Fighter Aviation Takes Off
In 1916, 2nd Lieutenant Keith Caldwell joined No.75 Squadron of the newly-formed Royal Flying Corps. The squadron went on to have an impressive history as part of the RAF and RNZAF, despite deficiencies in early aircraft design. In this brief interview, Caldwell describes flying BE2 and Sopwith Camel fighter planes. Captain ‘Tiny’ White, another New Zealander in No.75 Squadron recalls the lack of flight instruction available and the sportsman-like ethic between opposing front line forces at the beginning of the war.
Year:[1914-18] (Recorded 1972)
Location:NZBC studios, New Plymouth
Fighter Aviation Takes Off
In 1916, 2nd Lieutenant Keith Caldwell joined No.75 Squadron of the newly-formed Royal Flying Corps. The squadron went on to have an impressive history as part of the RAF and RNZAF, despite deficiencies in early aircraft design. In this brief interview, Caldwell describes flying BE2 and Sopwith Camel fighter planes. Captain ‘Tiny’ White, another New Zealander in No.75 Squadron recalls the lack of flight instruction available and the sportsman-like ethic between opposing front line forces at the beginning of the war.
Year: [1914-18] (Recorded 1972)
Length: 3:14
Production Company: Radio New Zealand
Credits: Narrator: Barry Jenkin
Source: Radio New Zealand collection, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Catalogue Reference: Spectrum 15. Up and a Wave
People: Keith L. Caldwel, ‘Tiny’ White
Location: NZBC studios, New Plymouth
Image Title: Sopwith Camel
Image Source: Australian War Memorial, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C205044
Narrator Barry Jenkin introduces the extraordinary history of Royal Flying Corps No.75 Squadron. With less than satisfactory front-line reconnaissance aircraft and bomber designs, the finest qualities of the Royal Aircraft Factory’s single-engine tractor one and two seater biplanes flown in 1916 were found in the pilots themselves.
Wanton in combat and more suited to observational duties, the Royal Aircraft Factory’s BE2s gradually became obsolete. They were displaced, by among others, the Sopwith Camel (so called due to a slight hump forward of the cockpit). It was attributed to taking out more enemy aircraft than any other Allied plane during WWI.