Nieuport B1522 (17/23)

23 January 2006, 01:47 PM

Information on the

Albert Ball website indicates that he flew a Nieuport B1522 with No. 56 squadron, and scored two victories in April and May of 1917 (one the day before he died). http://albertball.homestead.com/Combatdetails.html

Does anyone know any details about this aircraft, or the best place to research it?

TomVrille · 23 January 2006, 04:34 PM

According to Albert Ball VC by Chaz Bowyer, Ball's Nieuport 17, s/n B1522 was retained at 56 Squadron until 7 June 1917, when it was sent to 1 Squadron. It was subsequently sent to 29 Squadron on 19 August 1917. No information is given as to the final disposition of the aircraft.

JFM · 10 October 2006, 07:58 PM

I know little about this airplane--in fact, right now I'm searching around to find out more info re: its colors. However, today I received my copy of Alex Revell's British Single-Seater Fighter Squadrons on the Western Front in World War I, and on the first page of the second series of photos, upper right photo, is a shot of this airplane. The caption reads, "Nieuport 17 B1522.

Albert Ball flew this Nieuport in 56 Squadron in April/May 1917. It is seen here in Egypt in 1918."

JohnFitz · 10 October 2006, 08:42 PM

Well, this isn't 1522 but it may give you a good idea about what it was probably like. It seems that the RFC removed the cone de penetration but Ball had a red one on his machine which he was allowed to keep as a souvenir. My source is J.M.Bruce, Nieuport fighters Vol.1 This is N1553 at no.60 Squadron which Ball flew Sept.15 1916.

MikeW · 11 October 2006, 12:05 AM

I'm sure Ball used a spinner (which rotated with the propeller) taken from a captured enemy machine and not a Cone de Penetration (which of course was attached to the crankshaft and did not rotate).

There is a well known photograph of him holding a propeller over his shoulder and the (red?) spinner under one arm.

Mike

JohnFitz · 11 October 2006, 05:27 AM

Mike, Sounds like you are thinking about McCudden's SE5? He used a spinner from a LVG he shot down.

rainbase · 11 October 2006, 05:51 AM

According to

Cecil Lewis, in his book "Farewell To Wings" (Temple Press Books, London, 1964), he was detailed to fly Ball's Neiuport back to No. 2 Aircraft Depot at Candas after the great ace was killed. Lewis wrote "It was a sad flight and the last time I ever flew a Neiuport".

JohnFitz · 11 October 2006, 10:40 AM

Seems that 1553 had been sent back to No.2 AD a couple of times for repair as well. 1553 is refered to as A200 and after being damaged went to No.2 AD on Sept.16,1916 and March 24,1917. This is according the J.M. Bruce's, Nieuport Fighters, Vol.1.

MikeW · 11 October 2006, 11:20 AM

JohnFitz,

sorry, I know nothing about the RFC at all and bow to your superior knowledge.

Here is the photograph of Mannock which I stupidly mistook for

Albert Ball

:

Taz · 11 October 2006, 11:31 AM

Mike- Great photo of Mannock and it looked like Ball to me, too. Hardly ever see a photo of a smiling and happy Mannock so this one is a shot of sunlight.

Taz
Terry Phillips