuries on 16Feb1918.

AFC Pilot 10960 2nd Lt Reginald James Thomas Forsyth (25) single of Crow’s Nest, Sydney NSW is buried in Grave 34 of the Tilstock (Christ Church) Churchyard Extension, Shropshire, UK. He is also remembered at Location 187 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT.

31Jan18 Aircraft remains taken to ARS, 1st Wing AFC for write-off and disposal action.

B7506

00Jan18 Built as Serial B7506 the 26th of 100 Sopwith Pup aircraft built in the Serial Range B7481 to B7580 under license by the Whitehead Aircraft Company Ltd in their facilities at Richmond and Feltham, West London UK. Built to Contract 87/A/1101 dated 24 July 1917. Fitted with an 80hp (60 kW) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine Serial No.53206WD45816.

00Jan18 Taken on charge by the RFC for acceptance testing by the RFC Aeronautical Inspection Department at RFC Station Farnborough, Hampshire UK.

00Apr18 Allocated to No.6 (Australian) Training Squadron, 1st Wing AFC at RFC Station Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire UK.

00Apr18 Received for acceptance checks by Aircraft Repair Squadron (ARS), 1st Wing AFC at RAF Station Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK.

00Apr18 Received by 6TS, AFC.

04Aug18 Flown by CPT Cornish on a 10min Test Flight after the fitment of a camera gun.

14Aug18 At 0950hrs AFC 2nd Lt Cecil Charles (22) Lewis departed on a local training flight when, for unknown reasons, he failed to recover from a dive and crashed into the tarmac in front of the squadron hangar. The aircraft was totally destroyed and the pilot killed instantly.

On the 17th of August 1917 at 1500hrs AFC pilot 2nd Lt Cecil Charles Lewis (22) single of Moyhu, Victoria was buried in Grave 4, Row 3, Plot East.1 of the Leighterton Church Cemetery, Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK. 2nd Lt Lewis is also commemorated at Location 187 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT.

D4170

00Mar18 Built as Serial D4170 the 160th of 200 Sopwith Pup aircraft built in the Serial Range D4011 to D4210 under license by the Whitehead Aircraft Company Ltd in their facilities at Richmond and Feltham, West London UK. Built to Contract 87/A/1101 dated 10 December 1917. Fitted with an 80hp (60 kW) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine Serial No.32084WD19912.

00Mar18 Taken on charge by the RFC for acceptance testing by the RFC Aeronautical Inspection Department at Whitehead Aircraft Company Ltd.

00Apr18 Allocated to No.6 (Australian) Training Squadron, 1st Wing AFC at RFC Station Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire UK.

14May18 Received by 6TS, AFC.

21May18 Received for acceptance checks by Aircraft Repair Squadron (ARS), 1st Wing AFC at RAF Station Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK.

00Jun18 Allocated to No.8 (Australian) Training Squadron, 1st Wing AFC at RFC Station Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK.

00Jun18 Aircraft was painted with a white fuselage and wings and light tan undersides. A red band circled the fuselage immediately behind the roundel with a large white Emu silhouette superimposed on either side. The aircraft Serial was painted in black, each side, on the fwd portion of the rudder in front of the tricolour national identifier. Two large roundels were fixed to the top of the upper wings and two to the bottom of the lower wings; smaller roundels were affixed either sided of the fuselage approximately mid-way between the cockpit and the empennage.

30Jun18 Received by 8TS.

18Aug18 At approximately 1800hrs 2nd Lt D.A Ferguson in Sopwith Camel C6746 collided head-on with Lt Harry Taylor MC MM in Sopwith Scout D4170 while conducting an Aerial Fighting mission near Leighterton. Both aircraft fell to earth near the Church and when rescuers arrived at the crash sites they found both pilots were dead in the wrecked machines.

RFC pilot Lieutenant Harry Taylor MC MM aged 30, single, of Birmingham England was buried on 22Aug18 in Grave 157, Section B.10 of the Lodge Hill Cemetery Birmingham in West Midlands, England.

D4170 at Leighterton during the summer of 1918

D4179

00Mar18 Built as Serial D4173 the 163rd of 200 Sopwith Pup aircraft built in the Serial Range D4011 to D4210 under license by the Whitehead Aircraft Company Ltd in their facilities at Richmond and Feltham, West London UK. Built to Contract 87/A/1101 dated 10 December 1917. Fitted with an 80hp (60 kW) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine Serial No.32120WD19948

00Mar18 Taken on charge by the RFC for acceptance testing by the RFC Aeronautical Inspection Department at Whitehead Aircraft Company Ltd.

