[Jarrod]

Hello
I am searching for information about the four Portuguese pilots that were integrated in 10th Squadron RFC, then operating in Shoques, Béthune, France. They were admitted in the Squadron about January 1917, but I don‘t know the date of their departure some months later.
Later in the war, after they left the RFC, they were assigned tho French fighter units (flying SPADs).
Their names were:
Óscar Monteiro Torres
Alberto Lelo (or Lello) Portela (or Portella, sometimes written Portila)
António Sousa (or Souza) Maia (or Maya)
José Santos Leite (sometimes erroneously written Leitre or Lietre, as in C&C USA & International article by Bailey about SPA 124)

My interest goes into:
1. What is the date of their admission into the Squadron and the date of their departure?
2. Are they mentionned in any personnel list? In which dates?
3. Are they mentionned in any operational report?
4. Is it known which aircraft they may have operated? I‘ve read Be2d, is this information correct, or complete?
5. What kind of missions may have been flown by them?
6. Are there any photos where they may have been identified?

Many thanks for your attention
Augusto Mouta, from Portugal

[Colin Huston]

Augusto,
At least three of your four pilots obtained Royal Aero Club certificates in June 1916, at least this will let you see their portraits.
Regards,
Colin

                

[Armando]

Hello Colin
Thank you for letting me know of these photographs that are proof of them getting the civilian certificates. They were obtained after they all had lessons in the Ruffy-Baumann flying School that operated from Hendon (the publicity that they placed in “Flight” magazine from early 1915 on is quite delicious). After they obtainedthe certificate, these three pilots plus a few others like Santos Leite that obtained it in Chartres, France, were the first instructors in the first flying course that took place in Portugal from November 1916 on.
Afterwards, their military careers become somewhat confusing. They are reported to have been with 10 Squadron from January 1917, but also in the Northold RFC school from February 1917 on.
You see, this matter needs clarification, and it’s the reason for my question.
Thanks again for your reply. They are useful for confirming the dates of their civil certificates.
Augusto Mouta

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