Major Charles J Biddle A.E.F. 13th Aero Sqdn.

[G.Spragge]

I wish to contact the closest remaining relative of this American Ace Charles Biddle. He was alive in 1968 and I have heard that his son was alive two years ago. Major Charles J. Biddle lived and was a Lawyer in Philidalphia. I may have two items directly relating to his WW1 service, souveniers that he may have brought back. But this can only be truely verified by family or photographic or written record. He had the only cannon armed Spad held by the AEF in 1918 and I have items related to that. any one that can help please email me. gspragge@hotmail.com

Also, the cannon is described as firing the Puteaux Canister, I believe this is the 40mm Fortress Revolving Cannon round that was used in the smooth bored cannon barrel that could be exchanged for the 37mm rifled barrel. Differences are the base of the 40mm case which is slighty wider than the 37mm rifled barrel. Can anyone verify this via records or technical drawings. The 37mm LCM Canister is listed for use with the rifled barrel. I do not know of a remaining smooth barrel. Dayton Ohio U.S.A. Airforce museum has a Spad Engine and cannon. I have the serial numbers, can any one identify the aircraft with these ? Perhaps the one Major Biddle had ?