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Aviation History
1951
1951 - 0944.PDF
FLIGHT, 18 May 1951 589 No. 7 SQUADRON.V The History of a Famous Bomber Unit Major J. M. Salmond, the squadron's first commanding officer, in 1914. PART I T TNLIKE mortal man, a military formation II can be twice-born. No. 7 Squadron ^"^ achieved that distinction. It was first formed on May 1st, 1914, under Major J. M. Salmond (272),* now Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Salmond, with "A" Flight commanded by Capt. W. Picton-Warlow (451) and "B" by Capt. R. Cholmondeley (271). As flying equipment it had one B.E.8, or "Bloater," and a Sopwith " Tabloid," both powered by 8oh.p. Gn6me rotary engines.The new unit was short-lived, for it was broken up only three months later in order to bring the other squadrons up to warstrength. But resurrection was soon to follow. On September 25th, 1914,the following appeared in H.Q., R.F.C. (Farnborough) routine orders: "No. 7 Squadron will be formed on the 28th instant byCapt. A. G. Board [36] from Reserve Aeroplane Squadron for work, barracks and accommodation. The actual formation asregards Pay Lists and Stores Accounts will commence on October 1st, 1914. The following personnel will form the nucleusof No. 7 Squadron: Capt. H. C. MacDonnell [273] Acting Flight Commander; Capt. G. B. Rickards [400]; Capt. H. C. T. Dowd-ing [711] Acting Flight Commander—he is now, of course, Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding of Bendey Priory; Lt. L. Rees[392]; Lt. B. F. Moore; Lt. C. Y. MacDonald [695]; 2nd Lts. G. A. K. Lawrence, S. W. Smith, F. P. Adams ]5i4] and L. S.Metford [146]." In addition, there were two flight sergeants, six sergeants, six corporals and 51 air mechanics. Aircraft allocated to the new unit included two Moranes, twoBleriots, two Henri Farmans, one Vickers and three B.E.s. With No. 1 Squadron, which was also at that time in the trainingstage. No. 7 formed No. 4 Wing under Lt. Col. J. F. A. ("Josh") Higgins, who had commanded No. 5 in France and been woundedin the air over Bailleul. Reference to the list of commanding officers shows that Capt. * The figures in parenthesis, here and in subsequent paragraphs, are those of the Aviators' Certificates held by the officers named. By JOHN YOXALL Board handed over to Capt. C. G. Hoare (126) inMarch, 1915, which was shortly before the unit proceeded to France. On arrival abroad on April8th, newly equipped with two flights of R.E.5S and one flight of Vickers Fighters (these last were soonto be replaced by Voisins) No. 7 quickly found itself embroiled in the second battle of Ypres. The first operations were flown onApril 16th, 1915, on the line Dixmude, Houthulst, Staden, Routers, Oostnieuwkerke, Westroosbeke, Poelcapelle, Boesinghe.Each aircraft carried three 20-lb. bombs. Tactical reconnaissance, artillery observation and bombing rt Above: (Left) Lt. NormanSpratt, a pioneer pilot who served with No. 7 in 1915. (Right) Capt. Aidan Liddell, who won the Victoria Cross in an air action in 1915. He is seen as an infantry officer at Houplines, before transferring to the R.F.C. Below: (Left) Some aircraft types the squad- ron used in 1914. (Right) One of the squadron's earliest operation orders. JUT H»KN. XLT If© **•***•«. I IT. HA*O* ILT. tf START. U 4 i ClT4* SC£W/JH^ TAJIOIP
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