cam . # .

Nomenclature confusion: The RFC caused some unnecessary confusion here, and the AFC didnt follow it up soon enough so squash the confusion because they initially called their squadrons things like No.2 Flying Squadron rather than No.2 AFC. Since the AFC squadrons were coming through the RFC logistical and supply system they gave them RFC names. ie;

• 1 sqn AFC became 67 Sqn RFC
• 2 Sqn AFC became 68 Sqn RFC
• 3 Sqn AFC became 69 Sqn RFC
• 4 Sqn AFC became 71 Sqn RFC

Richard Williams did not like it, believing the RFC had as much right to rename the AFC squadrons as they did call the 9th Division AIF - the Royal Northumberland Division!

Since the AIF and AFC complained the nomenclaute got changed by the RFC to 67 (Australian) RFC then to 67 Sqn Australian Flying Corps before they finally caught up with the AIF and called the squadrons 1 Sqn AFC.

By the time the RFC/RNAS became the RAF, the Australian flying squadrons had finally got their Australian nomenclature back. Since the AIF called the AFC squadrons by their name, and the confusion was of the RFC\'s making, this site refers to them by their AFC name only.

So in reality there never was a 71 Sqn RAF that was Australian, and there also really wasnt a 71 Sqn RFC either, as it really was 4 Sqn AFC everywhere except for in the British bookkeeping

Hope that helps clear up the confusion.

As to some 4 Sqn AFC memorabilia, one of the best books on No.4 Sqn AFC is by Arthur Cobby, his autobiography \"High Adventure\" is a great larrikin like read.

cam