cam, 2033 words, 0 comments, Strange, 80 Wing RAF, 2 Sqn AFC, 4 Sqn AFC, SE5a, Sopwith Camel, Bristol Fighter, McClaughry, Cobby, King, Murray-Jones

This is an extract from the now out of print autobiography of Lt Colonel Louis Strange, "Recollections of an Airman". Strange commanded the 80th Wing RAF with which the two Australian Flying Corps scout squadrons were attached, 2 Sqn AFC and 4 Sqn AFC. In this extract he describes the Australian squadrons in the air and on the ground and the techniques he used to get the best out of the Australian pilots. Strange is probably best known for hanging from a jammed Lewis gun drum in an upside down spinning Martinsyde. He survived by kicking his way back into the cockpit, in doing so smashing the instruments and putting the seat through the floor. (more)