Commemorating ANZAC Day…Australians Aviators at War Image #1: A line up of Bristol F2b fighters of 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps, Palestine, World War One
Current leaders in the poll for The Best British Fighter of World War One
- Royal Aircaft Factory S.E.5/5a
- Sopwith Camel
- Bristol F.2/F.2b
No other nominee has attracted any votes…to make your choice visit this link.
What Was The Best British Fighter Of World War One:
Candidate #4 - The Bristol M.1 Bullet
The Bullet was the sole British monoplane fighter scout to see significant service during WWI. Whilst it failed to see dogfighting over the Western Front it was used in the Middle East for active duty, and its performance was better or at worst equal to contemporary biplane types.
To vote for the Bristol M.1 visit here.
What Was The Best British Fighter Of World War One:
Candidate #3 - The Bristol F.2
The Biff of Brisfit was arguably the best two-seat fighter to enter service with any air force in the first half of the twentieth century, with over 240 aces flying the type, over 5300 being produced and it serving long after World War One ended. Originally flown at a tactical disadvantage by its pilots, when the F.2/F.2b was used aggressively like a single seater scout its success was remarkable. The RFC and RAF used it extensively and it also saw good work with the AFC in the Middle East with 1 squadron. After the First World War the newly formed Polish Air Force used it in the Polish-Soviet War.
The F.2/F.2b may be the most under-rated warplane of World War One. To vote for it please follow this link.
British Monoplane Fighter Prototypes of the 30s…Image No.3: The Bristol Type 146
A victim of both the Hurricane/Spitfire and Rolls-Royce Merlin engine priorities of the RAF, the sole Type 146 prototype was damaged beyond repair after an accident on display in 1938.
Final Bristol Beaufort photo for today, this shot shows a Mk.I in RAF service. The RAF operated Beauforts were most prominent for their sorties against the Kriegsmarine’s capital ships (most notably the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau during the Channel Dash) and in the Med attacking German/Italian convoys.
The Turkish Air Force also operated the Beaufort in small numbers during and immediately after World War II in the torpedo bomber role.
Having just read this very interesting story about a RAAF DAP Beaufort that downed two Japanese Mitsubishi A6Ms today’s Wings of War entries are dedicated to the Bristol Beaufort. First up, a RAAF DAP Beaufort of 100 Squadron
Bristol F2B Fighters of 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
On this day in history 1912: The Australian Flying Corps was officially formed following the decision of the London Imperial Conference of 1911 that the armed forces of the British Empire should exploit the air as a means of warfare. (Australian War Memorial)
A Bristol Bombay in flight (first serving with the RAF followed by work with the RAAF’s 1st Air Ambulance Unit)
