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. No. 70 Squadron was the first to fully equip the Camel, replacing their Sopwith Strutters in July 1917. 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.

Various engines were fitted. By then end of 1917, 1546 Clerget, 540 Le Rhône, and 269 B.R.1-engined Camels had been delivered, along with Camels with French-manufactured engines: 879 Clerget and 1314 Le Rhône. A high-compression 140hp Clerget, the 9Bf, gave better performance and started be used in Camels as the improved engines became available. By the end of the war there were 1342 Clerget, 821 Le Rhône, and 385 B.R.1 Camels on hand.

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.

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