Sopwith Camel

The Sopwith F.1 Camel was -- by many standards -- the most successful fighter of World War One. Its speed in turning was matched only by its tendency to go out of control in inexperienced hands, and it was only with experience that pilots learned to use its strengths to great advantage. The first units made their way to France in summer of 1917, and by the end of the war nearly 1,300 enemy aircraft were shot down by Camels -- more than any other aircraft type.

It was developed from the Sopwith Pup but everything was larger or heavier, and the plane was just two steps short of uncontrollable. It was the first British fighter to feature side-by-side synchronized guns, and it excelled at dogfighting due to its phenomenal maneuverability. British Camels were of course commonplace on the Western Front, but they also served in Italy, Macedonia, Mesopotamia, Russia, and on Home Defense. Night-fighter Camels frequently used twin-Foster-mounted Lewis guns.

In June 1918 the USA purchased 143 Camels and issued them to the 17th and 148th Aero Squadrons and the 41st for a time. US Camel squadrons were attached to the RAF until just before the war ended. Belgium used thirty-six Camels, though the pilots of 1st Escadrille preferred their Hanriot H.D.1s.

The Camel is perhaps best summarized as a plane that was not remembered with fondness but certainly with respect.

Card Links

 * 28 Sqn - McEwan
 * 37(HD) Sqn - Murray
 * RNAS Sqd 9
 * RNAS Sqd 9
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Fall
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Narbeth
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Narbeth
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Stackard
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Stackard
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Wood
 * RNAS Sqd 9 - Wood
 * RNAS 10b Flight - Fitzgibbon
 * RNAS 10b Flight - Hall
 * RNAS 10b Flight - Maxwell
 * RNAS 10b Flight - Maund
 * RNAS 10b Flight - MacGregor
 * 358 Sqn - Collins
 * 358 Sqn - Cornell
 * 358 Sqn - Fielder
 * Georgian AF
 * Latvian AF
 * Estonian AF

1:144 Scale

 * Ares: WGF102A Barker; WGS102B Ellwood; WGS102C Stackard
 * Shapeways: Kampflieger; Kampflieger (Comic);  Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * Metal kit: ,
 * Wings of War Deluxe Set: Barker (1st Ed.); Brown (2nd Ed.)
 * Wings of War: WW07D Barker; WW07E Ellwood; WW07F Olieslagers

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * Metal Kit: CinC MS-13

1:300 Scale

 * Metal Kit: Heroics & Ros GWA101

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampflieger