Currently round a mates, and they have a photograph of their great-grandfather, a Sergeant, stood next to an Airco DH9 which, with the Scarff ring removed, is being loaded with a mail bag, on a hardstanding with hangars in the background. It seems highly likely this is the same mail-carrying Airco DH9 unit seen in this movie on British Pathe, as the hangars are identical as well as the duties and aircraft being the same. Does anyone know which Squadron this could be, as well as the location?

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=80428

Clearly, despite the description on British Pathe, it is post-WW1 as the service is London-Brussels, so possibly an ex-frontline day bomber Squadron relegated to duties more useful in peace time?

The Airco DH9's registration is obscured by the tailplane but it is a presentation aircraft named 'Britons in Chili No 1' - does anyone know the registration and history of this aircraft?

Many thanks, Rob

Hi Rob
I believe i found your DH9
"Britons in Chili No 1" was serialed D1177 and carried the name on the fuselage in white from Dec 28,1918 on. It was assigned to No 120 squadron RAF after being previously on strength with No 98 Squadron during March of 1918. The DH9 was used as a mail carrier and survived until at least 18 Jan. 1919"

Fitzee

Fitzee, many thanks for that - the photo itself was taken either just before or just after the original photograph my friend has - the figure dissapearing off the edge of the photo is his great-grandfather! In his photograph the two in the aircraft are in slightly different positions, and there is the pilot in between his great-grandfather and the aircraft, wearing an RAF peaked cap and Sidcot suit. Fantastic! Needless to say he is very very happy

Just to add a little more, D1177 served with No 120 Sqn RAF, based at Hawkinge, from March to August 1919.

Gareth

Great, thanks - if anyone has anymore to add please add it, proved to be a really interesting night!

Fitzee, what book was the photo and info from?

Rob

"de Havilliand D.H.9 in Action" Aircraft #164

Published by:
Squadron/SignalPublications
1115 Crowley Dr.
Carrolton Texas
75011-5010

Cheers
Fitzee

Hi Rexee, what page is the photograph on? I had a look at the book today but couldn't find the photograph, could have been an earlier edition though

Page 21 ...Under the title"Presentation Aircraft"

Fitzee

If D1177 was in active service in March 1918 then it had been an RFC bomber! The RFC probably still had better name recognition for a French company in 1919 than the RAF.

PAPMPT

D1177 was delivered in October 1918, so it didn't serve with the RFC.

Cheers

Gareth

Slightly confused here - what French company?

March 1918 was before the formation of the RAF.

I understood that Pathe was a French company and maintained an international catalogue of films.

I think that the caption in de Havilland DH 9 in Action must be incorrect. According to The DH 4/DH 9 File, which is much more authoritative, D1177 was delivered in October 1918 and served with No 120 Sqn from March to August 1919.

Gareth

As no one had corrected the information in the caption, I naturally assumed that it was accurate.