Image Library

CAPTAIN JACK MANNING ALLPORT

RFC/RAF

allport

Jack Allport enlisted in the AIF in 1916 training with the 7th F.A.B. After a chance meeting with Bill Taylor (Sir P.G. Taylor) whilst training on Salisbury Plains, Allport applied to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps. After a plethora of tests Allport was initially accepted into the RFC before the A.I.F. intervened and was rejected. An application by the RFC for 32 men finally saw Allport transferred to the RFC in early 1917.

After training he would pilot FK.8's and RE.8's with 5 and 2 Squadrons RFC/RAF, claiming a victory while piloting RE8 4712 in September 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross in early 1918, his MC Citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion during night flying he made four trips during a period of four hours, dropping sixty bombs on his two objectives with excellent results. On a later occasion, whilst on photographing work, he was attacked by six enemy machines, but by skilful manoeuvring he enabled his observer to shoot down in flames one enemy machine, another falling to pieces in the air. On several occasions he has carried out his tasks of photographing hostile battery positions and calibrating our long-range batteries on their targets under the most unfavourable conditions and with the excellent results, showing a magnificent example to the whole squadron"










AIR MECHANIC RICHARD BETTERIDGE

AFC

betteridge

Richard Betteridge enlisted in the AIF in 1916 and immediately was posted to the AFC. After training Betteridge departed Melbourne aboard the RMS Malwa bound for the Middle East as a reinforcement for 1 Squadron AFC. He was the sole wireless operator amongst the reinforcements and while cameras were forbidden, Betteridge either brought one with him or purchased it in the markets of Cairo and built a secret compartment in his personal truck to hide it.

Betteridge served much of his war in Egypt and Palestine, his photographic collection reflects this, however in March 1918 he was transferred to England, posted to 6 (Training) Squadron AFC. He was transferred to 3 Squadron AFC in September 1918 and was here when the armistice was announced.

Richard passed away in 1960, his camera remained in its secret compartment in his chest until discovered by his son Charles 40 odd years later. Charles has generously shared the collection with the Society.










MAJOR ALFRED CAREY

RNAS/RAF

carey

South Australian born Alfred Carey was working as a grocery warehouseman in Perth when he enlisted in the AIF in June 1915 and was appointed as a driver with the 4th AASC, joining them in Egypt later the same year. Carey fell sick only a few short months after joining his unit and was evacuated to England on the HT Britannic.

Carey spent the majority of 1916 in hospital, it was during this time that he applied for a commission with the Royal Naval Air Service, which was granted in September 1916. He would spend the remainder of the war piloting flying boats on missions such as anti U-boat patrols.

In 1919 Carey served in Russia and much of this collection reflects Carey's time there.









AIR COMMODORE ADRIAN COLE

AFC

cole

Adrian Cole enlisted obtained a commission in the Australian Military Forces and was posted to Divisional HQ for the 3rd Military District at the outbreak of the Great War. Resigning his commission in January 1916, Cole enlisted with the AIF and was posted to 1 Squadron AFC joining the squadron in the Middle East in April of that year. He was selected for flight instruction in August and graduated in November.

Cole would spend 1917 with No. 1 Squadron rising to the rank of Captain. Posted to 5 (Training) Squadron in England early in 1918, Cole would become the units acting commanding officer in May before being posted to No. 2 Squadron on the Western Front. He excelled in his new squadron and became an ace, credited with victories over ten enemy aircraft, and earned the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1921, Adrian Cole became a founding member of the RAAF.









CAPTAIN NORMAN RICHARD COOK

RNAS/RAF

cook

South African Norman Cook enlisted in the RNAS in December 1915 and after successfully competing flight instruction was posted to Naval 4 operating in Furnes, France. training with the 7th F.A.B. After a chance meeting with Bill Taylor (Sir P.G. Taylor) whilst training on Salisbury Plains, Allport applied to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps. After a plethora of tests Allport was initially accepted into the RFC before the A.I.F. intervened and was rejected. An application by the RFC for 32 men finally saw Allport transferred to the RFC in early 1917.

After training he would pilot FK.8's and RE.8's with 5 and 2 Squadrons RFC/RAF, claiming a victory while piloting RE8 4712 in September 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross in early 1918, his MC Citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion during night flying he made four trips during a period of four hours, dropping sixty bombs on his two objectives with excellent results. On a later occasion, whilst on photographing work, he was attacked by six enemy machines, but by skilful manoeuvring he enabled his observer to shoot down in flames one enemy machine, another falling to pieces in the air. On several occasions he has carried out his tasks of photographing hostile battery positions and calibrating our long-range batteries on their targets under the most unfavourable conditions and with the excellent results, showing a magnificent example to the whole squadron"