Arthur H. O'Hara Wood

Just noticed Major A.H. O'Hara-Wood sharing a victory with Donald MacLaren on the 1st of August 1918. Didn't realise he commanded 46 Sqn RAF.

For those not familiar with him, O'Hara-Wood was born in Melbourne, Australia and was one of the RFC flight commanders attached to 4 AFC in the early days of the squadron when there werent sufficient numbers suitable experienced AFC pilots to fill those slots. McClaughry lists O'Hara-Wood as having 1 DES and 1 OOC.

Says he died of wounds 6th October 1918 in Cutlack. Anyone know what befell him or what his middle name was?

[Darryl]

Hi Cam,

Haven't got much. He did score 4AFC's first combat victory on the 24/01/18, a DFW C north of La Bassee.

Then 1/8/18 he shared another DFW C with three other Camels (including Maclaren)south east of Armentieres.

He was KIA (??) 4/10/18 when his Camel, D6519, collided with that of 2Lt LL Saunders, H771 at 14000 over St Quentin. Saunders was also KIA.

I'll see if I can trace more.

regards

Darryl

[Darryl]

Cam,

just a touch more:

ARTHUR HOLROYD O'HARA WOOD
Major
22nd Wing, 46th Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died on
Friday, 4th October 1918. Age 28.

Son of Catherine Compton O'Hara Wood, of "Crest Hill," Lansdowne Rd., East S Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, and the late John James O'Hara Wood.

I just love this little magic box........

regards

Darryl

>He was KIA (??) 4/10/18 when his
>Camel, D6519, collided with that of
>2Lt LL Saunders

Thanks Darryl, a very unhappy way to meet his end, unfortunately, all to common amongst pilots it seems.



cam

[Vin]

Interesting middle name, “O’Hara”. Bourke of Bourke & Wills had the same middle name. If you look at the surnames, particularly of the pilots in 2 AFC you see some interesting surnames in the context of Australian history, Blaxland, Holden etc. I wonder about some of the connections.


Vin

[Darryl]

Vin,

I just know that I wouldn't leave the key in the ignition around a 'Kelly'.

It is not surprising, as such a young, small country that some of our airmen could come from "famous" families.

regards

Darryl

>2 AFC you see some interesting surnames in the context of Australian history, Blaxland, Holden etc.<

A lot of those names are legendary too in Australian history because of what those actual blokes did. Apparently Blaxland was a relative of the explorer who cut a path through the Blue Mountains.

Also as most of these pilots were well heeled young men for their day, their modern day counterparts litter the Law industry. Apparently Youdale, Weingarth and Ryrie are all prominent Solicters names (Vin?). The Ryrie's were also prominent socialites and land owners pre-Federation.

Be interesting to know the family tree's of a lot of these men.


cam ( Who has played football at Blaxland and Holroyd )