Lt H.H. Blackwell RFC, and the RAF RE.8

[skippynz]

I'm finally getting back to making a Wingnut Wings RE.8 model, and would love to do it in the markings of one of Lt. Henry Hugh Blackwell's aircraft.  The Blackwells are a prominent and well-respected part of Kaiapoi history, and I would like to honour his memory with a decent model.  Given WnW models are currently selling for more than the value of my house, I do intend to keep it!

The fun starts in trying to research which aircraft.  The family do not have his log books, and the good folk at the Air Force Museum are, apparently, snowed under with research, and haven't replied to my e-mail (of course, might have got an invalid address).  In any case I do not want to bother then for something as trivial as this.

Images of 53 Squadron RE.8's are scarce, the only one I could find is on the Wingnut Wings site, which is used as the basis for the Pheon decals (which I have) and the profile in the awesome Ronny Bar book.  The aircraft is A3490.

This site www.wingsofwar.org/forums/showthread.php?19689-100-Years-Ago-Today/page75 mentions his flight in C2558, in an operation in which his gunner/observer (Lt. P.G. Hutson) was wounded.  If I could find a serial associated with a more successful flight I would change, but for the moment that's all I have.

The nearest image I can find is a painting of C2548, a mere 10 numbers removed, at artuk.org/discover/artworks/re-8-of-no-53-squadron-on-patrol-136020

Although it's not a primary source, it shows an RE.8 with the early chin cowling, no transparent panels in the upper wing centre-section, and a plain wheel cover.  The Pheon transfers have a RFC roundel painted on the wheel cover, at least I know it *probably* wasn't applied to all aircraft.

So my current plan is to model C2558 in the style of C2548, including the form of the serial number on the fin.

However, I know that, once completed, a rare full colour image of a better choice, with Lt. Hugh Blackwell in the cockpit will appear!  Probably in 3D, with my luck.

So far my best sources are Adam Claasen's wonderful "Fearless" and an article by a local historian which I have permission to reprint in RecWings when I get the model done.

Does anyone know of any better sources?

[Antonio]

I Had a nosey at the AFMoNZ site - nothing there although there is a small photographic collection from him

[Brett]

On Charge with 53 Squadron on 30 September 1918 were:

C2742 RE8
D6804 RE8
C2563 RE8
C2545 RE8
D6723 RE8
C2549 RE8
F5897 RE8
C2747 RE8
C2743 RE8
C2602 RE8
C2501 RE8
C2558 RE8
C2534 RE8
C2284 RE8
C2567 RE8
D6801 RE8
D4943 RE8
C2593 RE8

That might give you some more research options.

[skippynz]

Thanks Brett, that's interesting and gives me a few more options.

According to Profile Publications "The R.E.8", the serial range C2231 to C3080 were built by the Daimler Company in Coventry.  This means they *should* have the deeper, squarer Daimler chin cowling.  That makes my source painting incorrect, but of course different cowlings could have been fitted during repairs and maintenance.

[Brett]

15/06/1918 RE8 D4811 53Sq Attacked by 3 EA and shot through during bombing Kemmel. Lt HH Blackwell Ok/Prob DC Burke Ok.

D4811 was the first of a batch of 75 built by Napier & Sons and was Taken On Charge in February 1918.
Shipped to France March 1918 and assembled at 1ASD. Issued to 53Sq 1/4/1918.

On 15/6/18 transferred to 1AD for repair. Once at 1AD it was Struck Off Charge, and used to build a new RE8 with the serial F5909.

If you choose to model this and can't find the appropriate cowling specs, you can model it without cowlings. Just make sure you show the RAF 140hp engine with the serial number 25155 to be accurate.

[skippynz]

Hey Brett, that's awesome work, thank you!  Can I ask how you found this detail?

[Brett]

skippynz,

I have an Excel spreadsheet that I have been populating with info regarding RFC/RAF WW1 aircraft from contract through to end of life. Most of it is single source and there are lots (and lots) of gaps but occasionally it has provides some useful info.

Incidently, I have just done a google search and it came back with this thread from The Aerodrome which has a few more details. Of interest is a subsequent post by Errol Martyn (a regular on this forum) who said:

From blackwell's diary (under 16 June but clearly relates to events of the 15th):

Very cloudy. Our patrol not until evening but at 2.30 had to go bombing. Had a scrap with three Fokkers at 10, 000 ft over Dickebusch. Our gun jammed and petrol tank holed so had to land near Pop. Rang up squadron from AA mess and arrived back in camp at 10 pm. Dined and then to bed. Dead tired.

Errol

What may interest you is his comment about Blackwell's diary.

Cheers,

Brett

[skippynz]

It's done, here it is with all of its faults. Probably the incorrect chin cowling but I can change it if/when more information comes to light. 

Thanks for your help!

[Dave Homewood]

Wow, that is magnificent!

[baz62]

You've done a great job on that!

[Mustang51]

That is absolutely brilliant. I dips my lid to the skill required to achieve that finish...

[ZacYates]

Utterly exquisite work, WOW!!