Word in a short while ago from a very knowledgeable follower of the story concerning the Spads.

Norman,
The Spads in the photo. On 29th May 1917, 40 Sqdn were based at Bruay and stayed there until 4th June 1918.

In February 1917, 23 Sqdn were re-equipped with Spad VIIs and on 29th May 1917 moved to – guess where – Bruay, staying till 13th June 1917.

Interesting?. Unless you have other clues in the material, I would say that the Spads in the photo are of 23 Sqdn.

Bruay is slightly south- east of Béthune.
Cheers

Alex

Yes Alex, very interesting. Does anyone know of the precise location of the airfield at Bruay. I have it on the chart and on Google Earth but have not the time at the moment to ponder through it. Perhaps I’ll give that a go on my next layover.

I never cease to be amazed at the encyclopedic knowledge that the cognoscenti of the Great War aviation scene nurture and accumulate. The Aerodrome and particularly The Cross & Cockade forums are alive with enthusiastic browsers who take a delight in forensic analysis of the available evidence.

Gentlemen, I take my hat off to you!

Tags

Mysteries, Nostalgia