1918 Received for use by No.8 (Australian) Training Squadron, 1st Wing AFC at RFC Station Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK.

26Oct18 Lt J.T.P Stephens was on a local training flight when an engine failure caused a forced landing. Stephens sustained minor injuries.

11Jan19 Engine partially failed on take-off and crashed into trees near the runway. Lt Darcy Norman Rees sustained moderate injuries and shock.

00Jan19 Aircraft struck off charge and reduced to spares.

D4179 after crashing at Leighterton 11Jan1919. Lt Rees moderate injuries.



Used By : No.1 Home Training Squadron AFC, AAC No.1 Flying Training School AAF, RAAF


A4-1 C521

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C521, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somalia or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Feb19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

25Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

22Sep19 Received by ARS, presumably for servicing and/or repair.

25Sep19 Returned for use to C Flight, 1HTS.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with C Flight, No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C521.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C521 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-1 applied on the fuselage sides.

01Jul22 Received for use by A Flight, 1FTS.

1922-25 No specific usage information has been found for this period. However, it is known that the aircraft was used as an advanced trainer by both A & B Flights of 1FTS. Also during this period the aircraft would have rotated through ARS for servicing and repairs and, it would have been placed in storage at various times to spread the flying load across all eight remaining aircraft.

1925 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engines would have been reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-2 C522

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C522, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

25Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

20Sep19 Received by ARS, presumably for servicing and/or repair.

22Sep19 Returned for use to C Flight, 1HTS.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C522.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C522 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-2 applied on the fuselage sides.

17Oct21 Received for use by C Flight, 1FTS.

01Jul22 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

1922-25 No specific information has been found for this period. However, it is known that the aircraft was used as an advanced trainer by both B & C Flights of 1FTS Also during this period the aircraft would have rotated through ARS for servicing and repairs and, it would have been placed in storage at various times to spread the flying load across all eight remaining aircraft.

1925 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engines would have been reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-3 C523

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C523, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

08Jul19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

08Aug19 Selected to take part in the 1st Peace Loan Tour in No 6 Military District, Tasmania.

00Aug19 Disassembled and packed in a bespoke 24ft long wooden transit case. The words ‘BUY BONDS’ were painted in large white letters on the lower wing undersides and rear fuselage. A spare set of wings, two propellers, an engine and several other items together with tools and consumables were loaded into a second crate.

21Aug19 Loaded aboard the 7,431 ton White Star Line troopship SS Frankfurt and shipped to Hobart. Accompanied by pilots Captain E.C Cummings DFC, Lt A.L Long and a ground crew party from CFS.

23Aug19 Arrived Hobart dock and transported to Elwick Racecourse for reassembly and testing. Test flown on 28Aug.

Aug-Sep During this period the aircraft visited the following locations: Hobart CBD, Green Ponds, Bothwell, Brighton, Mona Vale, Launceston, Sheffield (lay-over with engine problems for three days), Devonport, Forth, Ulverstone, Penguin, Burnie, and Wynyard. At each of the fly past locations hundreds of leaflets were dropped outlining the Peace Loan Aims. At locations where the aircraft landed the pilot was called upon to exhort the locals to buy Peace Loans.

13Sep19 When landing at Wynyard Recreation Ground the pilot was forced to land downwind because of obstacles surrounding the chosen field. The aircraft could not be stopped before crashing into a drainage ditch in the field which ripped off the stbd undercarriage. The aircraft then crashed down on the stbd wing and pivoted into a fence which shattered the propellor and broke two wing struts. Surprisingly pilot Lt A.L Long climbed from the crash without a scratch but probably well shaken.

15Sep19 Aircraft was disassembled, crated and placed on a train to Hobart.

17Sep19 The stockpile of spares that were brought over in August were used to repair the aircraft at Elwick Racecourse.

26Sep19 Department of Defence telegram to Captain Cummings ordered the aircraft to return to Melbourne forthwith. However, the Tasmanian Peace Loan Committee successfully obtained an extension so that the aircraft could visit the towns that had been promised an ‘aeroplane experience’.

02Oct19 Successfully test flown.

00Oct19 During the period 03-17 October the aircraft visited the following Tasmanian towns: Broadmarsh, Bagdad, Campania, Richmond, Sorell, Dunalley, Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Ouse, Hamilton and New Norfolk. No landings were made except at Ouse and Hamilton; a brief air display was given at all other locations followed by a leaflet drop.

07Nov19 The aircraft was disassembled and placed in its transit case and shipped back to Melbourne from Launceston onboard the 2,448 ton Tasmanian Steamers Line vessel SS Loongana.

