Sopwith Pup Sunrise

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.