British planes in China

[MikeW]

Here is Adam's photograph, I would say Dan San hit it right on the button, Fairey Flycatcher - possibly allocated to No.403 flight (Hermes) of the 5th Cruiser Squadron?


Mike

Thanks Mike. I'm in the process of translating the Chinese text above the photo, and will post it when I've finished (a long job).

Definitely Flycatchers. The time-frame could be anywhere from mid-20s to mid-30s; they were replaced as carrier fighters by 1931, I think, but the floatplane versions stayed in service for a bit longer.

Just a bit of background info for anyone who may be interested. Weihaiwei was a territory in the northeastern province of Shantung (now spelled Shandong) that was leased by the British from 1898 to 1930. A naval base was maintained on an island (Liu Keng) two miles offshore (which I think is what you see in the photo), which is today a Chinese naval training facility. One of the two longserving British governors there was Reginald Johnston, who you may know better as the teacher of Pu Yi, the 'Last Emperor' of China, played by Peter O'Toole in the film of the same name. The mainland town of Port Edward has all but disappeared, although I did see a few original buildings through the military fences, but didn't risk taking any photos. The island of Liu Keng, however, is an almost perfectly preserved Edwardian town. At least as of last week.

Adam

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Screenwriter:
My Father Lt.Col. Harry W.Abbott, S.C.A.S. founded Kai Tak Airfield in Hong Kong in April 1924. When He completed his two year contract with the South China Air Service of the Republic of China in March 1924 we moved to Hong Kong and he bought a Curtiss JN-3C (formerly with the RCAF Flying School in Toronto) basket case from a Mr Lim on. He rebuilt it and flew it from the reclamation area owned by Mr Tai and Mr. Tak of the Kai Tak Land Developement Co. Harry Abbott leased 60 acres for Abbott School of Aviation. The story is told with pictures in a book titled "Wings over Hong Kong" My father's story is told in chapter 4. There is also video made by the BBC, titled " Wings over Hong Kong."
If you are interested you might contact the Editor of the "South China Morning Post", they have a pretty good file on my Father.
I have been trying to learn about my Father's activities with the South China Air Service. He served under General Yung Sen-yat acting as his second in command. He served from March 1922 to March 1824. I have more questions than answers. I would very like to read the diaries of Dr.Sun Yat-sen. I have the distinct honor to have been named by Dr.Sun.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Fascinating. I have the book already, and just re-read the chapter. Nice pic of you as a kid, too! I'm currently writing a book on Kowloon for the exact same publisher. Small world.

best,

Adam