Aussie Aces

[Skippy]

Hello All.

I would like to start a pitch on Australian Aces that were born in my home town..Brisbane.

First (and not in any order of merit) is Francis Ryan Smith.

Frank Smith was born in 1896. Worked as a clerk before joining the Australian Infantry. He served with the 31st Battalion, receiving an MC in 1916. Transferred to the AFC, he was posted to 2 AFC Squadron in France on February 28 1918.

He claimed his first victory on May 9 when he destroyed a Pfalz D III over Marcoing.

By the end of September his score had reached 10. He was awarded a DFC which was gazetted on October 24. He was promoted to Captain and Flight Commander.

His most successful day was October 14 when he claimed three Fokker D VIIs destroyed and a fourth out of conrtol to bring his score to 16 (six destroyed and one shared destroyed, seven out of control and two shared out of control).

The aircraft he flew regularly was SE.5A (C6403), in which he scored 13 of his 16 victories. While strafing on November 10 his aircraft was shot down by ground fire but he evaded capture and made his way back through enemy lines three days after the Armistice.

There has to be a movie there somewhere. Skip. Out.

[Skippy]

Back again

The next Ace I would like to mention is Herbert Joseph Larkin. Born in Brisbane on October 8 1894, "Jimmy" Larkin joined the British Army in 1914 and served in the Royal Engineers in Egypt and Gallipoli, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was wounded in action and transferred to the RFC when he recovered. He was commissioned and posted as a pilot to 5 Squadron flying R.E.8s. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his work. In 1918 he became a Captain and flight commander with 87 Squadron, returning to France in April that year. Gaining the reputation of being an excellent pilot and a cool, calculating killer, Larkin claimed 11 victories (five destroyed, six out of control) while flying SE.5As and was awarded a DFC. He died in 1972.

Stay tuned for part three of my three part series...coming soon. Skip. Out.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Very interesting Skip. I can't wait for the next installment. Do you think you could run a sequel. We don't get enough info on unknown pilots very often. Thanks.
Rob.

[Skippy]

Thanks for the comments Rob.


Now on to the final flier. Arthur Coningham. Although born in Brisbane on January 19 1895, Arthur was raised in Wellington, New Zealand. At the beginning of the war, he served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Somaliland and Egypt but contracted typhoid in 1916 and was invalided from the service. Although his military career seemed over, he went to England and joined the RFC. From early in 1917 he served with 32 Squadron, flying DH.2s (claiming his first victory when he shared in destroying a German two-seater on January 23) and DH.5s, eventually becoming a flight commander. During July, while flying DH.5 No A9179, he claimed nine enemy aircraft, a feat which won him the DSO and MC. Next year in England he became CO of 92 (SE.5A) Squadron and bought it to France during June. "Maori" Coningham led his unit whenever possible, adding four more victories to his score bringing it to 14 (four destroyed and three shared destroyed, six out of control and one shared out of control) and adding a DFC. He was twice wounded, once with 32 Squadron and once with 92 Squadron. He remained CO of 92 Squadron until February 1919 and served in the RAF after the war. His nickname of "Maori" was gradually changed to "Mary", by which he was known for the rest of his life. During WW2 he held various commands, becoming AOC of the Western Desert Air Force in North Africa from late 1941 to early 1943. He then became AOC of 2nd Tactical Air Force until 1945, attaining the rank of Air Marshal and was knighted for his services. Sir Arthur Coningham lost his life on January 30 1948, a passenger in an Avro Tudor of British South American Airways which was lost on a flight to Bermuda.


Lest we forget. Skip. Out.

[Bob Little]

Robert "Bob" Little is still my favourite Aussie ace, even if he was Victorian, my Great Grandfather was a mechanic for Ross Smith a South Australian Ace who flew supplies to Lawrence of Arabia in a Handley Page and fought in a Brisfit, he also flew a Vickers Vimy from England to Australia, this plane is now on display at Adelaide Airport.

[Skippy]

Thanks Ron for the comments.

Yes Bob Little was a Great Ace.

My Great Uncle went to school with Bert Hinkler. Joined the 5th Light Horse and made it through the Great War. Lots didnt. Lest we forget. Skip. Out.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Hi Skip.
Just been reading about No 67 squadron R.F.C. who of course went on to become No 1 squadron A.F.C. with Cpt. Sydney Addison and Lt. Wilmot Hudson Fysh who went on to establish QANTAS. after the war. The Palestinian theatre makes very interesting reading and has some of the more interesting colour schemes for the allied aircraft.
Rob.

[Skippy]

Just thought I would explain who Bert Hinkler was for people who dont know.

He was born in Bunbaberg, Queensland. A few hours drive north of Brisbane.

He joined the RNAS, and in 1916 was posted to No 3 Wing escorting bombers in Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters.

When the Wing disbanded in June 1917 he flew night raids in Handley Page bombers.

As a gunner he claimed six aircraft. He then posted to No 5 Wing on DH4's.

After training as a pilot he was sent to No 28 Squadron RFC in Italy where he flew Sopwith Camels until the end of the war.

Lest we forget. Skip. Out.