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  #1  
Old 19-08-17, 10:55 PM
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Jelly Terror Jelly Terror is offline
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Default RAF/RFC - (Vickers Vimy?)

Thought I'd share this recent find, and hope that perhaps the forum birdmen might be able to throw some light on it.

I believe the plane to be a Vickers Vimy, a three-seat, heavy bomber biplane, with two 360hp Eagle VIII engines. Although first flown in 1917, there were only three in service by the Armictice, which would probably mean these men are RAF as opposed to RFC.

Any thoughts appreciated, especially any ideas as to squadron and location (it's hot, wherever it is).









Lastly, would anyone be able to show an example of the 'eagle' badge below, being worn here on the men's shoulders?





Regards to all,

JT

Last edited by Jelly Terror; 19-08-17 at 11:14 PM.
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Old 20-08-17, 06:56 AM
Advsmt Advsmt is offline
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Interesting picture. It is almost definitely a Vimy and the Middle East. The Vimy served there throughout the early 1920s most notably with 70 and 216 Sqns. The Middle East being its main operating area - lot of confusion over the numbers that were built and operated by the RAF. Some men have their medal ribbons. The other interesting feature is, or appears to be, the single glazed panel in the nose. Usually there are 3 panels or none if it was used for transport or long distance flights to keep the weight down. Heliopolis?

Very hard to pin down unless someone knows an individual or has a titled copy of the photo.

Bryan
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Old 20-08-17, 01:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Advsmt View Post
Interesting picture. It is almost definitely a Vimy and the Middle East. The Vimy served there throughout the early 1920s most notably with 70 and 216 Sqns. The Middle East being its main operating area - lot of confusion over the numbers that were built and operated by the RAF. Some men have their medal ribbons. The other interesting feature is, or appears to be, the single glazed panel in the nose. Usually there are 3 panels or none if it was used for transport or long distance flights to keep the weight down. Heliopolis?

Very hard to pin down unless someone knows an individual or has a titled copy of the photo.

Bryan
Bryan,

Thank you for your reply. Would I be correct in thinking that the Vimy was essentially a bomber (cessation of hostilities notwithstanding)?

JT
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Old 20-08-17, 02:19 PM
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Yes you are right it was a heavy bomber. Came into service too late for WW1 and so large orders were cancelled. It was tried out as a torpedo bomber and an air ambulance. Saw service in China and became the basis for several other designs including commercial transport. It was its long range capacity that led to its fame' Alcock & Brown, et al. If I had to hazard a guess, and it is a guess, then I would say your photo is 70 Sqn at Heliopolis around 1922. That might be a good starting point for further research.

Bryan
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Old 20-08-17, 02:34 PM
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Thank you both for your posts.

I'm always fascinated and impressed with forum members knowledge on specific topics - often not badge related - and this is one of those occasions.

I love learning new details like this on topics I know nothing about.

well done chaps..

Cheerio,

Roy
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Old 20-08-17, 02:53 PM
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Hi JT
Congratulations on acquiring this most interesting photo. The Sergeant pilot was of special interest to me ... I wonder how these guys "fitted-in" to the post WW1 RAF ?
My figures for the Vimy are as follows :
(1) Over 1,000 ordered
(2) 753 built (remainder cancelled)
(3) The three in RAF Service after 1918 to which you refer were those built by Westland with 2X USA made Liberty engines.
I don't know how many RR Eagle VIII engined versions the RAF had at this time but I suspect quite a few !
Many were of course sold to the civil market where they were converted for commercial use.
(4) The last Vimy in RAF Service was used as a target tug in 1938.

Hope these figures are of some interest. Regards Jeff
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