1915-1916

Outgunned

Towards the end of 1916, the Allies slowly introduced new and improved types to the Front. The Nieuport 17, the Sopwith Pup and RE8, amongst others. The little Sopwith, an absolute delight to fly, was a good match for the Albatros but a single gun dictated by the low-powered 80-hp rotary engine, somewhat blunted its edge. The first examples of the RAF RE8, designed as a BE2c replacement, began arriving in France during early November. It was destined to form the backbone of the RFC reconnaissance squadrons into the dark days of 1917…