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.