[Ian Burns]

Clearly being used as a target. Any ideas to identity and history?

[Paul Hare]

It appears to be a B.E.8 but I have no clue as to identity.

But I would love a copy if you could send one to my e-mail address

[Ian Burns]

Thanks Paul – look for my email.
Ian

[Paul Hare]

those are not RAF type floats. Maybe “borrowed” from some other make?

[Ian Burns]

Hi Paul,
I think it was just an old airframe put on a spare set of Short floats (I?? 90% certain that?? what they are), towed out to the sea to be used for air gunner practice.

Be nice to know the history though.

[Peter Cowlan]

Ian,

The type of German cross applied would/could possibly indicate a 1914-15 date for this image – if that is any help.

And presumably this aircraft would have been used for air to sea target practice – as in a downed enemy machine scenario?

Hopefully someone on the Forum will have the answer.

Peter.

[Ian Burns]

1915 fits the context of the album they came from.
The pilot was training at Calshot between Dec 1915 to Jan 1916.
But that is not conclusive as he was also a ‘collector’ with remarkable sticky hands! So, it could well be earlier.

[Ian Burns]

Patience, Grasshopper… All, or some, will be revealed next year.

[Peter Cowlan]

A bit late in replying to this one – apologies. Sticky hands eh. What else did he pick up? The mind boggles!

[Author]

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