12Nov19 Received by ARS for servicing following the Tasmanian Peace Loan Tour.

14Dec20 Received for use by A Flight, CFS Point Cook.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

19Jun20 Placed on display at the Australian War Museum’s Aircraft Exhibition at the Melbourne Exhibition Building.

04Jul20 Received by ARS [presumably] for servicing following the above detachment. Placed in storage after servicing.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C523, held in storage.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C523 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-3 applied on the fuselage sides.

1922-25 No specific information has been found for this period. However, it is known that the aircraft was used as an advanced trainer by both A & B Flights of 1FTS Also during this period the aircraft would have rotated through ARS for servicing and repairs and, it would have been placed in storage at various times to spread the flying load across all eight remaining aircraft.

05Feb25 Crashed near Port Melbourne, VIC. No further details known.

12Feb25 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engine were reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-4 C524

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C524, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

15Oct19 Received for use by A Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C524.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C524 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-4 applied on the fuselage sides.

04Dec24 Engine failure soon after takeoff caused the aircraft to crash into a Hangar at Point Cook. Severe damage to airframe and engine. Pilot FLGOFF C.C Matheson suffered minor injuries.

27Jan25 Board of Survey inspection at No 1 Aircraft Depot recommended conversion.

12Mar25 Air Board approved conversion to components.

A4-5 C525

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C525, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

00Aug19 Selected to take part in the 1st Peace Loan Tour of No 2 Military District, NSW.

12Sep19 Flown by Captain G.F. Malley to Sydney via Benalla, Cootamundra and Goulburn.

16Sep19 Captain G.F. Malley MC Performed a lunch-hour display over the Sydney CBD.

17-30Sep Performed a Series of Peace Loan leaflet drops and air displays over Wollongong, Dapto, Kiama, Gerrigong and Nowra. Back to Richmond for further displays at Katoomba and western Sydney

13Oct19 Received by ARS for repairs and servicing following the 1st Peace Loan Tour. Placed in storage after servicing.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

30Nov20 Placed into Serviceable Storage at Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C525.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

17Oct21 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

29Mar22 Air Board authorised the airframe to be converted to components in order to provide spares for the remaining fleet of eight aircraft.

A4-6 C526

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C526, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

00Jan20 Damaged in a landing incident at Point Cook, no details known.

00Jan20 Placed into storage.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C526, held in storage.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C526 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-6 applied on the fuselage sides.

1922-25 No specific information has been found for this period. However, it is known that the aircraft was used as an advanced trainer by both A & C Flights of 1FTS Also during this period the aircraft would have rotated through ARS for servicing and repairs and, it would have been placed in storage at various times to spread the flying load across all eight remaining aircraft.

1925 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engines would have been reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-7 C527

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C527, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

30Nov20 Placed into Serviceable Storage at Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C527. Placed in storage.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

17Oct21 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

29Mar22 Air Board authorised the airframe to be converted to components in order to provide spares for the remaining fleet of eight aircraft.

A4-8 C528

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C528, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS) AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook.

28Jul19 Issued to ARS for servicing and repair.

07Aug19 Returned for use to C Flight 1HTS.

01Sep19 Issued to ARS for servicing and preparation for use in the 1st Peace Loan Tour of No 2 Military District NSW under the command of Captain G.C Wilson.

22Sep19 Issued to ARS for servicing after the Peace Loan Tour.

15Oct19 Returned for use to C Flight 1HTS.

12Dec19 Issued to ARS for servicing

01Jan20 Became part of the newly formed Australian Air Corps.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, CFS.

30Nov20 Placed into Serviceable Storage at Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C528. Placed in storage.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

17Oct21 Received for use by A Flight, 1FTS.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C528 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-8 applied on the fuselage sides.

04Aug22 Crashed at Point Cook causing serious damage to the airframe when the pilot stalled on approach and spun into a Bessoneau Hangar. Pilot FLTLT H.F De La Rue received minor injuries.

07Aug22 Wreckage placed into storage at No 1 Aircraft Depot at Point Cook awaiting direction.

25Aug22 Air Board Agenda No 284 / 22 authorised conversion of the airframe to components. Original airframe cost was £716/10/6. Le Rhône engine No 18205 allocated to 1AD for possible repair.

15Nov22 Engine was uneconomical to repair and was reduced to spares.

C529 Crashed before A4 Serial was allocated

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C529, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

22Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

18Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

24Dec18 Loaded on the 5,923 ton Australian Commonwealth Line of Steamers vessel SS Barambah at London docks and sailed to Melbourne via Plymouth, Aden, Fremantle and Sydney.

07Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

28Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC. The aircraft was found to have serious transit damage including three large cracks in the vertical tail unit

Apr-Jul19 Repaired at ARS.

00Jul19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

08Aug19 Selected to take part in the 1st Peace Loan Tour (PLT) in No 3 Military District, Victoria.

26Aug19 Captain F.G Huxley flew to Ballarat then flew over Ballan, Gordon, Sebastopol and Creswick. RTB 27Aug

00Sep19 Crashed during 1st PLT.

00Sep19 Wreckage recovered and taken by Crossley tender back to Point Cook and placed in storage.

13Apr20 Authorized to be struck off charge by Air Board Directive AS208 dated 08Apr20.

A4-9 C530

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C530, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

00Jun19 Received for use by C Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook.

21Aug19 Received for servicing by ARS.

05Sep19 Returned for use to C Flight 1HTS.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

25Mar20 Received for servicing by ARS.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C530.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

17Oct21 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C530 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-9 applied on the fuselage sides.

1922 Placed in Serviceable Storage at Point Cook.

00Feb24 Received for post storage servicing by ARS.

06Mar24 Test flown by FLGOFF J.H Summers.

00Mar24 Received for use by 1FTS.

12Mar25 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engines would have been reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-10 C531

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C531, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

00Dec18 Loaded aboard either the SS Somali or the SS Bakara at London docks.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

00Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

15Oct19 Received for use by B Flight, 1HTS.

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

08Jan20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C531.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

17Oct21 Received for use by C Flight, 1FTS.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C531 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-10 applied on the fuselage sides.

13Mar23 Crashed at Laverton. FLGOFF C.C Matheson.

00Mar23 Placed in Storage at No 1 Aircraft Depot at Point Cook.

04Apr24 Allocated to 1FTS.

1924-25 Very little specific information has been found for this period. However, it is probable that the aircraft was used as an advanced trainer by both A & B Flights of 1FTS Also during this period the aircraft would have rotated through ARS for servicing and repairs and, it would have been placed in storage at various times to spread the flying load across all eight remaining aircraft.

1925 Withdrawn from service. Specific disposal details are unknown but it would be safe to assume the aircraft and engines would have been reduced to components and the residue burnt as per Air Board Instructions of that period.

A4-11 C532

20Aug18 The Australian Government placed an order for 12 Sopwith Pup (Scout) aircraft with the UK War Department. Aircraft of the order were RAF Serials C521 thru C532.

00Oct18 Built as Serial C532, one of 350 Sopwith Pup aircraft manufactured by the Standard Motor Company at their Canley factory in Coventry, UK. Part of a Royal Flying Corp order under Contract AS/11541/17 dated 20 August 1917 in the Serial range C201 thru C550. Powered by the 80hp (60kw) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine.

00Oct18 Delivered to the RFC and [probably] stored at No 1 Aircraft Storage Park, Coventry awaiting allocation.

22Oct18 Allocated to the Australian Government by the UK War Department Allotment No H627 of Oct18.

19Nov18 Aircraft was prepared for sea transportation by RFC staff and awaiting shipment to Australia.

24Dec18 Loaded on the 5,923 ton Australian Commonwealth Line of Steamers vessel SS Barambah at London docks and sailed to Melbourne via Plymouth, Aden, Fremantle and Sydney.

00Mar19 Arrived Victoria Dock Port Melbourne, VIC.

29Apr19 Received for assembly and testing by the Aeroplane Repair Section (ARS) of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at No 1 Station Point Cook, VIC.

21Oct19 Received for use by B Flight, No 1 Home Training Squadron (1HTS), AFC at No 1 Station Point Cook

01Jan20 Became part of the Australian Air Corps (AAC) on this day.

04Jan20 Received for service by ARS, placed into storage following servicing.

20Apr20 Received for use by A Flight, Central Flying School (CFS) at No 1 Station Point Cook.

31Mar21 Received for use by the Australian Air Force (AAF) with No 1 Flying Training School (1FTS) at No 1 Station Point Cook wearing the Serial C532.

13Aug21 Became part of the Royal Australian Air Force when the Royal prefix was Gazetted on this day.

21Oct21 Received for use by B Flight, 1FTS.

00Oct21 At some time after October 1921 the RAF Serial C532 was removed and the new RAAF Serial A4-11 applied on the fuselage sides.

29Mar22 Air Board authorised the airframe to be converted to components in order to provide spares for the remaining fleet of eight aircraft.


SY 2020-04-16

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