I reviewed The History of Naval 10 in 36/1, noting that it was the first of a promised series. The series continues with another first class piece of history. The author found a missing box of Daily Reports in an RFC War Diary, and was thus able to publish this account of what had become a ‘forgotten’ Squadron. It was in existence for a comparatively short time, being formed as a scout squadron on 27 November 1916, disbanded on 27 August 1917, and reformed as a bomber squadron on 1 Jan 1918. In spite of this, it was the first squadron to deploy a production twin gun scout on the Western Front, and had the dubious pleasure of being the first to take the Puma powered DH9 into battle. Amongst its personnel was the Mad Major, Christopher Draper, who comes over very unlike the man portrayed in his autobiography. I also noted that its first CO, Sqn Cdr JJ Petre, flew a huge number of hours. I am getting the impression that the RNAS was a very well run, tight knit organisation, both in the way it ordered aircraft and handled its personnel. Perhaps its comparatively small size helped.

The book takes the form of a very well and interestingly fleshed out War Diary, complete with 12 Appendices, many photographs, artwork by Mark Miller, and drawings by our Editor.

I am looking forward to the next RNAS Squadron to get the Westrop treatment.