I have been contacted by a member of the French 'Pages 14-18' forum who is researching the actions of the French Army in the Balkans. On the 16th August 1916 a British squadron came into the area of Escadrille 509 for bombing missions. It looks like the COs name might be Harring (?). Anyway, on the 20th August 1917 an aircraft flown by Lt Thomas, pilot, and Lt Jones, observer, was over Prilep and they were both wounded. Thomas was badly wounded but managed to land the plane.

There is also a mention of what could a Col Doves (?) who was RFC commander in the area.

Our French colleague wonders whether this information can help identify the squadron involved and also confirm the names of the Squadron commander and area commander.

Thanks from both of us for any help.

There were only two or three units serving with the RFC out in Salonika - 47 Sqn springs to mind as one, not to mention 17 and 150 Sqns. The name Jones also rings bells - I wonder if it was Lt H A Jones who went on to write most of the Official History of the War in the Air.

I think H A Jones was with 47 Sqn.

On 20 August 1917 Lt Frank William Henry Thomas MC CdeG (France) (from Zeerust, South Africa, and formerly with the 1st Staffordshire Yeomanry) and Lt H A Jones of No 47 Sqn RFC were flying Armstrong Whitworth FK 8 A1466 from the French aerodrome at Florina as part of the escort for a French bombing mission on Prilep aerodrome. The escort was led by Lt A Maxwell of No 17 Sqn in a Nieuport (borrowed from the French, as were all the Nieuports involved in ths mission) and included Lt Scales of No 47 Sqn in a Nieuport as well as Thomas and Jones in the AW - other machines failed to take part due to engine problems. The formation was joined over Prilep by Lts Bamford and Lee from No 17 Sqn, both flying Nieuports. Lt Joseph Lamont Bamford Mid* CdeG (France) (formerly RNAS and Royal Scots Fusiliers) was shot down and killed shortly afterwards. A1466 was covering the rear of the flight and was badly damaged by enemy fire. Lt Thomas was wounded and twice passed out, but recovered and, after some 40 minutes flying, managed to land in Allied territory. Lt Jones was also wounded.

The RFC men at Florina, from both Nos 17 and 47 Sqns, were under the command of Major J H Herring from No 47 Sqn

Lt Thomas died of wounds on 5 January 1918. As Martin said, Lt Jones went on to write Over the Balkans and South Russia and Volumes II-VI of The War in the Air.

I hope that this is useful.

Gareth

Gareth,

Excellent. I will now try to translate and pass on. The fun bit!

Cheers

Bill

Bill

I'm pleased that it was useful. However, I have to make a correction. A1466 was an Armstrong Whitworth FK 3, not an FK 8.

Cheers

Gareth

Just as well they are ahead by one hour in France. They've all gone to bed so I can correct unnoticed. Anway, he will be chuckling so much over my lamentable French I doubt he'd notice.

Thanks again.

Gareth,

Our French colleague Nicolas over at Pages 14-18 is extremely grateful for the detailed information which was exactly what he was looking for. I told him I'd pass on his thanks. He is, apparently, now going to buy the relevant volume of the War in the Air so that he can find out more about the RFC's actions in the Balkans.

The Entente Cordiale lives on!

Cheers

Bill

Bill

Thank you for the thanks. I'm not too sure how Australia relates to the Entente Cordiale, but we do our best.

Cheers

Gareth