4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps

4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps

History of 4 Squadron AFC Formed in Australia the squadron travelled to Britain for advanced training before becoming operational on the Western Front. The squadron was initially equipped with Sopwith Camels which require skilled pilots to make the most of. The squadron mastered the Camel and rose to be one of the most effective scout squadrons in France. Aces such as Arthur "Harry" Cobby and Roy "Bo" King led the squadron's scoring but in comparison to other squadrons the contributions by all were high. The squadrons effectiveness was rewarded in the latter stages of the war as they were equipped with the Sopwith Snipe.

Aerodromes of 4 Squadron AFC The squadron flew from aerodromes in Australia, England, France, Belgium and Germany. The squadron finished their World War I career as one of two Australian Imperial Force units that served on the Commonwealth Occupational Forces in Germany. The Squadron's final aerodrome was at Bickendorff, Cologne.

Insignia and Markings of 4 Squadron AFC The squadron began their operational career in Sopwith Camels with a boomerang squadron marking. With the juggling of squadron markings during the May offensives, the squadron traded their boomerang marking for a white bar fore of the roundel. The squadron retained this marking with the change to the Sopwith Snipe.

People of 4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps

Aces of 4 Squadron AFC The sqaudron produced ten aces with three scoring over 20 victories. There were fifty two pilots in the squadron that recorded a victory while flying operationally with the squadron.

Prisoners of War of 4 Squadron AFC The squadron lost fourteen aircrew over the lines which were taken prisoner of war. Twelve were taken POW in Sopwith Camels and two in Sopwith Snipes. Included in the listings are Australian Imperial Force Repatriation Reports, German Interrogation Reports and Eyewitness accounts.