Great War Forum > South African's in RFC in East Africa

Full Version: South African's in RFC in East Africa

Great War Forum > The soldiers and armies of the Great War > The war in the air

olosangus

Sep 18 2009, 02:53 PM

I was wondering if anyone had access to an article that appeared in the Cross & Cockade Vol 7 No 4 in 1976 entitled " The origins of South African Military Aviation" ?
I am researching Z185 Flt Sjt David Grant, a South African who was awarded the DCM for his services with No 26 squadron RFC in East Africa and ahven't been able to discover too much about the aviation aspect of the campaign.

Thanks. Simon

per ardua per mare per terram

Sep 19 2009, 10:19 AM

Have you tried searching this forum? There are several threads on aviation in the East African campaign. BTW it was not purely a South African venture, the RNAS had been invollved since 1914.

Grovetown

Sep 19 2009, 12:14 PM

Some brief notes I have, following (superficial) research into 26 Sqdn pilot.

QUOTE

26 (SA) Sqdn was originally formed for service in East Africa being manned by personnel who had previously in the South African Flying Unit. It formed on 8 October 1915 at Netheravon leaving in December for Africa. Arriving at the end of January 1916 in Mombasa, it was equipped with BE2s and Farmans. It provided support to Imperial Forces engaged against the German East African colonies throughout 1916 and 1917, but by early 1918, the need for the squadron had diminished and it returned to the UK, arriving at Blandford Camp on 8 July 1918 and being disbanded the same day.

Best wishes,

GT.

Krithia

Sep 19 2009, 01:26 PM

I think C&C have all their back issues available on their website, either on CD or printed.

regards, K

bushfighter

Sep 19 2009, 01:35 PM

Simon
Last year an article on 26 Sqn was, I believe, being prepared for Cross & Cockade.

It may have been published by now.

Why not ask the editor through the website?

Harry

olosangus

Sep 20 2009, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

Regards. Simon

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