Sixty Squadron R.A.F.: A History of the Squadron from its Formation

In Short

This history records the wartime life of No. 60 Squadron, tracing its origins as a newly formed unit in 1916 through the Armistice in 1918. Operating along the Western Front, the squadron transforms from an unproven group of airmen flying early French scouts into one of the most effective fighting units of the Royal Air Force. The narrative captures the tactical shift toward specialized aerial warfare, detailing constant dogfights, ground-strafing runs, and airfield life. It endures as an authentic, detailed window into early military aviation, written by one who lived through its trials.

The Story

The narrative opens at the outbreak of the war in August 1914, when the Royal Flying Corps is a modest organization focused primarily on reconnaissance and light bombing. As combat evolves, air combat becomes necessary, prompting General Trenchard to order the creation of specialized scout squadrons. No. 60 Squadron is established at Gosport under Major F. Waldron. Instead of flying machines from England, the unit crosses the Channel by sea to St. Omer to receive French-built Morane aeroplanes. Shortly after entering active service, the squadron suffers a heavy blow when Major Waldron is killed in action.

Command passes to Captain R. Smith-Barry, a colourful and eccentric commander who instills an audacious flying spirit before later revolutionizing pilot instruction at Gosport. Under successive leaders, the squadron moves to a picturesque base at Filescamp Farm near Izel le Hameau. Here, pilots live in stark contrast to the ground troops, enjoying comfortable Nissen huts, home-cooked food, and even a turf-lined hot bath between perilous flights. Ground excursions to abandoned German positions expose the men to the brutal realities of the retreat, including destroyed villages, preserved dugouts, and carefully tended enemy cemeteries.

As the war progresses into 1917 and 1918, the squadron engages in intense operations across the Somme, Arras, Passchendaele, and Cambrai sectors. The tactics shift continuously; pilots take on low-level ground-strafing, attack artillery observation balloons, and fly demanding wireless interception patrols to drive off enemy battery-registering aircraft. The squadron also trades its earlier Morane and Nieuport scouts for the faster, heavier S.E.5A fighters, which allow them to outpace German aircraft and dictate the terms of engagement despite harder landing characteristics.

The battle casualties mount severely, reaching a peak during the heavy fighting of April 1917, but the squadron remains relentless. pilots perform daring aerial feats, survive terrifying engine failures, and engage in multi-aircraft dogfights against red-painted German formations. American volunteers join the unit under Canadian identities, adding to the close-knit brotherhood. By the time the Armistice arrives in November 1918, the squadron secures its final aerial victory, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice, technical adaptation, and hard-won tactical success.

How It Unfolds

The call to specialize The Royal Flying Corps transitions from basic reconnaissance work to dedicated aerial combat, leading to the formation of No. 60 Squadron at Gosport under Major F. Waldron. Equipping itself with French Morane scout aeroplanes in France, the unit quickly enters the dangerous new world of single-handed dogfighting high above the clouds.

Loss and new leadership After Major Waldron falls in action early in the unit's fighting career, the charismatic and unconventional Captain R. Smith-Barry assumes command. He fosters daring airmanship within the squadron before going on to transform the military's entire system of flight instruction.

Life at Filescamp Farm The squadron settles into a peaceful aerodrome set in an old orchard, creating a comfortable haven with Nissen huts, a hard tennis court, and warm amenities. Pilots balance these quiet moments with constant, hazardous patrols over the German lines in severe winter conditions.

Devastation on the ground During lulls caused by poor flying weather, airmen travel in tenders to explore abandoned enemy trenches and devastated villages. They observe the meticulous construction of enemy dugouts and solemn German cemeteries, gaining a sobering perspective on the ground war.

Evolving aerial tactics Equipped with faster S.E.5A fighters, the squadron expands its duties to include low-level machine-gun attacks on enemy troops, balloon busting, and strategic wireless interception. The pilots maintain heavy operational schedules through major Allied offensives until the Armistice ends the conflict.

The People

• Major F. Waldron: The squadron's original commander and a former cavalry officer who instills discipline and skill in the new unit before being killed early in its operational deployment.
• Captain R. Smith-Barry: An extraordinarily talented, highly eccentric commander who takes over after Waldron's death; despite walking with a permanent limp from a previous crash, he inspires the squadron and later revolutionizes pilot training.
• Major E. P. Graves: A dedicated artillery officer who overcomes severe injuries to return to combat flying, working tirelessly to construct the comfortable operational base at Filescamp Farm.
• Lieutenant E. S. Howard: A valiant pilot who enthusiastically participates in low-level ground-strafing attacks to support infantry operations before being killed on a escort mission days later.
• Flight Lieutenant G. W. Dobson: A former steeplechase rider left partially paralyzed, he serves as the squadron's recording officer and works diligently to manage mess facilities for the pilots.

In Its Own Voice

“About twenty minutes after I had landed, Smith-Barry came back. He had not seen us, but had been fighting the back two Fokkers, which he drove east, but not before he had been shot about by them...”

A pilot recalls an early aerial engagement that nearly claimed the life of their second squadron commander.

“This ‘low flying,’ as it was called, became more popular with the higher command, though not with the pilots, as the war went on...”

The narrative explains the introduction of perilous low-altitude strafing runs over enemy positions.

“Every machine has its strong and its weak points, and though at first we found the S.E. heavy on the controls and sluggish on her turns... we soon found that the former was a far better fighting instrument.”

An evaluation of the technical trade-offs made when transitioning to the S.E.5A fighter craft.

What It's Really About

The work examines the sudden, rapid evolution of modern air warfare and the human cost associated with technical innovation. Beyond recounting victories and flight mechanics, it explores the psychological demands placed on young men flying dangerous, unproven machines over hostile terrain. The text contrasts the isolated, individual nature of dogfighting with the deep camaraderie formed on the ground. It highlights how adaptability, casual bravery, and informal leadership were essential to surviving the relentless strain of early military aviation.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in military aviation, World War I history, and firsthand tactical memoirs will find this book engaging. The narrative offers an immediate, unvarnished look into the daily routine of early fighter pilots without romanticizing the brutal realities of combat casualties. The prose flows with plain-spoken clarity, balancing detailed technical observations about early aeroplanes with modest, understated accounts of extreme danger. While the extensive lists of names, technical specifications, and historical military designations may feel dense to casual readers, the human stories and pilot letters bring an enduring vitality to the historical record.