One of a number of photographs taken by Capt Henry C. Brocklehurst of No 26 Sqn while in East Africa. Although it was rapidly becoming obsolete by 1916, the B.E.2c proved to be a reliable workhorse for 26 Sqn, its inherent stability making it a steady platform for its photographic reconnaissance role.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914

After being formed at Netheravon in October 1915, No 26 Sqn (badge at RIGHT) was sent to East Africa with a complement of Farman F.27s and Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2cs, examples of both of which are seen here serving with No 31 Sqn at Risalpur, India.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-27 - ФранцияFrance - 1915RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914

A pair of B.E.2cs of 26 Sqn at Njombe, now part of Tanzania. One of the unit’s observers was Leo Walmsley, who went on to become a well-known writer, and who wrote of his experiences of First World War East Africa in his 1944 memoir So Many Loves (Collins).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914

The rudimentary conditions in which 26 Sqn had to operate in East Africa is evident in this photograph of a B.E.2c at the ready beside a tent on an unidentified airfield. The unit moved regularly, operating from more than 15 bases between January 1916 and January 1918.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914

Probably B.E.2c 4349, in which Capt Brocklehurst suffered engine failure at 600ft (180m) and had to make a forced landing in thick bush 3 1/2 miles from base on September 5, 1917.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: RAF B.E.2c/B.E.2d - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1914