BE, or is it RE, on floats at Calshot
Printed From: Cross & Cockade
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: General
Forum Discription: General Discussion
URL: http://www.crossandcockade.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1492
Printed Date: 02 Jul 2022 at 14:58
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: BE, or is it RE, on floats at Calshot
Posted By: Ian Burns
Subject: BE, or is it RE, on floats at Calshot
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 20:37
Clearly being used as a target. Any ideas to identity and history?
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Replies:
Posted By: Paul R Hare
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2016 at 08:53
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It appears to be a B.E.8 but I have no clue as to identity. But I would love a copy if you could send one to my e-mail address |
Posted By: Ian Burns
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2016 at 14:19
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Thanks Paul - look for my email. Ian |
Posted By: Paul R Hare
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2016 at 15:28
| those are not RAF type floats. Maybe "borrowed" from some other make? |
Posted By: Ian Burns
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2016 at 15:31
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Hi Paul, I think it was just an old airframe put on a spare set of Short floats (I’m 90% certain that’s what they are), towed out to the sea to be used for air gunner practice. Be nice to know the history though. |
Posted By: whiskymac
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2016 at 10:33
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Ian, The type of German cross applied would/could possibly indicate a 1914-15 date for this image - if that is any help. And presumably this aircraft would have been used for air to sea target practice - as in a downed enemy machine scenario? Hopefully someone on the Forum will have the answer. Peter. |
Posted By: Ian Burns
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2016 at 20:24
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1915 fits the context of the album they came from. The pilot was training at Calshot between Dec 1915 to Jan 1916. But that is not conclusive as he was also a 'collector' with remarkable sticky hands! So, it could well be earlier. |
Posted By: whiskymac
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2016 at 14:51
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A bit late in replying to this one - apologies. Sticky hands eh. What else did he pick up? The mind boggles! |
Posted By: Ian Burns
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2016 at 17:42
| Patience, Grasshopper... All, or some, will be revealed next year. |