The Sopwith Pup was a British
Single-seat biplane fighter that entered service with the
Royal Flying Corp and the Royal Naval Air Service towards the
end of 1916. The name ‘Pup’ was not an official designation,
but a nickname that came about when a pilot commented that the
aircraft was a smaller version of the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter.
With pleasant flying characteristics and good maneuverability,
the aircraft proved very successful. The Pup was eventually
outclassed by newer German fighters, but it was not completely
replaced on the Western Front until the end of 1917.
This image
above was taken at Stow Maries Aerodrome in Essex during a
dawn photoshoot; the reenactors are dressed in authentic
costumes from the era. The airfield itself was established
here in 1916 for use by the Royal Flying Corps during the
First World War. By 1919 the airfield had served its purpose
and ceased to be required during peace time. Due to an
unsuitable clay-based soil, Stow Maries was not re-opened
during the Second World War despite its location.
The airfield was therefore left
largely abandoned and intact for almost 90 years, some of the
buildings were used for grain store, but otherwise remained
untouched until the airfield was purchased by Steve Wilson and
Russell Savory who set about restoring it to the a state that
it would have been found in 1919.
Today the
Aviation Heritage Trust and the Vintage Aviator Ltd base
several World War One aircraft at the historic Aerodrome and
regular open days are held where some of these aeroplanes can
be seen taking to the skies. |
