AIRCRAFT COLOURS AND MARKINGS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR ERA

No.48 Sqn RFC/RAF


No.48 was the first squadron to use the Bristol F2A Fighter. Unfortunately, at first they failed to appreciate its qualities and consequently it was flown as a 'typical' two-seater. It had a disastrous introduction to combat when four of six were shot down by Jasta 11 in their first meeting on 5 April, 1917. Once the Bristol was flown as a single-seater with a 'sting' in the tai, it quickly gained ascendancy in the skies of France and later Italy.
A good history of No.48 Sqn may be found in OTF 4/2.

 


Bristol F2A A3337
Capt Leefe-Robinsin / Lt Warburton
April 1917
Source: OTF 4/2


Bristol F2A A.3335

April 1917
Source: OTF 4/2

 


Bristol F2A A.3332
Lt HD Davies / Lt RS Griffith
April 1917
Source: OTF 4/2

Bristol F2b

Autumn 1917
Source: OTF 4/2


Bristol F2b A7227
Captain Keith Park
October 1917
Source: SK Taylor photo



Bristol F2b C814
Major Keith Park
Spring 1918
Source: OTF 4/2

Bristol F2b

Summer 1918
Source: OTF 4/2