J.Graham and M.A. O'Callaghan, No.7 Squadron

Although S.F. Wise (CANADIAN AIRMEN IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR) identifies M.A. O'Callaghan as a pilot, the RAF Communique for 8 October 1918 suggests he was an observer to James Graham. The DFC citations for both men speak of them being pilots to the other man. The original recommendations from Air 1/1580 are ambiguous. If anyone has been consulting No.7 Squadron's diary, or has at hand a good history of the unit, I would appreciate confirmation as to which man was pilot and which observer.

[Frank_Olynyk]

Hugh,
I checked my microfilm of the combat reports for 7 Squadron (Air 1/1218/204/5/2634/7 Sqn), and found two relevant reports. One (frame 29 on the film) is dated Aug 21, 1917, with Lt N Sharples as pilot, and 2/Lt M A O'Callaghan as observer. They claimed an Albatros Scout brought down in flames. The other (frame 57) is dated October 8, 1918, with Graham as pilot, and O'C as observer. They claimed a Pfalz scout crashed, and were themselves then shot down and crashed in no man's land (in RE 8 C2894). They were injured, but managed to escape/were rescued.

So G is the pilot, and O'C is the observer.

Frank.

Frank,
Any word on what the plane flown by Lt. N. Sharples on 21 August 1917 looked like? Any information regarding the markings of this plane would be greatly appreciated.