James McCudden, May

Ferreira · 22 April 2008, 03:55 AM

Hi,

Does anyone know where training unit

James McCudden served in the period from May to July of 1917? Wing? Squadron?

What his your rank at that time? 2Lt? Lt?

When he was transferred to No. 66 Squadron in France he also led with him your Sopwith Pup A7311?

Cheers,
Franklin

theboy · 22 April 2008, 07:38 AM

Do you have his book

Flying Fury? Is the info not in there? I will check when I get home.

Ferreira · 22 April 2008, 08:26 AM

Hi,

Unfortunately I do not have this book.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Franklin

TomVrille · 22 April 2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferreira

Hi,
...

James McCudden ...When he was transferred to No. 66 Squadron in France he also led with him your Sopwith Pup A7311?

Greetings Franklin..
James McCudden received his Pup, A7311 on 1 May 1917, while serving as a fighting instructor in England. It is interesting to note that upon reaching Joyce Green, McCudden modified this aircraft to carry a Lewis gun mounted over the top plane, allowing him to shoot up at enemy aircraft that had an altitude advantage. As McCudden stated in autobiography: "I made myself a rough sight of wire and rings and beads, and very soon the machine was ready to wage war with great skill.". He had the opportunity to try out his modifications on 13 June 1917 and 7 July 1917, attacking Gothas raiding SE England, but without any conclusive results. Subsequently, an auxiliary Lewis gun was adopted as a second armament for 66 Squadron Pups, and drawings of the 66 Squadron mounting were sent to RFC Hq by 9th Wing on 22 September 1917. As can be seen from the chronology, McCudden might well be considered the innovator of the particular modification.