SE5 at Ragley Hall

The SE5 was a British World War One biplane fighter aircraft that entered service during the later stages of the Great War. It was developed by the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough and was one of the fastest aircraft of the time. It has been described as ‘the Spitfire of the First World War’ and is considered by many to be the finest allied aircraft of that era. 

Although the SE5 was considered by many as the best aircraft of the time, it was unable to have the same impact as the more famous Sopwith Camel and Pup due to a shortage of Hispano-Suiza engines until the final months of the conflict. Once it was available in greater numbers the SE5 clearly helped to bring a quicker end to the war. 

Ragley Hall (pictured in the background) is a stately home, located south of Alcester, Warwickshire. It is the ancestral home of the Marques of Hertford. The house was completed in 1680 following the designs of Dr. Robert Hooke. The home remained within the family until the death of the 6th Marques, Hugh Seymour in 1912. 

Fittingly for the above image the house was used during the First World War as a military hospital which helped to save the house from impending demolition at the time. Today, Ragley Hall is a popular attraction and is visited by numerous tourists every year. Most recently it has played host to the Midlands Air Festival where this shot was taken.