A Mystery

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y386/tom1125/bth_P1000637_zps4af70362.jpg

I bought this old photo for a shilling in a Norwich junk shop many years ago. I would be most grateful for any information that you experts can give regarding type and date. She looks as though she has been on her back (so to speak) note bandaged gent. I will attempt to transfer the complete photograph in the next hour or so. Serial Number on Fin is J567.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I believe it is a DH9A but I can't tell you any more. Bound to be someone on here who can..

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y386/tom1125/P1000638_zpsb0015430.jpg

[DaveReidUK]

One of a batch of DH9As built in Norwich by Mann Egerton.

[Kieron Kirk]

J567, an Airco DH.9.A, built by Mann, Edgerton & Co. Ltd, Norwich.

The "J" series appeared from October 1918.

Ciarain.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Thanks very much chaps. If anyone can find out the service history of the aeroplane that would be most interesting. Incidentally the sea is in the back-ground and note The Jolly Jack Tar.

Tom.

[MReyn24050]

In Issue 15 of "Twenty Four" The Magazine of XXIV Squadron Association dated Summer 2008 there is an article on aircraft operated by 24 Sqn during the period 1920 - 1928. DH9A Serial Number J567 is mention in this article:-

The de Havilland D.H.9A -These aeroplanes were designed as replacements for the DH4 and were used during the Great War by the Independent Air Force a strategic bombing unit commanded by Trenchard. After the war DH9A were used extensively abroad in the Middle east and elsewhere. 24 Squadron used them for continuation and conversion training, in fact Jim Mollison the famous aviator trained in them in 1924. He first went solo on the 9th August 1924 in a DH9A aircraft Serial Number J567.

[JW411]

Air-Britain J1 - J9999:

J567 Delivered 3 AAP, 2 FTS 05.21-07.22, 24 Sqn .26, PD Ascot, AD Drigh Road, 27 Sqn .30.

[JW411]

I was in a bit of a hurry when I posted yesterday and realised that perhaps a bit of a translation might be in order.

No. 3 AAP (Aircraft Acceptance Park) was at RAF Mousehold Heath and was set up to receive aircraft from manufacturers in the Norwich area including Boulton Paul and Mann Egerton. Boulton Paul used the site after WW I and it became the first Norwich airport in 1933.

No. 2 FTS (Flying Training School) was at Duxford at the time mentioned.

No. 24 Squadron was at Kenley.

PD (Packing Depot) Ascot got the aircraft ready for transportation to India.

AD (Aircraft Depot) RAF Drigh Road was near Karachi (which was in India in those days).

No. 27 Squadron were based at Risalpur (and later Kohat) in the North West Fontier.

Hope that helps.

[Wander00]

Love it - an aeroplane towed by heavy horses.

[diesel addict]

Judging by the state of the fin, and no visible propellor - I surmise it may have been nosed over not long before the photograph was taken.

I remember seeing Godfrey Auty do just that with the Bristol Bulldog at North Weald in, I think, 1962.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Thanks JW411. I must admit I was scratching my head! Cheers Tom.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

By some very strange chance I came upon this article while searching for information on The Birds Of Blakeney Point, Norfolk, the Ornithology of Norfolk being another great interest of mine.

'Report of The Blakeney Point Research Station for 1920-23' Published in the Transactions of The Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society 1923.

This article details the first aerial survey of Blakeney Point conducted during 1921 and 1922 by The Cambridge University Aeronautical Department in conjunction with the R.A.F. Special Experimental Flight Duxford.

Surveys were flown at 7000 and 10,000 feet. The Survey Pilot was Flying Officer Allen and the Observer/Photographer Major J.C. Griffiths.

I shall now attempt to download two items of interest from this article but I may be some time!

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y386/tom1125/P1000673.jpg

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y386/tom1125/P1000675.jpg

[The SSK]

A Eureka! moment, I guess. Well done.

And well done on spotting/buying the photo. A bob well spent.