January 1917 - Pilot's Flying Log Book

These images show the cover and first page of Athol's 'Pilot's Flying Log Book'.

The Log Book sets out key information for all his flying excursions as a trainee pilot. It details the date, wind direction, machine type and number, the instructor, length of flying time and the height achieved. It also lists the number of landings and if the flights were dual control or solo.

By the end of his first week of pilot training, 19 January 1917, Athol had flown 1.5 hrs under the instruction of Lt Matheson, including 5 landings. By the end of Athol's second week (26 January 1917) he had flown an additional 2 hours with 17 landings. 

Lt Matheson and Athol flew in 2 aircraft in these sessions - Maurice Farmans with aeroplane numbers 365 and 4126.

I have found an image of one of the Maurice Farman Shorthorns being used for training on the

Royal Airforce Museum website. Ref: http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk

 Maurice Farman Shorthorn, RFC, Aboukir, Egypt, 1917 

Athol photos - mucking about in planes

These images give one an idea of what it was like to be a part of the early days of military flying in the desert. There are no notations on the photographs so I do not know dates or locations. They could be scenes of the RFC No.3 School of Military Aeronautics at Aboukir.

The first two digits are undecipherable, but the last two are '..86'. 

I think this is an Airco DH.6 type aeroplane

Probably Aboukir, early 1917.

Half a plane. When I look carefully they are smiling for the camera.

Another half a plane which seems to be loaded on a truck or rail-car.

Slouch hatted Australian getting into the pilot's seat.

I don't think he would be preparing to fly as he is not wearing pilot's gear.

The darker figure in the front is in a flying helmet.

Note the distinctive tri-colour markings on the tail so it may be an Airco DH.6

Lots of activity here. Slouch hat in the pilot's seat and other men in officer's cap, pith helmet and a few local Egyptians in the background.

Note the distinctive tri-colour markings on the tail so maybe Airco DH.6

Aeroplane 7477

This is an Airco DH.6 type aeroplane. It was designed specifically as a training plane. 

Note the gun mounted on the top of the aircraft.

If you look at this long enough you can see that this image shows a plane which has crashed into a hanger and another bi-plane.

This appears to be another photo of the above crash.

Middle East Brigade - transfer card

This is Athol's Middle East Brigade Transfer Card. Unfortunately there are no dates on the card. It seems that Athol passed the training modules for winding the Aerial, School Examination as well as Vickers and Lewis guns.

Athol photos - flying school

I have grouped these Athol-photos here as I think they were taken at the No.3 School of Military Aeronautics, Aboukir. You can see that the same sort of shed appears in the background with its distinctive camouflage on the walls of the hangers.

No notations on the reverse of the photo so I don't know the names of these people. They could be members of the AFC - some of whom brought their own 'motor-bicycles' from Melbourne.

No notations on the reverse so I do not know who they are.

These men appear to be in the middle of a class. They are wearing a range of uniforms so probably all assembled at the No.3 School of Military Aeronautics outside a hanger.

No notations on the reverse. 

No notations on the reverse.

Athol photos

I think these photos were taken in Aboukir whilst Athol was learning to fly. They are quite small (80mm x 60mm) but very clear. The first photo has bee copied a few times and my father kept it in a lovely silver frame which was inscribed 'Aboukir, 19.2.17'.

Lt Athol Gladwyn Adams, 'A' Flight, Australian Flying Corps

This is one of the best photos we have of Athol

The image was taken when he was aged 22 and not long before he died.

Unknown pilot-trainee. 

The location is probably the same as the image above as the domed building in the background appears to be the similar.

The same distinctive building in the background.