Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a scout / fighter aircraft

SE5a scout / fighter. It is a single-engined wood and fabric single-seat aircraft. Powerplant - Wolseley Viper V8 200 hp, Serial No. 74908, (installed) stationary 8 cylinder, upright 90-degree Vee water-cooled, poppet-valve. Direct R.H. Tractor/L.H. pusher drive. Engine dry weight - 500lbs. Markings stamped into propeller hub area : G1399 N II Other side: 62 RH, Hispano - Suiza, Wolseley Viper, D - 2400 : P-1750.

This SE5a arrived in Australia in 1920 and was one of 35 SE5a fighters given as an Imperial Gift by Britain for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that was soon to be formed. The RAAF renumbered this aircraft A2-4 (formally serial number C1916) and kept it in storage until 1926. In 1926 it was issued to No 1 Fighter Training Squadron (Sqn) at RAAF Point Cook, Victoria (Vic), and used until 1929. During this period the aircraft recorded three forced landings. In 1929 it was donated to the Australian War Memorial and displayed at the Melbourne Exhibitions Building. All the SE5a fighters given to Australia in 1920 were originally khaki but were repainted silver with red, white and blue rudder stripes by the RAAF. This SE5a is currently displayed with serial number D 6950, representing the aircraft flown by Francis Howard, 2 Squadron AFC, in which he met his death over France on 27 October 1918. It was previously painted to represent the SE5a (serial number C9539) flown by the Australian ace Captain (Capt) H G Forrest DFC of No 2 Sqn, Australian Flying Corps, in which Capt Forrest shot down 3 German aircraft in two separate engagements.