My FE2b reproduction..

[LewisS]

In Frederick Libby's autobiography "Horses Don't Fly", he mentions that he persuaded the CO at his squadron to install what he called "rifle stocks"(?) to the Lewis MG to help steady the gun while aiming. Is there any proof to this claim and was it used for other FE2b's serving in different squadrons?

Apparently there was also later, IIRC, the introduction of resistive wire heated Sidcots for obs/gunners of Fees, that were powered by an additional wind powered generator.

[John McKenzie]

Hi Lewis S ...I 'm pretty sure that I have , or have seen a photo of this small generator for heating the flying suits ,..Can I find it remains the question !.
The Rifle stock as mentioned , would be the standard Mk1 infantry Lewis gun shoulder stock ....On the adjustable " Swan neck " , for the purpose of safe stowage , there is fitted a spring clip and 1/2" wide webbing Haft with buckle for securing it when not required . There is a " Demonstration photo" in the Datafile (RAFM photo ) of its use , but I don't think that I have seen a photo of a Lewis with the shoulder stock on opperational service .( Have to go thru' photos )
Unlike machines with fixed ( Eg..Vickers ) machine guns ,; The free mounted Lewis were mostly kept and issued by the armourers according to opperational requirements , and are unlikely often, to have been kept ON the machines . It is possible that an individual of some standing , could have his " own " MG . or request on with the shoulder stock . ...This would not be a lot of use in the front mounted position however, ..too restrictive of movement .
Best I can do on this I'm afraid . Regards John

[crankcase]

Originally Posted by John McKenzie

Hi Marc..( crankcase ) ,. Photos showing the inside of either pilot or gunners positions are almost non-existant ...
....
Best regards John.
PS ..Anyone with any "contemporary" photos of either cockpits , or " Under the skin " details , would be most welcomed to show them here .

Thanks for the reply! I just marvel at those air crews!
When in London next, I have Hendon on my priority list. If any of my friends there want to see me, they will have to purchase a tube fare to Colindale!
marc

[bristol scout]

Hi John, marc,guys,

Page 22 of the Datafile has four shots of a stocked Lewis being demonstrated----I think that combination would not have been typical---but perhaps on very early one's more probable than later ones.

Cheers,
Dave

[John McKenzie]

Hi Guys , I have had a look thru' Datafile P22 and that is the RAFM photo that I refered to . You can see the clip which is clamped around the 1 .25" dia tube Swan Neck , located on the first bend .This is a Standard clip supplied with the swan neck , so any FE with this part "could" use a Lewis /shoulder stock .In a lot of the photos , the guns are still with the armourer , so one cant say what the preference would be .With the stock in the clip , it is secured by a 1/2" wide webbing strap/ buckle . ..
This rear MG can also be opperated by the pilot .
In the Cross and Cocade book on the Fe2b/d , there are these photos on p15 and also others showing the shoulder stock ...portion of photo show below is for educational purpose and as a sample to show the Excelent quality and quantity of photos in the book ,which represents very good value for money ..I recomend it to you all .
Regards John

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]