Canadian Warplanes 1: Sopwith Pup

Sopwith Pup

(DND Archives Photo, RE-20572)

Sopwith Pup (Serial No. B2192), painted with broad black and white stripes during its time with the School of Special Flying at Gosport in the summer of 1917.  Pups serving in England on home defence and training duties often took on a very different appearance to those in France.  Future nine-victory Camel ace H. H. Balfour MC and Captain E. L. Foot MC both flew this machine while serving with the school.  (Sopwith Pup Aces of World War 1 by Norman Franks. Osprey Aircraft Of The Aces No. 67)

No. 3 Squadron of the Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS), equipped with Pups, was one of four RNAS squadrons temporarily placed at the disposal of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in the lead-up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  No. 3 Squadron was commanded by Canadian Redford “Red” Mulock.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3391006)

Sopwith Pup launching from the aircraft carrier HMS Furious.

The Sopwith Pup quickly became a favourite with pilots of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). It was superior to the Fokker D.III and more than a match for any of the new Halberstadt and Albatros scouts. Armed with a single synchronous machine gun, it was lighter and less dangerous than its successor, the Sopwith Camel. Although underpowered, pilots liked the plane because it was maneuverable and fast. It could climb and hold its altitude better than any other fighter. In August 1917, the Sopwith Pup was the first aircraft to land aboard a moving ship, the Royal Navy's H.M.S. Furious. Canadian crews saw service with Sopwith Pups while attached to the Royal Naval Air Service.

At least three Sopwith Pups were also allocated to No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron of the Canadian Air Force (CAF) at Shoreham-by-the-Sea in the UK in 1918 likely as proficiency trainers. No. 1 (CAF) Squadron had Sopwith Dolphin and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a’s on strength as the primary fighter aircraft. (Kestrel Publications)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3391009)

Sopwith Pup, Special Flying School, Gosport, Hants, UK, 1918.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3213052)

Sopwith Pup, RFC (Serial No. N6181), "Happy", PSL Lloyd S. Breadner, Walmer, Kent, Defence Flight, ca 1916.

(RCAF Photo)

RCAF Air Chief Marshal Lloyd Samuel Breadner, CB, DSC (July 14, 1894 – March 14, 1952) was a Canadian military pilot and Chief of the Air Staff during the Second World War. Breadner obtained his pilot's certificate at Wright Flying School and was commissioned in the British Royal Naval Air Service on 28 December 1915. During the First World War he served on the Western Front as a fighter pilot in the No. 3 (Naval) Squadron. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant (RNAS) on 31 December 1916. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 23 May 1917. He transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on its formation in 1924.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3391007)

Sopwith Pup.  

(Alan Wilson Photo)

Sopwith Pup, RFC (Serial No. N5182), Reg. No. G-APUP, RAF Museum, London, England.

(John5199 Photo)

Sopwith Pup, Shuttleworth collection.