COLLECTION - Air Observation Post (Sqdns)
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Photograph: Museum display about Air Observation Post Squadrons.
After the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918, aviation support for the Army was concentrated in Army Co-operation Squadrons. Some 500 Army officers were seconded to these squadrons and trained by the RAF to be pilots. They undertook aerial reconnaissance, photography, message dropping and the direction of artillery fire.
Photograph: Pilots of a RAF Army Co-operation Squadron.
Initially, these squadrons were equipped with Audax and Hector biplanes. Although trials were undertaken in the mid 1930s using the Cierva C30A autogyro for reconnaissance and artillery observation, the Lysander was adopted as the main Army Co-operation aircraft. This high wing monoplane provided a good view of the ground and could operate from short runways. However, it was very vulnerable to fighter attack, especially when observing artillery fire.
Photograph: 25-pounder Gun.
In 1933, an article by Captain H J Parham of the Royal Artillery was published criticising the method of directing artillery fire using Army Co-operation aircraft. Pilots of these aircraft were often briefed at airfields some distance away from the artillery post so there could be significant delays before the enemy was engaged and, once airborne, communications relied on morse code over a one way radio with reponses delivered by ground signals. Eventually “D” Flight was formed - an experimental unit equipped with light aircraft carrying two way radios. These aircraft could operate from unprepared grass airstrips close to the artillery positions and overcame the threat of fighter attack by “nap of the land” flying – using trees, buildings and hills for cover.
The success of “D” Flight led to the formation in 1941 of 651 Air O.P. Squadron, the first Air Observation Post Squadron. This was to see action in Tunisia in 1942 and, later, in Sicily and Italy. Fifteen more Air Observation Post Squadrons were formed during the war. They served in all the major operational theatres.
Photograph: Air Observation Post Squadrons were equipped with Austers, three examples of which can be seen at the Museum of Army Flying. The Auster Mk. 5 shown here was introduced during the Second World War.
Photograph: The museum displays include photographs of Air Observation Post Courses from 1940 to 1957.
After the Second World War, most of the Air Observation Post Squadrons were disbanded. Those that survived served in Palestine, Malaya, Korea and Cyprus.
Photograph: Last ration certificate and beer chit issued to Gunner Stevens RA of 656 Air O.P. Squadron.