[Kevin]

Sopwith Camel parts. The attached show the brass makers plate for Sopwith Camel B5222 which was flown by Lt Cecil Frederick Keller of 65 squadron, shot down by Ltn Heinrich Bongartz of Jasta 36 on 23rd November 1917 . He survived the war as a POW. I have researched his history, but need if possible a picture or history of the aircraft itself.

[Mick Davis]

I’m not aware of any pic of Keller’s machine but am curious about one point. Is there a story behind the mismatch between builder and serial number?

[Kevin]

I received an email from Lynda LeCompte of Whitehead Aircraft part of which stated :-
“What I will say is this – And you can quote me on this – Whitehead was a bit of an Arthur Daley. A real entrepreneur who may have taken a few liberties here and there. I would not be at all surprised if he had that nameplate stamped with that serial number in anticipation of another contract. Or – to make it look like he had built Camels. Or …. to mess with someone’s head in the future.”
So there you have it – a real conundrum and still a mystery. We’re a few Camels built by Whiteheads due to increase demands on other manufacturers? Who knows.

[Author]

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