Sixty Squadron R.A.F.: A History of the Squadron from Its Formation (Vintage aviation library) - Softcover

Scott, Captain A. J. L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853670502 ISBN 13: 9781853670503

Publisher: Greenhill Books, 1989

Synopsis

Britain's 'Knights of the Air' over the Trenches This is the story of a famous squadron of the Royal Flying Corps-later the RAF-during the Great War on the Western Front. At the outbreak of war there were just four British squadrons on active service and their function was primarily a reconnaissance one. Air fighting was practically unknown. As the war progressed and aircraft development moved with it both they and the squadrons who flew them began to take on specialised roles. The day of the 'bomber' and 'fighter' had arrived. Squadron No 60 was born at the very beginning of this time of 'specialisation.' Its aircraft were termed-perhaps coyly-'Scouts, ' but their purpose was principally to engage in a warfare new to the history of the world-air to air combat. This was a squadron created to fight and its aircraft were piloted by young men who had come to fight. The ace Albert Ball was at one point one of their number. Predictably the squadron saw much action and sustained the heavy casualties well known among the 'cloud cavalry' of the First World War. An engaging book for all those interested in early aviation. Available in softcover and hardcover with dust jacket.

About this title

About the Author

Group Captain Alan John Lance Scott CB MC AFC (29 June 1883 – 16 January 1922) was an officer in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I and the following years. Scott was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 29 June 1883[3] and was originally an officer in the British Army's Sussex Yeomanry, Scott later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Scott never became a very good pilot; in fact, in training, he crashed and broke both legs. He continued training on canes, and had to be assisted into the cockpit. However, he was a pugnacious dogfighter whose solo missions sometimes got him into trouble. For instance, on 28 May 1917, he survived being Leutnant Karl Allmenröder's 21st victory. In July 1917 Scott was awarded the Military Cross - Capt. (temp Maj.) Alan John Lance Scott Yeo., and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has on several occasions attacked and destroyed enemy aircraft and taken successful photographs under heavy fire. He has constantly shown the greatest courage in attacking numerous hostile machines single-handed, during which on two occasions his own machine was considerably damaged. His great coolness, dash, and resource have set an excellent example to his squadron. Scott was a flight commander on No. 43 Squadron RFC until 10 March 1917 when he took up command of No. 60 Squadron RFC. He remained as No. 60 Squadron's commander until 11 July 1917, the day after he was wounded in action. From some time in 1917 to 1918, Scott was the Commandant of the Central Flying School. Notably, Scott acted as Winston Churchill's flying instructor. In 1920, Scott's book "Sixty Squadron RAF: A history of the squadron from its formation" was published. Scott died on 16 January 1922 in London, England aged 38.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenhill Books
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853670502
• ISBN 13: 9781853670503
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168